Creative: Tuesday Thought

"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives."

- Annie Dillard

Cannot even begin to bore you with how I've been spending my days [cough, working, cough] and my nights [more working and holiday festivities]. Suffice it to say that I am back in the thick of my extra busy season at work so postings may, or may not, be sporadic between now and oh, February.

I hope the holiday season finds you well and squeezing in time with the ones you love [screw the shopping, get to the loving, people!].

Today's picture is compliments of Martha Stewart and is posted in hopes that it makes me feel better about our tree that has been sitting nekkid for the better part of a week. Would you hate me if I simply chose not to decorate the tree or put up any other decorations?

Creative: Tuesday Thought

"Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

[Today's image courtesy of moi]

Playful: Cyber Sales

Are you in the mood to spend a little more money on this fine Monday? Or perhaps you were waiting to spend it from the comfort of your desk to begin with.

Either way, here is an extra helpful link with endless Cyber Monday deals: Cyber Monday.

Here is a fan-tas-tic list of fashion and beauty stores with decent deals going on today as well: StyleBakery.com.

And, yes, I agree that those stores that are only offering "Free Shipping" today aren't really giving us a good deal. Oh, and no, no one on these sites are paying me to promote them.

Happy Shopping!

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Playful: Happy [Long] Weekend

Here's hoping you had a lovely turkey day [we certainly did!] and that if you're one of the crazy, er, brave millions that are off shopping today that you return home safe and all shopped out. Oh, yeah, and thanks for the economy stimulation too.

Happy [long] weekend!

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Creative: Gourmet Thanksgiving

Are you still in need of locating a few good recipes for tomorrow's feast?

If so, may I direct your attention to the fabulous Thanksgiving spread that Gourmet magazine has put together? I'm happy to report that we will indulge on just about every item in this menu thanks to the handsome, handy and fabulous chefs that are making our meal [yes, I'm sucking up!]

On a sad side note: Gourmet has ceased publication due to economy [we are very, very sad about this].

If Gourmet isn't your cup of tea, er, plate of turkey, you can also find a number of delicious last-minute recipes [as well as some fun drink and decor ideas] over at:

• Better Homes & Gardens
• Food & Wine
• Martha Stewart

Happy recipe creating!

Creative: Tuesday Thought

"When we become more fully aware that our success is due in large measure to the loyalty, helpfulness, and encouragement we have received from others, our desire grows to pass on similar gifts. Gratitude spurs us on to prove ourselves worthy of what others have done for us. The spirit of gratitude is a powerful energizer.”

- Unknown


[Today's picture, Dr. Emoto - Gratitude Water Crystal, comes from here]

[Not] Playful: ON PR Nightmare

As a [somewhat] conscious consumer, I was immediately disturbed to see that Old Navy [ON] has happily announced that they will be open for shopping on Thanksgiving Day.

I'll spare you the tirade that The Man had to listen to when I heard the news but will tell you that I took further action and sent a swift letter of concern off to ON, only to quickly receive the following [clearly compliments of a public relations department that has earned their keep for the year and will enjoy the holiday at home].

"Thank you for your email regarding our
store hours for the Thanksgiving Holiday.  

We know our customers often travel over
the holidays and we want to make it easy and fun for families to
shop together while visiting their destinations.  
In order to provide families with the maximum amount of flexibility
on when they can take advantage of our holiday deals, we are opening
approximately 800 stores across the country this Thanksgiving." 

I'll give you a minute to stop shaking your head.

I have so very many points to make in light of this response but I'll give you my top two reactions:
1) How about all of the ON employees who won't be able to travel over the holiday, much less be able to spend a little time with their families "having fun and shopping?"
2) Do the powers that be at ON really think we can't see straight through this response and read it as "due to the economic downturn we find it best to be open 365 days a year, screw you, screw the employees, we want our money."

Seriously, this is what our country has come to?! SERIOUSLY?!

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