Thanksgiving is the New Black Friday

Usually when you hear about riots, stampedes or people being killed in crowds, it's important, or political. Here in the U.S., no matter how many civil liberties are denied certain groups, no matter how unhappy people are with their government, what it really takes to get people riled up is 40% off of a DVD set.  (The Worst Black Friday Injuries and Deaths of All Time; Ranker.com)

Image Source: NBC News

It's that time of the year again when shoppers' eyes are set aglow at the thought of the great deals that await them on Black Friday, er, Thanksgiving.  I can't think of a better way to end a day of being grateful for what we have than to spend hours of pushing, trampling, and disrespecting others so we can buy more stuff.  I can almost hear it now:

"Lord, we are thankful for all of the blessings you have given us, especially for the iPad Mini we scored at Walmart today.  I had to pry it out of that old lady's hands but thankfully, with her arthritis, it wasn't much of a challenge.  Also, I'd like to pray for that man who was trampled at the store entrance.  I think I may have stepped on his face.  Amen."

Too dramatic?  Well, it isn't far from the truth.  People have died from others' carelessness on Black Friday.  We should be ashamed that people have died, been trampled, shot at, or injured all in the name of getting a good "deal".  There is no discount big enough that should merit this kind of behavior.  We like to think of ourselves as evolved and civilized, but how evolved are we when this behavior and attitude is becoming the norm?

Being a discount-obsessed shopper, you'd think Black Friday would be my favorite shopping day of the year.  However, given the atrocities that typically occur on this day-after-Thanksgiving, I steer clear of the overly hyped, apocalyptic day.

I'm not trying to rain on anybody's shopping parade, I just think we all need to be a little more careful and a lot less selfish.  I LOVE shopping, but if it means others will suffer because of it, count me out.  I'd rather pay full-price than to be part of a day that, more oft than not, ends with someone getting hurt.

Will you be battling the crowds for Black Friday shopping?

Wouldn't miss it!

Maybe; If I find a good enough deal.

Not a chance.

Poll Maker

Ipsy Glam Bag: November 2013

Yay!  It's here!  Let's jump right in shall we?!

Review: Kiss Gradation Polishes

This product was provided courtesy of Influenster solely for testing purposes.

Kiss Gradation Polishes; Retail: $7

I'm not particularly skilled at doing my own nails, so when I received this little polish kit, I was a little worried that my sub-par skills wouldn't be a match for this 3-step system.  Thankfully, it didn't prove to be too difficult, although I think the gold version is probably the most fool-proof.

Marie Claire's Luxe for (A LOT) Less: Isabel Marant for H&M

Have you ever stopped to read your favorite fashion magazine's bargain or look for less page?  If so, you're probably well aware that mag editors and yourself (and the majority of the rest of the world) have very different ideas of what a bargain is.  I mean, $400 for a clutch?  In what messed-up world is that considered a deal?  That's where I come in.  Every month, I'll be taking these so-called "looks for less" and making them truly affordable!

For November's Luxe for Less, Marie Claire looked to Isabel Marant's new collaboration with H&M.  The collection, which launches November 14th, boasts several tribal-inspired, graphic prints in black and white with touches of red.  The items featured in MC this month range from print sneakers ($49.95) to a gorgeous and very detailed jacket ($399, pictured below).

Although some of the prices this month are insanely better than September (I shared my dupes from September here), there is definitely still room for improvement.  Let's see how I did:

MC's pick: Isabel Marant for H&M Jacket ($399)

Image credit: glamour.com

My pick: H&M Fitted Jacket ($49.95)