Confessions of the Evil Mother Lady

Why I Hate Shopping

This week's Evil Mother Lady confession: I despise shopping.

So, now it is time for the next confession—I despise shopping. Having three daughters you would expect me to enjoy shopping, but the shopping gene apparently passed me by. Maybe growing up with brothers warped my priorities because shopping, for fun or by necessity, doesn't appeal to me. I have bribed friends to take my daughters shopping and have arranged a standing date with their godmother for her to handle prom and wedding dresses. Now, I can certainly shop 'til you drop if needed but ... it ranks alongside having blood drawn and dental procedures in my list of things I would rather be doing. Not that I have a choice between the dentist and the mall now that all of my daughters have discovered the joys of shopping. Which inevitably …

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San Diego Retailers Are Ready for Black Friday Shoppers

A recent National Retail Federation survey finds more shoppers will shop on Black Friday weekend than last year.

The National Retail Federation anticipates more shoppers will be storming the isles on Black Friday this year, and area shops from big-box retailers such as Target and Wal-Mart and small locally owned store like Geppetto’s and chocolatier Chuao are getting ready for the crowds. Brian Miller, owner of La Jolla-based Geppetto’s, said his eight toy stores in San Diego are ready for the holiday season. He said the stores are well stocked and employees are ready. “I think we will have a pretty robust season,” said Miller. “We’ve already had a great start of the month.” According to the NRF, 74 million people say they will definitely hit the stores and another 77 million are waiting to see if the bargains are worth braving the crowds. Geppetto's…

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Confessions of the Evil Mother Lady

School is Not the Place for Sexy

This week's Evil Mother Lady confession: My new pet peeve is the dress code at school.

So, now it is time for the next confession—my new pet peeve is the dress code at school. With two daughters in high school and one in middle school, we have to sign off on very admirable codes at the beginning of the school year that outline dire consequences for violations of dress code, including the dreaded school sweats. The dress code complicates back-to-school shopping, makes for interesting breakfast arguments about which clothing articles are meant for school, and leads to drama about why you can’t borrow many of Mom’s blouses for school. That is, if you are a parent that feels compelled to comply. Apparently, much of the world just ignores the dress code. What bugs me is the lack of enforcement. I understand school staff have …

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The Great Escape

Sometimes, Home Is Where You Want to Be

Moms don't always have the time to leave the kids at home and go out for a fun, girls day. The solution? Cruise the Internet at home with your favorite cup of tea and get the scoop online with other moms.

If getting a baby-sitter is just too much this week or your little one is too small to leave at home, what is it that you do to make some free time for yourself in your home? Grab your favorite cup of green tea and the warmest throw. Cozy up to your computer and do a little research about motherhood, womanhood, and yes, maybe do a little shopping too! Check out these websites for a mini-home-escape: 1. Childavenue.com: Poke around this site for the newest in mom blogs and play-date meetups in your neighborhood. This site also offers the "family corner" suggesting new and fun things to do with the family. This week's suggestion is a recipe for ratatouille served up with the Disney movie of the same name. Click on the "new parents" link for …

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The Great Escape

Escape With a Little Retail Therapy for You and Your Home

Treat yourself to a window shopping day, or a shopping spree. It's a great way to release all the worries of a mom, household, or day.

Sick of your torn up rugs and shredded sofa pillows, like the rest of us? Feeling like your home needs a much deserved boost of color and luxury? With children, pets, and general use, a home can get pretty worn and torn. It's time for you to get out and for your house to get a makeover. Take an hour or two out of your day while the kids are away at play and treat yourself to a day of shopping. It's a proven trick to release stress and worries for women, not to mention the wonderful side effect of feeling more comfortable in the environment you're in so often: your home. There's no need to spend if you’re being budget conscious. Window shopping is just as effective when it comes to stress relief. According to Women’s Health Magazine, …

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Rancho Bernardo Certified Farmers Market Celebrates 20th Anniversary

Vendors say a loyal customer base makes Rancho Bernardo a good place for business.

Most of the dew has evaporated from the shrubs by the time  shoppers begin strolling through the Rancho Bernardo Certified Farmers Market between 9 a.m. and noon on Friday mornings. The open-air market is nestled at the entrance to the Bernardo Winery. While the winter weather might have impacted other farmers markets, this has not been the case at the Rancho Bernardo market which will be celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, manager Mike Manchor said. “We’ve been lucky,” he said. “It hasn’t rained on us.” In addition to overseeing the farmers market, Manchor and his wife, Catherine, sell macadamia nuts, large juicy bear limes and exotic varieties of avocados such as Zutano and Bacon for their own business, Rex Ranch Avocado & Citrus…

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Holiday Hints

Cyber Monday Deals

It's the Internet version of Black Friday.

No more camping out for shopping deals this time—just clicking. Cyber Monday is the Internet version of Black Friday, with retailers offering specials for a limited time in limited quantities. According to a survey by Shop.org, 106.9 million Americans expect to shop on Cyber Monday, up from 96.5 million last year. Some companies, like Best Buy, got an early start with cyber specials that last Sunday and Monday only. The electronics giant has specials on TVs, like a 32-inch  flat screen marked down to $599 from $899. Amazon.com has become the go-to site for many on the Monday after Black Friday because of its lightning deals—certain items that go on and off sale at varying times throughout the day. A rectangular bar lies beneath the sale …

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Join the Hustle and Bustle of Black Friday Shopping

Analysts expect consumer spending this holiday season to increase from last year.

Ready for Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping deals? Analysts expect consumer spending this holiday season to be up slightly from last year. That means whether you plan on heading to Best Buy to score a new plasma HDTV or Toys R Us for something called Stinky the Garbage Truck, you could be facing bigger crowds. The annual holiday spending survey by the Consumer Federation of America found that 10 percent of participants said they would increase their holiday spending this year. The U.S. Commerce Department says spending is already up, with household purchases advancing 0.4 percent in October. Westfield, the county's largest owner of retail space would not release mall-specific sales information for its seven shopping centers but did …

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Finding The Best Black Friday Deals

A peek at what some local retailers are offering this weekend.

Stores in and around Rancho Bernardo are gearing up for what will likely be the biggest shopping day of the year. The day after Thanksgiving, or "Black Friday" as it is known, will feature dramatic price cuts and savings exclusive to the holiday weekend. If you are planning on going shopping on Black Friday, you'll need to know where the best deals are. Among the many discounts on Black Friday, electronics features some of the best bargains for thrifty shoppers. Stores like Best Buy, located near Carmel Mountain Road, will be opening its doors earlier to accommodate a much larger number of anticipated shoppers. According to Best Buy Manager Henry Clark, the shopping holiday will likely be one of their busiest days of the entire year. "…

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