Big Brother, Big Sister, Big Spender

Saturday is Shop for a Cause in downtown Portland. Participating stores will donate a percentage of the day’s profits to the well-deserving Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine.

I know the holidays pull everyone’s wallet in a million different directions, but this is an easy way for your already-earmarked gift money to help local children. So, if you need board games anyway, why not buy them at Treehouse Toys this weekend?

Ski 'n Play (with paper)

Whether you're tired and weary from too much turkey or that way-too-early mall run, it's time to do a little yoga, eat some probiotics, hit the couch for (yet another) nap, or whatever it takes to get you recharged for the weekend. The usual suspects are still out there for sales, but we've also got a few specials this weekend. Check 'em:

Downeast Ski Sale starts tomorrow at 8 a.m. and promises more than 10,000 downhill, x-country and boarding goodies including boots, bindings, helmets and more. Need to upgrade what you've got at home? Today from 1-6 p.m. drop off any used (but not outdated or in total disrepair) ski stuff and recoup some of your cash. It costs $1/item to register and the ski club keeps 15% commission but the rest is yours to spend.

Need to try before you buy? At the Annual Demo Days at Sunday River you can test drive the products before committing to a purchase.

For the non-skiers, there's once again a bounty of craft and holiday fairs as well as the Antique Paper Show. With more than 40 exhibitors stop here for all your calendar, collectible and stationary needs. And just a little tip: if you're mailing out those holiday cards, it's never too early. Don't be the girl who has to justify the Christmas in July cards. It won't fly.

Black Friday beckons

In true week-of-Thanksgiving form, retailers are flooding my inbox with love letters pledging super sales, percent offs and not-to-be-missed-markdowns. Some even offer Black Friday survival advice – promoting everything from fashionable sneakers to scented oils that promise to revive even the most severe case of sticker shock.

And now, with a little more than 24 hours until turkey, it’s time to talk Black Friday strategy. Sure, your focus may be on getting Grandma’s sweet potatoes just right, but while you mash, consider your shopping options:

For the brave, there’s Rockin’ Shoppin’ Eve that begins outside at 8 p.m. with bands, temporary tattoos and Santa and heads indoors at 1 a.m. when the Mall itself opens for shopping. While the weather might be a bit on the frightful side, the promise of deeply discounted merch is more than enough to pull an all-nighter or set the alarm extra early.

If you value sleep – or Thanksgiving night martinis – the Old Port shopping keeps its normal hours and opens at 10 a.m. Shop downtown, but pace yourself so you can last at least until 5:30 when the Tree Lighting Ceremony in Monument Square kicks off with live music and dance.

Whatever your plan, document it for us and submit your photos to Holiday Madness – you could win Rock Band, the highly coveted (and super fun) video game that gives Guitar Hero a serious run for its money.

See you post-sale on Friday. Happy eating! And shopping!

Trés Bazaar

I was born into craft fairs, tagging along with my mom while I was still in diapers, and later even creating my own wares to sell – a festive fabric square tied over Charms blow pops for 25 cents. Sure, it sounds silly now, but as an elementary-school entrepreneur, there was nothing better than making a dollar or two and getting to snack on your product.

And while I've since accepted my fate as a one-hit wonder of the craft circuit, I'm still a gold-star consumer. The abundance of craft choices this weekend were nothing short of overwhelming, but I did my best. My fault when it comes to fairs, though, is I can't early bird. Not so much by choice, more of a no-alarm-clock-on-Saturday-mornings rule, but when you're trying to secure some serious "Attic Treasures" from St. Luke's, timeliness matters. But, even with my lateness, I found an old hand-tooled leather handbag at the 75 State Street sale, and at $1, does it matter if I need it? I can always gift it, which would actually be the purpose of all the holiday bazaars...I'll keep it in mind.

But if you missed the holiday fairs due to endlessly long Thanksgiving lines at the grocery store or turdukenoostrich (or is it turduckengoostrich?) assembling, the best of the best are still upcoming. Not your grandmama's craft fairs, Biddeford's Blissful Revolution is a handmade extravaganza that will feature all mediums (including tarot for a little holiday clarity), and Portland's MECA/SEA Holiday Art Sale at the East End Community School features students work along with community artists. I'm still lamenting my non-purchase of a purse hanger from last year, but, fingers crossed I'll be able to buy one for all the social butterflies (er, bar flies) on this year's list.

So mark your calendars, Blissful hits Dec. 8 and MECA opens Nov. 30. And if Thursday's looming so large it's hard to see beyond the sweet potatoes, at least let the thought of local, handmade presents occupy your thoughts during Drunk Uncle's third monologue.

Coats of Many Colors

Last weekend marked the official opening of holiday shopping season with the Vets' Day sales, so while some of you paraded, others purchased. I did a little of both. A little armistice, a little Armani – civic duty and chic are equally important tenets of America, and should never be ignored. Especially on holidays.

So, after checking out the Healing Fields in Deering Oaks, I then, freezing, set about to find a winter coat. A summer lover to the core, I just this week accepted that beach weather is over. Yes, it's almost Thanksgiving, but I was still jumping in the ocean at the end last month, so I'm deep in denial about the coming snow. But it's time to embrace the season. And what better way to start than with a fun, yet practical, coat. Sold.

Hit me with your best shop

Okay, shoppers. T-minus 41 days 'til Santa, 21 to Hanukkah, 39 for Festivus and let's just split the difference for Chrismukkah. Any way you party, the holidays are nearly here, so let's jump right in.

If the thought of long lines, impossible-to-shop-for loved ones and last minute, do-it-yourself presents nauseates you, then this blog's for you. I promise to guide you through the most awkward of office parties, family dinners and mistletoe moments...or at the very least leave you well-heeled for the occasion. Because, sure, everyone needs a little therapy during the holiday rush, and this is equal parts what-to-buy, what-to-wear and how-to-survive relatively unscathed.

So tune in for the season's Dos and Don'ts (Re-gifting? Yes. Impersonal iTunes gift cards? No.) and also Spotted: quick hits of must-have things, places or people. I'm counting on contributions from the gallery on this one – what have you seen that's fantastic? Whether it's off the rack or on a passerby, snap a picture, send a link and I'll feature it. Let's get it started with today's:

Spotted: A new stock of women's shoes at TJ Maxx. Marc Jacobs among them(!), but better are the Calvin Klein python t-strap platforms for a low-low $34.99. They didn't have my size, so someone please buy them and wear them well so I can live vicariously through this footwear find.