AuntieJul

My kids move things around the house so it's a very real dream for me! Heard on a podcast about the ridiculous amount of rigid plastics that end up in waterways and the ocean because they don't break down or aren't recycled. One thing they suggested was using social media to get in touch with manufacturers, like toy manufacturers, and demand less packaging. The next step they recommended was, after purchase, taking the toy out of the plastic right in the store and having the store get rid of it. Eventually the store would put pressure on the manufacturers to reduce packaging. Needless to say I am inspired for my next shopping trip! Bargains, baking, and Black Friday!

Took down the Christmas tree yesterday and most of the house decorations. I've been looking for a new Christmas tree, a skinny tall-ish one, prelit, and by the time I made it to Lowes they were all gone. I haven't even checked online, I've been so busy, and now everything in stores is Valentine's Day. Oh well. Bargains, baking, and Black Friday!

I've started receiving packages from cyber week orders. For both packages that I've received, they were left just outside my door without a knock or doorbell. One was early in the morning as it was there by 7am. The other one came around lunch and I happened to be home though there was no knock. Maybe companies are trying to be efficient but in this era of stories of people swiping packages, wouldn't there be a better effort on the part of the company to do due diligence? Sent from my SM-G900V using GottaDEAL mobile app

True. It's like the marshmallow test. You can eat the marshmallow now (take a chance on a contest) or you can wait and get another marshmallow (methodically post every month for 13 months, guaranteed a shirt). Who will get the extra marshmallow? Sent from my SM-G900V using GottaDEAL mobile app

Hmmm.... A guaranteed shirt... But I do like the captioning contests so much.... Sent from my SM-G900V using GottaDEAL mobile app

Got mine today! Thanks, Brad! Can't wait to wear it!!! Sent from my SM-G900V using GottaDEAL mobile app

I sprang out of bed, grabbed my phone, my trusty GD hat, my tabbed flyers for price-matching, my car keys and, like a reindeer on Christmas Eve, dashed madly out the door and slid into the driver's seat - and as I turned the key, a light flashed on the dashboard: the car was dangerously low on gas.

Thanks for posting! The Toys for Tots donation is a bonus for me and more likely to have me make TRU a one-stop place for me. Why not do a little extra good in the world?!

Woot woot! I think I had too much sangria - it took me a week to see this! Thank you Brad and congrats to all the winners! Two weeks left everybody... game on!

Elf! A classic!

Well, I hope I'm able to post a recipe that doesn't involve baking... here's a drink recipe for a new favorite for the holidays! Caramel Apple Sangria makes about 1 gallon 1 750-mL bottle of pinot grigio 1 cup caramel-flavored vodka 6 cups apple cider Chopped or slice apples for garnish A splash of ginger ale, if desired Mix together the wine, vodka, cider, and apple slices in a large serving container. Stir in a little bit of ginger ale for bubbly effect when serving. I like using a fruity wine and spiced apple cider (from Trader Joe's), and chilling everything in the fridge before mixing together. Enjoy!

1. Having waited over 48 hours for awesome deals on electronics without sustenance, hungry Black Friday shoppers began digging into boxes of 43" LG SmartTVs, mistaking them for large pepperoni pizza boxes. 2. Target employees cheer after learning the dress code will be relaxed on Black Friday to include "crimson" or "ruby" shirts and "beige" or "sandy" pants. 3. The Demarco family discovered every GottaDealer's worst nightmare: a sectional couch so comfortable no Black Friday deal can lure you off of it!

A Barbie Dreamhouse at $100 or $125. Sent from my SM-G900V using GottaDEAL mobile app

Are doorbusters available online on BF or CM? My dad needs the slippers but there isn't a Cabelas near me.

You're the best, Brad, thanks!!!!

Got mine today! Thanks for the sweet hat, pens, paper, cards, and $5 gc to Amazon!!! Needed a new winter hat anyway...

I'm curious about L.L. Bean BF deals because they have a 20% off everything deal going on now until 11/15 and I'm wondering if I should wait to purchase the gifts I need or if I should do it now. I searched the BF archives and it appears that someone asks this question every year and no one seems to have an answer. Maybe someone this year does?!?

Knock on wood, hopefully not! But my BF toaster from Target lasted a long time, and my BF coffeemaker was also very good to me (until I received a coffee maker/hot water combo maker as a gift, although it's starting to go on the fritz - helped me warm up lots of baby bottles in the last four years!).

I always enjoy JC Penney, but I also find great stuff at Lowes and Home Depot (like batteries).

My ipad was refurbished and purchased from the Apple site, have had no issues, you'd never know it was refurbished.

DD maybe some of those fancy coloring books they sell at the craft store along with a nice set of coloring pencils; good old fashioned books (like a few in a series), a stylus for a tablet or smart device she might have, shutterfly or snapfish gc to print pictures she might have on facebook or instagram. Or one of those delivery services that sends makeup and beauty samples to you every month, like Birchbox. DH... Gc to barber shop or one of those delivery razor services, or grilling tools which no one ever thinks about in winter.

Gloves, scarves, mittens, shopping bags, gc to McDonald's or Starbucks for coffee, warm socks, travel mug... But basically anything is great.

I got mine yesterday! I love it! Thank you so much, Brad, for all that you do for us! I love entering the contests every year...

All right... thanks, everybody. I guess I don't have any reason to wait to make my purchases. Thanks!

Hey everyone - I finally have a little girl old enough to enjoy dolls and clothes, and she loves American Girl. I've never paid any attention to their Black Friday sales before - can anyone give me an idea of what I might be able to expect? I'm looking to buy a matching dress for my niece and her doll. Thanks!