Recommended read: How Starbucks Saved My Life

I can't go into Barnes and Noble without buying a book. I walk in to waste a little time and leave with at least one new book that I don't have time to read. It's beginning to be a little bit of a problem, but oh well.

I went in the other day, and saw this book - How Starbucks Saved My Life - and it got my attention. I love Starbucks, I [now] love coffee (my ability to grow an addiction in such a short period of time is actually kind of impressive), but to claim it saved my life? I clearly had to investigate further.

The tagline is A son of privilege learns to live like everyone else, so I'm giving it a try (reading it, that is)... and it's actually pretty good. Michael Gates Gill basically tumbles from his spot on top of the world, loses it all, and then grows by becoming a barista at Starbucks. Interesting, definitely. His writing is conversational and it gives you just a little more insight into the people behind the bar serving you your morning latte. Check it out!

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My favorite holiday

Aside from the fact that I had a large latte to keep me functioning all day, this post has nothing to do with coffee.

When I was a kid, my favorite holidays were my birthday and Chanukah, because I like presents. Getting them, giving them, and unwrapping them... it's all wonderful. Black Friday is like a giant present from the stores to me, hence the reason it's now my favorite holiday.

Feeling ambitious, we headed to Mall of America to take advantage of the sales... and it was wonderful! I came home with two jackets (for $50, thanks H&M!), the perfect red strapless dress, a cross-body bag, tights, and some accessories. It was crowded - enough to dissuade us from Nordstrom Rack - but not as overwhelming as it could be. Plus, we were helping the economy! Mission very accomplished.