Black Friday and Gray Thursday

That's right.  This shopaholic actually does have a limit.  I will not shop on Thanksgiving.  This has gone too far.  I have always loved the "Black Friday" shopping tradition. For many years, mama and I would wake up early and be at the stores by 6 a.m. in order to catch a good sale and to participate in the frenzy.  It was always a fun way to kick off the Christmas season. 

Every year the store opening times moved closer and closer to Thanksgiving Day.  This year, many big stores are opening on Thanksgiving...already being called "Gray Thursday."  These retailers have taken the fun out of the tradition.  Walmart, Toys "R" Us, Best Buy, Kohl's, Kmart, and Target are among those retailers who desperately want the sales. Shoppers are looking for bargains, so the greed has now moved into one of the last few holidays we have have left to spend with our families.  I understand there are people who are buying items for their children and need bargains, but boo hiss on the greedy retailers for offering the doorbuster sales on such a family day!  

Thanksgiving is a time to be with family and friends and reflect on our blessings...enjoying the Thanksgiving meal, football, and the Thanksgiving Day parade.

So yes, the thrill is gone for me now and I won't even be shopping on "Black Friday."  I'll do my shopping on Cyber Monday!

What do y'all think?  Will you shop on "Gray Thursday" or wait until "Black Friday" or stay away from the madness completely?

Cute Black Friday Loot

After my Black Friday shopping experience, I tweeted and blogged this photo of my shopping buggy...while waiting in the checkout line to pay at Target.  I got sooooo many emails and tweets about the dot PJ's!

Well, it's barely 6:00 in the evening and I've been wearing my new cute PJ's most of the afternoon!  I LOVE them...

Silly side shot...

The gold dot pattern is just too cute and cheerful!

That's right, I stood in the ridiculous line to get inside the store and another hour and a half waiting to pay for bed pillows, games, and PJs!!!  

If you are looking for these, go here.  They are $24.99 at Target online and in the store and they are too cute for lounging with friends or for the lady on your shopping list!

No matter what uppity people say, I still love Black Friday shopping...it's the whole experience that is just so exciting!  Some people need to remember that is also a great time for parents to buy toys for their children at a discounted price--and I'm sure a lot of parents need the deals!  Until next Black Friday...

Pepi My Sweet Little Elf Is Back!!!

  Last year I introduced little Pepi to y'all...he's the poor cousin to that rich and famous Elf.  Pepi moved up from Mexico and helps me out during the holidays.  He is a very well-mannered elf.  The last time y'all saw Pepi, he was settled in for his long winter's nap.

Pepi is now awake and ready to party!!!

Pepi travels everywhere with me...here he is, riding shotgun in the BMW!

He goes to lunch with me and is usually well-behaved in public.

Like Miss Janice, he likes an evening toddy..."Naughty Egg Nog" is one of his faves!

I'm pleased to introduce to y'all Pepi's younger brother Pedro.  He's visiting us from Tijuana.  Pedro likes taking long walks on the beach, cliff-diving in Acapulco, authentic Mexican cuisine, and sippin' Dos Equis!  Although he's a bit wild and not as well-mannered as Pepi, he's welcome in our home just the same.

Pedro says "Hola y'all!"

Yesterday they were both busy scouring the newspaper ads for the best Black Friday sales.

Pepi and Pedro enjoyed "Go-Go Juice" Hour before heading out to get a place in line.

  We decided to hit up Target at 9:00 p.m.  Pepi's been before, so he knew what to expect, but Pedro had no clue!  Pepi told Pedro..."Just be glad we're not going to Walmart."

Pepi and Pedro playing on the Target red ball!

Pepi and Pedro playing on the Target barricade..."We're saving a spot in line for Miss Janice!"

Pepi is very happy with the cute loot we found!

Join Pepi, Pedro, and myself as we get the Christmas season started!!!   

What are you doing the day after Thanksgiving?

So, it's the day after Thanksgiving and if you are lucky enough to go shopping...IN PARIS...well, why not dream?

Start your day off right with a proper French breakfast. A classic French breakfast is a simple meal, based on fresh bread. The French like to eat fresh baguettes, cut into tartines (segments about six inches long, split through the middle and spread with butter and jam). The tartine is the exception to the usual French rule (and etiquette rule) that bread should be broken, rather than bitten. Serve with fresh orange juice and peti noir (coffee without milk).

This tablescape is very casual with the Eiffel tower as the centerpiece. The Cafe de Paris coffee pot, demitasse cups, and plates (which I have had for years) wardrobe well with the blue and brown French toile fabric table topper. Oh so French...Breakfast in Paris!

Breakfast in Paris

Breakfast in Paris Menu

Tartines

Orange Juice

Petit Noir

Now you are set to shop 'till you drop! After a long morning of browsing the shops on rue Saint-Honore and rue Cambon, relax and enjoy an Afternoon Tea in Paris. The French love to take tea in the afternoon and the tea foods I'm serving are surely enjoyed by Parisians everyday!

Afternoon Tea in Paris

Afternoon Tea in Paris Menu

Petite Quiche

Croissants with Jam

Cupcakes

Paris Tea*

*Paris Tea is available at Harney Teas


Afternoon Tea is also referred to as "Low Tea" because it may be served in the parlor with guests seated on the sofa or chairs and the tea served from a low coffee table. I've enjoyed Afternoon Tea at the Ritz and I was served in this fashion. When you are enjoying tea in the parlor, just remember that the teacup and saucer are married and should never be more than twelve inches apart. Your serviette should be opened completely and placed just above your knees where you might also place your tea plate.


Enjoy breakfast, a little shopping, and Afternoon Tea in Paris--or, you could just go to McDonald's for a sausage biscuit, fight the crowd and shop at Target, and then have lunch at Chick-fil-A! Whatever you do, I hope you have fun on Black Friday!