Happy Black Friday!

Today, the day after Thanksgiving is the biggest shopping day of the year. It is also just about the only day you will not find this self diagnosed shopaholic in the mall, or even near a shopping area. I practice sobriety today. It is a good exercise for me. I have now made it two whole days without shopping. That may be a record.

I have also decided that I will not join the holiday craze. Of course I have to buy gifts for teachers, family, babysitters and friends. But what you will not see me doing is running through Nordstrom on Christmas Eve. As tempting as those cashmere gloves may be -- and those silver Nordstrom gift boxes are so festive -- I have decided to buy gifts made locally this year.

Living in the San Francisco Bay area, it is quite easy to find locally made items. There are quite a few

local designers, from jewelry to clothing to housewares. Since I love to eat, I will likely be purchasing locally made gourmet food items. I won't give away all the details, as some of you readers may also be on my gift list. 

For a list of some of my favorites, check out my post on SF Bay Style.

Visit the Ferry Building in S.F., local farmers markets, the 4th Street area in Berkeley and check out all of your local shopping districts. You will be amazed at the unique products you will find. Support local merchants and give gifts that you can not find at the mall.

And if you have any local favorites, please share them with me!  I'm always looking for great new local stuff to buy.