The Majority of Conejo Valley Guide Facebook Followers Plan to Relax on Black Friday

Happy Thanksgiving! Thanksgiving is celebrated on the 4th Thursday of November, but it hasn't always been that way. In December 1941, Congress passed a law signed by Franklin D. Roosevelt to change it to the 4th Thursday; previously it was the last Thursday of the month (signed into law by Abraham Lincoln in 1863). The change was made in part to distance Thanksgiving a bit from Christmas (which hasn't kept Santa from appearing at most local malls well before today).

Moving on to tomorrow, Black Friday...in a drawing and informal survey on the Conejo Valley Guide Facebook page yesterday, the question was asked, "what are your plans for Black Friday?" 

Based on the responses, I might have to sell short consumer retail stocks, as only 13% of the 188 responding to the survey mentioned they plan to shop on Black Friday! (And that includes one response who said he was "Amazoning.")

In fact, 4% of folks responded with "Not Shopping" I suppose to make a point....although that does not really answer the question as to what they DO plan to do.

Overall, 43% of the responses indicated a plan to "hang out" with family and/or just relax, or just SLEEP (9% indicate that) tomorrow. These folks plan to eat leftovers, relax, watch movies at home, play games and basically enjoy a day with family. Not a bad way to enjoy Black Friday.

Nearly 20% of responses indicates plans to go out and about on Black Friday, not necessarily to shop, but to enjoy the outdoors, take a hike, go to the movies, visit an amusement park, watch Santa fly from the sky at Janss Marketplace, watch kids' sports, etc.

Only 7% of responses indicated they plan to work on Black Friday. Yes, some of us still do have to work. And 5% indicated plans to get moving on holiday decorating around the house.

Other responses included "not sure," chores, travel, packing for move, buying a car, job interview, studying, party, get a facial and so on.

Most Popular Thanksgiving Meal Side Dishes From Conejo Valley Guide Facebook Fans

In another Conejo Valley Guide Facebook Page drawing today, readers were asked to indicate a favorite Thanksgiving meal side dish. The following is a summary of this informal survey:

Tied for most mentioned side dish...<drum roll>... Sweet Potatoes and Stuffing, each with 19% of total comments.

Tied for third most mentioned side dish: Mashed Potatoes and Green Bean Casserole, each with 11% of comments.

Tied for fifth most mentioned side dish with 6% of total comments each were Yams, Veggies and dishes made with Pumpkin.

Other mentions in the drawing included Potato Casserole, Cranberry Sauce, Broccoli Casserole, a Thanksgiving Jello with Cream/Celery dish, Pecan Pie, Mac & Cheese, Roasted Potatoes, Noodles, Craft Beer (hmm), Sweet Potato Pie, Blair Sausage and Cranberries.

For a compilation of community holiday season events and activities through the end of the year, visit THIS LINK.

Conejo Valley Guide Facebook Followers are Thankful for Many Things

As part of a drawing for tickets to the Reagan Library yesterday, we asked Conejo Valley Guide Facebook page followers to comment on something they are thankful for this holiday season. Over 300 folks commented in the span of eight hours. The word cloud below sums up what this great local crowd is thankful for as we approach Thanksgiving.

Word cloud courtesy of tool at www.jasondavies.com/wordcloud

Word cloud courtesy of tool at www.jasondavies.com/wordcloud

For a compilation of community holiday season events and activities through the end of the year, visit THIS LINK.

Just in Time For the Holidays! Gingersnap Streusel Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Originally posted November 2010. Here's the latest recipe from chef Jill Fisher! Jill, a licensed Personal Chef, teaches cooking classes at Conejo Valley Adult School and Williams Sonoma in Thousand Oaks and has written articles for local food magazines such as 805 Living. 

CLICK HERE for Jill's other recipes published in Conejo Valley Guide!

Gingersnap Streusel Pumpkin Pie

1 flaky pie crust, unbaked

2 cups crushed gingersnap cookies (about 40)

1 cup chopped pecans

½ cup powdered sugar

¼ cup melted butter

1 15 oz can pumpkin

1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk

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Some Great Thanksgiving Side Dish Recipes, Turkey Tips and More!!

Thanksgiving is upon us!! Here's some great, practical advice on cooking some DELICIOUS side dishes that will make you the star of the dining room! Check out the video below and read on. For more free videos and cooking tips from Master Chef, Kirk Leins, visit www.notimetocook.com.

Thanksgiving is almost the perfect holiday. Unlike many celebrations, the emphasis is less about the material aspects, and more about the day itself.

Simply put, Thanksgiving is about reconnecting with loved ones, eating great food, and watching a few football games. The one blemish, however, is the pressure we feel to flawlessly execute a great Thanksgiving dinner.

Your Bird

It’s no secret that your turkey will be the centerpiece of your Thanksgiving table. It’s also no secret that the quality of the turkey is the primary measurement by which

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