Black Friday Sales

So, I was never big on shopping irl on Black Friday, because the bargains didn't outweigh the hassle of parking and crowds...however, online Black Friday is awesome! Especially since the crafty world has jumped onboard. A few years ago, you could only find one or two places that you liked that had sales on Black Friday and now, it's pretty much everywhere!

And if you don't know the origin of the day, here you go—from this post on National Today. 

But, the story that’s most well-known about Black Friday is that retailers marked the day when  filled coffers from holiday shoppers helped businesses go from being “in the red” to “in the black.” Although popular, this story is also not quite accurate. So, what is the actual story of Black Friday? We have to go to Philadelphia for that.
Philadelphia cops complained about “Black Friday” when they were stuck working off days and overtime the day after Thanksgiving. Packed downtown streets with hordes of shoppers, tourists, and fans in town for the next day’s Army-Navy game, meant that  Black Friday was a haven for shoplifters as well as a crowd-controlling nightmare for the police.
Unfortunately, the idea that Black Friday was also a retailers’ headache did not entice Philly’s shoppers. By 1961, Philadelphia retailers decided “if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em,” turning a negative into a positive by way of reinvention. In the 1980s, “Black Friday” became synonymous as a day for big deals in national retail. Today, Black Friday invites you to shop ‘til you drop for the best bargains of the year.

I admit I started shopping on Thanksgiving Day and did a little more today. I headed to Jennifer McGuire's post on crafty sales, but then just headed to Whimsy Stamps and Scrapbook.com and SugarPea Designs. That's where I've been eyeing some stamps and goodies. Most of what I bought will end up being wrapped by the hubby for my Christmas gifts. I'd rather get the things I want than be surprised...because sometimes you get what you want and sometimes you don't! We ordered a drill that he wanted, so it's all good.

If you're looking for a fast snack to take along on your Black Friday shopping, or to fuel you when your fingers get tired at the computer, here's a fab Peanut Butter Cookie Cups cookie recipe from Taste of Home that uses up some of your leftover Halloween candy...if you still have any!

And here's a little $40 freebie info—if you do any shopping online with Macy's, Walmart, Kohl's or TONS of other places, Rakuten can save you money with special coupons. Also, you earn cash back (in a check) every few months. My last one was $14 and I didn't do anything special for it, just signed up and go to Rakuten's site to go shopping. 

If you want $40 free right now, you can sign up using my link and then go shopping for $40 or more through their website. It means free Christmas presents! Or just cash in your (and my) pocket. It's the least annoying way to get rewards imo. I do Honey and Fetch but this one gives you money vs gift cards and doesn't bug you with emails or pop-ups. 

Happy Friday!

Chark

I'm Helpful...Really I Am

I thought I'd share a lot of sales going on right now, just as a public service. I admit, I spent some money over the weekend and thought I'd drag you along with me help you save some money too.  

The Shoppe at Somerset is having a back issue sale, where you can find some of their wonderful publications for less. I looovvee their magazines and I'm always inspired by them. So check out their End of Summer Blowout Sale. You'll also find washi, stencils, Pan Pastels, stamps and more on sale now. The Shoppe at Somerset has some interesting stamps and goodies you don't find everywhere, like this one, as well as Tim Holtz and other favorites.

a2z Scrapbooking Supplies always has some fun stamps on sale. Right now you can get these Hero Arts stamps for just $8.00. And you can find paper flowers and embellies on sale too! And because I'm part of their Design Team, and you're my blog friends, you can use CHARK15 to get a 15% discount on your cart of $25 or more!

Craftsy.com is where I spent some of my money over the weekend. They have wonderful Art supplies and Papercrafts, Cake Decorating, Quilting and Sewing supplies. They have copics on sale right now too. This envelope board that I paid $20 for is just $11. This is my first time ordering but I found some deals. They also have classes (some on sale) you can purchase by people like Kimber McGray, Amy Tan and Shari Carroll. I'm considering the Lettering class.

I saved Alpha Stamps for last...mostly because they have such amazing products and talent over there. I highlighted one of their designers, Laura Carson, here last week. They are having a sale on lots of items, including their Alice in Wonderland miniatures like this and this.

And if you want a freebie from their designer, Laura Carson at Artfully Musing, you can pop over to her blog here and find the details. She's gearing up for a Halloween Event that looks to me like a Not-To-Be-Missed Event in September and October!

So, I'm finished enabling you helping you find sales and deals. Come to the dark side and buy some pretty goodies with me. 

Happy Monday,
Chark 

No affiliation with any of these shops, except a2z. The DT members get a chance for a random prize if lots of people use their codes. But I love the shop (and purchased there before joining the DT) and the customer service is fabulous! Ask anyone!