I think I have stumbled upon the cure for writer’s block… a Facebook account and a lot of friends.  Every so often, I am tapped out of ideas for my weekly blog, so I put out a call to action and ask my Facebook friends for suggestions.  As usual, they did not disappoint me.  Some legitimate topics include “How to get your teenage daughter started on a make-up and skincare program”, “Keeping your cool during the holidays” and “Holiday make-up looks for the working professional”.  These are all great topics that I will address soon.  Thank you friends.  On the other hand, I received some less than feasible topics like “The Art of the Mustache” and “How To Not Burn a Turkey”.  Obviously, someone hasn’t read my blog… busted!  Not only does this High Maintenance Chick not cook (bake/broil/nuke/warm-up) turkey, I don’t cook at all.  Confession # 2:  I don’t cook, people cook for me!

So this really got me thinking about the importance of this week.  It’s the annual tradition where everyone OD’s on food and conks out on the couch.  This food-induced coma is usually followed by either reading the Retail Encyclopedia Britannica (newspaper ads) or watching a football game.  This week marks the official kickoff to the holiday season and the Thanksgiving madness is capped off with what has been known to many as Black Friday.  It may no longer be the biggest shopping day of the year as people wait later to purchase these days.  But it is certainly the craziest.  Confession # 34:  A diva will never ‘camp out’ or stand in line to get an extra discount on a camcorder.  EVER.  However, she may go to some pretty extreme measures for deep discounts on designer shoes and apparel.

This Friday I will be in the stores, as a salesperson, not a shopper.  That has been my Black Friday M.O. for 12 years now.  If, only if, I had the chance to take the day off, this is what my perfect Black Friday would consist of.  Perhaps sharing these ideas can make your Friday after Thanksgiving more enjoyable.

1> Sleep in.  For goodness sake, let the crazy people get the best deals.  You really can’t put a price tag on a great night’s sleep.  The ideal post-Thanksgiving shopping wardrobe is your favorite designer jeans in a dark rinse paired with a lightweight cashmere sweater and scarf.  Treat yourself to a nice brunch before you hit the stores.  Eggs Benedict is my absolute fave.

2> Look for gift items that are great to give and get.  You may think of this as the ‘1 for you, 1 for me’ policy, but I like to think of it as a personal guarantee that you are giving a great gift by trying it out first.  Since most people are shopping at Wal-Mart and Best Buy, go to upper end retailers and enjoy looking at all the luxe gifts.  Think:  fragrance, accessories, home furnishings and, of course, shoes!

3> Be Nice. If you are feeling a little guilty about the ‘1 for you, 1 for me’ policy, you can score extra karma points by being kind to store associates.  Most of them had to get up at the crack of dawn to be at work.  Taking sweets would be extra sweet of you and probably nab you the royal treatment.   Bring me some Reese’s cups or chocolate chip cookies and I’ll make it worth your while with samples!!!

4> Don’t get overloaded.  Once you have filled the equivalent of two Pottery Barn shopping bags of purchases, it’s time to call it a day.

5> Listen to Holiday Music (sing out loud) and hit Starbucks on the way home for your favorite indulgent treat.  If you normally choose a Non-fat Latte, opt for the Carmel Macchiato or a Hot Chocolate.  Gal, you deserve it.

6> Change into your PJs, watch a movie and possibly take a nap.  I would watch “The Wizard of OZ”

I would love to know what you do the day after Thanksgiving.  If you are one of those people who are camping out for the chance to purchase 1 out of 4 $100 Big Screen TVs, I’ll do my best to keep my comments to myself, but I make no promises.