This Year's Black Friday Result

Ever wonder what is the result of this year's black friday shopping? Everyone is aware of the tough economy this last quarter of the year. Most people were pinching pennies, I work in a retail industry as for my company we are trying to make up for the lost for the past few months so employee hours are getting cut (not so good) although our branch is doing good, as for the whole district we are also paying for the lost. I noticed on black friday when I get to the mall at 6am it was empty. Compare it to last year, it was really crazy last year. I have heard from other retailer that it was also not that busy in there store again comparing it from last year.

But here is the verdict on this years black friday according to NRF survey:

WASHINGTON, Nov 30, 2008 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Though the holiday season is far from over, retailers across the country are breathing a collective sigh of relief after shoppers headed to stores and websites in droves over the weekend. According to the National Retail Federation's 2008 Black Friday Weekend survey, conducted by BIGresearch, more than 172 million shoppers visited stores and websites over Black Friday weekend, up from 147 million shoppers last year.*
Shoppers spent an average of $372.57 this weekend*, up 7.2 percent over last year's $347.55. Total spending reached an estimated $41.0 billion.
"Pent-up demand on electronics and clothing, plus unparalleled bargains on this season's hottest items helped drive shopping all weekend," said NRF President and CEO Tracy Mullin. "Holiday sales are not expected to continue at this brisk pace, but it is encouraging that Americans seem excited to go shopping again."
Friday was clearly the busiest day of the weekend with 73.6 million people hitting stores and websites for doorbuster sales. Though traffic did subside after Friday, retailers were also buoyed by two-day sales as 56.9 million people shopped on Saturday, up from 48.3 million last year, while another 26.2 million people planned to shop on Sunday. Thanksgiving Day also continues to increase in importance as the number of people who shopped on Thursday was up 48 percent over last year (16.2 million people vs. 10.9 million people).
Those who shopped on Friday lived by the adage that the early bird catches the worm. The survey found that 23.3 percent of shoppers were at stores by 5 a.m. while more than half (57.6%) were at stores by 9 a.m.
Bargains appeared to be so good that people have more of a jumpstart on shopping. According to the findings, Americans have completed more slightly shopping than they had one year ago (39.3% vs. 36.4%), indicating that traffic and sales over the next several weeks will moderate.
"Though retailers should be encouraged by strong traffic and sales over the weekend, consumers are still being cautious," said Phil Rist, Executive Vice President, Strategic Initiatives, BIGresearch. "Weekend shoppers indicated that they are still sticking to a budget and thinking carefully before making any holiday purchases."
Though retailers in all categories were featuring big bargains, a majority of shoppers visited discount stores for holiday deals. According to the survey, more than half (54.7%) of this weekend's shoppers visited discount stores. Nearly half (43.0%) shopped at a traditional department store, up 11.1 percent from 38.7 percent last year. About one-third of shoppers visited specialty stores like clothing or electronics stores (36.0%) and shopped online (34.0%).
As expected, many shoppers (50.9%) purchased clothing and accessories over the weekend while 39.0 percent bought books, DVDs, CDs and video games and 35.9 percent purchased consumer electronics. Toys were also big sellers, as 28.5 percent of shoppers bought a toy. Gift card purchasing dropped ten percent with 18.7 percent of shoppers purchasing a gift card over the weekend, down from 21.0 percent last year.
NRF continues to project that holiday sales will rise 2.2 percent this year to $470.4 billion.

Holiday Gift Guide II

"Let the Image Speak for Itself"

Click on the picture you desire and it will re-direct you to the site

Enjoy =)

I hope you find something that you like =)

Holiday Gift Guide

Holiday Gift Ideas... Handmade gifts are the best their made with Lots of LoVe ^_^

All artist from etsy...
Please click the link to see their shop.

Gifts for HER...

Want some classic, fun and edgy jewelry piece? Check out these sites!

TheSpeeceCollection ~ http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5288512

SerendipityByErin ~ www.serendipitybyerin.etsy.com

noadi ~ http://noadi.etsy.com

shefeltpink ~ http://shefeltpink.etsy.com

NostalgicStudio ~ http://www.nostalgicstudio.etsy.com

auntjanecan ~ http://www.auntjanecan.etsy.com/


Gifts for HIM...

I find that finding gifts for HIM is a little bit more challenging than finding gifts for everyone else on my list. So here are some of my feature gift guide...

KayzKreationz ~ http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16119703

Soov ~ http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5195510§ion_id=5516762

crochetgal ~ http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=11152729

bddesigns ~ http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14983089

HendersonPipes ~ http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17071243

JulietKing ~ http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17080464

MelissasMelange ~ http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=15663646


For Everyone

PicturesByLeigh ~ http://www.picturesbyleigh.etsy.com

CutOutAndCollect ~ http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5182013

TattooDreams ~ Tattoodreams.etsy.com

MissesBird ~ http://missesbird.etsy.com


I hope these helps, more on my next post =)

Shopping Craze

How are you approaching the holiday season? Do you have your Xmas list ready? Online or mall shopping? Whatever it is that you want to do remember the true holiday spirit is just by caring about each other. Material things isn't really necessary. But if you are already on the mission about finding that special gift for that special someone and you love handmade stuff then this is the blog for you...

If you happens to be here in Hawaii visit Waikele Designer outlet in Waipahu or go to any Chelsea Premium Outlets ( if you have it in your area ).
For online shopping there is also a lot of websites to choose from (im sure you guys know all of that) it just depends on what you're looking for. What I will recommend is the Etsy site www.etsy.com I tell you, everyone on etsy is very nice. If you love handmade stuff then that's the site to go you can find thousands of unique items. If you are scared of shopping online or if this is goin' to be your first time I'd say 99.9% there is no scam in this site. Sellers are very accommodating to what the buyers may need. Certaintly no fake items be'coz everything is handmade and that you know every piece is a result of hardwork. To me I appreciate the item more when I know someone has work hard just to make the piece as unique as it is.

Hot Chocolate LoVer

Are you a hot cocoa lover? Do you love dark chocolate?

I wouldn't say that I am a hot cocoa lover, occasionally I crave for it but I am definitely a dark chocolate lover. Lately though I've been drinking hot cocoa, just craving the taste. So everyday before I go to work I been stopping by at starbucks for a hot chocolate. It is very good but $3.82 a day sometimes I go there twice and it depends if I decided to buy the venti size. I tried to not drink so much of the coffee, i feel like it makes me shaky sometimes. That's also one of the reason why I substitute hot chocolate. Another reason is its in season (winter season), maybe not so much in hawaii as far as the cold weather...ok whatver the reason I am just in a hot chocolate craziness right now.

Anyway so if you love hot cocoa and love dark chocolate... I recommend this new one from godiva. It's really good and love the blend of the dark chocolate!

Pore Minimizer

Having big skin pores is a common issue among those people who are prone to zits or acne breakouts and have an oily complexion. This is the reason why many are opting to undergo treatments or use acne medications that can help minimize the pores.
Unfortunately, literally changing the size of your pores may seem a difficult task since many elements can make your pores more obvious.

The size of your skin pores is mainly determined by several factors. These factors could include your genes, hormonal changes, age, oil production, and gender. According to a study, the factors that have the most significant impact on the size of your skin pores are your gender, age, production of excess oils, and hormonal changes.



Looking for a pore minimizer? This product is tested by me and I want to recommend it to everyone who is looking for a good product that certaintly works.

Truly Matte Pore Minimizing Serum

What it is: A pore-minimizing facial serum for combination and oily skin.
What it does: This highly targeted skincare treatment helps minimize enlarged pores and their changing conditions with age to ensure fresh, flawless skin. Delivers an instant smoothing action to help refine skin texture.

Before you apply this serum you have to make sure that your face is clean then apply the serum after its dry apply a moisturizer and you can put your make up as usual. I use it twice a day.

Best habbit to keep your pores smaller is to expoliate (scrub), tone and moisturize twice daily and also a healthy diet will help. ^_^

Winter ball attire?

Got a problem with your winter ball attire? Most people really gets confuse on what to wear especially for those who are first timer. I haven't been in a winter ball ( I know sad right? ) I dont get to wear those lavish dresses but I have helped a lot of girls or women find their outfits for the occasion. The secret is finding the right fit! Sure you love the design but not too comfortable, you love the color but the style doesn't do anything to you or it could be vise versa. Get an honest opinion from the person who is helping you in the store, many people think that those sales person just want to get you out of there and get the sale done. Trust me they know what their doing. Use your own judgement if you think that the person is really being sincere then go for it.

For me, I like to recommend this dress on the right side. It compliments most of the body type and the fabric is really great (jersey fabric) simple yet stunning.

Now the next question is long or short dress?

Well I think that it really depends on your event. If it says Formal (black tie attire) then I suggest a long dress and dont be scared to wear color, assume that everyone there is probably be wearing black dresses. If you pick a short dress that's ok too as long as its dressy enough for the occasion. I have some girls picked a short dress for their winter ball for the reason of they want to wear it again or they want to be comfortable for the night.

All in all just don't think too much just relax and think that you are goin' to find that right dress. You become overwhelm if you think too much and you will just end up settling for the dress that may not even the right one for you. So ask your best buddy to go dress hunting for you before your time runs out and don't forget to have fun!