A PLATE OF THIS A CUP OF THAT: Black Friday

The Christmas season has come to mean the period when the public plays Santa Claus to the merchants. ~John Andrew Holmes

So you've stuffed your face and now you are feeling full and tired from the thanksgiving festivites. But, there is no time for sleeping.Its about that time to hit the stores for BLACK FRIDAY!! Black friday is the best time of the year. It's the day after Thanksgiving were majority of stores have incredible sales. This makes shopping for Christmas or yourself so much easier. Though this is very exciting (1stClassLadies LOVE to shop!) this is also the timme were most robberies take place. To make sure you dont't become a victim this season on one of the most exciting shopping days, we are here to help you be safe.

GROUPS. Its always safer to shop in groups rather then alone. You become less of a target and if someone in the goup becomes "missing" someone will notice faster. Try to keep the group to a minimime of three and a maximium of five. This keeps shopping time short and tight. Make sure to have all parties in the groups cell phone number and wear the same colors to you can reconize them fast. Lighter colors like orange or a bright are good choices.

UNNECESSARY BAGGAGE. Avoid bringing along things you dont really need like bags or purses. Have an inside pocket to carry you money/cards on your coat. No big over the top wallets. simple credit card or money clasp will safies. Remeber not to carry ANYTHING in your back pocket. Even the smallest "bump" could be that of a expert thief.

MONEY USAGE. Limit how much money you use. with Money comes change, making it easy to misplace and messy. It also draws attention to you when paying at the register. This gives some onlookers a glance at how much money your carring.

CREDIT & DEBIT CARDS. When entering your pin for your debit cad remember to cover your pin so no one can see. Make sure to write "Check I.D." on the back in case you lose it. Credit/Debit card that provide your picture on it are very good when avoiding identity thief (i.e. Capital one.)

CHECK RECEIPT. Never leave without checking your receipt o avoid over charging. It is also very importantif you are paying with a credit/debit card to make sure you entire card number is NOT on the receipt. THIS IS AGAINST THE LAW. If you do see it, simply scratch out all the numbers leaving only the last FOUR visible. This is another way of avoiding identity theft from employees in the store.

Though the site of malls and stores might scare some it wont put fear in the hearts of others. For the brave souls that are up fo the challenge, 1stClassLadies will give you the scoops on who's have the sales and who's not!