3 Tips for Surviving Black Friday

1. PREPARE. Do your research ahead of time. Dress comfortably. Have a plan of attack and be efficient. Get plenty of sleep the night before, pack snacks for energy.

2. DON'T GO ALONE. There are strength in numbers. You cover more ground and will reap more rewards working as a team. Figure out the money after.

3. BE KIND AND SAFE. You just spent a day being thankful for all you have. Avoid those who are pushing and don't shove back. It's not worth getting into a fight or beat up. If you're really worried or don't like the chaos, opt for staying home and taking on Cyber Monday instead.

5 Tips to Tailgating Like a Pro (Part I)

1. Learn How To Pack A Cooler (see above picture)

2. Keep a Toolbox In Your Car Filled With Essentials (e.g. condiments, trash bags, wet wipes, paper towels, sunscreen, spatulas, skewers, can opener, bottle opener, etc)

3. Slice and pack burger toppings in advance.

4. Skewer and marinate kabobs the night before.

5.  Bring a large plastic tub to haul back dirty dishes.


Part II to come later!

Super Cute and Simple Thanksgiving Snack!

When you think of Thanksgiving, it's impossible not to think of food! Here are the ingredients for the snack above, but you can get creative and mix and match other snack items! Try different fruits, crackers, chocolates -- whatever you like!

Blueberries

Grapes

Pear

Carrots

Car myth: Cell phone at the gas pump.

Has anyone ever freaked out on you for using your cellphone while pumping gas? Do you already avoid using it? Well, fear no more.

The Federal Communications Commission investigated "rumors" that a wireless signal can ignite fuel vapors, and concluded: "There is no documented incident where the use of a wireless phone was found to cause a fire or explosion at a gas station," and "scientific testing, however, has not established a dangerous link between wireless phones and fuel vapors."

White Chocolate Boo-nana Treats!

Make this super easy and super cute treat for Halloween! 

Frozen "Boo"-nana Pops

Servings: 4 • Size: 1 banana pop • Old Points: 2 pts • Points+: 3 pts
Calories: 98 • Fat: 4.5 g • Protein: 1.3 g • Carb: 14 g • Fiber: 0.7 g • Sugar: 10.7
Sodium: 13.8 mg

Ingredients:

• 1 medium banana
• 1 cup white chocolate
• 8 mini chocolate chips
• 4 popsicle sticks

Directions:

Cut banana in half lengthwise, then in half to make four quarters.

Insert popsicle sticks into bananas, and freeze bananas on a wax paper lined cookie sheet. 
When the bananas are frozen, fill a coffee mug with chocolate. Melt chocolate in the microwave 30 seconds at a time, stirring until the chocolate is melted and soft.

Dip the bananas one at a time into the chocolate, scraping off the excess chocolate from the back of the banana, and place it on a cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Quickly add the chocolate chips for the eyes before the chocolate hardens (you have to work quickly here). 

Return to the freezer until frozen and ready to eat. Eat frozen!