Can you believe we are a week away from Thanksgiving? Time is certainly flying by, and soon, Turkey Day will be upon us. Usually each year, I attend Thanksgiving dinner at my Grandmother's house, and she and my Aunt usually do all of the prepping and cooking.

November and December can be two of the toughest months to stay focused during work. With the holiday season in full force as well as days off during the week due to Thanksgiving and Christmas, it can be difficult to keep everything together personal wise while working.

Known as "holiday blahs", "holiday depression", or Seasonal affective disorder (or winter depression), the holidays are met with an overwhelming sense of despair followed by sadness, anger, and loneliness.

When it comes to Black Friday, there are few stores that can compete with Walmart. Say what you want about the retailer, but during our current economic climate, most people are looking for bargains to stretch their money, and Walmart rolls back prices lower than most.

This year, Macy's is upping the ante with their first-ever midnight opening for Black Friday. You can get your eat on during Turkey day, and then stay up and raid Macy's for what is sure to be bargains galore.

A few weeks ago, I walked into a major department store and saw the beginnings of the holiday season in terms of decorations and displays.

I don't come from a highly religious family, but I know of friends and other extended family members who do not allow their children to dress up for Halloween. Some tend to think that Halloween is an evil 'holiday' that stirs up negativity and disrespects the Bible and the Word.

We are almost in the full throes of the holiday season and I have already secured my daughter's first Christmas present. It got me thinking about what I wanted this year.

Labor Day has always been one of my favorite holidays. It usually takes place around my birthday and is a time where we get in some last bit of partying before the end of summer.

Funny how time flies when you are having fun. And when you are building your empire one stone at a time, your days fly by like a whirlwind.

As a parent of two, it is important for me to take advantage of all of the back-to-school sales and shopping discounts I can. Participating in Missouri's Sales Tax Free Weekend (or Sales Tax Weekend) is a must. and I have saved a considerable amount of money over the years, since those tax dollars do add up.

It can be a daunting task going back to work after a three or four day holiday weekend or vacation. Maybe you traveled to another city and after the apex of a great weekend, you suddenly find yourself depressed when you land back in your town.

Happy Mother's Day to all of my readers who are mothers, Grandmothers, Godmothers, Aunts, and/or mother figures. We birth the world and prepare the next generation for greatness. Make sure that you tell your mother that you love her today and show her your gratitude!

Ah, the season of the Cupid is here. And with all the talk of hearts and candies and roses and love, there are many of you who could care less about the sweetest day on the calendar. Valentines Day ain't for everybody---in fact, there is a heavy anti-Valentines Day campaign for many who don't feel the slightest tinge of romanticism on February 14th.

After all, V-Day is supposed to be about showing the one you love how much you care. And that doesn't have to mean spending a lot of cash---as a romantic, I love the simpleness of spending a quiet night at home snuggling and watching a movie.