Your Black Friday Pick-Me-Up: Spiked Chocolate Espresso

Sarah Jones
Nov 23, 2012

Black Friday is upon us and we have to admit it’s almost become a holiday unto itself. Whether you’re out shopping for deals or catching some football games on the TV, there’s much to do and see. We thought you might need a pick-me-up after running around town or lazing about on the couch, so we created a caffeinated libation as a little treat that will still keep you on your feet.

Your Black Friday Pick-Me-Up: Spiked Chocolate Espresso

Makes 6 small drinks

Ingredients:

– 3 cups water

– 3 Starbucks Via instant coffee packets (unflavored)

– 3 ounces chocolate-flavored vodka

– 1 cup whipping cream

– 2 tablespoons whipped cream-flavored vodka

– Cocoa powder to garnish

Gather your ingredients.

Heat water on stove until boiling. Remove from heat and stir in 3 packets of Starbucks Via instant coffee. Then stir in your chocolate vodka.

At this point, it’s helpful to transfer mixture to a liquid measuring cup for easier pouring.

In a medium-size bowl, combine whipping cream and whipped cream-flavored vodka. Use a hand mixer to whip cream to soft peaks.

See those soft peaks?

Now you’re ready to assemble. Pretty easy so far, huh? Divide espresso mixture among 6 glasses.

Top with whipped cream…

and sprinkle with a little cocoa powder.

Finito! Don’t you look like an Italian barista? Serve your libation warm or cold and enjoy your Black Friday pick-me-up.

What are you doing for Black Friday? Let us know in the comments section below.

42 Early Black Friday Deals You Can Start Shopping Now

Black Friday will be here before you know it, with thousands of retailers flaunting their best deals of the year. We're shoppers at heart, so you know we're already scoping out 2024's offerings! Given that the list of stores and brands hosting Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales this year is essentially endless, we're weeding out only the best deals from the places you love to spend (and save).

From beauty faves like Dieux and Kiehl's to home goods from Amazon and Walmart, these are the Black Friday deals you simply can't miss.

What is Black Friday?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

Black Friday is the Friday after Thanksgiving that typically signifies the start of holiday shopping season, though many retailers have started to launch their Black Friday deals earlier year over year. A lot of the deals that stores and brands offer during Black Friday outpace their other sales events (such as Memorial Day and Labor Day) in terms of savings.

When is Black Friday 2024?

Gustavo Fring / PEXELS

Black Friday will land on November 29, 2024.

What is Cyber Monday?

Cottonbro Studio / PEXELS

Cyber Monday is the Monday after Thanksgiving that highlights savings and deals online as opposed to in-store offers. It's one of the busiest times of year for online shopping.

When is Cyber Monday 2024?

Anna Shvets / PEXELS

Cyber Monday will land on December 2, 2024.

When's the best time to shop for holiday gifts?

Vlada Karpovich / PEXELS

We're big believers that it's never too early to start shopping for holiday gifts. The sooner you shop, the better, so you can check everyone off your list ahead of the busy holiday season and have some peace of mind once the real festivities start! Plus, if you're shopping online, starting early gives you ample time to wait for items to be shipped and delivered to your door. If deals and savings are what you're looking for, Black Friday and Cyber Monday offer some really great opportunities.

What's the best thing to shop for during Black Friday and Cyber Monday?

Kaboompics / PEXELS

The best thing to shop for during Black Friday deals and Cyber Monday promotions really depends on what your needs are as well as the items you're scoping out to treat yourself (or the people you're gifting for the holidays). Typically, big-ticket items like home appliances, tech products like earbuds, laptops, TVs, and tablets, and luxury self-care tools are heavily discounted during this time.

Beauty Sales

Amazon

Bliss Bright Idea Vitamin C + Tri-Peptide Collagen Brightening Serum

Bliss

When: November 20-December 17

What: 20-30% off select products

Ulta

Perricone MD High Potency Hyaluronic Intensive Hydrating Serum

Ulta

When: Now-November 23

What: Weekly deals on skincare, makeup, hair care, and fragrance.

IT Cosmetics

IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Full-Coverage Foundation with SPF 50+

IT Cosmetics

When: November 23-December 3

What: 30% off sitewide (loyalty members get 35% off)

Amazon

Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream

Kiehl's

When: November 21-December 2

What: 30% off site-wide and 50% off select items on November 26 only

Amazon

Lanolips Baby Baby Balms Set

Lanolips

When: November 29-December 2

What: 30% off at Ulta and 20% off on Amazon

Moroccanoil

Moroccanoil Original Treatment

Moroccanoil

When: November 25-December 3 (rewards members will have early access to the sale on December 2)

What: 25% off sitewide

NOYZ

NOYZ Love Club Eau De Parfum

NOYZ

When: November 28-30 and December 1-2

What: 25% off sitewide and a free baseball cap on purchases over $55 on November 28-30, 25% off sitewide and a free candle on purchases over $55 on December 1-2

dpHUE

dpHUE Gloss+

dpHUE

When: November 3-15

What: 25% off sitewide

Dieux

Dieux Baptism Gel Cleanser

Dieux

When: November 29-December 2

What: 30% off original price items, 20% off single items, and a free Mini Slugging Kit on orders over $30

ILIA

ILIA Skin Rewind Complexion Stick

ILIA

When: November 25-December 2, VIP members get early access November 24

What: 20% off sitewide, 25% off orders over $125, and 25% off plus a free full-size product for orders over $150

Ogee

Ogee Tinted Lip Set

Ogee

When: November 1-December 3

What: 20% off sitewide with code 'GIFTGLOW20' and receive free deluxe samples with purchases over $200 (November 28-December 3 only)

Amazon

Youth To The People Superfood Facial Cleanser

Youth To The People

When: November 23-December 3 on YTTP.com, November 21-December 2 on Amazon, and December 2 at Sephora

What:

  • YTTP: 30% off sitewide plus a free 3-piece gift with purchases over $85
  • Amazon: 20% off select products through November 27, 30% off select products starting November 28
  • Sephora: 30% off all products in-store and online

Hero

Hero Blemish Bestsellers Kit

Hero

When: November 25-December 2

What: 20% off sitewide

Amazon

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask

Briogeo

When: November 20-December 2 on Briogeo's site, November 28 at Sephora and Kohl's, November 28-December 2 on Amazon, and December 2 at Ulta and Target

What: up to 30% off products

Ulta

Origins GinZing SPF 40 Energy-Boosting Tinted Moisturizer

Origins

When: November 24-30 at Ulta

What: 40% off moisturizers and 30% off cleansers

Fashion Sales

Amazon

Dream Pairs Genuine Suede Classic Platform Boots

Dream Pairs

When: November 21-December 2

What: 20-40% off select styles on the Dream Pairs site and Amazon

Madewell

Madewell The Essential Bucket Tote

Madewell

When: November 21-27

What: 30% off your purchase, including new arrivals

H&M

H&M Brushed-Finish Jacket

H&M

When: November 28-December 1

What: 30% off online only (November 28), 30% off online and in-store (November 29-30), and up to 50% off (November 30-December 1)

Old Navy

Old Navy '94 Half Zip

Old Navy

When: November 1-December 2

What: 50% off select products online and in-store (November 1-6), 50% off everything online and in-store (November 7-10), and 50% off everything online only and 50% off select products in-store (November 27-December 2)

Land's End

Land's End Medium Canvas Tote Bag

Land's End

When: November 29-December 3

What: 50% off, including customizable canvas totes, sheets, towels, accessories and more.

Showpo

Showpo Jondra Blouse

Showpo

When: November 22-December 3

What:

  • Black Friday early access (November 22-24): 25% off sitewide
  • Black Friday (November 27-29): 25% off sitewide
  • Cyber Weekend (November 30-December 1): 25% off almost everything and 40% off bestsellers
  • Cyber Monday (December 2-3): 25% off almost everything and 40% off bestsellers

Franco Sarto

Franco Sarto Jaxon Mid Calf Boot

Franco Sarto

When: November 23-December 3

What: Up to 70% off + free shipping

Oomiay

Oomiay Havasu Earrings

Oomiay

When: November 28-December 2

What: Free exclusive jewelry pieces (up to 5) with every item purchased on November 28-December 1 and up to 50% off your entire order on December 2 only

Barefoot Dreams

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Solid Robe

Barefoot Dreams

When: November 27-December 1 (Black Friday VIP access starts November 25) and December 2-3 (for Cyber Monday)

What: 20% off 2 items, 25% off 3 items, and 30% off 4 or more items for Black Friday. The CozyChic Checks & Stripes Sock Set will be just $9.98 (was $45) on Cyber Monday only.

Local Eclectic

Local Eclectic Whimsical Charm Necklace

Local Eclectic

When: November 25-December 2

What: 20% off sitewide

Quince

Quince Italian Wool Classic Single-Breasted Coat

Quince

When: November 27-December 2

What: 40% off select products

Athleta

Athleta Aire Puffer Jacket

Athleta

When: November 27-December 1

What: 30% off sitewide

Home Sales

Revival Rugs

Revival Rugs Gambit Rug

Revival Rugs

When: November 14-December 2

What: Scaled discounts automatically applied at checkout:

  • 15% off $250-500
  • 20% off $500-999
  • 25% off $1,000-1,999
  • 30% off $2000+

Walmart

Samsung 55” Crystal UHD 4K Smart TV

Walmart

When: November 11-December 1

What: Walmart is breaking up their Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals into two events.

  • Event 1 deals begin online on November 11 at 12 p.m. ET exclusively for paid Walmart+ members and 5 p.m. ET for all customers.
  • Event 1 deals begin in stores on November 15 at 6 a.m. local time.
  • Event 2 deals begin online on November 25 at 12 p.m. ET exclusively for paid Walmart+ members and 5 p.m. ET for all customers.
  • Event 2 deals begin in stores November 29 at 6 a.m. local time.
  • Cyber Monday deals start online on December 1 at 5 p.m. ET exclusively for paid Walmart+ members and 8 p.m. ET for all customers.

Amazon

TheraGun Sense Percussion Massage Gun

Amazon

When: November 29 and December 2 (tentative)

What: Amazon will feature "tons of great deals across all different categories."

Brookstone

Loftie Sunrise Lamp

Brookstone

When: November 25-December 4

What: Up to 76% off select items

Ruggable

Morris & Co. Strawberry Thief Sage & Rose Tufted Rug

Ruggable

When: Starting November 26

What: 25% off sitewide (exclusions apply) with code 'BF24'

Brümate

Brümate Era 40-Ounce Tumbler

Brümate

When: November 26-December 2

What: 20% off coolers and 25% off drinkware with code 'HOLIDAY25'

sproos!

sproos! Lookin Good Handheld Shower System

sproos!

When: November 27-December 2

What: 30% off of the Lookin' Good Bundle on sproos.co and Amazon

Great Jones

Great Jones x Fellow Kettle

Great Jones

When: November 4-December 2 on Great Jones site and November 21-December on Amazon

What: up to 50% off sitewide and 20-33% off select items on Amazon

Amazon

Contigo x Ally Love Stainless Steel Vacuum-Insulated Tumbler

Contigo

When: November 21-December 2

What: 25% off the Contigo x Ally Love Collection

Parachute Home

Parachute Home Percale Sheet Bundle

Parachute Home

When: November 23-December 3

What: 30% off sitewide

Anecdote Candles

Anecdote Candles Holiday Host Bundle

Anecdote Candles

When: November 20-24 and November 29-December 2

What: 25% off everything from November 20-24 and up to 40% off (20% off any order, 25% off orders over $100, 30% off orders over $150, up to 40% off bundles) plus a free wick trimmer with purchases over $90 on November 29-December 2

Fracture

Fracture Large Rectangle Glass Print

Fracture

When: November 14- December 1 and December 2-3

What: 30% off sitewide plus free shipping for orders over $150 on November 14- December 1 and 30% off sitewide plus free shipping for orders over $150 and 35% off orders over $275 on December 2-3

Food + Supplement Sales

Cure

Cure Electrolyte Drink Mix Starter Kit

Cure

When: November 26-December 3

What: 25% off sitewide on all Electrolyte Drink Mixes, Cure Kids, Energy Teas and merch with code 'HELPYOURSELF25'

Ritual

Ritual Essential, Gut & Skin Trio for Women

Ritual

When: November 13-December 2

What: 40% off all products for new customers and 40% off all new subscriptions only

More Sales

Petco

Native Pet Omega 3 Fish Oil For Dog Skin & Coat

Petco

When: November 23-30

What: 50% off select items

Subscribe to our newsletter to shop even more Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated.

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9 Swoon-Worthy JJ & Kiara Moments From 'Outer Banks' Season 4

After Outer Banks season 3, fans were eager to see what being in a real relationship meant for JJ (Rudy Pankow) and Kiara (Madison Bailey), and thankfully, this season delivers. The latest 10 episodes include some fantastic moments for the new couple, ranging from earlier season callbacks to their first official date and some heartbreaking moments we'll be thinking about for a long time. So, in honor of season 4, here are our top 9 Jiara moments from Outer banks season 4!

Keep reading for the best JJ and Kiara moments from Outer Banks season 4, now streaming on Netflix.

9. In Sync

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

JJ and Kiara are so in tune with each other that they're immediately able to clock when something is off. Case in point, Kiara knows Chandler is lying when he says JJ sent him to get the scroll, and JJ knows Chandler's lying when he claims Kiara gave him the scroll. And the fact they echo each other almost exactly by saying they just know the other "wouldn't do that" proves how in sync they are.

8. Kiara Calls Out Luke (Again)

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

We know the Pogues know each other better than anyone, and when they learn the town is going to proceed with rezoning The Cut — and bulldozing Pougelandia — she immediately jumps to her feet to try and defend their home. Kiara doesn't mess around when it comes to justice, especially when JJ is directly affected. And when she calls out Luke for betraying JJ's trust (again), it's the perfect follow-up to their car conversation from season 2 (you know, when she asked "Don't you know how special your son is?"). We know how special he is Kie!!!

7. The Porch Talk

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Okay this is such a small moment but I had to include it because Jiara is severely lacking PDA in OBX season 4 part 2. One of the most beautiful parts of this story is how these two communicate. Kiara isn't afraid to ask the serious questions and JJ is finally at a place where he can be vulnerable with her. After JJ admits that he does think Chandler's really his father, Kiara puts her head on his shoulder to comfort him and they sit in silence. These two don't need to talk because IMO, their connection is beyond words.

6. Diver Down

Netflix

Let’s be honest, one of the things fans were most excited to see now that JJ and Kiara are together is JJ’s protectiveness over Kiara. We’ve seen it plenty of times in the past, but things are a little different now that he’s her boyfriend, and it’s in full force when they’re attacked underwater and Kiara loses the scuba diving gear providing her oxygen.

From JJ stabbing the guy with a spear gun to him banging on the door of the ship, desperate to get back to Kiara and screaming her name, this sequence delivers. Then, of course, there’s the fact that he immediately gives her his air so she can breathe.

5. An Undercover Date

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

When trying to track down the man who attacked them, JJ says their plan is to “detain, extract, investigate,” and sneak up on him as spies would. Kiara likes it, declaring they’re undercover before suggesting they act like they’re on a date – if he knows what that looks like. JJ questions her and she mentions they’ve never been on a date before, challenging him to name just one. He then tells her that they're on a date right now, grabbing her hand so they can do date things together on the pier. What does that include? Snow cones and a dare to jump into the water.

4. “Us Against The Universe.”

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Since they didn’t make their diving safety stop as Pope instructed them to, Kiara and JJ get the bends (bubbles in their blood and tissues), and the Pogues rush them to the hospital, where they have to spend 12 hours in a hyperbaric chamber. With 12 whole hours together, you can imagine where this going. But before that, since this is their first moment to reflect on what happened, JJ comments how she almost died, and says that he never should’ve let her go down there. Naturally, Kiara has a different way of looking at it, saying if she wasn’t there, the attacker would’ve gotten JJ instead.

Moral of the story? They save each other and it’s them against the universe. JJ also makes a cute call back to when he called her a Kook, and we love some good banter.

3. The Turtle Hatch

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

Kiara’s pure joy at the sight of a turtle hatch on the beach is a beautiful moment for the character, who's talked about saving the turtles since season 1. However, Ruthie and Topper have other plans for this precious moment and decide to drive their truck directly at the Pogues, who are trying to safely get the turtles to the ocean. Kiara notices and goes in front of the truck, trying to tell them that there’s a hatch and to go around, but they ignore her, running over the area not once but twice.

Why this is so high on my list is because of the way JJ stands by her side as she confronts the Kooks for killing a baby turtle. He lets her take charge and say what she needs to, only getting involved when Topper puts his hand on her. JJ's taken the lead in these conversations in the past, and to see the roles reverse like this just proves why they work so well together. Plus, there’s the whole “You come near her, or any of us ever again, and I’ll come back and kill every single one of you.”

2. “He’s Happy.”

Jackson Lee Davis/Netflix

In episode 4x01, one of the scenes that stands out is JJ’s dance celebration when their bait, tackle, and charter shop is finally in business. When Sarah jokingly asks if he’s okay, Kiara answers, “Yeah, he just never really had a home. He’s happy,” and that’s why this moment is number 2 on the list.
With JJ being such a complex character, he needs someone who fully understands him and what he’s been through, and that person is Kiara. She knows he has to learn how to be in a relationship, how to handle money, and how to allow happiness and love into his life. That’s perfectly shown in the way she makes her way over to him, telling JJ that she loves him before the two share their first kiss of the season. JJ's added “We did it" is a sweet sentiment to how he now views the two of them as a team, as well as how far they’ve come. Cheers to Captain Maybank!

1. "I Already Got My Wish"

Netflix

There was no way this conversation wasn't coming at number 1. Because while it's one of the saddest TV scenes I've ever seen, it's also such a standout. We all know JJ has been into Kiara since the very beginning (and fans picked up Kiara's supposedly unscripted interest in season 1 when she asked John B. if he told JJ about their kiss). And during the Outer Banks season 4 ending, JJ tells Kiara with his literal dying breath that he doesn't need to wish on the Blue Crown because he already had everything he ever wanted.

There are so many layers to this scene, like the music echoing when Kiara and the Pogues find JJ in the water a couple episodes before (which is its own callback to Kiara rescuing JJ from drowning in season 2), and I couldn't think of any better way to say goodbye to this character than to see him in Kiara's arms. P4L, JJ. P4L.

Outer Banks Season 4 is now streaming on Netflix. Read up on why This Heartbreaking Outer Banks 5 Theory Makes THAT Death Even More Emotional.

This post has been updated.

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The 6 Most Iconic Thanksgiving TV Episodes of All Time

The best things around the holidays are comforting and familiar. To be surrounded by friends, family, tradition, and delicious Thanksgiving appetizers is just amazing! So, in the spirit of all things warm and cozy, we rounded up 6 of the best Thanksgiving TV episodes from our favorite shows. Whether you’re into old-school Full House shenanigans or the mishaps of Modern Family, these are the six comfort shows that will make you laugh through all throughout Thanksgiving weekend.

Hulu

1. Full House Season 1, Episode 9 "The Miracle of Thanksgiving"

Watch on Hulu: We look back at season one of Full House with fond memories — mostly for this iconic episode wherein Joey constantly announces the arrival of the miracle *cue trumpet sound* of Thanksgiving. It’s not about how good the dinner turns out, it’s the fact that you even tried to roast a turkey.

IMDB

2. Boy Meets World Season 4, Episode 10 "Turkey Day"

Watch on Disney+: After learning about tribal prejudice in Africa, Cory and Shawn decide to combine family celebrations of Thanksgiving. The result is a touching but, of course, funny take on how different families celebrate in different ways. Reaching across the table is the new reaching across the aisle!

IMDB

3. Friends Season 5, Episode 8 "The One With All the Thanksgivings"

Watch on Max: You didn’t think we’d make it through this list without mentioning this iconic Thanksgiving TV episode, did you? It’s the one where the gang relives their terrible Thanksgivings of the past and Monica somehow winds up with a turkey on her head. Classic.

IMDB

4. How I Met Your Mother Season 3, Episode 9 "Slapsgiving"

Watch on Hulu: Every year, Thanksgiving is a great opportunity to honor traditions. Our favorite tradition? Slapsgiving from HIMYM. The episode that started it all — and forever struck fear into Barney’s heart — is our favorite Thanksgiving episode from the nine-season run!

IMDB

5. Modern Family Season 6, Episode 8 "Three Turkeys"

Watch on Hulu: It’s always nice when people pitch in and offer to help, but it can be impossible to know whether or not they’ll follow through. This hysterical holiday episode of Modern Family sees the clan end up *somehow* with three turkeys at the Thanksgiving table. At least there’s plenty of leftovers…

IMDB

6. Gilmore Girls Season 3, Episode 9 "A Deep-Fried Korean Thanksgiving"

Watch on Netflix: If you’re overbooked this Thanksgiving, just consider Lorelai and Rory, who celebrated four Thanksgivings in one day. Of course things go wrong, as they do with everybody’s Thanksgiving. It’s probably one of the most relatable episodes around holiday time.

Are there any shows we missed? Let us know your favorite Thanksgiving episodes @BritandCo!

This post has been updated.

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