After pushing steep discounts throughout November that are usually reserved for the day after Thanksgiving, retailers from Central Department store to retailers in Siam Paragon shopping mall are offering even bigger cuts and promotions for a frantic bid to pull in shoppers.

But the bargain hunters showing up for the early morning specials on toys and TVs are not expected to buy with the same gusto from a year ago, as they fret about tightening credit, massive layoffs and shrinking retirement funds.

Not to mention that consumers are already jaded by all those "60 percent off" signs plastered on storefronts. Analysts say shoppers may stick to smaller gifts, such as cosmetics, rather than 30 to 50,000 Baht flat-panel TVs in a holiday season expected to be the weakest in decades.

I do love a home with a bit of clutter. Some people, (including my husband) call it plain messy, even claustrophobic; I say it's being individual and decorative. It's difficult to go with the current trend for pattern and print, in wallpapers, fabrics, rugs and just about everything, mix it all up with different styles, and still be a minimalist. In fact it's impossible.

The beauty of the 'new clutter' look is that it is constantly evolving. And that's the fun. Why do you think fashionable types now talk about market sales, rather than the latest chic interior store? We get out of bed early on a Sunday morning, not for the joy of swinging a smart carrier bag over our shoulders, but for a bit of a rummage and a find taken home in recycled bags.

It is fascinating what you can find, our favorite market is Chatuchak Weekend Market, which sorry to say has become much to commercial for the best prices, but when lucky sometimes things just cost a few hundred Baht, and if the love affair is only brief, our our cats break it the first evening, it's no great loss.

Running shoes come in three main categories: Motion control, stability, and neutral-cushioned. Follow these three steps to the find the pair that's right for you.

1. What's your arch type? Low: Normal: High
The height of your arch generally determines how much your foot rolls inward or pronates when you land. Pronation is one of way the body absorbs shock, but too much or too little can lead to aches and pains.

The wet test can help determine your arch type. Dip the bottom of your foot in water and step on a brown paper bag.

A low or flat arch results in excessive foot motion; a shoe can correct it. People with normal or medium arches have the right amount of pronation needed for shock absorption. And a high arch doesn't collapse enough to absorb shock; a cushioned shoe will help compensate for that.