Black Friday ---- Where are you going?

After Thanksgiving comes Black Friday where people wait in lines for hours before the store opens for huge sales the stores offer on that particular day. However, I wonder with the current economy, how much impact it will have on retailers this year. Even if things are on big sales, can peope afford to spend money these days?

I heard major retailers like Fry's and Best Buy are opening earlier than usual. I wonder what other stores are having sales...

Either way, I personally am sleeping in this Friday. I am not too crazy about shopping with all the crazy, sleepy people. I guess I already had a taste of Black Friday last week ;)

What are you going to buy?

Black Friday

As yall know, this Friday is Black Friday where retailers have massive sales to lure shoppers into their stores.

With today's economy, how does this Black Friday affect you?

A Short Work Week!

Today doesn't feel too bad for a Monday. It's because we have a three-day week! YES!

What are your plans for Thanksgiving Holiday?

HAPPY FRIDAY!

TGIF!!!!!!!

Happy happy Friday, everyone!
This weekend is especially merry since next week will be a three-day week with the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend! double yay!!

Here is what's happening on this beautiful, fabulous Friday:

* Saks is having a major sale!!!!!!!!!! Trust me, I went last night. I fought for 2 hours to get my hands on gorgeous designer bags! You have to check it out! Visit the nearest Saks store!

* The Congress rejects the automotive industry bailout plan.

* Twilight opens today... (for those who are fans)

* Britney Spears's new album "circus" is leaked on the Internet.

* Gas prices are going down... way down!

* Obama picking Cabinet members for his administration.

* UC and CSU schools increasing their tuition fees? stay tuned


Enjoy your weekend!!!

Friendships --- Some of my favorite quotes

Friends... we have all types of friends... some are mutual friends, some are fake friends and some are true, life-long friends. Rather than how many friends you have, what matters is whether or not you have a real, true friend in your life. Personally, I would rather have a small group of friends that I can count on and ones I will share my life with. The rest? Consider them your mutual friends, networks, contacts, acquaintances or whatever you wish to label them.

On that note, here is one of my favorite quotes on friendships:

"A friendship is like a bank account. You can't keep making a draw without making deposits"

Friendships are investments. You have to make efforts.

A great dream

I had a great dream last night... a rather "dreamy" dream...

I was being pursued by two very attractive men who wanted me to be with them... NICE :)

When the alarm went off this morning, I was bummed...

Have you ever had dreams like that?

When I got up though, I felt so good!

Work Holiday Parties

The holiday season is upon us once again.

What does that mean?
--- having to buy presents for people because marketers are teling us to... (I am not going to do that. I stopped as of last year)
--- having days off from work PAID :D

--- most dreadfully... WORK HOLIDAY PARTIES...

you hear so many horror stories from people when it comes to work holiday parties. Some questions arise such as is it okay to drink? how sexy am I allowed to dress?

Here are my personal tips to maintaining your professional image:

1) First of all, you have to remember that it is still work... it may be after work hours but how you behave at work parties matters. Make sure to maintain your professional image.
2) It is ok to have a drink or two but know your limits. There is nothing more unprofessional than having others see you drunk.
3) When it comes to dressing for parties, it's always better to dress on the conservative side and accessorize with cute rings, necklaces and shoes than wearing something revealing. When in doubt, cover up, women!
4) DO NOT flirt or DO NOT end up smooching anyone from work... you will be known as the office slut.
5) Use this time to socialize with people you have not had a chance to talk at work. Use this time to gain more personal time with people and enhance your professional networks.
6) Do not dance like you are at a club... your boss is watching you!
7) Do not use profanity!! You are still working
8) Even if others are drunk and making a fool out of themselves, do not be tempted to follow them. You will stand out even more by remaining calm and professional
9) Do not do shots... you are not on spring break.
10) Most importantly, smile and have fun!

Recession? What recession? (a perspective from the outlets)

The retailers reported a record-breaking low in their sales in October. It's a grim prospect for small business owners and major retailers. Many stores are having sales, but people are still holding off from buying things they do not need.

That is why when I was taking my mom and my relatives to the Desert Hills Premium Outlets last Saturday, I was expecting the place to be rather empty. Boy, I was wrong.

The parking lots were so full that it took me about 30 minutes to find a spot, and I was parked way in the back. When I finally did find a spot, I couldn't believe how crowded the place was.

I even called my friend at one point and said, "what recession? these people are shopping like crazy!"

Granted, the outlets have amazing sales and bargains for the top designer items. So perhaps people were skipping their local malls and coming to the outlets to buy things at much cheaper prices.

I set a nice budget, and I stayed well under my budget. I thought more than twice about my needs vs. wants. I am proud of myself.

Still, I couldn't pass up some gorgeous things at BCBG Max Azria, Saks outlet and Ann Taylor for work staples.

Even Saks outlet had amazing deals!! I did buy a lot of things but did not spend that much money! I guess that means I have more to shop?? or should I just put that in my savings? hmmmm once again... need vs. want

HAPPY FRIDAY!!! TGIF!!!!!!

Happy Friday, everyone!!

What a crazy week right? For me, I am looking at another hectic week next week.

Here is what's happening on this beautiful Friday:

* A big fire in the Santa Barbara area has so far burned down 100 houses...

* Hillary Clinton as Obama Administration's Secretary of State? Let's keep our fingers crossed.

* Retail industry reports an all time record low sales

* The newest installment of Bond movies is out!

* Overpaid CEOs... despite their companies going bankrupt. We need to do something about their excessive compensation.

* If you missed last night's The Office & 30 Rock, watch the episodes online! It was THE best hour!

* Watch the newest trailer of the upcoming flick, "Confessions of a Shopaholic," based on Sophie Kinsella's best selling series!

Enjoy your weekend!

A new website worthy of checking out!

I just came across this really awesome website. It has articles and tips on topics ranging from fashion, money, career to everything involving life.

It is: www.realsimple.com

This website it all about simplifying your life and making the most of your time and money and company (friends & family).

ENJOY!

Best things in life are free

The current economy is putting us all down financially, physically and emotionally. We need to be saving money and cut our budgets, but at the same time are advised to spend enough to save our small businesses. Women often turn to retail therapy to get rid of our depression, but we can't really spend money since the economy is so bad, right?

What I realized though is that best things in life are indeed FREE! Here are some happy moments in life that you can achieve, and best of all, they don't cost anything!

1) Talking to your good friends at coffee shops for hours.
2) Taking your favorite book, sitting in a nice mom and pop coffee shop and reading for hours. (when you get out of there, you will smell like a delicious cup of coffee :) )
3) Take your warm blanket to a nice park nearby and lie down and look up at the beautiful sky during a sunny day.
4) Play with your dogs and cats. They show you how much you mean to them and give you so much love.
5) Take some time and write down EVERYTHING you like/love about yourself. You may be surprised at how much you learn.
6) Ask your friends and family to tell you one thing they love about you. Feel loved and appreciated if you are feeling blue.
7) Read a feel-good book. Or an adventure book and get lost in it
8) Tell your family and friends how much you love them. And if they ask why you are saying that, tell them "just because they are great"
9) Write in your journal
10) Read inspiring stories about extraordinary people.

:D

A chic, cocktail party

The Holiday season is here!

You know what that means!! It's time for some delicious food and attending LOTS of holiday parties.

Right now, I am crazy about finding the cocktail party look. I am thinking a nice simple top tucked into a satin, flowy skirt with a belt. I would layer that with some necklaces and fabulous shoes and a clutch. It's a very popular look and works great if you do not want to wear a dress but separate pieces.

As always, you can put on your LBD. You can never go wrong with that! DO make sure you accessorize!

Don't forget your beautiful cocktail rings! What other perfect occasion can you think of besides cocktail parties to wear your big, cocktail rings? :)

Have fun looking fabulous!

Entourage is for men as Sex and the City is for women

Do you watch Entourage?

I know. I know. It is a popular show on HBO. I have watched quite a few episodes of Entourage, and I realized something last night.

Entourage is a male version of Sex and the City.

Sex and the City fills women's desire of designer duds (especially shoes), fancy lifestyles and Mr. Big. Through the Sex and the City's four main characters, we can identify ourselves and also live through them vicariously.

Entourage does the same for men. The four characters on this show represent what men want: hot women, nice cars, fancy houses and fame. These guys are very different from one another, but the majority of men can identify themselves through them.

No wonder both shows are major successes! Entourage targets men as well as Sex and the City targets women.

A Hot Dress can make a BIG Difference!

It's Monday.... Ugh...

I threw a fabulous party for my good friend over the weekend. Everything went very well including food, drinks and decorations. Everyone had a great time.

I did have a major observation at the party. A HOT PARTY dress can make a big difference!

These days, women are so quick to wear just jeans with cute tops, but the power of a hot, well-fitting dress, CANNOT compete with jeans. All the eyes are on you when you are strutting around in a nice, sexy dress. A dress can make a woman feel confident and sexy.

Hot dresses are a MUST if you are attending events/parties.

Some stores I highly recommend are:

1) Bebe (Where I got my sexy dresses :) )
2) Wet Seal ( with prices so low, you can get your money's worth even when you only wear it once)
3) Arden B ( a bit more expensive than Wet Seal but nonetheless, sexier)
4) Forever 21 (a bit more classy looking)
5) Guess by Marciano


Have fun shopping!

*p.s.: HOT shoes must accompany your sexy dress. What a perfect combination ;)

50 Women to Watch

Check out today's Wall Street Journal's feature on 50 Women to Watch!

These women are working to break the glass ceiling and are high-paid top corporate executives!

Check out who these fabulous, inspiring women are!

TGIF!!!!!!!!!!!

HAPPY happy FRIDAY!!!!!!!!!

Here is what's happening on this beautiful Friday:

* Partying during this holiday season? check out Bebe for sexy bandage dresses :) they are 50% off! I already got 2! Ready to suck my gut in and rock it!

* Prop. 8 continues to draw more protests and controversy... let's be tolerant, people!

* President elect Obama picking his White House staff!

* The inauguration of President elect Obama is expected to draw a record-breaking turnout, as it did for the election.

* Madonna performed with Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake in LA last night!

* Having a low-key weekend? Watch the missed episodes of The Office and 30 Rock on nbc.com


BEST OF ALL,

Sex and the City The Movie will most likely have a sequel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

REJOICE FABULOUS SINGLE WOMEN AROUND THE WORLD!

Hail to our new Commander- in- chief, President Barack Obama!!!

It is truly a happy day for Americans!

We have shown the world that we want change and we are a nation that moves forward with hope and determination.

Last night, we helped elect Barack Obama as our next President of the United States!!!

I am thrilled that people went out to vote and participated in this historical election.

Everyone, we made history!!! We are part of this amazing history!!!

Let's be proud to be Americans, and regardless of our color, we are all one nation!

The Election Day is finally here!!!

Today is THE day we have all been waiting for!

We have a chance to vote for the next President of the United States!

I already voted! Don't forget to vote for your candidate!

We will see who wins tonight!! :)