Welll…maybe extravaganza is a slight exaggeration. I know there are a gazillion sales on Black Friday…and that people like to get a jump start on their holiday shopping on the extra day off from work. And I don’t want to be judgey about the folks that run out to the mall after Thanksgiving dinner or stake their place in line at midnight for a store’s 6am opening Friday morning. But. Is buying the newest cheapest latest greatest really worth that?

I like to save the day after Thanksgiving as a mental health day. It’s really a freebie. Friday’s not really a holiday, but so many people were calling in sick to work the day after Thanksgiving to make it a real 4-day weekend that employers eventually just threw up their hands and said oh alright. Well, a lot of employers, not all. SOMEBODY’S got to work at the stores where the masses are shopping. And if people are out and about, then we need law enforcement and public safety and hospitals and…well, you see where I’m going. The shoppers are the pebble in the water that starts the ripple effect that goes on and on.

But maybe instead of causing ripples, we could just…lay low and let the water, and our minds, be still. Spend quality time with your guests, hosts, friends or family. Spend quality time with yourself. Read a book. Take a nap. Binge-watch Christmas movies on Netflix. Make a list of acts of service you’ll gift instead of presents you would buy. Bake cookies. Write holiday cards. Rake leaves in the fresh air. Volunteer. Go for a drive. Sit on the front porch or comfy sofa and watch the world go by through the window. Call a friend you’ve been neglecting. Draw. Pick up that guitar and learn a new song.

I hope tomorrow you’re able to take a little time for you – to think, and reflect and consider what you’re thankful for.

Happy Thanksgiving.

(text originally published on November 18, 2016)

And can we talk a moment about what I’m wearing? Last year I wore a leopard scarf with this dress and loved it. SO. This year I went bigger and better! What do you think of the floral/leopard combo? I happen to love it and want to wear it every minute of every day for the rest of my life.

And the boots…while they look nice…and are that rarity of rarities: Boots That Fit My Larger Than Life Calves…they’re just not a good fit in the foot. The foot part is way big on me. I was so excited that THEY ACTUALLY FIT MY CALVES that I was like I’M SOLD and didn’t walk around enough in them to discover that they were too big in the foot. They actually feel flopsy on my feet as I walk. And I bought them back in August, so no returning them now 🙁  I don’t THINK. I’ll check, but I’m doubtful. Though I got something the other day and the receipt said returns accepted for 365 days! If I can’t return them I’ll Poshmark them. Lesson Learned.

What I’m Wearing

I’m linking up today with Nancy at Nancy’s Fashion Style. Be sure to take a look!

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