The most important day of shopping is almost upon us! BLACK FRIDAY! Throughout history there have been many Black Fridays (as in 1945, Hollywood Black Friday was named after a riot broke out at the gates of the Warner Bros. Studios!) but the one we all know, and maybe love, is happening this month on November 29th.

I have participated in one Black Friday and I personally do not understand the hype. Why spend a wonderful holiday with family and friends stuffing your faces, dozing on the couch, and reminiscing about that one time Grandpa caught his pants on fire, just to end it all to head over to your favorite local store or mall to sit outside and freeeeeze for hours? Now I know some people live for Black Friday; they’ve got it down to an art. They have all the right camping gear, a planned out schedule of what stores to hit and when. Statistically, more people do their shopping on Black Friday than any other day of the year. The amount spent on this momentous day has been steadily climbing over the years.

Check it out:
2007 – $34.6 Billion 2010 – $45 Billion
2008 – $41 Billion 2011 – $52.5 Billion
2009 – $41.2 Billion 2012 – %59.1 Billion

That’s a lot of billions! So yes, I get it. It’s a big deal. But what about Cyber Monday? Now that sounds like more my style! I can stay home, in my pajamas, and snuggled up to my laptop and shop til my fingers bleed! There’s not an official date of the first Cyber Monday, but instead it’s been a trend that retailers have noticed an increase in sales on the Monday after Thanksgiving. (According to Wikipedia, “’The term made its debut on November 28, 2005 in a Shop.org press release entitled ‘Cyber Monday Quickly Becoming One of the Biggest Online Shopping Days of the Year’”.) So why the sales are not as high as those of Black Friday, the popularity is increasing nonetheless.

Check it:
2007 – $733 Million 2010 – $1.028 Billion
2008 – $846 Million 2011 – $1.25 Billion
2009 – $887 Million 2012 – $1.46 Billion

By the way, all my numbers came from Wikipedia as well. Anyway, I think this year I’m going to give Cyber Monday a go. And just think, the more popular the day gets, the more sales and discounts retailers will offer us! So enjoy your Black Friday, but save some of that dough for Cyber Monday!

It’s happy holiday season again.

The fun and festivities bring food and, right behind, Fido and Fluffy. That’s right, your pets have no idea why you’re celebrating, but they can smell the delicious bounty, and they’re delighted to invite themselves. Interestingly, cats cannot taste sweets and are rarely tempted by the chocolate treats. Chocolate poisoning is a well-known danger for dogs. The risk depends on several factors, including how much your dog weighs, how much chocolate was consumed, how dark the chocolate was and Fido’s other health issues. In general, the smaller the dog and the darker the chocolate, the greater the risk of chocolate poisoning. If your pooch devoured a candy bar with just a thin coating of milk chocolate, he may have avoided chocolate poisoning, but he’s not out of the woods. Treats can be tricky for pets. Inside that thin layer of milk chocolate is sweet, greasy candy, and lots of it. An overindulgence of sugar and fat can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Symptoms may be mild with decreased appetite, or severe with fulminant pancreatitis and ulcerated, hemorrhagic bowels. These patients can become very sick very quickly and often need supportive hospital care to survive.

Thanksgiving beckons us in a few weeks. The delicious aroma of a roast turkey dinner tempts even the best-behaved pet. Cats and dogs beg, drool, perform and whimper. If all else fails, thievery is a last resort. Whatever it takes, they want some of that scrumptious dinner, too. The problem is that our pets’ digestive systems are not designed to handle greasy, heavy food. As with the candy bar scenario, it is not uncommon for cats and dogs to fall ill after a Thanksgiving indulgence. Common symptoms are those of a mild tummy ache — loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea. However, some cases progress to pancreatitis or HGE — hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. The pancreas is involved in normal digestion. During pancreatitis, this organ becomes inflamed. Patients feel ill and are in a lot of pain. Many owners do not recognize this pain, as their pet is not crying out loud like a person would. Instead, the pet becomes lethargic. Some cases of pancreatitis are life-threatening. Other cases lead to diabetes. HGE is a horrible illness that starts with a belly ache but rapidly progresses to ulcerated and bleeding bowels. .Without rapid treatment, infection and dehydration can lead to shock and death.

Although both pancreatitis and HGE can be managed medically, prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Another caution with the holiday turkey is the string used to tie the bird while roasting. By the time the bird is carved, that string is completely saturated with turkey drippings and gravy. Pets won’t hesitate to devour this string. Cats are particularly fond of this tasty temptation. The danger with strings is that both ends can pass through the intestines at different rates. As the faster end progresses through the digestive tract, the slower end creates a tug. This results in a tight string that begins to saw through the soft intestines. Gastrointestinal string foreign bodies are among the most dangerous objects to be caught in your pet’s intestines.

After the turkey is put to rest, sparkle and glimmer dance through December. From a pets’ perspective, holiday trees shine with glittery toys. Cats love to play with tinsel, but don’t let Fluffy eat it. Electric wires for holiday lights are not chew toys for pets. Electrocution and fire hazards are real dangers that affect pets every year. Even button batteries can be fascinating for pets. They may seem like fun amusement for our furry friends, but their small size makes them easy to swallow. Ingested batteries are dangerous and usually need to be removed surgically.

Finally, Many dogs like the taste of beer and mixed drinks, and cats may take some sips, too. Be sure to keep these out of reach of your furry family members. Pets are unable to metabolize alcohol as we do and can quickly succumb to alcohol poisoning.

If you’re looking for the “purrfect” holiday present for your precious pooch and fancy feline, remember that what your pet wants more than anything else is time with you. Plan an extra walk with Fido, and snuggle with Fluffy in front of the fireplace. Your pet will thank you, and you will feel better, too.
—
Provided by: Dr. Heidi Bassler practices at Bassler Veterinary Hospital (www.basslervet.com)

Knives aren’t the only thing you can use to carve a pumpkin! Watch the video below to learn how to carve a pumpkin using a power drill!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQQLE91KaZo&w=420&h=315]

This seems like the perfect time to talk about sports superstitions. If you’re a baseball fan, you’ve seen them, the ritualistic taps, pats, tugs and steps that the players do before batting. I love the quote that’s become so popular this year; “it’s only weird if it doesn’t work”!

Since I’m not a die-hard sports fan, I do tend to watch the little details going on on the playing field and I don’t always know what team I’m watching. I do know what sport, however. So there is a baseball player who, after every pitch, steps away from home plate and readjusts his batting gloves. The things look like they fit like second skin, I don’t imagine they shift with every swing of the bat, but he pulls the Velcro closure open, re-sticks it, claps his hands together, picks up his bat, and steps back into his stance. I don’t know his name but his ritual is fascinating and it’s something in this crazy ever-changing world you can rely on.

Now, after reading an article about sport superstitions online (http://www.askmen.com/top_10/fitness_top_ten_60/99_fitness_list.html) I have a better understanding as to why athletes do this. It keeps them focused and it’s all a part of the series of motions their muscles have memorized. To make a change in the sequence or, heaven forbid, leave out a step, would throw their whole balance off. So, no problem if they need to tug their cap, tap their shoes, and spit on their gloves before stepping up to bat. What I would like to know is does this carry over to their fans? Does it really matter to a game that’s being played hundreds of miles away if a fan leaves the chair he/she was sitting in when the grand slam was hit? According to the sports-watching rules in my house, the answer is a resounding YES!

So, before a game on TV begins in our house, it’s in your best interest to pick the most comfortable chair, turn on the lights you would like to be able to read by should you lose interest in the game (because you aren’t leaving the room), have snacks and a cold drink within reach, oh, and use the restroom – extra innings are a killer!

Halloween is a big holiday for some people but its even BIGGER in the town of Salem, Massachusetts! Since Salem was the scene of the witch trials of 1692, Halloween has taken on a cultural identity for the Essex County town. If you’re looking for some <a href=”http://www.hauntedhappenings.org/”>Haunted Happenings</a> in <a href=”https://www.princetonproperties.com/property/9911/MA/Salem/Princeton-Crossing-Apartments.aspx”>Salem</a> this year, we’ve got you covered. Here are the top places to visit (minus <a href=”https://www.princetonproperties.com/property/9911/MA/Salem/Princeton-Crossing-Apartments.aspx”>Princeton Crossing</a> which we would consider number 1 of course!)

1. <a href=”http://www.salemwitchmuseum.com/”>The Salem Witch Museum</a> – The Salem Witch Museum presents one of the most tragic and enduring events in American history… THE WITCH HYSTERIA of 1692. Interest in what happened 300 years ago remains high and in fact keeps growing.

2. <a href=”http://www.witchdungeon.com/”>The Witch Dungeon Museum</a> – An award winning live re-enactment of a 1692 witch trial plus a guided tour through the dungeon.

3. <a href=”http://gallowshillsalem.com/”>Gallows Hill Museum & Theater </a>- Visit Salem’s most unique attraction! Discover the facts, myths and legends surrounding Gallows Hill of Salem in this spectacular interactive, witchcraft and ghosts experience.

4. <a href=”http://www.salemwaxmuseum.com/index.html”>Salem Wax Museum</a> – Salem’s #1 rated Haunted Attraction! Savor famous Maine apple buns, kettle corn, and other treats.

5. Frankenstein’s Castle – Voted Salem’s best Haunted House. Step into the dungeon and enter the notorious chambers of Dr. Frankenstein.

Cake Pops

Prep Time: 40 Minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes
Ready In: 1 Hour 10 Minutes
Servings: 36

“With this recipe, cake balls and cake pops are a cinch By using your favorite flavor of cake mix, you will have a people-pleasing and easy party food.”
INGREDIENTS:
1 (18.25 ounce) package chocolate cake mix
1 (16 ounce) container prepared frosting
1 (3 ounce) bar chocolate flavored confectioners coating

(Food coloring could be used to make orange pumpkins.)

DIRECTIONS:

1.Prepare the cake mix according to package directions using any of the recommended pan sizes. When cake is done, crumble while warm into a large bowl, and stir in the frosting until well blended.
2.Melt chocolate coating in a glass bowl in the microwave, or in a metal bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally until smooth.
3.Use a melon baller or small scoop to form balls of the chocolate cake mixture. Dip the balls in chocolate using a toothpick or fork to hold them. Place on waxed paper to set.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2013 Allrecipes.com Printed from Allrecipes.com 10/18/2013

Everyone wants their home to look chic and unique but sometimes popular home decor stores can be pricey. If you just moved into your new apartment or you’ve lived in your current home for a while and are ready to decorate, check out our list below of places you should hit before breaking the bank!
<strong>1. Consignment Shops</strong>
Consignment stores that focus on home decor items and furniture are excellent places to shop for new items for your home. You can even try bargaining with the item’s owner to get the best deal possible!

<strong>2. Online Classifieds</strong>
Need a desk for a home office or a dresser for your spare bedroom? Check eBay or Craigslist before heading to the furniture store! You can find many gently used pieces of furniture that are sometimes even FREE if you are willing to drive and pick them up!

<strong>3. TJMaxx or Homegoods</strong>
Pillows, lamps, curtains, knick knacks…..TJMaxx and Homegoods have all of these items and more at great prices. While there check the clearance shelves for seasonal items that are heavily discounted. Next year when the holidays roll around you’ll be happy you did.

<strong>4. Yard Sales</strong>
Yard Sales are a great place to peruse old treasures without the high prices of some antique shops! Next time you see one in your neighborhood stop in. You never know if you’re neighbors are selling something your home desperately needs at a great price.

<strong>5. The Dollar Store</strong>
The 99 cent store is a great place to find home furnishings like picture frames, dish towels, placemats and flower vases. The best part? You guessed it! Everything in the store is 99 cents!

When I think of fall I think about football, apple picking, Halloween, pumpkins, the cool fresh air and baking. The fall is when I do the most baking than any other time in the year. However, by the time the holidays come around I am pretty much over it. Everything that I bake now I freeze and serve when the time comes to use it. It’s nice to get a jump start on it, when you are not in a time crunch to get it done. It is always a blast to bake with friends, turn up the tunes and have some fun. I came across this recipe for Pumpkin Cheesecake:
Ingredients
Crust:
1 3/4 cups graham cracker crumbs , 3 tablespoons light brown sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 stick melted salted butter
Filling:
3 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, at room temperature
1 (15-ounce) can pureed pumpkin
3 eggs plus 1 egg yolk
1/4 cup sour cream
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
For crust:
In medium bowl, combine crumbs, sugar and cinnamon. Add melted butter. Press down flat into a 9-inch springform pan. Set aside.
For filling:
Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add pumpkin puree, eggs, egg yolk, sour cream, sugar and the spices. Add flour and vanilla. Beat together until well combined. Pour into crust. Spread out evenly and place in oven for 1 hour. Remove from the oven and let sit for 15 minutes. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours.
After the pumpkin cheesecake has set you can drizzle caramel or hot fudge and serve with whip cream or ice cream to garnish. If your sweet tooth is anything like mine, you might want to try it all on top!

Fall is in full swing and soon we will being seeing all the amazing pumpkin carvings decorating everyone’s homes. But sadly as the season morphes into winter, the pumpkins morph into saggy, stinky, warped versions of their former selves. I stumbled across this awesome website that offers the best way to preserve that beautiful work of art you worked so long and hard on!

http://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/carvedpumpkins.php

This site has provided way more information than anyone could ask for about Mr. Jack O. Lantern, including a link to purchase your very own preservation kit. Who knew?

I also came across several websites hosted by people who have taken it upon themselves, for the great good of all pumpkin carvers, to test which products and methods work best to preserve the infamous orange gaurd we love so much.

http://www.myscienceproject.org/pumpkin.html

It kind of makes me wonder who thought up these methods in the first place! I think it would be fun to line up a row of pumpkins and try these different products for myself. I’ll make it a scientific Halloween this year!

So go out there and sharpen up your carving skills! Don’t be afraid to give Jack your all, he’ll be around a lot longer this year!

Everyone hates have pesky fruit flies in their home! Watch the video below to learn how to make a homemade trap to get rid of these unwanted visitors!

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gn-hc-4GCSk&w=420&h=315]