Black Friday Sales

Black Friday sales always draws a roaring crowd the day after Thanksgiving.
However, shoppers can expect to see more stores offering a plethora of deals earlier than usual this year. Retailers have been struggling since the downturn and are trying to encourage people to spend more.

Sears is launching off their "Black Friday Now" doorbuster sales Friday with tempting deals on electronics.

Amazon.com started offering holiday deals in it's electronics section on Friday. For example, buy two video games, get one free.

Even Home Depot is rumored to jump on the bandwagon with their washer/ dryer deals.

When the economy was still strong three years ago shoppers naturally spent more.
Each holiday shopper spent an average of $750 in 2007. When the economic crisis hit, holiday sales plummeted.

Now, retailers hope sales will rebound with their agressive approach. Other retailers even unveiled Christmas bargains.

Last Minute Halloween Costumes

Almost every Halloween was a scramble for last minute costumes and activities for me. Sometimes I would wear my last year's costume or wear a pleated skirt w/ blouse for the instant school girl look. Here are some of the places that can offer last minute costumes:

1. Your very own closet. With a little imagination, you'd be surprised what you could muster together.

2. Your parents closet. If your parents are anything like mine, they like to hang on to their old clothes. Who knows? You may have your pick of the 70's and 80's clothes to pick. Think disco.

3. Your friend's closet. Maybe you could even swap costumes.

4. I always found second hand stores very helpful and affordable.

5. Costume stores if you feel like coughing up around 50+ dollars.

6. Jo-Ann. If you have a sewing machine, you could always make your own costume.


Costume ideas

1. School girl: white dress shirt and pleated skirt. Timeless and hot

2. Windblown guy: hair slicked back, newspaper stuck on clothes, umbrella flipped back.

3. Alice in Wonderland characters: The stores are full of them.

4. Pirate: handkerchief on the head, loose white shirt.

5. Cat: something black, ears, and a tail.

6. Jersey Shore.

Jersey Shore The Situation Flesh Shirt With Tattoos, Tan, X-Large

And guys. Don't be afraid to try female costumes. I know someone who bought a mile high captain dress, but it looked like a form fitting shirt on him. He bought a matching pair of shorts from Goodwill. He looks awesome!!!

Haiti Cholera

With 2674 cases and 208 confirmed dead, Haitian health officials were hit by the harsh truth that it will not be contained in small isolated pockets but soon reach the capital. Cholera is an infection of the small intestine causing diarrhea, vomiting, fever, dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance. Left untreated can soon result in death. It readily infects through contaminated waterways. Sanitation and lack of infrastructure has been a recurring problem especially since the earthquake. Resources in Haiti are stretched as doctors and nurses frantically treated patients exhibiting symptoms. Fatalities are only expected to rise.