Patch Poll: How Much Is Your 2012 Holiday Budget?

Have you trimmed your spending because of the economy or has good fortune enabled you to spend more?

Many of you might already be done with your holiday shopping. Still others might be waiting for even better deals that sometimes pop up prior to Christmas. But how does your spending compare to prior holiday seasons? Those who have lost jobs due to the economy, who feel their jobs might be threatened or who have suffered other setbacks might be a little tighter with the purse strings than someone who just got that promotion. With Black Friday and Small Business Saturday over, and Cyber Monday waiting for a business surge tomorrow, you should have a pretty good handle on your 2012 holiday budget. So how much do you plan to spend this holiday season? Let us know by voting in our poll. And tell us in the comments section why you are spending …

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NE12Ukid

12:18 pm on Monday, December 3, 2012

Well, James, I'm big on doing those things around the holidays that bring you joy, satisfaction, or bring such to others. Which is why I support your choices as they bring joy to you and yours. If you love baking and giving cookies to everyone around you, that can be a great way for you to celebrate the holiday. If going to church services does it for you, then that's what you should do. If …   more ›

Get Out: Holiday mART, Sweaty Betty and Small Business Saturday

Patch offers six ideas to keep your weekend eventful.

Still trying to decide what to do for the weekend? You're in luck. Sewickley Patch is here with six ideas to keep your weekend eventful. Check out our picks, and tell us about yours.   Champagne & Shopping: Holiday mART Preview Party When/Where: 5 to 7 p.m. today, Nov. 24 at Sweetwater Center for the Arts. Why Go: Why not? Get the first look at what artists and crafters are selling. Hors d'oeuvres provided by B Gourmet in Sewickley and wine and champagne provided by The Naked Grape.  Admission: $35 day of event.   Small Business Saturday When/Where: today at various stores throughout the Sewickley Valley.  Why Go:  Check out what local businesses have to offer on Small Business Saturday. For a list of deals, click here.  Admission: Free…

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Black Friday: What Sewickley Shoppers Need to Know

While some major retailers planned to open their doors as early as 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving, plenty of deals will still await shoppers today at Walmart, Target, Best Buy and elsewhere.

With each passing year, it seems Black Friday begins earlier and earlier—6 a.m., then 5 a.m., then 4 a.m. This year, Black Friday actually started on Thanksgiving Thursday night. Should you be one of those traditional folks who don't believe in Black Friday shopping until it's actually Black Friday, however, here's what you need to know about shopping opportunities today in the western suburbs. In Sewickley Several stores in town are having Black Friday sales, some of which carry over to Small Business Saturday. Save your gas and shop local. It'll be hard to resist the deals lined up at these stores. Click here for store hours and specials. Big box retailers Walmart in North Fayette will remain open 24 hours throughout the holiday, …

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Will You Shop Locally in Sewickley on Small Business Saturday?

Shopping at locally owned stores helps boost the Sewickley economy.

Small Business Saturday—a day to support small businesses in the community—falls on Nov. 24 this year, two days after Thanksgiving and one day after Black Friday.  American Express founded the day in 2010 to help small businesses get exposure during the holiday season. Shopping on Small Business Saturday is the perfect way to give back to the businesses you know and love in the Sewickley Valley. Last year, 100 million people nationwide participated in Small Business Saturday by shopping at locally owned stores to help boost the economy in their communities. Sewickley Patch wants to get the word out on what local businesses are doing on Small Business Saturday by offering this space as a free forum to let the community know what is …

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Holiday Guide: Shop Local at Sewickley Small Businesses in 2012

Big-name stores are gearing up for holiday shoppers. But there is no need to travel to the crowded malls for your gift-giving needs. Small businesses in Sewickley have unexpected treasures you're sure to love.

If the mere thought of braving large crowds at the mall or big-box stores this holiday season makes you tired, you're not alone. A number of local, must-visit small businesses are ready and waiting to help you find the perfect gift for anyone on your list.  At small businesses, you’ll find personal guidance and thoughtful, one-of-a-kind treasures inside. You can also opt to give gift certificates for that favorite hole-in-the-wall restaurant you've been dying to tell your friends and family about, a massage or facial at a local day spa, or an invigorating activity such as martial arts lessons. Start your shopping list off right by shopping local. For a complete list of local businesses, visit the Sewickley Patch Directory. Be sure to check…

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Inside Voice

Customer Service — and Comfort Food — Are Always on the Menu

While Nov. 26 puts emphasis on small businesses, Patch columnist believes survival goes beyond one shopping day.

  Who says there is no such thing as a free lunch? After Black Friday and the gluttonous attack on the big box stores and their “specials” (which are always limited in number, on purpose) and before Cyber Monday, when all artificial intelligence androids receive a free upgrade and a weekend in "the Cloud," falls Small Business Saturday. This year Nov. 26 marks Small Business Saturday, a promotion that American Express is offering for the second year in a row that encourages consumers to shop at small, local businesses. The sardonic among us would probably say that this is a cynical Amex ploy to look all warm and cuddly, supporting small business. They are even offering $25 of credit to Amex cardholders who register their cards to …

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