I can't believe that Thanksgiving is next week! I am just barely getting over Halloween and soccer season and now we have a major holiday event to digest.  I encourage you all to have a plan for next week. No one ever plans to fail, they merely fail to have a plan. I am the queen of last minute shopping and take more word, it's not worth the stress! We have a few HOT shopping tips posted under Parent Chat for those of you that are looking for great deals on where to purchase your Turkey this year. If you know of a hot grocery deal, post it in Parent Chat! Below you will find a list of basic To Do's prior to Thanksgiving.

1 WEEK BEFORE:

• Plan your menu.
• Order a fresh turkey: To ensure ample servings for dinner, as well as leftovers the next day, allow 3/4 to 1 pound per person.
• Plan your table setting and decorations.
• Make your grocery shopping lists, separating staples from fresh foods.
• Begin shopping for staples.
• Shop for any Essential Holiday Equipment.
• Choose dishes, glassware, tablecloths and napkins, serving dishes, and serving utensils.
• Sharpen carving knife.

Monday, Nov. 23rd - Wednesday, Nov. 25th:

• Begin shopping for produce and other fresh food.
• Organize refrigerator, cleaning out to make extra room for turkey. Defrost turkey stock.
• Pick up turkey and fresh herbs and refrigerate.
• Clean green beans and make topping. Refrigerate in lock-top plastic bags.
• Buy flowers and arrange, if needed.
• Chill wines and water.
• Set the table and buffet, arranging serving pieces, platters, and trivets. You can even stick a Post-it on each platter designating which dish will go in each piece.
• Organize coffee and tea.
• Plan a schedule for the next day, deter- mining what time the turkey must be put in the oven (allowing the oven to preheat).

Black Friday is coming!

Did you know that Black Friday is the busiest shopping day of the year? There are door-buster deals being offered by many retailers that are only offered when the store opens. Again, this is a great time to have an organized shopping list and a plan of attack. To maximize your shopping agenda and stretch your dollars this season, check out: blackfriday.gottadeal.com for the scoop on deals and steals at stores near you. Also check out the Parent Perks page for special coupons for CVParent.com users.

Have a fun, family-filled weekend!

Below is only a partial list of upcoming events and activities so be sure to click on our ANNUAL EVENT CALENDAR so you do not miss anything >>

Use the PARENT PLANNER to click on events and resources you are interested in and click PRINT MY PLANNER to print or email your list.

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Here's a project for the entire family. Donate a decorated shoe box containing gifts for disadvantaged children ALL OVER THE WORLD.

Monday, Nov 15 - Monday, Nov. 23

1. Shoe Box - Use an empty shoe box (standard size, please) or a small plastic container. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required. Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift.

2. Boy or Girl - Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child's age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Print out the appropriate boy/girl label by downloading the artwork to the right. Mark the correct age category on the label, and tape the label to the top of your box.

3. Fill with Gifts - Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child. Use the gift ideas provided on the bottom of this page.

4. Include your Donation - Please donate $7 or more for each shoe box you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. You can give online by using our EZGIVE option, or you can write a check to Samaritan's Purse (note "OCC" on memo line) and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box. If you or your family are preparing more than one shoe box, please make one combined donation.

5. Drop Off - Place a rubber band around each closed shoe box and drop off at Chick-fil-A: 450 Hidden Valley Parkway, Corona 92879 prior to Nov. 21st and receive a a coupon for a FREE Spicy Chick-fil-A sandwich.

Please visit www.samaritanspurse.org for details on how to pack your box, restrictions and what you can include. Find another Collection Center near you during our collection week November 16 - 23.

Please shop locally and support the local resources that make CVParent.com possible!

Browse the Resources or the A-Z Telephone Directory.

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