If you dare go out and shop on Black Friday, here are some sales to check out.  But for those of you who enjoy the pleasure of Black Friday from home, I've included some online deals as well.If you want a GO-TO DESTINATION FOR BLACK FRIDAY sales on toys, electronics, clothing and more, visit bfads.net.Visit your nearest Simon Mall for Black Friday sales and events. To see what your mall is doing, read NJ.com's Shopping blog for details. Some of Deptford Mall's retailers will open at Midn... Read Full Story

Holidays are a time to gather as a family and they're also an opportunity to get everyone together in a group photo.  You'll want to look great but you also want to dress comfortably to shield your turkey stuffed tummy.  Here are some ideas for both her and him whether you're going shopping for something new or just plan to go rummaging through your closet.  I also took into consideration activities of a Thanksgiving gathering such as: running around after kids, playing footbal... Read Full Story

When I found out that Chef Duff Goldman, star of the Food Network hit show, Ace of Cakes, was coming to the Princeton Kitchen Kapers for a book signing of his new book Ace of Cakes: Inside the World of Charm City Cakes, I leapt at the opportunity to 1) set up another “TweetUp” for fans in the area and 2) reach out to Kitchen Kapers to set up a photo opp with the man himself.  Kitchen Kapers then connected me with Duff’s book publicist at Harper Collins and then a week later, I was standi... Read Full Story

This weekend, give thanks and give back in your community. For a listing of food donation sites and events, visit the NJMyWay "Good Deeds and Needs" post. Panera Bread has partnered with the New Jersey Food Bank to collect turkeys for families in need. This Saturday, drop off a turkey and get a $2.00 certificate. Participating locations: Florham Park, Ledgewood, Mt. Olive, Woodbridge, Piscataway and Ramsey. | November 21Heidi's Cottage Country Gift Store in Dunellen is also having a food driv... Read Full Story

There are 247 sq. miles of Bergen County.  There are 247 sq. miles of restaurants, shopping, nightlife, culture and community events and there is 1 man who covers it all with the website Bergenation.com. Mike Kivowitz is a Jersey guy-born, raised and current resident-and he's also a very busy guy.  He is the founder of Bergenation.com, a hyperlocal web news site dedicated to reporting on all things Bergen.  But he also runs another website (Leafygreen.info), started his ow... Read Full Story

Ray Venezia is a master butcher and expert meat carver.  You could say, he knows meat.  His day job is manager of the meat department of Fairway Market's NY and NJ locations, but his other job...is to make YOU the star of your Thanksgiving feast.  Ray has been doing the talk and news show circuit for a number of years sharing his expert tips for effective turkey carving and I was lucky enough to get a lesson from Ray himself at the new Fairway location in Paramus.  Catch t... Read Full Story

Turkey. Stuffing. Sweet Potatoes. Corn Bread. More Stuffing. Beer or Wine. Healthy butter doused green beans. Oh and don't forget the Pumpkin Pie.Thanksgiving is the holiday where the turkey isn't the only creature that gets stuffed. You know who you are. I'm right there with you. How can we beat the holiday bulge, especially for those of us who are sticking to Weight Watchers points?! Here are some simple fitness and eating tips for you to print and take with you not just for tomorrow but fo... Read Full Story

Remember when there was that guy that you really wanted to get a date with?  He was like your "dream guy" who just seemed unapproachable? And when you actually did get that date, a bazillion thoughts ran through your mind: what do you wear? What do you say? What rules do you follow? How long to wait before you call him? IT'S A LOT OF WORK! Almost like a part-time job! Well, wouldn't you say that trying to land a dream job is a lot like dating that dream guy?  If you're in that point... Read Full Story

How often does a dust mitt come along that picks up dust like a champ and can double as a Sesame Street character? Okay, so the 2nd part might just be my random mind at work, but if you throw on some googly eyes(thanks for the idea Jay!) it could work, right? I tried getting Maddy to think of Mr. Dust Mitt as another Elmo buddy, but you can see what she thinks of the mitt below!But that's only one of the awesomely good items you'll get from Sun and Earth during my Sunny 7 November Giveaway!&n... Read Full Story

Holiday gift boutique, Willy Wonka, Tim McLoone's Supper Club and Closter PTO boutique all at out statewide events guide!Mommy Poppins offers another round-up of kid friendly events in New Jersey. Is she awesome of what!You can help prevent the abuse of prescription medication with your participation in Operation Medicine Cabinet. Click here to search for drop-off sites in your county. Learn how to do the holidays the Pottery Barn Kids way! | 11/4, 10amGet the how to's on Gingerbread Houses a... Read Full Story