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)

Scores of the Month: October 2013

I'm sharing my best deals a little early this month so you can take advantage of the first score, which will only be available for purchase through October 31st (so jump on it!).

Balance Me Tinted Lip Salve, Bulgari Eau Parfumée Au Thé Vert, Sesha Renu Exfoliating Gel, Fresh Youth Preserve Face Cream, Tarte Lights, Camera, Flashes
Marc Jacobs Oh, Lola!, Daisy Eau So Fresh, Daisy

Glossybox October Byrdie Box $21

I became a subscriber of Glossybox a few months ago, then canceled because some of the samples were ridiculously tiny.  Make no mistake, this subscription service normally only includes samples, but I just had to jump on the opportunity to snag a FULL-SIZE of Tarte's Lights, Camera, Flashes mascara (retail: $23) plus a few other sample goodies for $21.  Forget Benefit's They're Real (REAL disappointment, is more like it) and snag the best mascara around from Glossybox.  There's no commitment, so you can cancel at any time!  UPDATE: I just got word that you can get a free Beauty Addicts SleekCHEEKS Blush in Glow ($28 value) with any subscription using the code SCARE (good through 10/31 11:59pm PDT)!

Marc Jacobs Rollerball Trio: $24.99 - $29.99

My next and last score is this Marc Jacobs rollerball trio that I picked up at T.J. Maxx a couple of weeks ago.  If you've been wanting to try out a new perfume but don't want to spend a ton, this is definitely for you.  These were either $24.99 or $29.99 (I can't even remember - so sad), but either way, it's a steal!  The rollerballs retail at $22.00 each, and all three are lovely especially if you love fresh floral scents.

That's it, folks!  As always, thanks for reading, and feel free to leave a comment or follow me on Twitter!

My Rewards Addiction

My name is Cassie and I am a recovering rewards addict.  I'm serious guys, it was pretty bad.  Every week I'd find myself in the beauty department of my local CVS (who has the mother of all rewards programs) snatching up anything that will earn me those glorious rewards dollars (cue the Hallelujah chorus!).  Then I'd come back the next week promising myself that I would only spend what I had in rewards, and end up failing miserably.

Along with store credit cards, loyalty or club cards are quickly becoming the norm for retailers.  Whether it's the grocery, drugstore, or department store, you can't avoid having these "money savers" forced upon you.  I love this excerpt from John Pinette where he details his struggles with customer service, retailers, and rewards cards:

You walk into a store you rarely go to and the cashier asks if you want to sign up for their rewards card.  You politely decline, but the cashier continues: "Are you sure?  You can save $2 on this purchase and you'll earn 25 points!" 

You then feel incredibly stupid for not signing up to "save money" as the other customers in line shake their heads at your blatant ignorance.  Has anybody else had this feeling?  Did you feel like you were missing out? 

Are these feelings validated?  Definitely not.  These programs actually make us spend MORE.  Why?  

The more you spend, the more you earn.  The more you earn, the more you spend so you can earn even more.  It's a never ending cycle.  

A great example of this is CVS.  At CVS they have what's called Extra Bucks that you earn from certain purchases.  For example, spend $15 on Maybelline and earn $5 Extra Bucks.  Sounds like a good deal, no?  Not exactly.  First of all, I'll end up spending more than $15 because no matter how hard I try, I can never get the total to reach an even $15.  It's like CVS figures out the most impossible threshold to get you to spend a few extra bucks just to earn the reward.

Now that I've paid the $18 or so, I have now earned the $5 to spend on my next purchase.  I don't know about anyone else, but if I get a $5 off coupon to spend on pretty much anything, I'm not going to pick out one $5 item.  I'm going to pick out that $10 foundation or mascara I've had my eye on for a while.  Or, there's now an offer on Revlon of buy 2 items, get $5 Extra Bucks!  It's a trap, everybody!  This is the way retailers want and expect you to think.

Can you see how this might become addicting or thought of as savings?  What started out as an intended $15 purchase has now lead me to spend $23 (at least).  Yeah, that's a GREAT deal.

Like with store credit cards, do you really think stores are pushing us to sign up for these programs because they want us to save money or because it makes them money?  Definitely the latter.  If a rewards program wasn't making the company a boatload of money they'd drop it in a heartbeat.  They're not running charities - they're running businesses.

When you find yourself adding an extra item or two to your basket to earn that reward, ask yourself if you're buying it because you really want or need it, or if you're just validating the purchase because it will earn you a reward.  If you answer honestly, you might not earn those rewards that make you feel special and valued, but you will save yourself a lot of money!

How Much is My Face Worth?

I recently saw this post on a lovely blog called Affordable Treats, and I thought it was such a cute idea that I'm trying it out for myself!  Below is a list of items I use pretty much everyday, so to figure out how much my face costs, we'll just add the price of all the products together.  Let's see how I did:

Rimmel Lasting Finish 25 Hour Foundation - $7.99
L'Oreal Voluminous False Lashes Mascara - $8.99
Essence All About Matt Fixing Powder - $3.99
Noya Lip Balm - $3.99
NYX Blush in Dusty Rose - $5.99
NYX Auto Eyebrow Pencil - $4.99

Total = $35.94

Not too shabby, eh?  As you can see, my everyday makeup tends to be pretty basic.  I like to sleep in as late as possible (I love my sleep!), so I like to have a no-fuss makeup routine during the workweek.

How much is your face worth?