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There are better things you can do on Black Friday than shop. Here are 7 ideas.

Happy Thanksgiving! Build up your community, help the planet, and move into the rest of the holiday season with a level head.

Maybe it's because I hate crowds, or because I'm perpetually two years late to the newest technology, or because shopping makes me tired ... but I've never understood Black Friday.

Personally, I prefer to spend the day following Thanksgiving eating pie at every meal while wearing pants with elastic waistbands.

This just does not look like an enjoyable experience. Photo from Powhusku/Flickr.

Let's be real: Even if you do like shopping, Black Friday brings some major issues to the table.

First of all, most of the retail workers who deal with crowds of customers on Black Friday make close to the minimum wage — about $10.29 an hour, on average. Many big box stores don't offer health coverage to all their employees. And the sale-crazed crowds on Black Friday can even be dangerous for workers and shoppers both.

That's why REI made the decision to close their stores on Nov. 27. They're giving their employees a paid holiday so they can "opt outside" and spend the day in the great outdoors instead of "fighting it out in the aisles."

Who doesn't want to spend the holidays in the Walmart seafood aisle? Photo from bobjgalindo/Wikimedia Commons.

The shopping surge also means that many retail workers have to leave their loved ones and work on the day after (and sometimes the night of) Thanksgiving.

So if you only get one day-after-Thanksgiving every year, it's silly to waste it at a crowded store with hundreds of other people who are willing to throw elbows to get a new Blu-ray player.

Instead, here are seven ways to spend Black Friday that are (at least in my mind) a whole lot better than shopping.

1. Take a trip to a state park.

I'm pretty sure that parks offer much better views than the inside of a Walmart. So load up your Thanksgiving leftovers into a picnic basket, find the closest park, and get some fresh air. If you live in Minnesota, you can even take advantage of free admission to all of the state's parks this Nov. 27.

This is Frontenac State Park, Minnesota. Beautiful, eh? Photo by Yinan Chen/Wikimedia Commons.

2. Clean out your closet.

Remember that one time you spring cleaned? Yeah, me neither. But it's never too late to pull everything out of your closet and get rid of the things you really don't need. When you're done, find a new home for your old clothes and for those books you never got around to reading — try Freecycle or Craigslist.

3. Eat those leftovers.

OK, you were probably planning on doing this anyway, but let's pretend it's my idea. About one-third of the food produced in the world is wasted and thrown away. Don't let that happen to your Thanksgiving meal. If you get sick of turkey sandwiches, give your leftovers a makeover with one of these recipes.

Photo by Ruocaled/Flickr.

4. Take a long walk.

I just started taking long walks and I cannot recommend it enough. You're going to need some endorphins to propel you out of your Thanksgiving food coma, and since daylight is getting a little more scarce each day, you better spend some time outside while you can. Bundle up and kill two birds with one … pleasant stroll around the neighborhood.

5. Binge-watch "Master of None."

Seriously, if you haven't seen it yet, you should maybe re-evaluate your life decisions. "Master of None" isn't just hilarious and brilliant — it's also an honest depiction of people of color that doesn't tokenize the characters. That's rare in TV, but Aziz Ansari pulls it off flawlessly.

GIF from "Master of None."

6. Compost your food scraps.

The potato peels, lemon rinds, and coffee grounds from Thanksgiving dinner could actually be used to create nutrient-filled soil! If you live near a community garden, you can keep your food scraps in a Tupperware container and take them to the compost pile the next day. Or, better yet, spend Black Friday building your own compost bin.

7. Talk to your family.

Here's one cool thing that I recently discovered about adulthood: Your parents (and grandparents, for that matter) have a lot of good stories they never told you, either because you never asked or because they didn't want you to know they were also young and kind of stupid once. If you're together this year, dig up some of those stories. Bonus points: Research has shown has shown that sharing those stories can actually bring you closer together and build empathy.

There are a lot of really awesome things you can do on Black Friday that don't involve a credit card.

We'd love to hear your ideas, too.

And really, however you spend your Thanksgiving — or the day after, or the day before — just don't forget to celebrate the true spirit of the holiday, focusing on feeling grateful for your family, your friends, and your planet.

Community

Facebook group brings people together IRL to make meaningful friendships

True

Making new friends as an adult is challenging. While people crave meaningful IRL connections, it can be hard to know where to find them. But thanks to one Facebook Group, meeting your new best friends is easier than ever.

Founded in 2018, NYC Brunch Squad brings together hundreds of people who come as strangers and leave as friends through its in-person events.

“Witnessing the transformative impact our community has on the lives of our members is truly remarkable. We provide the essential support and connections needed to thrive amid the city's chaos,” shares Liza Rubin, the group’s founder.

Despite its name, the group doesn’t just do brunch. They also have book clubs, seasonal parties, and picnics, among other activities.

NYC Brunch Squad curates up to 10 monthly events tailored to the specific interests of its members. Liza handles all the details, taking into account different budgets and event sizes – all people have to do is show up.

“We have members who met at our events and became friends and went on to embark on international journeys to celebrate birthdays together. We have had members get married with bridesmaids by their sides who were women they first connected with at our events. We’ve had members decide to live together and become roommates,” Liza says.

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A post shared by 𝐍𝐘𝐂 𝐁𝐫𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐒𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐝® (@nycbrunchsquad)

Members also bond over their passion for giving back to their community. The group has hosted many impact-driven events, including a “Picnic with Purpose” to create self-care packages for homeless shelters and recently participated in the #SquadSpreadsJoy challenge. Each day, the 100 members participating receive random acts of kindness to complete. They can also share their stories on the group page to earn extra points. The member with the most points at the end wins a free seat at the group's Friendsgiving event.

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Terrified dog transforms after human sits with him.

There's something about dogs that makes people just want to cuddle them. They have some of the sweetest faces with big curious eyes that make them almost look cartoonish at times. But not all dogs get humans that want to snuggle up with them on cold nights; some dogs are neglected or abandoned. That's where animal shelters come in, and they work diligently to take care of any medical needs and find these animals loving homes.

Volunteers are essential to animal shelters running effectively to fill in the gaps employees may not have time for. Rocky Kanaka has been volunteering to sit with dogs to provide comfort. Recently he uploaded a video of an extremely emaciated Vizsla mix that was doing his best to make himself as small as possible in the corner of the kennel.

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Woman's felony charge after miscarriage highlights need for education.

Content Warning: This story discusses pregnancy loss details that may be uncomfortable for some readers.

Losing a pregnancy is not something anyone can prepare for. There's no course you can take to tell you what to expect, how you'll feel or what to do after the miscarriage occurs. It's not something that's widely talked about, even in conversations about miscarriage.

About 1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage in the first trimester and 1 in 5 in the second, according to the March of Dimes. Many women who reveal they've lost a pregnancy talk about how difficult it was emotionally, but they rarely talk about the lack of information from medical professionals or the details of the process of miscarrying. It makes sense because it's hard enough to discuss pregnancy loss, and to go into detail may be much worse on their mental health.

There also may be a level of shame attached to the process, partly because the topic of miscarriage is still taboo but also because many at-home miscarriages happen in the toilet. It's an uncomfortable truth that haunts people who have experienced the process. But the truth of the matter is, hospitals don't usually admit you for a miscarriage; they send you home with little to no instructions on what to do after it happens. So to people who have experienced the pain of a miscarriage at home, it makes sense that a woman in Ohio, currently on trial for "abuse of a corpse" would have no idea what to do after miscarrying.

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This company lets children transform ordinary backpacks into creative masterpieces

Dommei’s innovative designs are empowering children to unleash their artistic potential.

Imagine a world where a simple backpack becomes a canvas for imagination and a tool for learning. That's the world Dommei has created.

Born out of a desire to blend creativity with everyday utility, Dommei is not just another company; it's a hub of innovation. In a time when screens often dominate our children's attention, Dommei brings back the joy of tangible, hands-on creativity.

@dommei_inc Play in different! Dommei DIY Backpack combine the functionality of display board, toys, and tools.
♬ 原聲 - Dommei Inc

Each backpack from Dommei is more than a bag; it's a gateway to worlds of space, oceans, dinosaurs, and more. It's where art meets education, and ordinary backpacks transform into extraordinary masterpieces, empowering children to unleash their artistic potential and explore new horizons.

1. The Concept Behind Dommei

During the 2020 pandemic, when the world seemed to pause, Dommei hit the play button on creativity and innovation. The company's journey began with a question: How can we turn everyday objects into something extraordinary? Inspired by the grandeur and innovation symbolized by the Crystal Palace of the first World Expo, Dommei decided to reinvent something as simple as a backpack into a canvas of imagination and learning.

At its core, Dommei stands on three pillars: create, have fun, and share. It's not just about making a product; it's about creating an experience that blends joy with education. The brand encourages children and adults alike to explore their creativity, turning personal expression into an interactive adventure. By marrying practicality with play, Dommei backpacks are more than just storage; they're tools for storytelling, learning, and sharing experiences. Each backpack is a celebration of personal expression, underlining the brand's commitment to making education not only accessible but also enjoyable.

2. The Space Domepak Kit

Blast off into a universe of learning and creativity with the Space Domepak Kit! This isn't just a backpack; it's a launchpad for young astronauts' imaginations. Loaded with a space-themed display board, stellar toys, and tools for connecting, the Space Domepak turns the mystery of the cosmos into an interactive adventure. It’s perfect for those little dreamers who gaze up at the stars and wonder.

By bringing the wonders of the universe to their fingertips, this kit encourages curiosity, learning, and creativity, making the vastness of space feel a little closer and a lot more personal. It’s not just carrying a backpack but a galaxy of possibilities.

3. The Ocean Domepak Kit

Dive into the deep blue with the Ocean Domepak Kit, where every zip opens up a world of underwater exploration. This kit is more than a backpack; it's an oceanic expedition for young explorers! It is packed with marine-themed toys, a vibrant display board, and tools inviting interaction

It's a treasure trove for budding marine biologists. Kids discover and learn about mysterious marine species, fostering a love for our oceans and their creatures. It's a hands-on experience that brings the ocean's wonders to the surface, igniting a wave of curiosity and care for the aquatic world.

4. The Dinosaur Domepak Kit

Step back in time with the Dinosaur Domepak Kit, a prehistoric playground for the little paleontologist in your life. This isn't just any backpack; it's a time machine to when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. Loaded with dinosaur-themed toys, a prehistoric display board, and tools for hands-on learning, it brings the ancient world of dinosaurs into the present.

This kit makes learning about these magnificent creatures fun and accessible, sparking a fascination with natural history. It's more than a journey into the past; it’s an exploration of a world that once was, igniting a lifelong passion for discovery and science.

5. The Combo Domepak Kit

Meet the chameleon of backpacks: the Combo Domepak Kit. This ingenious creation adapts to whatever your child’s heart desires, be it the cosmos, the deep sea, or the age of dinosaurs.

Each kit comes with a variety of themes, making it a jack-of-all-trades in the world of creative learning. It's not just versatile; it's a playground for the imagination. Whether your little one is an aspiring astronaut today or a marine biologist tomorrow, this backpack evolves with their changing passions. It's a celebration of their growing interests, offering a canvas that's as dynamic and creative as their young minds.

6. The Plus Domepak Kit

For the little artist with a big imagination, the Plus Domepak Kit is a masterpiece waiting to happen. This isn’t just a backpack; it's an artist's studio on the go. With its comprehensive set, including a DIY painting kit, it turns every outing into an opportunity for artistic expression.

The Plus Domepak isn't just about carrying supplies; it's about carrying ideas and dreams. Whether it's painting a prehistoric landscape or a starry galaxy, this kit combines art, education, and endless fun. It’s perfect for nurturing creativity, blending the joy of making art with the thrill of learning something new every day.

Learn More

Dommei's backpacks are more than just bags; they're windows to worlds of creativity and learning. Each one is a unique adventure, inviting kids to explore, create, and grow.

So, why settle for ordinary when your child can carry a masterpiece? Click here to dive into Dommei's world and see where creativity takes you.

There are better things you can do on Black Friday than shop. Here are 7 ideas.

Happy Thanksgiving! Build up your community, help the planet, and move into the rest of the holiday season with a level head.

Maybe it's because I hate crowds, or because I'm perpetually two years late to the newest technology, or because shopping makes me tired ... but I've never understood Black Friday.

Let's be real: Even if you do like shopping, Black Friday brings some major issues to the table.

Instead, here are seven ways to spend Black Friday that are (at least in my mind) a whole lot better than shopping.

1. Take a trip to a state park.

2. Clean out your closet.

3. Eat those leftovers.

4. Take a long walk.

5. Binge-watch "Master of None."

6. Compost your food scraps.

7. Talk to your family.

There are a lot of really awesome things you can do on Black Friday that don't involve a credit card.

He tries making himself so small in the kennel until he realizes he's safe.

Let's start with the unspoken and uncomfortable fact that miscarriages at home usually happen in a toilet.

“We appreciate your concern but please do not knock on our door.."

It's usually a bad thing to land in a mound of fire ants at 80 mph. But not if you're Joan Murray.

Dommei’s innovative designs are empowering children to unleash their artistic potential.

Some adults say it's healing their inner child, but there's something in the popular Australian kids' show for everyone.

The kid actors are fantastic. Seriously, so darn funny.

The parents teach lessons through imaginative play

The parents share their own learnings along the way

It's therapeutic—literally.