Presidents Day Sales Everyone Needs to Take Advantage Of

After the Christmas sales, did you know that the best time of the year to find great sales is over Presidents Day weekend? That is this weekend! So today, I am giving you the perfect excuse to buy some of those big-budget items you didn’t get under the Christmas tree.

Electronics

Presidents Day Weekend is known for offering big sales on electronics, including computers, televisions, Apple watches, and AirPods.

Appliances

Likewise, Presidents Day Weekend offers huge discounts on home goods and furniture. Real Simple reports, “An analysis by personal finance site WalletHub found that the average discount on appliances during Black Friday, one of the top shopping days of the year, is 30 percent; this year, the Lowe’s Presidents’ Day sale is offering up to 40 percent off select kitchen appliances.” Did you get that? You can get bigger discounts over Presidents Day than Black Friday!

Mattresses

Another surprising item that should be on your list is a new mattress. According to Consumer Reports, “In February, Presidents Day weekend is your best opportunity to find a deal on a new [mattress], and these offers often start a week or so before the long weekend and may last a few days to a week after.” If you want better sleep in 2020 and it hasn’t happened yet, head to the store this weekend to test mattresses.

Furniture

If you want to start the 2020s with a home makeover, Presidents Day Weekend is THE time to buy new furniture. Real Simple explains, “Furniture discounts are highest in January and in three-day holiday weekends such as Presidents’ Day. Act on that expert suggestion and pick up a new couch, dining set, or whatever else has been missing from the house.” You can expect discounts from 25% - 40% off on furniture and other home goods, which really adds up.

Vehicles

Now, I know not many people buy vehicles on a whim. But, even if you don’t feel like spontaneously buying a new vehicle this weekend, you should keep it in mind for next year. Why? Real Car Tips explains, “If you're considering the most recent models, January and February are good months to buy […] Certain holidays offer good buying opportunities since manufacturers tend to offer special incentives. President's Day is one of the best holidays to shop for a new car. It occurs during the 3rd Monday of February, when sales are slow and inventory should be plentiful.”

Winter Wear

For those us who call New York home, we know we still have plenty of time to showcase our winter wardrobe. However, around Presidents Day, retailers start moving out the winter wear to introduce the new spring lines. This means you can stock up on winter wear (even designer goods, like winter boots) at clearance prices!

What Not to Buy This Weekend

Considering what we just discussed, as tempted as you may feel about buying all the goods for spring as they are rolled out, Presidents Day Weekend is NOT the time to shop for spring break! Resist the urge and wait for the next sale weekend to roll around. This weekend focus on the big stuff: electronics, appliances, furniture, mattresses, and winter wear.

To help you get started, check out these sale guides:

·       Best Presidents Day Sales to Shop in 2020

·       The best Presidents' Day sales 2020: deals from Best Buy, Walmart and more

·       It’s THE Weekend To Buy A New Mattress (& Other Stuff) On Super Sale

Looking Back at My Top Posts from 2019

I finally had time to review my analytics from 2019. And the results tickled me! I found out you guys love T.J. Maxx just as much as I do! And that we all agree getting ghosted by a potential employer is the worst. I thought it would be fun to look back at some of my most popular posts this year in case you missed them, or you are new to my blog.

Helpful Tip - Read the Whole Blog by Clicking on the Title!

All the Heart Eye Emojis for T.J.Maxx + A Giveaway!

“Oh, T.J. Maxx, my love for you knows no end. As Rod Stewart famously sang, “You fill my heart with gladness. You take away all my sadness. You ease my troubles. That’s what you do.” I could visit your stores every day and still find something new.

If you already love T.J. Maxx or have never had the pleasure of visiting a T.J. Maxx store, I am here to shout my love all across the internet. Trust me – if you don’t already love T.J. Maxx, you will by the time you finish reading what I’m sharing today.”

Who doesn’t love T.J. Maxx? You guys apparently were all about my T.J. Maxx love and my discussion of why they are soaring why other retailers are failing. And, of course, you were pumped to enter that fantastic giveaway!

Colgate Does More for Your Whole Mouth

“Do you remember the line “You’re never fully dressed without a smile” from the Broadway musical Annie? As someone who works in fashion, I believe this song lyric is completely true. All the clothes in the world won’t matter if you don’t take care of your beautiful smile. That’s why, as a mom, I am always on the lookout for products that will have my whole family showing off their big, beautiful smiles.

Fortunately, it is easier and more affordable than ever before to take care of my family’s smiles. I recently tried out Colgate Total Advanced Whitening Toothpaste with Colgate Total NEW breakthrough formula, and I am sold! I’m sure if you try it out, you will agree.”

I guess my followers also love Colgate as much as I do…or they were just curious to see why I am such a fan. Either way, I am glad I could share my reasons with you.

When a Potential Employer Ghosts You

“I’m going to be super vulnerable here. Recently, I was ghosted after a string of job interviews with a company I was really interested in. Even worse – they seemed really interested in me! I interviewed with a company for over two months and four interviews.  We talked about pay, how my workday will be, etc. The hiring manager was supposed to get back to me about the package and the offer, and then I heard nothing. #Ghosted”

Every now and then, it is good to be vulnerable as this post goes to show. Since this was one of my most popular posts of 2019, I have a feeling I am not the only person who has experienced this unfortunate situation.

To Hike with Kids or To Hike Alone – That is the Question

“It’s no secret that I love to get outdoors and hike. When you live in a city, it is so important to get a break from city life, and hiking is one of the best ways to get away from the noise and busyness of NYC.

Let’s face it. It is easier to hike kid-free, but sometimes the benefits outweigh the added complications.

When I am planning my outdoor escape, I often have to choose between hiking alone or with other adults or hiking with my kids. There is no right or wrong answer here! It all comes down to how I feel that day. So, when it comes to deciding whether to hike with kids or to hike alone, the following thoughts guide my decision-making.”

Apparently, I am not the only mom who asks herself this question on a regular basis! I am so glad to know I am not alone. After re-reading the post though, I still want to know which you prefer. Send me a message and let me know!

Why You Need to Prioritize Your Marriage (and How)

“Ask anyone who has been married as long as I have, and they will tell you it hasn’t always been easy. And, if they tell you otherwise, they are lying. Marriage is hard, but a strong marriage is worth all the hard work it takes to get it there. Between work and kids, if I didn’t prioritize my marriage, it would be easy to let it fall apart. Thankfully, that hasn’t happened.

Whether you are newly married or have been married for decades, the following tips for how to prioritize your marriage may be just what you need to remember why you two got married in the first place.”

Marriage matters! It’s so important to prioritize it – even when it seems hard to find the time to do so. I hope you found my tips helpful!

Thank you for all the love in 2019! I hope this year I share blogs that help make you better moms, fashionistas, travelers, and stronger women.

Do You Love the Mini Handbag Trend or Are You Sticking with Your Oversized Bag?

Lizzo might have captured the world’s attention with her upbeat, feminist lyrics, but she definitely caught everyone’s eye when she carried the teeniest purse we’d ever seen to the American Music Awards recently. It was clearly a statement piece – there were a lot of statements made about it – but it wasn’t exactly functional.

Fashion Magazine suggests, “While most mini bags aren’t big enough to fit an iPhone, and some a credit card, they definitely make a statement, and guarantee a shower of compliments. Is this fashion’s way of telling us we should stop carrying so much stuff?”

That got me thinking. I am all about the mini bag and assumed it was because of my fashion sense. But what if there is something more to it?

Oversized Birkin Style Bags are Old News

In the last couple of decades, it seems like our bags got bigger and bigger. The popular Birkin bags were all the rage. But did you know that even the namesake of the Birkin bag is over the oversized bag trend? This is what she said to BBC News:

“The French luxury fashion house Hermes designed what became known as the Birkin bag in 1981. But Birkin, 70, has told the BBC that if, like her, you fill the bag with ‘junk... and half the furniture from your house, it's a very, very heavy bag.’ She said: ‘Now I fill my pockets like a man, because then you don't actually have to carry anything.’”

And that’s so true! How many of us (especially moms) ended up putting way too much stuff in our oversized bags simply because we could? I know I did! At some points, it was like I had my own Mary Poppins magical bag.

The Surprising History of Mini Handbags

You may also be surprised to discover that mini handbags have been around for a long time, and they have a history that goes against the idea that the bigger the bag, the bigger the wallet.

According to CR Fashion Book, “It could be argued that a bag’s size is indicative of status: The smaller it is, the more it functions only as a form of ornamentation, implying that you have hired help to lug your belongings. […] In fact, from the 1900 to the 1920s, ‘reticules’ were in fashion, while working-class women were often seen bearing larger shoppers.”

Fashion gurus also argue that this is the reason you never see royalty with anything larger than a clutch. They have no reason to carry a large bag!

Plus, Small Purses are Better for Our Health

Given the number of things we can stuff inside an oversized bag, Jane Birkin is right. These bags become very, very heavy. According to Forbes, “Experts find that carrying around a large, heavy tote can cause back pain, neck pain, and even headaches.”

PHOTO: Cosmopolitan

What Size is Too Small? What Size is Too Big?

So what size is right? Ultimately, to each, her own! You choose the right size bag to meet your needs. For example, I don’t know a single mom who would carry Lizzo’s minuscule purse since it doesn’t fit an iPhone or a credit card. At the same time, if your oversized bag is causing you pain and you catch yourself carry more than you need, maybe it is time to downsize.

Don’t Worry, Moms, Your Time Will Come

Now, I know I have some moms reading this that can’t imagine a day when they leave the house without a giant diaper bag stuffed with anything and everything their child could ever need. To these ladies, I say: your time will come. You will one day return to the land of cute handbags and purses, and the diaper bag will be given to charity. And, when the time comes, the littler, the better!

The Best Accessories Sparkle

We all know diamonds are a girl’s best friend. But even if you can’t afford a jewelry box full of bling, you can still add some shimmer to your wardrobe. Going into the 2020s, sparkling accessories are everywhere, and I am here for it! If you are hesitating to buy that sparkly fashion accessory, it’s time to embrace all things shiny. Everyone else is!

Humans Love Shiny Things

First, humans love shiny things. It’s true! According to The New York Times, “Humans, even humans who don’t like glitter, like glitter. We are drawn to shiny things in the same wild way our ancestors were overcome by a compulsion to forage for honey.” It is natural to feel drawn to that sparkly purse and those gem-embellished shoes!

Sparkles Make Dark Days Better

Not only are we naturally drawn to sparkly things, but during difficult times, we seek out things that shine. Check out this quote from Fashionista:

“A heavy political climate […] brings the need for fashion as escapism. ‘Definitely, gloom means glitter,’ she notes. ‘Turbulent times across the globe always drive a surge in bright color, sequins and maximalist styling. The concurrent '80s trend brings with it a heavy dose of better-times nostalgia for designers, which goes hand-in-hand with excessive glitz, too.’”

With the world feeling out of sorts, we are seeking out fun fashion. Makes sense, right? What lifts your mood better than a sparkly pair of shoes?

Sparkle at Any Age

Another major reason we love accessories that sparkle is because you can “sparkle” at any age. Think about it. Young girls absolutely love sparkly clothing items and are drawn to glitter like moths to a flame. We tend to think it is childish, but if you look in the women’s department, sparkly clothing is taking over! Even older women rock outfits and accessories that are embellished and shimmery.

Sparkle Day or Night

Once upon a time, sparkly accessories were reserved for only the fanciest evening occasions. This is no longer the case! You can rock a sparkle day or night! We see everything from slippers to nightgowns that sparkle. Sequins adorn everything from evening gowns to t-shirts. Day or night, you can shine.

Sparkle from Head to Toe

The ability to add a little sparkle to any accessory is another reason why we love it. I currently own several pairs of sparkly shoes – even sparkly boots – and some purses that shimmer. You can literally find every accessory with some glittery or sparkly embellishment.

However, the key is to choose one statement sparkle piece rather than wearing sparkle everything at the same time. A little pop of sparkle is all you need to lift your mood and catch someone’s eye.

A Mom’s Hopes for This New Decade

Since New Year’s Day, social media has been inundated with people reflecting on their past year, and more noticeably, their last ten years. I love seeing the side-by-side shots of couples and families showing the difference a decade makes. And it made me start to think about how different my family will look at the end of this new decade – 2029. It’s almost impossible to imagine! But, today, I’m going to try to envision my hopes for this new decade. I have a feeling many moms out there have the same hopes as I do.

Listen More. React Less.

This decade, I’d like to try harder to listen more and react less. There are many times – especially when parenting little ones – where it is easier to do all the talking and the reacting. I catch myself lecturing more often than I’d like to admit. In my heart of hearts, I know it is better to listen before I react or start lecturing, so I am going to make an effort to listen to my kids – especially as they become preteens and teens in this next decade.

Work Less. Make More.

This may seem like an impossible hope, but there are so many people who have found ways to work less (or least, work the same amount instead of working more) and make more. Ideally, this will look like working less but making enough money to maintain my current lifestyle while also having more time at home with my family.

Go All In for My Hobby.

During the hardcore parenting years, it is easy to lose a bit of yourself. You are so caught up in your kid’s hobbies that you lose time for your own. Let’s not let that happen over these ten years. Find the hobby you enjoy and go all in. Think of those people you know who run marathons. They go all in. They don’t just wake up and run a marathon; they spend months training. Treat your own hobby with that much intention and care.

Travel to 10 New Places.

It’s no secret that I love to travel, so this hope for the new decade is no surprise. But I want to be intentional about traveling to at least one new place every year over the next decade. By the end of the decade, I will have added ten more places to my list of places I have visited.

Know My “Whys” and Act Accordingly.

If you catch yourself doing things just because that’s what you’ve always done, it’s time to think about your “whys.” Why do you do it? By understanding your “whys,” you will be more motivated to continue doing them or you will know it is time to stop. For example, your why for working at that job is to pay for your child to attend that particular school.

Get These Kids Through Their School Years.

Maybe one of the craziest (and scariest) things about the next decade for many of us is knowing this is the decade our kids will go through their formative school years. In ten years, we will have seniors in high school or first-year students in college! How is that even possible?!? So, I hope to get my girls through these years with as much grace as possible. I want to be their loudest cheerleader and biggest encourager.

Create 10 Memorable Holidays & Summers.

I remember hearing older moms whose kids have grown up and moved out talk about only having “18 years” and thinking that was crazy talk. But, here I am looking at the end of the decade, and understanding the following decade (the 2030s) will be very different. That’s why I hope to be intentional about the next ten holidays and summers. I want to create memorable holidays and summer vacations for my girls that we will look back fondly on in the future decades. This is the decade my girls will most remember.

Resolutions All Moms Can Actually Achieve

And just like that, we have reached the end of the year (and the end of the decade!). This means it is that time of year when moms make all sorts of crazy resolutions they are bound to fail at come February. We’ve all been there. But, the process of trying to improve ourselves is a good thing! That’s why I am offering a list of resolutions all moms can actually achieve. The point is to modify each resolution for what is appropriate and achievable for yourself at this particular season in your life.

Find Some Peace & Quiet

We all need a little time to ourselves each day, but sometimes that feels impossible. In 2020, look for opportunities to enjoy peace and quiet. I have one mom friend who achieves this by getting up before the rest of her family to enjoy her coffee in silence. Now, I can’t do that, but I can turn off the noise for a few minutes each night. For some of you, it may be simply locking the door when you go to the restroom.

Go on Dates

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – date nights are important! Do your best to carve out time with your partner this new year. If you are like me, it helps to go ahead and put a date on the calendar instead of waiting for it to happen.

Put Down the Phone

Our phones are our lifelines! I totally get it! But, there does come a time when we are using our phones a little too much. So rather than telling yourself you will never use your phone around your kids (so unrealistic), set some phone boundaries for yourself, such as no phones at dinner or no phones once your usage app tells you that you’ve hit your daily max.

Embrace Imperfection

Imagine how less stressed you’d be if you didn’t expect things to be perfect all the time. Now that you’ve imagined it, do it! Laugh when things don’t go according to plan or forgive yourself when you can’t meet the perfect standard you (or society) has set.

Take Care of Your Needs

I’m all about self-care, but I’m not talking about spa days here. In 2020 and throughout this new decade, take care of your needs. When you schedule your children’s annual physical, go ahead and schedule yours. The same goes for dentist’s appointments and taking your vitamins.

Plan One Healthy Meal a Week

I’m leaving this one wide open because every woman has a different situation. Instead of telling yourself you are going to cook healthy meals every night of the week that your kids will actually eat and enjoy, set the bar (way) lower and aim for one healthy meal a week. And guess what? I don’t even think you have to be the one to cook it! Order it, pick it up, whatever works for your family’s situation.

Love Your People Well

Finally, the best resolution you can make for the new year is to love your people well. Even if you fail at every other thing you resolve to do, this is the one you should focus on the most. If your people feel loved, you are doing what you are meant to do.

Learning to Play Piano is Easier Than Ever Before

For many years, having a piano in your home was a sign of your social status. In foyers of wealthy homes, a grand piano would sit in the middle of the room for decoration. But, for me, a piano in your home is really a sign of creativity. Where music lives, creativity abounds.

However, as a working mom in NYC, I understand that owning a piano isn’t always as easy as it looks. You can’t simply go to a store, pick out a piano, and go home. Owning a piano is an investment. They are expensive and take up a good amount of space. So, you don’t want to rush into purchasing one – especially if you aren’t sure your kid will continue with his or her lessons.

Fortunately, PianoPiano has made it much easier to bring the music of a piano into your home and your children’s lives.

Music Lessons are Good for Your Brain

Before you say you don’t need a piano, you need to recognize the benefits of music lessons – specifically piano lessons. Multiple studies suggest that music lessons help with language development, higher IQs, and improved test scores. If you want to give your child an extra chance at success, introduce the piano.

According to Forbes, “After nine months of weekly training in piano or voice, new research shows young students' IQs rose nearly three points more than their untrained peers. [A] Canadian study lends support to the idea that musical training may do more for kids than simply teach them their scales--it exercises parts of the brain useful in mathematics, spatial intelligence and other intellectual pursuits.”

Why You Need a Piano in Your Home

Unfortunately, there has been a decline in the number of people with a piano in their homes. One of the foremost reasons for this is the high costs. Another reason is that parents are skipping piano lessons for other extracurriculars. These are both poor reasons.

Having a piano in your home will allow your children to learn to play the piano in a safe place. They will learn to appreciate music and instruments. It will become the center of creativity in your home, as well as a space for calm. And, most importantly, if you want your child to learn to play the piano, then you need to provide regular access to a piano. Since you can rent a piano instead of buying one, cost is no longer a hindrance.

Why It is Better to Rent a Piano

Now with that being said, I know most moms aren’t able to drop a lot of money on a piano. That doesn’t mean they shouldn’t have one, though. Instead, one of the most practical ways to embrace the piano is to rent a piano. Many people don’t realize this is possible, but PianoPiano has been the piano rental company of New York City since 1975, servicing everyone from families to Broadway stars and beyond.

When you rent a piano, it’s like you get to take it on a test run before spending too much money on the wrong one. And, if you choose to own a piano, PianoPiano will let you put your first 12 months of rental toward the purchase of the piano you’re renting or any other of equal or greater value.

PianoPiano Offers an Easy and Convenient Way to Bring Music to Your Home

Here’s the good news – renting a piano is super easy and convenient! PianoPiano will help you choose the right piano for your needs. Then, you choose a short-term or long-term plan, and whatever rate you have at the beginning is the rate you keep for the duration of the rental. Once you decide, you place your order, and PianoPiano delivers the piano directly to your home. They even provide any tuning and maintenance you may need for your piano!

PianoPiano Has a Variety of Size Options Perfect for all NYC Homes

Here’s even more good news – PianoPiano knows not every home is built the same. That’s why they offer a variety of pianos in a variety of sizes and budgets for players of all different skill levels. With NYC homes ranging from small apartments to large townhouses, clients will be happy to discover they have pianos that will be just the fit – no matter your space. They even offer silent pianos for those in NYC apartments!

A Piano Rental Makes a Special Holiday Gift

I have been thrilled with PianoPiano’s service. I love how easy they have made it to bring music into our home, and I am still tickled every time I see my daughters sitting on the piano bench practicing their skills.

Professionals brought the piano to our home and helped us find the perfect spot for it. They tuned it and got it ready for my daughter to play. Once the PianoPiano professionals set it up, Madison got busy learning to play piano by going to The Piano Workshop at Bergen County and she is preparing for her first recital in January.

Renting a piano for Madison has been one of my best parenting decisions! If you are looking for a last-minute gift that will thrill your kids, exercise their brains, and save you some money, then you must check out PianoPiano.

Why You Need to Reduce Your Closet in 2020

You may be surprised that as a personal shopper and a fashion lover and shoe addict, I am telling you that you need to reduce your closet in 2020. But I have very good reasons. And, they are reasons that do not go against my love of having beautiful clothing, purses, and shoes in my closet. If you want to go into the next decade feeling lighter and freer, then you need to reduce your closet in 2020. This is why.

Less is More

It is easy to get caught up in wanting to have it all – that’s what society teaches us. But, instead of embracing a “more more more” lifestyle, try to remember less is more. Let’s think about this idea and our closets. What is more attractive? A closet that seems to explode when you open the door because there is too much stuff or a clean and organized closet where you can easily find everything you are looking for? See? Less is more when it comes to closets, too.

A Capsule Wardrobe is Easier

A capsule wardrobe is a collection of essential clothing items that can be worn in multiple ways by mixing, matching, and accessorizing. When you simplify your closet to a smaller number of essential items, you will find it is easier to get dressed and ready to go in the morning. Plus, it will help you stress less because you will know you look good and feel good since you have chosen the key pieces of clothing in advance for this purpose.

Times are Changing – Don’t Get Stuck in the Wrong Decade

You can still be fashionable if you embrace the idea of a capsule wardrobe for each season. You may even be more fashionable. By reducing your closet to key clothing items that don’t go out of fashion, you won’t find yourself wearing something no longer in style. Think about your closet. Are there clothing items that are “so last decade” or even further back? If so, it’s time to say goodbye. You don’t want to carry decades worth of clothing baggage into the next one.

Quality Over Quantity

Rather than stuffing your closet with a bunch of cheap clothing items, choose to purchase fewer, more expensive items that will last longer. A closet that has a few quality clothing items is much better than one overflowing with stuff that will fall apart after a few washes. Take time to get rid of the clothing items in your closet that look cheap or already show wear.

Because It’ll Bring You Joy

If we learned anything towards the end of the 2010s, it was that we should care about what brings us joy. And, according to Marie Kondo in her book Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up, cleaning your closet will bring you joy. By removing the items in your closet that do not spark joy, your closet will begin to make you happy rather than overwhelmed.

What to Get Your BFF for Christmas

The older I get, the more I value my friendships. As we build our own lives and families, our friend circle grows smaller and smaller. But, I can’t imagine my life without those friends who have stuck by me through all the different seasons of life. That’s why I think it is important not to overlook them during the holidays.

As Mandy Hale writes, “Celebrate the people in your life who are there because they love you for no other reason than because you are you.” What better way to celebrate your best friend than to give her the perfect present at Christmas? Here are some ideas to help you find a gift that will show your BFF just how much she means to you.

Something Personal & Fun

You and your BFF likely have tons of inside jokes. You know what makes her laugh more than anyone else – possibly even more than her husband. So, look for a present that is personal and fun, such as a coffee mug with a funny saying from her favorite television show. What does she love? What makes her laugh?

Something Memorable & Meaningful

If your gal pal is sentimental, then look for a gift that is memorable and meaningful. For example, frame a photo of the two of you from when you were younger or give her a bracelet with a special message (such as “You’re my person”). You may also want to consider personalized items.

Something for the Two of You

Instead of giving her physical present, consider giving her an experience gift that the two of you can enjoy together. For instance, book a spa day for the two of you, take a winery tour, or get tickets to a concert. Just make sure the experience is what she wants to do and not just what you want.

Something She Needs But Won’t Ask For

You know her better than anyone, which means you also know what she really needs even if she won’t ask for it. Use this information to give her something special. This may not even be a gift you can wrap. For instance, your friend may need a date night, so offer to babysit her kids. Or, your friend may be overwhelmed with the current state of the laundry, so offer to help her get it all done.

Something She Can Use Over and Over Again

Instead of giving her something that ends up collecting dust, choose a gift that keeps on giving. For example, purchase a year-long subscription for Hulu or Netflix, a subscription for People magazine, or a subscription for FabFitFun. These are gifts she will get to enjoy over and over again.

Something Priceless

Ultimately, the best gift you can give your friend is to be a friend. Give her your time and attention. Listen to her, laugh with her, and give her a shoulder to lean on. Sometimes it is more important to simply “be there” for your friend than it is to arrive with something new and shiny.

The Dos and Don’ts for Black Friday Shoppers

Shopping’s biggest day of the year is almost here. As a personal shopper, not only do I love to shop for myself, but I also love to shop for others. So, naturally, I am paying close attention to the upcoming Black Friday sales. While I could talk to you all day long about what to buy, I’d rather talk to you about how to make Black Friday shopping a worthwhile experience.

For many, Black Friday shopping has become as much of a tradition as eating turkey on Thanksgiving. But, many of these same people are doing it all wrong. That’s why I’m taking some time today to share the dos and don’ts of Black Friday shopping.

Check the Times

This should not come as a surprise to anyone, but Black Friday no longer just exists on the day after Thanksgiving. Many of the major retailers open their doors to Black Friday shoppers on Thanksgiving. And, it’s getting earlier and earlier. However, opening dates and times vary greatly from one store to the next. This is why it is so important to check the times before you head out. Plus, many stores offer Black Friday doorbusters only during certain hours.

Review the Ads

The best way to save money is to go into your Black Friday shopping with an idea of what you are buying and where you are buying it. You can do this by reviewing the ads before going shopping. This will help you strategize where you need to go and when.

Go for Quality

Yes, there are going to be some crazy low prices, but that doesn’t mean you are actually getting a good deal. Just because you can buy something for a very low price doesn’t mean it is worth it. For example, opt for sales on a few quality items rather than purchasing several cheap things that will fall apart or not last long.

Control Your Impulses

It is very easy to get caught up in the sales on Black Friday, but you don’t want to blow your budget – especially on things you don’t need – and especially not on things you don’t really want. There are few things worse than buyer’s remorse. And who wants to go back out in that craziness to do returns?

The official Giphy for NBC.

Don’t Lose Your Mind

For some strange reason, Black Friday shoppers lose their minds and act like someone other than themselves. We’ve all seen videos of Black Friday shoppers fighting over toys, and we’ve all witnessed someone’s rude behavior in a store. Don’t be this person! Instead, go into your Black Friday shopping with extreme patience and lower your expectations.

And, for goodness sake, be nice to the retail workers! Trust me – they do not want to be there dealing with rude people when they could be spending Thanksgiving with their families.

Prioritize What Matters

Is it more important for you to get that huge deal or rest? Do what is best for you. If you love the rush of Black Friday shopping, then, by all means, go for it! But, if you find it more stressful than fun than just do your shopping online at home in your pajamas.

Remember, More Sales are Coming

Finally, don’t forget that there many more shopping days after Black Friday before Christmas. Even better, there are many more sale days coming. Cyber Monday follows immediately after Black Friday. Travel Tuesday is right behind it. And, the final Saturday before Christmas always hosts big sales. You still have time. Don’t lose your mind.

Are you a Black Friday fan? Let me know in the comments!