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GottaDEAL 2021 Black Friday Prize Club Thread

Brad

By Brad
in 2021

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rlbarajas

rlbarajas

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July is National Ice Cream month and I'm thinking of celebrating today! Lol

I’d celebrate it every day if i could [emoji16] what's your favorite ice cream? my everyday/anytime go to is Blue Bell homemade vanilla. but i recently discovered a specialty one that is Vietnamese iced coffee flavored ice cream. soooo yummy Edited by rlbarajas
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Kanyon71

Kanyon71

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Well, Back to School sales are in full swing (school doesn't start in WI until September 1st) and at my latest trip to Sam's Club, they already had Halloween costumes and candy out.  I wasn't quite ready for THAT!  :)

Probably the stuff left over from last year. :sidesplit

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Bopeep

Bopeep

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Have you ever been? Are you looking for things to do, places to eat, or how to not catch COVID from the crowds that are there?

I haven't been.  I've been reading everything I can find, I was just wondering if anyone has any specific advice.  How much cash should I take? I understand the ATM fees are outrageous.  Anything I should definitely avoid? Anything I MUST do or see?

 

I am getting more and more anxious about Covid.  I wasn't, when we booked the trip, because I thought things were moving in the right direction  :g_shrug: .

 

I also hope I can handle the heat.  It gets hot here, but not desert hot.  They say it's better out there because it's a "dry heat" whereas we are very humid in Oklahoma. But I don't know, I think hot is probably hot any way you slice it.

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HanShotFirst

HanShotFirst

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I haven't been.  I've been reading everything I can find, I was just wondering if anyone has any specific advice.  How much cash should I take? I understand the ATM fees are outrageous.  Anything I should definitely avoid? Anything I MUST do or see?

 

I am getting more and more anxious about Covid.  I wasn't, when we booked the trip, because I thought things were moving in the right direction  :g_shrug: .

 

I also hope I can handle the heat.  It gets hot here, but not desert hot.  They say it's better out there because it's a "dry heat" whereas we are very humid in Oklahoma. But I don't know, I think hot is probably hot any way you slice it.

My sister and I went in 2013, at the end of August.  It was hot but like we know it was a different kind of heat.  I managed to survive and I’ve always been intolerant of our wet sticky heat you and I live with deal with down here. 

 

I don’t really remember how much cash I took but I took lots and gambling wasn’t even our priority.  We went for the sole purpose of seeing Celine Dion but we did play slots while walking through the all the casinos.  We did a ton of walking so be sure and take comfy comfy shoes.  Our hotel was just off the strip but connected to Planet Hollywood so we were able to walk through that entire area in the A/C to get to the strip.  Lol.  

 

We were only there a few days so we didn’t get much touristy stuff done but we still had lots of fun just walking around and enjoying all the hustle and bustle and eye-opening things. LOL.  I mean “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas” for sure. :)

 

Do make a point to go to the Bellagio at night and watch the fountain shows.   There is a botanical gardens there as well.  Caesars Palace has luxury shopping…..NYC and Paris level luxury.  We had a ball window shopping at those stores.  We opted not to take the time to tour the Hoover Dam but I wish we had.  If I ever get back I will do a tour no matter the cost. 

 

Hope you have fun!

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freesia39

freesia39

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I haven't been.  I've been reading everything I can find, I was just wondering if anyone has any specific advice.  How much cash should I take? I understand the ATM fees are outrageous.  Anything I should definitely avoid? Anything I MUST do or see?

 

I am getting more and more anxious about Covid.  I wasn't, when we booked the trip, because I thought things were moving in the right direction  :g_shrug: .

 

I also hope I can handle the heat.  It gets hot here, but not desert hot.  They say it's better out there because it's a "dry heat" whereas we are very humid in Oklahoma. But I don't know, I think hot is probably hot any way you slice it.

 

First, where are you staying?

 

1. The heat - it's a dry heat. If you're used to humidity, so even if it's 110 outside, it's almost tolerable. The heat just feels like it is more intense when it's dry, but I prefer the dry heat to ANY kind of humidity. Dry heat is perfect if it has to be 100 outside. It CAN get humid - if there are remnants of tropical storms from the Gulf of Mexico passing through, which can happen occasionally in the summer. Bring a hat, drink lots of water, wear sunscreen, don't go outside during the hottest parts of the day if you can avoid it. It's even hot at night. Just be aware and keep hydrating. Wear light clothing if you can, and wear comfy shoes if you're going to do a lot of walking.

 

2. Cash - depends on how much gambling you want to do. Yes, ATM fees can be outrageous in the casino, so if you must take out cash, take out a large amount at once, but be careful traveling with that much cash.  If you're looking for lower limit tables, it will NOT be on the strip (i.e. $5 blackjack) - you will need to go to the not as fancy hotels (I don't even know if Circus Circus even has limits that low anymore) - so you'll be heading to Downtown Vegas or even the casinos at Stateline/Primm/Jean. For slots, you'll be fine - there are tons of penny slots, although truthfully one spin on those is usually at least 50 cents if you want to play every single odds possible. I only have cash to gamble - I use credit cards for everything else. Cash is also good to have for tips - if you tip the valet, the person helping you with bags, etc.

 

3. Things you must do/see - I recommend walking through every casino - they all have something to see. (well except vdara, but they don't have a casino.) There's plenty of shopping, and plenty of window shopping, so things will meet your budget. All hotels have a gift shop with kitschy Vegas stuff as well, if you want that, but my favorite store for that stuff is the ABC Stores (it's a Hawaii chain) because it's not as overpriced AND they sell Hawaiian snacks! 

Bellagio - gorgeous conservatory and the fountain show as mentioned.

Caesars - walk through the casino but go to the Forum Shops to see the fountain and the kitschy fountain of the gods animatronic (if it's working)

Paris - I've been up the Eiffel Tower. It's fine with a nice view, not 100% sure it's worth the cost.

Resorts World - BRAND NEW!

Venetian - walk through the Grand Canal Shoppes, watch people on gondolas. They have a nice display in the shoppes to take a photo.

Mirage - nice stuff inside, but I REALLY enjoy Siegfried and Roy's Secret Garden, where their lions and tigers live. It's really nice. When Siegfried was alive, he would frequently be there - I met him once there! Highlight of that trip. They also have a volcano outside that goes off every so often.

Mandalay Bay - has an aquarium. I only go there if I can get free tickets, but if you can get BOGO tickets, it's not as bad. It's just so small and Mandalay is SO far south of all the other hotels.

Luxor - if you want to check out the pyramid and Egyptian theming.

MGM - just massive. Not as much theming.

Excalibur - I mean, to walk through, sure, but otherwise, not a huge fan.

New York New York - I appreciate the dedication to NY theming inside. Also has the M&M store there.

Wynn - has a lovely area with a carousel and hot air balloon that look like they're made of flowers (I suspect the ones on the actual items are fake as they haven't changed in years but the flowers on the ground are real.)

 

A big component of Vegas is nightlife and pool life. If the pool charges a fee to enter, it's for young people to be seen. If you just want to lounge by the pool, see if there is a less, uh, "hip" place to lounge. I'm too old for this so I disregard all of it. If I do go to a pool, I'd like somewhere chill, and an umbrella. Splurge for a cabana if you want to stay there all day.

 

4. COVID - look I'll be realistic. This variant is spreading like wildfire, and people in Vegas are trying to have a good time and may not take proper precautions. Roughly half of Clark County in Vegas is vaccinated; I don't trust anyone unless I actually know you wouldn't lie about your vaccination status. Bring masks, wear them. I know it'll be hot and it may be uncomfortable, but it's probably safer. Even outdoors. There are so many people, and delta is more transmissable at close distance and shorter periods of exposure. Eat outdoors if you can (Mon Ami Gabi in Paris has a lovely outdoor dining area) or scope out the restaurant and see how close you sit to others and determine how comfortable you are to eat inside. There is a really nice outdoor food area outside of NYNY, where Shake Shack is, and near T-Mobile arena.

 

Other things to do:

1. Check out the shows - see if they've reopened and if any are interesting. You can go to the half price tickets booths to see if you can get discounted tickets.

2. EAT. There are so many great restaurants in Vegas. I know a lot of people are surprised by the price (coming from LA/SF Bay Area, I'm not as shocked) for some of the nicer restaurants, or even basic restaurants (looking at like $20ish per entree) in the hotels, so just be mindful. I just encourage you to try these restaurants and not limit yourself to chains (outside of In-n-out if you've never been) (so I know Denny's, IHOP, White Castle, etc is tempting due to their price point) but it's an opportunity to try some amazing dining. The Cosmopolitan has several famous restaurants and chefs that have smaller restaurants that aren't as intimidating to sit down and eat. Eataly at Park MGM is also a nice food hall. Try the Malaysian/Singapore style food court at Resorts World. There are also amazing restaurants off strip as well - the LV Chinatown has been growing with amazing food options. Of course, there's always buffets. Wicked Spoon is highly regarded and not crazy expensive. Bacchanal at Vegas is amazing, and also really expensive (you need reservations at the moment.)

3. SHOP. There are two outlet malls in Vegas, one at the Northern End, and one at the Southern end. You need a car to get there. If you are not renting a car, take an uber or a taxi. All the shopping areas have the generic stores you see back at home - but probably just a bigger version of it.

 

Uber/Lyft: beware, these are expensive nowadays because of limited drivers due to COVID and overall wage issues. Sometimes it is cheaper to take a taxi. Hotels have dedicated taxi and rideshare areas - you will need to go there to pick up your uber/lyft or grab a taxi.

 

Please tip generously if you can - many of the employees are just barely getting back to normalcy in regards to occupancy and overall capacity. It has been a difficult year. If you are comped any meals, please tip on the full value of the entire meal, not just what you're paying.

 

A youtube channel I like to watch is All You Can Vegas - he goes to a lot of restaurants in Vegas, so you can get an idea of the food if there is a restaurant that catches your eye.

 

Let me know if you have any specific questions, happy to help.

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len_mullen

len_mullen

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I am getting more and more anxious about Covid.  I wasn't, when we booked the trip, because I thought things were moving in the right direction  :g_shrug: .

 

from Vegas workers will put masks back on, but tourists won't have to under new rules - News Break

 

Workers in Las Vegas and other parts of Clark County, Nevada, will have to resume wearing masks indoors but customers will not under new rules. The Clark County Commission voted Tuesday in an emergency meeting to require face coverings for all employees working indoors and around co-workers or members of the public in an increase in Covid cases driven by a more transmissible variant and a slowing vaccination rate.

 

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Bopeep

Bopeep

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First, where are you staying?

 

We are staying at The Strat. The reviews are not very good, so I'm a little apprehensive.  Had I been the one planning the trip, I would not have chosen it, just based on the reviews. But I guess it was chosen because it's cheapest.  

 

Thank you all for the information!  I'm taking notes, and trying to be as prepared as possible :).

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freesia39

freesia39

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We are staying at The Strat. The reviews are not very good, so I'm a little apprehensive.  Had I been the one planning the trip, I would not have chosen it, just based on the reviews. But I guess it was chosen because it's cheapest.  

 

Thank you all for the information!  I'm taking notes, and trying to be as prepared as possible :).

The Strat is wayyyy out there - it's at the very North End of the strip. They do have some of the things you can do at the top if you're interested, but if you want to see the rest of the hotels, you will need to take an uber/lyft/taxi or take the Deuce - it's a 24 hour bus that runs up and down the strip, and also goes to Downtown.  https://rtcws.rtcsnv.com/routepdf/deuce.pdfIt will take you to the South outlets - it will not take you to the North outlets (which I personally like better, as they have a better selection of stores, but the South is indoors.) 

 

Since you're near Circus Circus at the Strat (kinda) everyone loves their Steakhouse there - very classic steakhouse style. Another steakhouse I keep seeing videos pop up for (they're probably doing a publicity push) is Oscar's Steakhouse in the Plaza Hotel in Downtown LV. Apparently, very good drinks as well. 

 

Next time (I hope!) check Vdara - their rooms are suite style and larger, and have kitchens in them as well, and have a great central location.

 

Buses in LV: https://www.rtcsnv.com/ways-to-travel/schedules-maps/ 

 

If you are renting a car, be prepared to pay for parking at some hotels.

 

If you had any ideas of what you want to do or want thoughts on restaurants, definitely let me know! Remember the really popular places will need reservations which may be difficult to get.

 

I know you're going next month, so you might not have enough time, but play the MyVegas game on Facebook. You "gamble" fake money (you can also pay to buy extra coins but I"m not into it) and you earn LPs (loyalty points) that you can spend on things in Vegas - discounts at some restaurants, tickets to attractions, free drinks, etc. Worth a shot to see what you can get in a short period of time. Read the restrictions on the awards before you redeem for them to make sure they are valid the dates you go.

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packratfamily

packratfamily

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At this point - the only way NOT to catch it is to STAY HOME! (Of course I am living in the MOST UN-Vaccinated state in the US!) :(

Magic, I think of you whenever I watch the news about low vaccination states. It must be hard!

( we are looking forward to retirement and spending time in the camper, not a casket). I dont get it.........

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len_mullen

len_mullen

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Magic, I think of you whenever I watch the news about low vaccination states...we are looking forward to retirement and spending time in the camper, not a casket.

 

MA: 43% of New COVID Cases FULLY VACCINATED | The Daily Plane

 

Greatest risk at this time is people acting like they are immune given ample evidence to the contrary.  Camping is a great way to get away, but, if you are being a tourist where you camp, take care.

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wittenlover

wittenlover

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We are staying at The Strat. The reviews are not very good, so I'm a little apprehensive. Had I been the one planning the trip, I would not have chosen it, just based on the reviews. But I guess it was chosen because it's cheapest.

 

Thank you all for the information! I'm taking notes, and trying to be as prepared as possible :).

I go to Vegas every spring, this year being the only exception, for the NASCAR race. That said, here’s what I’ve got for ya as a Vegas veteran...

 

1.) MONORAIL!!! It runs up and down the Strip and is once again running, last I knew. You can get multi-day unlimited use passes for it. Will save you lots of walking and allow you to see far more of the Strip than you might otherwise be able to. There is also a free tram that runs from Excalibur to Mandalay Bay one way and returns from Mandalay to Excalibur via a quick stop at Luxor (not sure if that’s currently running - you’ll need to check). There is an indoor walkway between Mandalay & Luxor, too.

 

2.) I second those that have mentioned the myVEGAS games on Facebook. The rewards are mostly MGM property based but you can stack points relatively quickly and maybe save yourself a little money, at least. (You can likely even stash enough points away for a free Monorail pass!)

 

Example of Monorail reward prices:

e9877623da6cfa432b34a6eb96986cff.jpg

 

3.) SouthPoint is technically not considered part of the “Strip proper”, being located about 5 miles south of Mandalay, but my bestie and I find the atmosphere there to be very laid back and welcoming, especially on the rare occasions we choose to play the tables. We’re relative rookies on that front and the dealers/hosts/whatever you call them have always been happy to help us without making us feel like dummies for asking. Brendan Gaughan’s (recently retired NASCAR driver) family (dad, specifically) runs the joint and they do it well, IMHO. Brendan has his own moonshine label these days, City Lights Shine, that I hear is quite good from those who like that sort of thing. (Side note if you’ve rented a car for the trip: SP is always free parking in all their lots.)

 

4.) Fully expect to not be able to do/see everything you want to in one trip. I’ve been going since ‘06 and I *still* haven’t hit all the places I want to get to. Make a list “for next time”. [emoji4]

 

5.) Second all those saying “HYDRATE”. As a Michigander who’s been to Vegas in 117* heat, the dry heat is VERY deceptive. Keep water with you at all times. Drink more than you think you need to. Limit caffeine/alcohol intake.

 

6.) HAVE FUN!!! [emoji16][emoji16][emoji16] Will look forward to hearing about your trip when you get back! [emoji106]

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Kanyon71

Kanyon71

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I go to Vegas every spring, this year being the only exception, for the NASCAR race. That said, here’s what I’ve got for ya as a Vegas veteran...

 

1.) MONORAIL!!! It runs up and down the Strip and is once again running, last I knew. You can get multi-day unlimited use passes for it. Will save you lots of walking and allow you to see far more of the Strip than you might otherwise be able to. There is also a free tram that runs from Excalibur to Mandalay Bay one way and returns from Mandalay to Excalibur via a quick stop at Luxor (not sure if that’s currently running - you’ll need to check). There is an indoor walkway between Mandalay & Luxor, too.

 

2.) I second those that have mentioned the myVEGAS games on Facebook. The rewards are mostly MGM property based but you can stack points relatively quickly and maybe save yourself a little money, at least. (You can likely even stash enough points away for a free Monorail pass!)

 

Example of Monorail reward prices:

e9877623da6cfa432b34a6eb96986cff.jpg

 

3.) SouthPoint is technically not considered part of the “Strip proper”, being located about 5 miles south of Mandalay, but my bestie and I find the atmosphere there to be very laid back and welcoming, especially on the rare occasions we choose to play the tables. We’re relative rookies on that front and the dealers/hosts/whatever you call them have always been happy to help us without making us feel like dummies for asking. Brendan Gaughan’s (recently retired NASCAR driver) family (dad, specifically) runs the joint and they do it well, IMHO. Brendan has his own moonshine label these days, City Lights Shine, that I hear is quite good from those who like that sort of thing. (Side note if you’ve rented a car for the trip: SP is always free parking in all their lots.)

 

4.) Fully expect to not be able to do/see everything you want to in one trip. I’ve been going since ‘06 and I *still* haven’t hit all the places I want to get to. Make a list “for next time”. [emoji4]

 

5.) Second all those saying “HYDRATE”. As a Michigander who’s been to Vegas in 117* heat, the dry heat is VERY deceptive. Keep water with you at all times. Drink more than you think you need to. Limit caffeine/alcohol intake.

 

6.) HAVE FUN!!! [emoji16][emoji16][emoji16] Will look forward to hearing about your trip when you get back! [emoji106]

When in Vegas I thought there was a law that says you MUST drink too much? [emoji23]
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wittenlover

wittenlover

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When in Vegas I thought there was a law that says you MUST drink too much? [emoji23]

Not if you don’t drink alcohol in the first place... [emoji12] I definitely over-caffeinate while I’m out there, though. Sleep is entirely overrated. [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

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freesia39

freesia39

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1.) MONORAIL!!! It runs up and down the Strip and is once again running, last I knew. You can get multi-day unlimited use passes for it. Will save you lots of walking and allow you to see far more of the Strip than you might otherwise be able to. There is also a free tram that runs from Excalibur to Mandalay Bay one way and returns from Mandalay to Excalibur via a quick stop at Luxor (not sure if that’s currently running - you’ll need to check). There is an indoor walkway between Mandalay & Luxor, too.

 

My issue with the actual LV monorail is that it isn't very convenient. It runs from the Linq (well the convention center, but if you're not going to a convention, no one goes there) to the MGM. You still have to walk a mile (especially inside MGM) to get to anywhere else and it doesn't stop at every hotel. It's a fun ride, but I didn't find it very useful, other than getting me to MGM grand quickly when I would stay at the other end of the strip. (my preference is the Wynn.) It also runs behind the Linq-MGM grand, not down the middle of the strip like it should (such a wasted opportunity, I swear) so if you want to visit the hotels on the other side of the Strip (Mandalay all the way North to Resorts World) you need to cross the street.

 

There is a tram from Excalibur to Mandalay that runs on a semi-regular basis. there is also a little tram that runs from the Crystal Shoppes to Aria. 

 

The nice thing about Vegas is the pedestrian bridges OVER the strip in many locations - you do not have to wait for traffic lights. Except if you're crossing the street from the Mirage to the Venetian. Seriously. I hate that intersection.

 

As for hotels that connect - Planet Hollywood/Paris/Bally's connects, all indoors.

Caesars is it's own huge super hotel, but you can go out over the pedestrian walkway, walk into Bellagio, which will connect to Vdara, which is a short outdoors walk to Aria. From there you can go to the Crystal Shoppes and also check out the Cosmopolitan. 

And of course, Mandalay/Luxor/Excalibur connect via their tram. 

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Kanyon71

Kanyon71

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Not if you don’t drink alcohol in the first place... [emoji12] I definitely over-caffeinate while I’m out there, though. Sleep is entirely overrated. [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

One year that I was there we ended up at some party. I actually told the bartender you need to tone down the alcohol. I was drinking vodka and cranberry and it was barely even a light pink tint in the glass. [emoji23]

Not if you don’t drink alcohol in the first place... [emoji12] I definitely over-caffeinate while I’m out there, though. Sleep is entirely overrated. [emoji23][emoji23][emoji23]

One year that I was there we ended up at some party. I actually told the bartender you need to tone down the alcohol. I was drinking vodka and cranberry and it was barely even a light pink tint in the glass. [emoji23]

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stationchief

stationchief

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Happy birthday to someone...

Happy birthday to someone!

Happy birthday to... theguywhomakesblackfridayawesomebecauseofthechartswhicharethemosthelpfulinplanningallofyourblackfridayshoppingseason...

Happy birthday too.............

ME! :bday3: :xlbirthda

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Kanyon71

Kanyon71

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Happy birthday to someone...

Happy birthday to someone!

Happy birthday to... theguywhomakesblackfridayawesomebecauseofthechartswhicharethemosthelpfulinplanningallofyourblackfridayshoppingseason...

Happy birthday too.............

ME! :bday3: :xlbirthda

Happy belated b-day.

 

WHAT CHARTS? :)

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berry1014

berry1014

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Happy birthday to someone...

Happy birthday to someone!

Happy birthday to... theguywhomakesblackfridayawesomebecauseofthechartswhicharethemosthelpfulinplanningallofyourblackfridayshoppingseason...

Happy birthday too.............

ME! :bday3::xlbirthda

 

Happy Birthday! 

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