By  Tricia Berwick

“Black Friday,” is the biggest shopping day of the year.  Always the day after Thanksgiving, it’s an opportunity for consumers to kick off the holiday shopping season, while saving a few dollars in the process.  For many Americans, after the traditional turkey dinner has been enjoyed, thoughts shift to where the hot holiday deals are and what time the stores open for business.

In order to have a successful shopping spree, it’s important to do some research beforehand, whether it’s flipping through flyers or surfing around your favorite store’s website for updates and notification of sales.  It’s also advisable to have an idea of exactly what you are looking for before you enter the stores.   Think specifically of each relative and friend you will be buying for and make a list of holiday gift ideas for each one.  This strategy is critical because it will save you time in the crowded stores.  You will also avoid making expensive impulse purchases that you really do not need.  As you devise a holiday wish list, take some time to compare prices on the Internet with online resources such as PriceGrabber.com, or Shopping.com.   These websites will let you know which stores have the products you are looking for and how much the items cost.              Another important Black Friday tip is to head out early for the best deals.  It really is worth it to hit the sack early on Thanksgiving night and wake up before the sun rises on Friday.   Get plenty of rest before you head out the door and realize that waiting in line will be mandatory throughout the day.  Also, make sure to shop early in search of those extreme deals that can save more than a few extra dollars.  If you arrive later, you risk having the items you want to buy being sold out.  It’s also advisable to bring plenty of nourishment such as snacks and drinks for the long hours ahead.  Don’t forget to dress in layers, too.  If you are standing outside in the early morning hours, chances are it will be pretty chilly, so dress appropriately.

It’s also wise to know each store’s policies regarding returns.  Many stores have really enforced not allowing returns without a receipt, so make sure to keep track of your paperwork.  Bring a small file folder or envelope to keep everything organized and safe.   Also, be sure to get gift receipts for all your purchases.  If your loved one does not like the gift and wants to return it in February, this will assure you that they will get the full value back.

For some people, just the thought of battling crowds and finding a space in a jam-packed parking lot sends shivers down the spine.  However, for others, this is a day of much anticipation and excitement!  Even though there are always long lines at the checkout and the day begins early, some consumers look forward to spending Black Friday getting presents for their loved ones.  It’s always wise to devise a battle plan for this marathon day of shopping, so we asked some of our readers to share a few of their secrets and strategies about how to make Black Friday a successful and pleasant experience.

YCT: Where do you usually shop on Black Friday and why?

Cindy Vacacela:  I will usually shop at Toys R Us, Target and Wal-Mart to get good bargains on all of the new toys and games for the Christmas season.

Christine Lake: I usually go to Toys R Us, because I have children young enough that still want toys.

Dina Gardner:  I shop wherever the best sales for what I need are, but my stops every year are Best Buy, Target and Toys R Us because they consistently offer most of what I need at the best prices.  Target is my favorite because the store layout is very easy and convenient to navigate.  Also, their selection of merchandise makes shopping there easy and fun.

Noreen Montetna:  I will shop at Wal-Mart for electronics, CD’s, video games, televisions and DVD players.  The sales are usually the best on Black Friday at Wal-Mart.

Elaine Vieira: I usually shop at Toys R Us, Kmart and Wal-Mart on Black Friday.  The reason for these stores is because I like to start with the kids’ shopping first and those are usually the places where I see the most sales, specifically for toys in the circulars on Thanksgiving Day.

YCT: What percentage of your Christmas shopping is completed on Black Friday?

Cindy Vacacela:  I will usually get at least 50% of my Christmas shopping done on Black Friday.

Christine Lake:  I’ll get about 10% of my shopping accomplished.

Dina Gardner:  I would say about 70% of my Christmas shopping is completed.

Noreen Montetna: Only about 10-20% of my shopping is done on Black Friday.

Elaine Vieira: I would say roughly a quarter to a third of my shopping is completed that day.

YCT:What time will you start shopping on Black Friday and for how long will you shop?

Cindy Vacacela: I will shop as early as the stores open!  I usually get started around 4 am.

Christine Lake:  I like to get started around 5 or 6 am and will shop only until about noon.

Dina Gardner: I have started as early as 3:30 am and do not stop until I’ve hit every store on my list which usually takes me until about noon.

Noreen Montetna: We start as early at 6 or 7 am and will only shop until 10 am.

Elaine Vieira:   I will start shopping around 6 am and will last until about noon. Then, lunch afterwards, of course!

YCT: Do you have any tips or strategies to make shopping on Black Friday a successful experience for our readers?

Cindy Vacacela:  It’s a good idea to look at the different flyers for sale items and to bring some coupons along, too.  Many of the flyers have coupons that you need to bring to the store.

Christine Lake:  Always clip your coupons and go straight to the area that you want to get to the most.  It’s very important not to waste time!  If there is something that you really want, make that item your first priority.

Dina Gardner:  I’m not sure I want to give that up!  Seriously, I start looking on BFads.com a month or two ahead of time.  They start getting information from employees of the featured stores, and then a few weeks before Black Friday, they start scanning in the advertisements.  It’s important to check back regularly because some of the stores find out and make the website remove a few of the advertisements.   I do this because it helps me form my Christmas list, and also more stores are starting to offer pre-Black Friday sales.  I try to do as much research as possible before the big day so I know what a good price is for a particular item.   I don’t want to purchase something at an earlier sale, return it, and then purchase it again because the Black Friday sale turned out to be better.  Before the Thanksgiving dessert is even cleared away, my cousin and I break out all of our flyers, and circle items of interest.  Then, we make up our lists based on what we found in the advertisements.

Noreen Montetna:  One tip is to go to the store the night before and look to see where they have stock of the items you might be interested in.  It’s important to note that not all items are in the “department” they belong in!  Sometimes the items are stocked in low selling areas and difficult for the buyer to find.  For example, last year, we wanted to purchase a particular television and my husband found it stocked on shelves in the automotive section!  Also, go online the night before the sale and click on “local flyer.” This is a good way to see what the sale items are the night before so you know what to look for first in the stores.

Elaine Vieira: My strategy is to see which stores have the earliest “door buster sales” and then work my way from the earliest sales to the later sales.  Also, I try to geographically coordinate my day of shopping.  For example, I’ll go to all of the stores in the Howell area first, and then I’ll head to Freehold or Eatontown.

YCT: When Black Friday is over, how will you determine if you have had a successful day of shopping?

Cindy Vacacela:   I’ll determine how much I have saved by comparing all the flyers and checking my receipts.   I make my list of where I need to go and how early the stores open depending on the importance of what I still need on Black Friday.

Christine Lake:  I consider Black Friday a successful day if I can purchase at least one or two items from my children’s “Letters to Santa” for a good discount.  It will also be a good day if I can get something totally unexpected at a deep discount.

Dina Gardner: At the end of the day, if I had the opportunity to purchase almost every item from my list, with not much else to shop for, that is a successful Black Friday.  Also, if I’m not returning a lot of unnecessary impulse purchases, I know I have enjoyed a great day of getting a few sales and bargains.

Noreen Montetna:  A successful day is getting two of the top Christmas items our family wants that particular year.  Usually you have to pick two you really want and focus on them since the stores keep a limited stock of the real popular items.  One good tip is to be careful when an advertisement says “only while supplies last.”  That usually means the store only has a handful of the item you are specifically looking for and once they are gone, that’s it.

Elaine Vieira:  I consider Black Friday to be successful if I have purchased a lot of items I know everyone on my list will either want or need.  Now that my kids are getting older, I feel that I have been doing less Black Friday shopping at Toys R Us.  Also, sometimes there are things on sale throughout the entire weekend and it’s not necessary to run out on Black Friday which is what I have found in the past year or two.  But I love to go out and have fun with the whole experience!

If all of these tips and strategies are starting to make your head spin, and heading out the door on Black Friday seems too intimidating, a better option may be to take advantage of online night owl discounts on Thanksgiving Night.  By using the computer to shop for purchases, you can sit in the comfort of your own home without battling crowds.   In some instances, Internet shopping can beat even the predawn deals found in stores on Black Friday.  You may even be able to purchase your items online and then pick them up at the store to save additional money in shipping fees.

It’s time to gear up for the holiday shopping season which kicks off on Black Friday.  For some of our readers, this is a serious day of shopping that many look forward to all year long.  They don’t mind the crowds and long lines on Black Friday; in fact, they enjoy it!  If you are going to venture out early, do your homework, get plenty of rest, set your alarm clock, and bring all of the necessary reinforcements with you.  Each year, Black Friday morning is quite an experience which can result in big savings.

By Tricia Berwick

It’s late at night, the kids are fast asleep and you find yourself surfing through the television channels as a way to unwind and relax from a hectic day with the little ones.  You stumble across a show about some trash-talking, tanned and tattooed kids from New York who are vacationing in Seaside Heights for the summer.  Unless you’ve been hiding under a rock this past year, you know exactly the show I’m talking about.  It’s okay to admit it; you really do watch MTV’s hit reality series, “Jersey Shore” every time you flip through the channels.  You just can’t help yourself!  Even though you may think the program is utterly ridiculous and you could definitely be using your timing more wisely, you still find your eyes glued to the television.  You’re not alone; the show has steadily increased in popularity since its debut last year.

The show follows eight house mates spending time partying and hanging out on the Jersey Shore. The first season was filmed in August 2009 in a summer share in Seaside Heights, but was also filmed in other towns such as Toms River, Neptune and Atlantic City, New Jersey.  The gang took their show on the road to the South Beach neighborhood of Miami Beach, Florida for season number two which is currently airing on MTV.   This season’s mayhem has already included cheating boyfriends and pretty bad drunken behavior.  Some of the cast members have even been in trouble with the law.   Nicole Polizzi, also known as “Snooki” was arrested in August by the Seaside Heights police department for annoying people on the beach while the MTV crew was shooting the show’s third season which will be aired sometime next year.  She was first charged with disorderly conduct and public nuisance.

Even amid large amounts of controversy, “Jersey Shore” continues to do well in the ratings.  Since its debut, the show has received a significant amount of criticism from Italian American organizations because of the way the show uses the word “guido” to describe the house mates and for its portrayal of Italian-Americans in general.  “Guido” is generally regarded as an ethnic slur when referring to Italians and Italian Americans.

However, some people feel that the show is purely for entertainment purposes and should not be taken so seriously.  Howell resident and mother of two, Erika Decina says she enjoys a few laughs while watching the show and believes the program isn’t any different from other reality shows that are on television.  Even as someone with an Italian background, she doesn’t find the show to be offensive.

“I am 50% Italian and proud of my heritage,” says Decina.  “I think that Jersey Shore is must see reality television.  It joins the ranks of other reality shows like ‘The Hills’  which ended in such a way that you did not know what was truly real.  I think as with a lot of these shows, much is done for entertainment value; they need to get and keep ratings and what better way than to stir the pot and create controversy.  If you choose to watch the show I think you must do so knowing it is not a true reflection of what all of New Jersey is like – after all, only one of the roommates is truly from New Jersey.”

Others feel more strongly about the premise of “Jersey Shore” and cannot fathom why people make watching the show a priority in their lives.  Jackson mother Christine Sutter finds the success of the show to be extremely puzzling.

“I have never seen this show and am surprised at the amount of people who watch it,” says Sutter.   “It has taken these trashy people and given them instant celebrity status.   I believe they actually get paid around $30,000 per episode while there are many hard working people who aren’t even making that annually!  The show is also is a very bad role model for teenagers and young adults.   As for representing the town of Seaside, Heights, I haven’t been there in years but I am sure it is not an accurate description of what life is really like there.”

Howell resident and mother of two, Erin Pietsch, is outraged that a show of this nature has been so popular this past year.  She finds the show to be personally offensive and will never spend any time contributing to its success.

“I think it is a disgrace,” says Erin Pietsch.  “It gives the Jersey Shore a bad name.  I can’t stand that these kids are making all this money and getting all this attention by getting drunk and partying. Some of my friends think that I don’t have a sense of humor anymore, but so be it.  It’s absolutely gross and if I were their parents, I would be embarrassed.”

Since its inception, “Jersey Shore” has been a controversial show.  Some people find it to be despicable, but it seems like others just cannot turn themselves away as the popularity and the ratings continue to soar.  “Jersey Shore” just keeps getting bigger and bigger.  In August, the MTV hit had a steady 5.5 million viewers, and its adult demo rating rose to unprecedented new heights.   MTV has also exported the series to dozens of countries worldwide.  In addition to actually watching the show, MTV has created ways for fans of “Jersey Shore” to become involved and stay connected, too.  Through MTV’s website, fans can order the ‘Jersey Shore” soundtrack, buy songs on iTunes, read blogs from the cast members, and purchase merchandise.  There’s even a game named after one of the show’s most popular phrases “GTL” which stands for “Gym-Tan-Laundry.”  Fans can grab their hair gel and play “Jersey Shore Yourself GTL” on mtv.com.

Whether you love it or hate it, it seems the reality television series “Jersey Shore” and all of its hair products, fist pumping, and foul language is here to stay for a little while.  With such great ratings and lots of publicity, MTV will certainly keep the show in its lineup for the future.

By Tricia Berwick

Between picking up the kids, making dinner, paying the bills, and cleaning up around the house, who has time for setting up dates with your spouse?  Even though your time and finances may be limited, it’s important to “schedule” time with your mate, just as you would any other activity.  Making time for each other away from the children and all of the stresses involved with daily life is extremely important and beneficial for your marriage and family life.  Kids love to see their parents happy, in love and together.  The only way the love you experienced from your dating days will last, is if you and your partner take the time to date one another.

If money isn’t an issue and you can afford to head out of the house, arrange for a babysitter to come and sit with the kids.  Grandparents are usually always willing to help out and appreciate time with the grandkids.  Or ask the child’s aunt or uncle to assist you.  If you don’t have family nearby, maybe you could swap babysitting with some good friends in the neighborhood.  Choose a restaurant that doesn’t feature kids’ menus, crayons, and strolling clowns with balloons.  Since you have the time alone without the kids in tow, splurge for a romantic, candlelight dinner and enjoy some different foods instead of the normal fare of chicken nuggets and macaroni and cheese.  If you happen to sit near a few little creatures, change tables right away!  This is your night not to hear whines, cries, “I need to go potty!” and have food flicked in your face.  So, by all means, move away from the danger zone and don’t feel guilty about it!

If dinner is too expensive, try eating out for breakfast which will definitely save you a few dollars.  Or just go out for a light lunch instead.  Look for coupons in your local newspaper or online to offset the cost.  Many times, restaurants offer a 2-for-1 deal which will significantly reduce your bill.

After dinner, try an activity that you used to enjoy pre-kids.  Maybe you want to lace up your skates and go for a few whirls at your nearest ice rink.  Or perhaps catch a movie that is doesn’t feature a million Disney characters and is rated “G.”  Try a museum that is geared for adults and doesn’t have dress-up clothes.   Or bowl a game or two for some exercise.  If you really want to be adventurous and daring, sign up for lessons together.  Check out your township’s recreation department and see if they have something you might be interested in.  For example, Howell Township Parks and Recreation offers ballroom dancing lessons for couples.  The cost is only $50 for six hour-long lessons which is very reasonable.  This would be a great opportunity to learn a new skill and to get some exercise while having fun and enjoying a few laughs together.  Participating in this type of activity will really regain that emotional connection you once enjoyed with your mate.

If you’re trying not to break the bank on your date night, stroll around a local bookstore, grab a cup of coffee and talk about some of the interesting tidbits you just read.  If you would rather be outdoors, plan an all-day hike or simply go for a walk or a bike ride together.  The important thing is to have a conversation and while some discussion of the kids is expected and allowed, try and keep it to a minimum.

If you really need to watch your pennies, put the kids to bed early and have your own date night in the comfort of your own home.  Feed the kids their supper, but then after their eyes close for the night, cook up a romantic dinner in the kitchen.  Open a bottle of wine, set the dining room table with your china (which you probably don’t use much), and get dressed up for dinner.  Treat it as a formal night out, just in your home.  If you enjoy making desserts more, have a baking date night.  Look through recipes and make some sweet treats together.  If gourmet cooking isn’t your style, stay casual and create an indoor picnic.  Get out your basket, spread out a blanket on the floor and enjoy your “picnic food” of sandwiches and salads.  Play some romantic music in the background and have fun creating either a meal or dessert together.

As for entertainment, you could play a game together such as Trivial Pursuit or one of the new DVD games which test your knowledge of your favorite shows.  Maybe you want to take out a classic board game like Monopoly.  Or rent a movie you missed in the theatre.   Do you have a project you need to work on, but can’t really do it with the kids around?  Go through your photo albums together while the kids are asleep or make a memory book of your family.

If finding a babysitter is just too difficult and you would like to actually leave the house for your date, see if there’s a drive-in movie theatre near your home (driveinmovie.com).  Have the whole family wear their pajamas and bring sleeping bags or blankets.  The kids can watch the show from the front seat while you and your spouse hold hands and cuddle in the back.  The kids will love the atmosphere and you will still enjoy the experience of a romantic date.

It’s true that we’re all busy running around from one activity to the next.  There are many responsibilities and tasks to be completed in the average day.  However, it’s also important to allow some down-time for you and your spouse to reconnect with each other.  Make your relationship a priority and plan a date night for this evening.  It doesn’t matter if it’s expensive or free.  The important thing is to schedule into your life.  There are many ideas to choose from, so no more excuses.  Just get creative and start planning!

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