Black Friday - A Shopper's Paradise or Nightmare?

With Walmart's new shopping policy in place for Black Friday 2009, lines will be obsolete and some stores will be staying open 24- hours on this day to lessen the strain on shoppers looking for a deal. A Memorable Moments' Contributor shares his thoughts on Post - Thanksgiving's "Biggest Shopping Day of the Year" - Black Friday.

"Each year millions of people wake up in the wee hours of the morning to flock to the local malls, shopping centers, and outlets to kick off their holiday shopping season. With the taste of turkey, cranberry sauce, and Grandma's pumpkin pie still lingering on their palate, they rush out into the dark morning to be first on line at their favorite stores. To some, this day is just another ordinary Friday, to others it's known as Black Friday. With many stores opening their doors at 5:00am (or earlier!), millions of people anxiously stand on long lines, and in many cases long COLD lines, only to wait to see that one store employee stroll over to the door and flip the sign to "Open".

Will Black Friday 2009 differ from years' past due to the current economic climate? It doesn't take an economist to predict that sales will not equal what they used to be on this national day of shopping. Stores like Walmart are changing their Black Friday store policies for what they believe to be a continued success albeit the economy's slump this year. Most Walmart stores will stay open 24 hours, so that one does not have to brave the bitter cold queues. Doorbuster deals will still be offered at 5:00am, where you can chance to line up at different displays to try to get your hands on the item of your choice. At least you will be inside already!

One thing is for sure, millions of shoppers will show up to their favorite stores with their credit cards in hand ready to swipe for gifts and worry about the bills later. So what about Black Friday is so appealing? Is it just the sales or is it something more than that? Could it be that it's a tradition that is passed along in many families? Whatever the reason may be, one thing is certain, each year there will always be a rush of shoppers who are lined up waiting for those doors to open . . . Will you be there?"

Nearby to the Marriott Stamford Hotel and Spa in Connecticut, thousands of shoppers looking to kick off their holiday shopping season this year can enjoy over 100 stores at the Stamford Town Center Mall. What are some of your must-go-to stores and best holiday shopping stories? Share with us!

In-Law Get Away!

During a salon manicure this week the conversation hopped station to station about the upcoming holidays - favorite foods, traditions, gift-giving ideas. It was all nice and proper. Then it happened. A shot for the starting gates was heard and the race was on. Someone mentioned IN-LAWS!

No matter how good that turkey looks, how clean the bathroom is, how fluffed the pillows - the monster-in-law will find something wrong, something out of place, some reason you don't take care of her 'baby' as good as she did when he lived with her! Then there is the father-in-law who smokes and the great aunt who can't climb the stairs, so she sleeps in your bed!

Where in the vows did it say you had to sleep on the couch for the holidays?

Your Memorable Moments celebrates life's getaways - my idea for the the best getaway is the "In-Law Getaway!" Everyone will enjoy this idea. You can still have all the festivities at your house, but when it is time to leave the table and head to bed, the in-laws leave your house!

They will love it too. Privacy, comfort, excellent service, a fun gift upon arrival and free breakfast - with no dishes to do and nothing to prepare! Hotels are offering great rates now to make the decision even easier. If my family wants some extras like a bottle of wine or a box of chocolates - they can add this or I can surprise them.

Imagine waking up in your own bed without the sound of a distant relative clearing his throat in your bathroom . . .

I think this idea will buzz through salons across the country. I have to go now, I need to make a reservation for six!

For more ideas on where to send your in-laws this Thanksgiving vacation, look no further than Your Memorable Moments' participating hotels. Want to add on a special package to their room so that they won't be in your hair and around to help cook? Look at some Memorable Moment's getaways here!

The Power of a Personal Greeting Card

A memorable moment's contributor shares her thoughts on the traditional greeting card and how such a small personalized gesture can really brighten up the day!

"Did you ever have one of those days where you are emotionally drained? You're being pulled in so many different directions that you just can not seem to get your hands around it all. You go home and the family is waiting for ... dinner, homework help, questions to be answered. You're standing at the counter opening all the mail from the day - advertisements, newspapers, flyers, bills (Yuck!) - and then, there's a strange envelope addressed to you. You pick it up, open it carefully, and inside is a greeting card. A real live greeting card with a personalized message and signature! The sender is thanking you for spending with them earlier that week. You vaguely recall the phone call. A call you did not give much thought to when you hung up.

You feel yourself sigh and say, "That was nice." All the craziness from earlier seems to melt away. Unconsciously, you have carved a small spot in your heart remembering that person forever. Unlike the other mundane mail, the card is tucked away in a safe place and you plan to call the giver and thank them for their thoughtfulness.

Sending a hand written card is such a back to basics practice. No one does this anymore. Did you know an email is read with your "head", while a greeting card is read with your "heart"? When you can create a heart connection with someone, gain a customer for life, and be remembered for just saying, "I appreciate you," perhaps each of us should rethink this practice. It really is the little things that matter most."

So pick up a greeting card today and let someone know how special you think they are! Or, go to www.YourMemorableMoments.com and with a free greeting card from Give to Give Greetings create a heart connection with someone you care about and let them experience an unexpected smile!

Memorable Halloween Moments from the Harbor Magic Hotels

Harbor Magic Hotels, which encompasses the Pier 5, the Brookshire Suites, and the Admiral Fell Inn, three of the Memorable Moment's Hotels, celebrated a magical Halloween Party last week.


About 60 associates and family members enjoyed snacks and cold beverages in the beautiful "Stone Room" at the Admiral Fell Inn in Fells Point, Baltimore. Children, dressed up in their Halloween costumes, danced and crafted picture frames or drew their own pictures depicting Halloween themes. Even "Bite," a special character from the Brookshire Suites showed up to the party to say hello and join in the festivities!

It was a wonderful Halloween celebration for all, and another example of how our Memorable Moments' Hotels make magic and memorable moments each and every day!

Participating Hotels Join in on Halloween Fun!

We asked our Memorable Moment's participating hotels what fun things they do for Halloween, and we got back a slew of great pictures and stories! You've already seen the Courtyard LaGuardia's Pumpkin Carving Contest, now check out the Stamford Marriott's Halloween Lunch Party and the Providence Marriott's works of (pumpkin) art!

The Stamford Marriott in downtown Stamford, Connecticut celebrated Halloween in style with a special lunch provided to all of their hard-working associates. Candy apples, cookies, and other treats were shared by all alongside a delicious lunch. What is more fun than Halloween treats without the tricks!?

The Providence Marriott also celebrated with the associates with their Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest. Each department submitted their designs, and the winners received a Dunkin' Donuts breakfast! The competition was fierce, but the winner of the contest was the Banquet Department with their unique depiction of Transformers' themed pumpkins. Pumpkin carving brings back wonderful childhood memories for all - planning out your strategy to create the best pumpkin in your neighborhood... scraping out the stinky "guts" of the pumpkin... and more!