Cyber Monday is really beyond. Even though I know it is forthcoming every year, I still never manage to save my shekels in order to spend it on the crazy good deals a few days after Thanksgiving. Why? Why, LuRuSo? Stop buying things in August, September, and October and wait until Cyber Monday, you ding dong!
There are many Cyber Monday steals that are worthy of your attention this year. And quite a few extend into the week.
Here is a full compilation of travel options:
The Best Cyber Monday Travel Deals of 2017 - Condé Nast Traveler
Where to Score the Best Travel Deals This Cyber Monday - Travel + Leisure
Black Friday and Cyber Monday Hotel Deals for 2017 - ThePointsGuy.com
Where to Score the Best Travel Deals This Cyber Monday - Travel + Leisure
Black Friday and Cyber Monday Hotel Deals for 2017 - ThePointsGuy.com
Or beauty/apparel/home deals:
The 2017 Mega List of Cyber Monday Deals - Apartment Therapy
Every Cyber Monday Beauty Sale You Need To Shop This Year - The Zoe Report
The Only Cyber Monday Guide You Need This Year - Among Other Things
The 2017 Mega List of Cyber Monday Deals - Apartment Therapy
Every Cyber Monday Beauty Sale You Need To Shop This Year - The Zoe Report
The Only Cyber Monday Guide You Need This Year - Among Other Things
Capitalism is alive and well, my friends.
But of all the 30% off serums or 25% off TVs, I think my favorite deals this year are for DNA testing. This can be such a game changer for finding out about your health, sparking interest in your heritage, or even connecting with some relatives that you may or may not want to know (please, let them not be Trump supporters!) The two major testers, 23andMe and Ancestry.com, are both offering their best deals of the year, at $30 and $100 off, and $45 off, respectfully.
Speakings of genes, this lactic acid-based serum is one of the only skin care products that has made a visibly positive difference in my skin. Problem is, it isn't cheap. So grabbing it during a Cyber Monday sale, like Dermatore's 25% off, is ideal.
Sunday Riley Good Genes All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment - Dermstore.com
Beyond fabricated genes, I've been into taking collagen as of late. I know, I know, I sound loopy. I have no scientific basis for spending money on such kooky claims, but my skin, nails, and hair are supple and strong since dissolving this powder into my hot coffee each morning, so either I'm Benjamin Button or there is something to these peptides. Vital Proteins is having their own Cyber Monday deal where you can gain some free product with purchase.
Before spending a whole day focused on spending, I spent a whole week focused on nature and family. My lil' nuclear family, in particular.
This year, we tooled around L.A. and the Santa Ynez wine country rather than focus on a big Thanksgiving meal for only three people and a short-legged dachshund. Unplugging from the media and plugging into the here and now of nature was a wonderful and grateful experience. It's fairly easy to do when in wine country. Who wants to look at MSNBC or Facebook when you can look at this?
Santa Ynez Valley, CA
I feel in love with the region's Pinot rosé wines. Bone dry, just like my sense of humor. I also was impressed by this gadget which tapped the wine without uncorking the bottle.
We also had a few nights in Solvang (my people!) which reminded me of the movie Sideways and what a solidly great film that is.
Solvang, CA
Sorry, Miles.
Following wine country, we journeyed up the mountains into the Ojai Valley. There was a special kind of magic during our 24 hours in Ojai. We even witnessed "the pink moment".
I feel in love with the region's Pinot rosé wines. Bone dry, just like my sense of humor. I also was impressed by this gadget which tapped the wine without uncorking the bottle.
Not that I ever have trouble finishing a bottle of wine, but it's a pretty nifty concept. You can score one on sale today at Sur La Table.
Following wine country, we journeyed up the mountains into the Ojai Valley. There was a special kind of magic during our 24 hours in Ojai. We even witnessed "the pink moment".
Not that the trip was without consumerism. After battling major gridlock...
...we ventured to the happiest place on earth - Disneyland.
...we ventured to the happiest place on earth - Disneyland.
I was warned that Thanksgiving Day might be torture due to the crowds, but we lucked out by purchasing the MaxPass which sent us straight through to the ride each and every time. I know, so lucky! I definitely recommend it for the mere $10 extra per ticket. Also, you get to digitally save any photos captured during the day, like these gems:
Like I said, Happiest Place on Earth! (In all fairness, my dad had gotten surprisingly soaked right before the first pic and feared his iphone was going to launch out of his pocket in the second.) We never really had any awkward family photos growing up, so now we are making up for lost time.
After many years of hearing extolled virtues of the Dole Whip, I finally partook. In all honesty, this was because I thought we were in line for the Tiki Room, and after 20 minutes of waiting and approaching a cash register instead of a crooning parrot, I supposed I might as well go for it.
I've been told there are actually a few Minnesota establishments who do the DW, including the State Fair. But can I wait until late August? A Google search led me to this:
Which seems slightly less magical. But, might be worth a try?
After a day at Disney, I turned to a beloved Disney character and his take on Taoism. I'm not sure I totally bought the correlations between the Chinese philosophy of living in harmony with the Way and a tubby bear that loves honey, but it did make me want to learn more about this ancient tradition. And eat honey.
After a day at Disney, I turned to a beloved Disney character and his take on Taoism. I'm not sure I totally bought the correlations between the Chinese philosophy of living in harmony with the Way and a tubby bear that loves honey, but it did make me want to learn more about this ancient tradition. And eat honey.
Another book I've been moved by this month:
I really couldn't recommend it more. I haven't been an avid follower of Trevor Noah, previously only knowing him from snippets of The Daily Show. But, after seeing him live in Minneapolis, mark me a fan. He was uplifting, hilarious, and timely. So engaging and truthful with his comedy. If you can't see him live, at least read this intriguing book.
"Love is a creative act. When you love someone you create a new world for them."
-Trevor Noah
As proof, let's turn to a sweet note; this is just darling. It almost makes me believe in romance and true love and commitment and fairy tales again (and I'm the bitterest Betty of Bitterland). But I'm rooting for them!
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, BBC News - YouTube
-Trevor Noah
As proof, let's turn to a sweet note; this is just darling. It almost makes me believe in romance and true love and commitment and fairy tales again (and I'm the bitterest Betty of Bitterland). But I'm rooting for them!
One last random looking-toward-the-future note: do I need an Ugly Christmas Sweater this holiday season? Thus far, I've not been invited to any Ugly Christmas Sweater parties, but I want to be prepared...if so, which jumper should I buy?
or
Let's bring good cheer (and ugly sweaters) to the Holiday Season!
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