Monday, November 24, 2014

Black Friday & Cyber Monday...Ya'll Ready For This?

Hello Friends!!
*** I do NOT own this photo ***

Hello Everyone!! 
As we all know, Black Friday & Cyber Monday are upon us! For some of us, these are days we plan for far in advance, trolling all the ads and having a detailed systematic approach. For others, we squeeze in a post-dinner cram session after Thanksgiving in preparation for the night ahead. And still, for others, we wing it all the way and try to enjoy the adrenaline and hope we stumble upon some great deals! 
I am a definite mixture of all three! My sister however is definitely the first! For those of you participating, whether seriously or lackadaisically, I have some tips I have learned from my own personal Yoda of a sister, as well as links to some of the Black Friday ads for your comparison convenience! 

TIP 1: Wear gym shoes or boots
      Here in the Midwest, sandals are out of the question during this season, but gym shoes/boots are the best types of shoes to wear anyways as they will best protect your toesies from being hammered by fellow heathens, I mean, shoppers ;) 

TIP 2: Crossbody bags are the way to go
    Crossbody bags are the most convenient style for stampede style shopping. Once you throw it on you can forget about it until you hit the register. Totes, satchels, and oversized bags can become cumbersome, feel heavier as the day goes on, and be generally annoying as you are trying to grasp your items. 

TIP 3: Park in the FIRST spot you find 
    We are all guilty of circling around parking lots trying to find the closest spot available. Today is NOT the day to do that! While you're waiting to satisfy your lazy-gene, other people are inside making the rounds and grabbing your gifts!! And what better way is there to work off those heavy Thanksgiving calories than to get in some extra cardio?? :) sneaky exercise is the best exercise!

TIP 4: Pack bandaids and a couple of mints 
    Seriously. I have seen some scary stuff go down on Black Friday, and a bandaid may be necessary. Even accidental incidents can occur, like a box scraping your finger by the cuticle (major OUCH), someone rams the back of your foot with a cart (that's really never an accident though am I right?), either way, if something happens and you need a bandaid, you will be happy to have one. 
      The mints are for nausea. Anyone else get nauseous when they get hot? In the wee hours of the morning, there will be no time to snack, so a mint may help in case of nausea due to intense running, body piles, minor tug-of-wars, etc. And again, if you feel hungry or nauseous, won't you be happy you packed the mint? :)

TIP 5: Bring a water bottle 
      This is definitely important because you need to stay hydrated during all the mayhem! I think the best way to do so is bring a large water bottle, and drink in between stores. Bringing the water bottle in the store will leave you with one less free hand, so leaving it in the car between stores, (where it will stay cold - especially for us Midwesterners) is a great way make sure you keep hydrated! This will also be a time saver! Instead of running to Starbucks, or a grocery store, gas station, vending machine, etc. You have your hydration ready to go and waiting for you in the car between stops! Fast and free! :) 

TIP 6: Bring your car charger 
    This may seem like a no brainer, but definitely make sure to have your phone car charger in your car and ready to go! If you are in for a long night, you definitely want to make sure your phone lasts, especially if you are shopping with a group! Also, with so many shopping apps available, you won't want to miss out on extra discounts! 
      My FAVORITE shopping apps are SHOPKICK and SHOPULAR! Both are FREE apps and collect stores ads and coupons right at your fingertips! 
      Shopkick is great because you can earn points at certain stores just for walking in! You can then redeem your points for gift cards to a variety of places! It's THAT EASY!!! I personally have used this app for years now and have redeemed my points for places like Target, Old Navy, American Eagle, and the movies!! 
      Shopular is fantastic because this app lets you select your favorite stores, alerts you when you are nearby, and shows you coupons and their latest ads! Almost every time I visit one of my favorite stores Shopular has a coupon for me to use!
          

Below are some Black Friday ads for your comparison convenience! 

1. TARGET: Black Friday Ad
3. WalMart: Black Friday Ad
4. Macys: Black Friday Ad
5. Toys R Us: Black Friday Ad
6. Kohls: Black Friday Ad


Cyber Monday CASH BACK!!!

If you are more of an at home shopper, then Cyber Monday is your day to shine! This year, Cyber Monday falls on December 1st. Cyber Monday, if you don't know, is the day all online stores have fantastic, exclusive deals online!! So not only do you get to skip the crowds and shop in your jammies, but the items will be shipped directly to your home! 
What could be better than that? LET ME TELL YOU!!! 
Would you like to earn CASH BACK on your online purchases?? So yes, I'm saying you can skip the crowds, shop in your jammies, have your items delivered to your home AND earn cash back!! So you are making money to shop from home!! Too good to be true right? WRONGGGGGGGGGG!!! 
Now let me tell you how I earn CASH BACK on my online purchases! 
I use EBATES
You can click the link above to join, or the link I have below! The setup is simple, just an email and password. Then choose the stores you like best, shop through EBATES and they will send you a check quarterly with your earnings! 
There are TONS of stores that work with Ebates, such as Target, Carters, Old Navy, Kohls, Ebay, WalMart, Best Buy, Toys R Us, the list goes on and on!! 
As if that isn't enough, right now Ebates is allowing all new members to make up to $75 just by having their friends sign up! So after your join, make sure to send your link to your friends!
If you are a little wary, don't worry, I definitely was too! There are plenty of reviews about the website and after using EBATES myself for the past year, I definitely agree that it is a reputable and reliable company and it just doesn't make sense to go back to online shopping without it! 
Ebates does NOT ask for credit card information, they simply redirect you to your shopping website of choice to document the transaction and calculate your earnings that way. 
What have you got to lose? Start earning your cash back on your online purchases! You will never shop without EBATES once you start!!

Sign up here !!

Where are you heading for Black Friday? Do you have any good tips for me? 

Let me know if you sign up for Ebates! Let me know what you think! 

Safe Shopping everyone!! 

And as always, THANK YOU for following, commenting, sharing, supporting!!!!!!!!!! 




79 comments:

  1. Hey! Great post! :) Thanks for comment on blog, am following you via gfc from now, waiting for follow back :)
    Thefashionistadiygal.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you! Sure I will head over to your blog now!

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  3. I would like to participate in Black Friday! :)) It's my dream <3
    Have a good time! ^^

    justsayhei.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you!! Black Friday is definitely something to experience!!

      Delete
  4. I'm quite happy that I won't be working Black Friday this year! Now I get to participate in the chaos rather than trying to help people find items, etc. I'll definitely be using the tips you provided! Thanks for sharing, Michelle! :)
    ~Moll

    www.mollymac13.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. YAY no work!!!! And Thank YOU for being a helpful person on Black Friday! You are not given enough respect and patience from the crazy customers that shop on Black Friday!!

      Delete
  5. Hi sweetie!
    Great post, so useful those tips
    What do you think about following each other?
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! We can definitely follow each other! I will head over to your blog now!

      Delete
  6. Hi Michelle,

    thanks for your comment on sweetandsugar.de. :-)
    For me (as german) the "Black Friday & Cyber Monday" is a little bit funny and a bit strange - but i like to find out whats like to be there !

    Greetz
    Eileen

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can imagine being from a different part of the world we look insane on Black Friday! haha!! I do hope you get to experience it one day though!!

      Delete
  7. thanks for visiting my blog girl, i follow you too now! :)**

    http://octobergraves.blogspot.com/
    http://instagram.com/octobergraves

    ReplyDelete
  8. Great post! Thanks for your comment and sure we can follow each other. I am a new GFC follower and now I hope you follow me back, ok? :)

    http://checkinonline.blogspot.pt

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you!! Of course I will follow back!! Heading over to your blog now!!

      Delete
  9. Thank you!! I will head over and follow you now!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. We don't have anything like this here in India but I am sure your tips are helpful
    for anybody who can relate. Thanks for following, followed you back #89
    keep in touch!



    X
    http://subhamrai.blogspot.in/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Subham! I hope you get to experience it one day!

      Delete
  11. Interesting Post ,we don´t have black friday at Austria :)
    i follow new. Follow back?

    kisses :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It's a great time!! Definitely something to experience! Of course I will follow back!

      Delete
  12. Seems like a really crazy day! In Russia there is no such thing!

    Maria
    http://stylelistbyme.blogspot.com/
    http://instagram.com/maria_tatarskaya/

    ReplyDelete
  13. So excited for the cyber monday! Woo Hoo! I'm more of an online shopper anyway~ and there's no black friday here where I come from soooo~ but it sounds exciting, though (and a little crazy) haha xD

    and thank you for stopping by my little bloglette! <3 followed you ^^

    blog.littletiara.me

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh it definitely is crazy!! lol Online shopping is the best and comfiest!! haha! Thank you for following me! I will follow you right back!

      Delete
  14. Great blog :D Of course we can follow each other <3
    I'm following your blog from now :*
    http://nails4babes.blogspot.com/ --> Please follow my :)

    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Monica! Of course I will follow you right back!

      Delete
  15. I love your blog:)
    I just followed you on GFC, follow me back?
    http://asja91.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you!! Of course I will follow you back!

      Delete
  16. Amazing tips! I am so excited to go black Friday shopping!! Would you like to follow each other on GFC?! Let me know and follow me on my blog, I will follow you right back on both GFC and Bloglovin!
    xx
    Annie
    www.the-lostangeles.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am super excited as well! Of course we can follow each other! I will head over to your blog now!

      Delete
  17. Nice tips :) (Y)
    Thank you for visiting my blog :)
    I´m now following you on GFC, be sure to follow back ^^

    xoxo,
    laibahq.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Great tips for Black Friday shopping, thanks for visiting our blog. Just followed you, your turn. ;)
    BeautiiBerry.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. Very lovely post!

    I follow you on GFC. I hope you will follow me back (if you haven't yet). Thanks!

    xoxo;
    BEAUTYEDITER.COM
    LIKE BEAUTYEDITER.COM ON FACEBOOK
    FOLLOW BEAUTYEDITER.COM ON BLOGLOVIN

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi! Thanks so much for your comment on my blog :-)
    Now I´m following you on GFC. Will you follow me back? ;-)
    I see you´re getting ready for Black Friday. Happy shopping!
    www.lillibitsnaw.blogspot.com
    xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes definitely have to prepare for Black Friday!! Of course I will follow you back! I will head over to your blog right now!

      Delete
  21. Great post dear
    Wanna follow each other let me know
    Kisses

    ReplyDelete
  22. crazy day is coming LOL
    important tips
    nice post

    www.chicpineapple.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. Thanks for the lovely comment dear!! Of course I want to follow each other! I'm your new follower now on Pinterest, GFC and Bloglovin', and I hope you can follow me back.

    XOXO!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much!! I will head over to your blog and follow you now!

      Delete
  24. I'm following you on GFC :) Follow back ?
    Nice blog :*
    http://blog017.blogspot.com/
    Kisses from Poland !
    Oliwia ♥ ♥ ♥

    ReplyDelete
  25. ready for it!!!!
    what do you think about following each other???
    follow me and I'll follow you inmediately back =)

    http://thefantasticfashionworld.blogspot.com.es/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Of course! I will head over to your blog now!

      Delete
  26. your blog is so cute ♥
    follow me back
    http://sugary-lime.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. OMG, I wish we had that!

    I really like your blog!
    How about following each other? Let me know & I follow right back!

    Kiss,
    PERONALBLOG|G+|BLOGLOVIN’|FACEBOOK|INSTAGRAM

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is so much fun!! Of course we can follow each other!

      Delete
  28. really like your blog! I am happy to follow you! I'd be happy if you also follow me) thanks)
    http://ramforinhgills.blogspot.ru/

    ReplyDelete
  29. Nice idea to follow each other, i follow you now :)

    do-you-believe-in.blogspot.de

    ReplyDelete
  30. LOOL at your post, some really great ideas you have! Black Friday is always crazy!

    Benish | Feminist Reflections

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Black Friday is always a mess!! haha! But it's definitely a fun experience!!

      Delete
  31. Wow! So crazy! It's not that usual here in Spain ;)
    Thanks for your super nice comment! I would also love to follow each other :) I'm following you, waiting for you to follow me back!

    xxx

    Eli

    www.acurlystyle.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. i'm in love with this! great post x happy thanksgiving!

    Visit my blog? xx Miss Beatrix (http://missbeatrix.com)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much!! Of course I will visit!!

      Delete
  33. Just crashed into your beautiful blog and I just love it!

    I would really appreciated, if we could follow each other on BL and GFC!
    Just started following you and would be delighted if you could do the same!

    xoxo Colli // my blog - tobeyoutiful // Bloglovin'

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Colli!! Of course I will follow you right back!!

      Delete
  34. Have a great weekend Michelle! Lovely Greets :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! I hope you had a nice weekend as well!! :)

      Delete
  35. Great post!

    Would you like to follow each other?
    http://outsidethewardrobe.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! Sure I will head over to your blog now!

      Delete
  36. Replies
    1. Thank you! Yes I definitely took advantage of the deals!!! Hope you were able too as well!

      Delete
  37. Great post:)

    Jolahogg.blogspot.ie

    ReplyDelete
  38. Thank you!! I will head over to your page now!!

    ReplyDelete
  39. Thanks so much!! Of course we can follow each other! I will follow you right away!

    ReplyDelete