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Tips to Help You Prepare for Black Friday

11/19/19 | Fall/Thanksgiving, Organize Yourself, Organizing

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Black Friday shopping without a plan is a catastrophe waiting to happen. Don’t let this be you! Use these tips to help you prepare for Black Friday and make sure to download your free Holiday Gift Organizer to help spare all your marbles this holiday season. 

Tips to Help You Prepare for Black Friday

Can you believe it’s going to be Thanksgiving in two weeks?!?! My son, Zach, said he feels like Thanksgiving is the forgotten holiday. I kind of have to agree with him on that one. It seems like the minute November 1st comes around, the stores shift to Christmas and it goes full speed ahead.

This makes me sad! And this year, in particular, I’m even more bummed about it. 

Here’s why.

I might be the only person on the planet to feel this way, but Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday! From watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade to eating delicious food with family, I look forward to this holiday each and every year.

This year, I decided to go all out for Halloween and did a ton of decorating around the house. I actually impressed myself with my black, white and teal Halloween decor!

I loved the decor so much I kept it up way after October 31st…Okay, that’s the story I told my husband, Patrick. The truth is I was too lazy unmotivated to take everything down. 

So what did Patrick do? He took everything down for me on Friday night and placed it all on our bar. That’s where it sat until this Monday when I finally put it away. 

With just two weeks until Thanksgiving, there’s no way in H-E-Double hockey stick I’m going to first pull out my fall decor, take the fall items down and then do Christmas decor all in that short amount of time!

So I made the very depressing decision to skip fall decor altogether this year and go straight for a Holly Jolly Christmas. It’s kind of depressing. 

To compensate for the lack of fall decor in our home, I’ve been doing my best to still embrace the season by making yummy fall-inspired recipes and getting geared up for Turkey Day. 

And with Thanksgiving comes Black Friday!

Believe it or not, I look forward to Black Friday shopping. It has become a tradition for our family to ALL go together on Thursday evening (not really Black Friday if we’re being technical) to Target and a few other stores in our area. 

We eat a pretty early dinner, clean up a bit, and then head out to shop. We work off some of those mashed potatoes and turkey just in time to come back from shopping and indulge in dessert. It’s a perfect plan, don’t you think?

Every year, while immersing myself in the shopping chaos, I find myself feeling like I can do a little better at being more prepared for Black Friday. 

I’m determined to get ahead of the game this year once and for all!

Tips to Help You Prepare for Black Friday

Here are the 5 things I plan on doing, THIS WEEKEND, to get myself in order for Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping. If you do the same, you’ll be cooking with oil, my friend!

  1. Fill out my holiday gift organizer. You can get the free printable by clicking here or filling out the form at the bottom of this post.

Holiday Gift Organizer | Free Printable

This printable will help you organize the people you plan on buying gifts for this holiday season. You can also decide on a budget, jot down gift ideas, and even keep track of the clothing and shoe sizes for your family members. 

Having this figured out before heading out on Black Friday will help keep you focused on what you need to buy.

True story. Someone in my family ALWAYS ends up buying $4 towels at Target “just because”. Seriously, no one needs towels but we buy them because we feel the need to purchase something.

That’s what happens when you have no clear focus. 

Please tell me we’re not the only ones?!?!

  1. Inventory your holiday wrapping supplies.

Holiday Gift Wrap

Check your leftover supplies from last year and determine what you need to buy for this upcoming holiday season. Think about gift wrap, gift bags, tissue paper, tape, bows, tags, etc. You will see many deals on these supplies over the holiday weekend so you’ll want to take advantage.

Michaels, Joann’s Fabric and Hobby Lobby are my favorite places for these items. 

Holiday Gift Wrap

  1. Figure out what decorations you need or want for the holiday season.

Holiday Decorations on Sale

Do you need ornaments, lights, trinkets to display on your mantle? Now is the time to buy these things as well. They’re discounted heavily on Black Friday.

Looks like this is a plus for me this year actually. Since I’ve already decorated for Christmas, I know of a few places in the house I’d like to add a couple of new pieces to. 

I guess there are positives to decorating super early!

  1. Figure out the crafts you plan on making this holiday season and make a list of the supplies you’ll need.

Holiday Craft Supplies

Check Pinterest and figure out what crafting projects you plan on creating this holiday season. Michaels and Joann’s Fabrics always have AMAZING deals on Black Friday and you don’t want to miss out!

  1. Purchase food containers for homemade holiday gifts.

Holiday Cookie Tins and Treat Bags

Will you be making any edible gifts this season? If so, don’t forget to purchase cookie tins, festive cupcake holders, and adorable holiday sprinkles. Again, I always find these cheap at Michaels and Joann Fabrics.

And a little trick I’ve learned over the years. All these crafting, cooking and gift wrap supplies become heavily discounted the day after Christmas. You can stock up on many of these items at 50% or more off.  I simply pack up the supplies I purchased when putting away my holiday decor for the season. The next year, it’s like Christmas morning finding all the items I bought the year before.

Holiday Cookie Tins and Treat Bags

It might seem a little overwhelming, but I promise you it will be worth it! You’ll save so much time and money when heading into the Black Friday weekend with a well thought out plan. 

I hope you’ve found these tips to help you prepare for Black Friday useful. Black Friday is crazy on its own…anything you can do to make it more tolerable is worth it. 

Happy Shopping! 

PS

Don’t forget your free Holiday Gift Organizer!

 

Want to remember this? Post these Tips to Help Prepare You for Black Friday to your favorite Pinterest board!

Tips to Help You Prepare for Black Friday

Tips to Help You Prepare for Black Friday

 

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Comments | 2 comments

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Comments

  1. Sharlene Habermeyer says

    November 24, 2019 at 9:06 pm

    These are fabulous ideas, Tiffany and so helpful! Like you–I LOVE Thanksgiving and I agree–it gets lost between Halloween and the Christmas shuffle. I like your idea of eating 1/2 your Thanksgiving dinner and then shopping. However–what happened to all the stores being closed on Thanksgiving and then getting up at the crack of dawn to go shopping on Black Friday? If we’re going to give Thanksgiving any attention–it ought to last at least 1 day. Like you–I love the after-Christmas sales for picking up stuff to use the following year. Glad to see we’re on the same “wavelength!” Happy Thanksgiving and if you see some amazing buys –let me know!

    Reply
    • lakelifestateofmind@gmail.com says

      November 24, 2019 at 10:26 pm

      Yes, love that we’re on the same wavelength with after Christmas sales too. Anytime I can get something at a discounted price I’m happy…and so is my husband. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours 💗

      Reply

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I'm a wife, mom of a teenager, coffee addict, sunshine obsessed Florida girl, and a lover of lake life. On this lifestyle blog, I share all things fun and creative! You’ll find simple recipes, organizing and entertaining tips, holiday inspiration, and of course, a big dose of lake life living. It’s my mission to help you create a life anchored in family and fun. ⚓️

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Lake Life State of Mind

Tiffany | Lake Life+Style Blog

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Jan 16

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Our kitchen got a little extra love in the form of some Valentine’s Day dish towels and pretty pink flowers. Simple, cheap, and definitely worth the effort to add a little Valentine’s Day cheer to your kitchen space.💗❤️💗❤️
.
On a different note, what’s for dinner in your house tonight? I’m racking my brain trying to think of something. Help!!🤣
.
 http://liketk.it/365HX #liketkit @liketoknow.it @liketoknow.it.home #LTKhome #LTKSeasonal #valentinesdecor #kitchendecor #simpledecor #lakehousedecor #lakehouseliving #lakehouselife #seasonaldecor #valentines_day #prettylittlething #prettyinpink #lakelifestateofmind

Our kitchen got a little extra love in the form of some Valentine’s Day dish towels and pretty pink flowers. Simple, cheap, and definitely worth the effort to add a little Valentine’s Day cheer to your kitchen space.💗❤️💗❤️
.
On a different note, what’s for dinner in your house tonight? I’m racking my brain trying to think of something. Help!!🤣
.
http://liketk.it/365HX #liketkit @liketoknow.it @liketoknow.it.home #LTKhome #LTKSeasonal #valentinesdecor #kitchendecor #simpledecor #lakehousedecor #lakehouseliving #lakehouselife #seasonaldecor #valentines_day #prettylittlething #prettyinpink #lakelifestateofmind
...

99 54

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Jan 15

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❤️💗❤️💗Three things I’m loving from this week:
1. Our heat lamp and new television that got put up in our pool area! 
2. Week two is almost complete for my #bootyandthighchallenge and everyone is killing it!
3. My new Valentine’s Day decor that makes me smile just looking at it!
❤️💗❤️💗
.
I’d love to know something good from your week. Let me know below. ⬇️
Shop my Valentine’s Day decor  ideas through @liketoknow.it http://liketk.it/361pQ #liketkit #liketoknowithome 
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#valentinesdecor #valentinesdecorations #vdaydecor #homedecor #homesweethome #cozyhomedecor #homedecorlove #homedecorideas #coffeelover #coffeetime #coffeebar #coffeebardecor #coffeebardecoration #drinkstationlove #drinkstation #tieredtraydecor #tieredtray #targetstyle #targetdollarspot #targetfinds

❤️💗❤️💗Three things I’m loving from this week:
1. Our heat lamp and new television that got put up in our pool area!
2. Week two is almost complete for my #bootyandthighchallenge and everyone is killing it!
3. My new Valentine’s Day decor that makes me smile just looking at it!
❤️💗❤️💗
.
I’d love to know something good from your week. Let me know below. ⬇️
Shop my Valentine’s Day decor ideas through @liketoknow.it http://liketk.it/361pQ #liketkit #liketoknowithome
.
#valentinesdecor #valentinesdecorations #vdaydecor #homedecor #homesweethome #cozyhomedecor #homedecorlove #homedecorideas #coffeelover #coffeetime #coffeebar #coffeebardecor #coffeebardecoration #drinkstationlove #drinkstation #tieredtraydecor #tieredtray #targetstyle #targetdollarspot #targetfinds
...

94 61

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Jan 13

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Can you spot the pink in this photo?! It’s hard to believe that Valentine’s Day is one month from today. Starting tomorrow, my feed is going to be taken over by hearts, pink, and all things love. For today, I’m just giving you a little tease. I purposely took this picture with my back to my mantle because it’s about to get a Valentine’s Day update and I want it to be a surprise.🥰
.
Anyone else feeling the itch to decorate for The Day of Love?!?!❤️❤️❤️
.
#bhghome #lakelifestyle #lakehousedecor #lakehouseliving #lakehousedesign #lakehouses #lakehome #lakehomes #livingroomdecor #moderndesign #stairs #staircasedesign #bhgstylemaker #bhg #tealdecor #lakelifestateofmind

Can you spot the pink in this photo?! It’s hard to believe that Valentine’s Day is one month from today. Starting tomorrow, my feed is going to be taken over by hearts, pink, and all things love. For today, I’m just giving you a little tease. I purposely took this picture with my back to my mantle because it’s about to get a Valentine’s Day update and I want it to be a surprise.🥰
.
Anyone else feeling the itch to decorate for The Day of Love?!?!❤️❤️❤️
.
#bhghome #lakelifestyle #lakehousedecor #lakehouseliving #lakehousedesign #lakehouses #lakehome #lakehomes #livingroomdecor #moderndesign #stairs #staircasedesign #bhgstylemaker #bhg #tealdecor #lakelifestateofmind
...

97 57

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Jan 12

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“Memories at the lake last a lifetime”...i.e. Like when Zach recently went to put the cover on the boat and his phone fell out of his pocket into the water. Or when Patrick thought he was hitting the brake on his friend’s jet ski and it took off like a 🚀 causing chaos. Or when we almost sank our pontoon in the middle of the lake.🤣🤣🤣
.
Lake life is amazing but isn’t always perfect. Any funny bloopers you have of you or your family at the lake, beach, or even the pool? Our family can’t be the only ones...can we??!!🤔
.
#lakelifeisthebestlife #lakelifestateofmind #lakeliving #lakelife⚓️ #lakefun #familytime #bloopers😂 #funtimes😊 #familyfun #oops #funnymoments #classicmoments #lakehouselife #lakelife #memorykeeping #memorylane

“Memories at the lake last a lifetime”...i.e. Like when Zach recently went to put the cover on the boat and his phone fell out of his pocket into the water. Or when Patrick thought he was hitting the brake on his friend’s jet ski and it took off like a 🚀 causing chaos. Or when we almost sank our pontoon in the middle of the lake.🤣🤣🤣
.
Lake life is amazing but isn’t always perfect. Any funny bloopers you have of you or your family at the lake, beach, or even the pool? Our family can’t be the only ones...can we??!!🤔
.
#lakelifeisthebestlife #lakelifestateofmind #lakeliving #lakelife⚓️ #lakefun #familytime #bloopers😂 #funtimes😊 #familyfun #oops #funnymoments #classicmoments #lakehouselife #lakelife #memorykeeping #memorylane
...

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Jan 11

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You know how much I love you all, right?! Enough to embarrass the heck out of myself in a SPORTS BRA in my stories for you. 🤦🏽‍♀️ Many of you wanted a review and try-on of my recent Amazon workout purchase so that’s what I did for ya...very awkwardly.🤣
.
Head to my stories for my honest opinions along with all the details for the items I purchased. I also linked everything in @liketoknow.it so you can easily shop if you see something you fancy. The link is in my bio.🙌🏼
.
#liketoknowit @liketoknow.it https://ltk.app.link/iK7zlUW6Xcb #leggings #comfyoutfit #amazonfinds #amazonfashion #ltkfit #athleisure #activewear #fitnessmotivation #womenfashion #sportsbra #activetop #fitnesswear #momstyle #exercise #workout #orlandoblogger

You know how much I love you all, right?! Enough to embarrass the heck out of myself in a SPORTS BRA in my stories for you. 🤦🏽‍♀️ Many of you wanted a review and try-on of my recent Amazon workout purchase so that’s what I did for ya...very awkwardly.🤣
.
Head to my stories for my honest opinions along with all the details for the items I purchased. I also linked everything in @liketoknow.it so you can easily shop if you see something you fancy. The link is in my bio.🙌🏼
.
#liketoknowit @liketoknow.it https://ltk.app.link/iK7zlUW6Xcb #leggings #comfyoutfit #amazonfinds #amazonfashion #ltkfit #athleisure #activewear #fitnessmotivation #womenfashion #sportsbra #activetop #fitnesswear #momstyle #exercise #workout #orlandoblogger
...

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Jan 6

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What’s your favorite day of the week? If I had to pick one I’d say it’s WEDNESDAY. Wednesdays in the Hernandez household are designated as family days...no ifs, ands, or buts about it.😉
.
With Patrick working crazy hours, Wednesdays are actually the only consistent day of the week for the three of us to be together.  We do our best to take advantage of it as much as we can! Sometimes we have big plans, but more often we just hang out doing errands together and maybe grab lunch or dinner at a restaurant. It’s most definitely more about the time spent for us than finding something epic to do each and every Wednesday.❤️
.
Today’s activities included hair cuts for the guys, a comic book run for Zach, lunch, a trip to Aldi’s, and some sunset lake portraits. The perfect day! Swipe if you want to see the “real” Hernandez clan acting like the crazy family we are during our lake portraits!🤪
.
If you don’t do so already, I encourage you to join me in being more intentional with spending time with your family. Pick a day or time that works for everyone and commit to you all just being together. I can assure you it will quickly become your favorite day of the week too!🥰
.
#lovemyfamily❤️ #lovemyfamily #familytime #familyfirst #familyiseverything❤❤❤ #familyislove #spendingtimetogether #qualitytime #parentsquad #parentinglife #parentingteens #parentingteenagers #qualityfamilytime #lakelifestateofmind

What’s your favorite day of the week? If I had to pick one I’d say it’s WEDNESDAY. Wednesdays in the Hernandez household are designated as family days...no ifs, ands, or buts about it.😉
.
With Patrick working crazy hours, Wednesdays are actually the only consistent day of the week for the three of us to be together. We do our best to take advantage of it as much as we can! Sometimes we have big plans, but more often we just hang out doing errands together and maybe grab lunch or dinner at a restaurant. It’s most definitely more about the time spent for us than finding something epic to do each and every Wednesday.❤️
.
Today’s activities included hair cuts for the guys, a comic book run for Zach, lunch, a trip to Aldi’s, and some sunset lake portraits. The perfect day! Swipe if you want to see the “real” Hernandez clan acting like the crazy family we are during our lake portraits!🤪
.
If you don’t do so already, I encourage you to join me in being more intentional with spending time with your family. Pick a day or time that works for everyone and commit to you all just being together. I can assure you it will quickly become your favorite day of the week too!🥰
.
#lovemyfamily❤️ #lovemyfamily #familytime #familyfirst #familyiseverything❤❤❤ #familyislove #spendingtimetogether #qualitytime #parentsquad #parentinglife #parentingteens #parentingteenagers #qualityfamilytime #lakelifestateofmind
...

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