Black Friday Blog Hop Back to Blog
Update: Thanks so much for participating in the Blog Hop! Cassandra Carr picked our big winner and that lucky person is geminicalli@yahoo.com. Congrats!!! And if you didn’t win…please, come back here on 11/29/11. I’ll be hosting an all-day release party for ANGEL OF DARKNESS then, and there will be tons of goodies up for grabs. Thank you!
Thanks for coming by for some Black Friday Blog Hopping fun! Here are the details for the hop (provided by Cassandra Carr):
One random commenter (can be on any of the blogs) will win a Kindle Fire, along with all the prizes below! That’s the easiest kind of shopping I can think of…
Prizes:
– Cassandra Carr: copy of either of my two current releases, Talk to Me or Head Games
– Kristabel Reed: back list copy of one of her stories and then on her own blog a $10 GC plus a copy of her newest release, Risque, a Regency Menage Tale
– Lucy Felthouse: back list copy of any of her single-title books
– Cari Quinn: back list copy of one of her books
– Leigh Elwood: two back list copies of her books
– Natasha Blackthorne: copies of her two Regency era novellas: Grey’s Lady and Waltz of Seduction
– Amber Kallyn: e-copy of Dragos 1
– Camryn Rhys: Kindle copies of The Barn Dance and Off the Record – Foodie Erotic Romances
– Lissa Matthews: two of her back list books
– Misa Buckley: an e-copy of Ironhaven and To Reach the Dawn
– Lacey Wolfe: a copy of Ambers Muse
– Courtney Sheets: a $25 GC to Ravenous Romance and a copy of Kona Warrior – PDF
– Sara Brookes: an e-copy of one of my back list books
– Cynthia Arsuaga: a copy of an e-book, and on her own blog five book charm book tethers
– Louisa Bacio: .pdf copy of my first book in The Vampire, The Witch & The Werewolf series, and on her own blog a $10 certificate to Ravenous Romance, and each commenter will also be entered to win a Goody Bag of new Orleans treats
– Malia Mallory: one copy each of The ABC’s of Erotica and Santa’s Back Door Baby
– Cynthia Eden: a copy of Angel of Darkness (either print or digital)
– Carrie Ann Ryan: an e-copy of The Alpha’s Path
– Jacquie Rogers: a Smashwords coupon for Faery Merry Christmas, plus on her own blog, a free copy of Much Ado About Marshals
So what are the rules? Simple: visit as many of the blogs as you can and leave a comment for the blog owner. For every comment, you’ll get one entry into the grand-prize drawing. Be sure to leave your e-mail address with every comment so we can find you if you win! And don’t forget that several blog owners are giving away prizes specific to their blog, too!
One winner will be chosen on Saturday morning using random.org. I will contact that person about the Kindle Fire and then each blog owner with a prize will contact the winner themselves to arrange delivery of said prize. Questions? Contact me at AuthorCassandraCarr AT gmail DOT com.
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Sweet! Now…on to my post for Black Friday…
I’M A COWARD
There. I’ve confessed. When it comes to Black Friday crowds, I get stresses. Too many people. Too few presents. Too much drama that you see aired later on your local news broadcast.
So how do I handle Black Friday? Here are some of my survival tips:
1. Whenever possible, shop online. So many places are offering free shipping. Get those goodies online. Save yourself the drama of endlessly searching the parking lot. Sit in your comfy chair at home, and click quickly for your order.
2. If you have to head out on Black Friday, never shop alone! Take a buddy–a friend can be the perfect aid you need when it comes to finding those perfect bargains.
3. The shoes. Oh, the shoes, baby! Don’t go for fashionable when it comes to Black Friday. Go for comfort. Pull out those comfy sneakers because you are about to walk like a mad woman. (Unless, of course, you follow my first survival tip–and shop from home!)
4. Hide your prizes. When you get to your car to dump out your goods, don’t leave them in plain sight. Sadly, there will also be folks out looking to steal on Black Friday. The chaos is the perfect cover for them. So please don’t leave your new purchases out where folks can see them. Hide them in your trunk. Deposit them at your house and then go shopping again. Just be careful and be alert.
5. Don’t let the stress get to you. Long lines make you frustrated? Screaming toddler have you seeing red? (And I’m not talking about Santa’s suit!) Then just take a deep breath. Hum a Christmas tune, and remember…you’re going through this drama because you want presents for the people that you care about–this is for them.
Happy shopping!!
Cynthia Eden
Tweet It
Awesome giveaway!
Tamaria
tamariasoana(at)yahoo(dot)com
My rules for shopping
1-map out stores n keep adds
2- buddy shopping
3- comfy clothes n shoes
4- fanny pack, no purse need hands free only bring ID n credit cards you want to use no wallet
5- whereever possible no cart use a reuseable tote bag
6- stick to your list!
Oh and don’t forget a blanket to cover your stuff in the car 😉
Oops drmgrl99atyahoodotcom
Great rules!
Great advice, especially the one about hiding your goodies!
bookofsecrets(at)yahoo(dot)com
I avoid black friday by stating my christmas shopping in July. By now I usually have all my shopping done. Hope you all enkoyed Thanksgiving.—Rachel
Thanks for such a great giveaway! Do you want my number one rule for going out shopping on black Friday? Easy, don’t go!
TLC84@yahoo.com
Thank you sooo much for the contest. If i shop on black friday its in the afternoon when the rush is gone.
I did not go out this year. Nothing that I really NEEDED to have. Plus I’m trying to be good and not have so much stuff cluttering the house. Of course, the weekend’s not over yet and there are still more online sales to come.
txbookjunkie [at] gmail [dot] com
Cynthia, you couldn’t pay me enough money to shop during Black Friday, unless it was online!!!
Thank you for the giveaway!
books4me67 at ymail dot com
I do the VAST majority of my holiday shopping online, and honestly, I didn’t buy a single “Black Friday” item this year.. The “deals” aren’t really that great unless you’re getting a big-ticket item (which I don’t have the money for), because while the items are CHEAPER money wise, they’re also lower quality, so it’s no savings over getting a knockoff from Amazon anyway lol
Thanks for the giveaway! 🙂
When it comes to big sales and busy holiday seasons I like to avoid at all costs. Stay indoors and cozy up with good food and good books. I rationalize that I don’t “really” need it. 🙂
Great giveaway and really awesome Black Friday tips! I’m doing most of my shopping online this year.
Thanks! 🙂
bimmergrlmd at gmail dot com
Hubby never permits me to go out when there is a large crowd of people in shopping centers. I tend to lose the filter to my mouth when rudeness starts. I get rudely cut off or jostled or what not I tend to get very mouthy
Thanks for the amazing giveaway! I stick to online shopping for Black Friday. The deals just aren’t worth the crowds and craziness.
hannre at gmail dot com
Online is the only way to go for me. I avoid all that craziness. People turn into some other beings during Black Friday, not so nice!!
Thank you for the giveaway!
mnjcarter at charter dot net
I used to work retail and I HATED
OOPS didn’t get to finish…LOL
Anyway, I really hated Black Friday. I think it’s worse on the workers than the shoppers. The workers can’t escape the rude, crazy people. Now that I am not working, I sit at home and thank God that I am not out there on Black Friday.
koonie2888 at yahoo dot com
I feel your pain! Back in college, I did gift wrap during the holidays. I still have nightmares about the Black Friday lines.
Happy Friday. I shop at home online if possible and spend my black friday decorating the house for Christmas. Happy Holidays!!!!
I love the online shopping. Definitely a great way to go!
I don’t like crowds. I stay far away from Black Friday shopping. lol I do a lot of my shopping online now. Love it!!
But for advice about the long lines– Bring a book with you and catch up on your reading while in line. It’s fun and will pass the time. 🙂 I run errands for my boss and I always have a book on me. I look forward to a long line. lol
Wasn’t sure if you needed the email posted here, too. :)info at kmnbooks dot com
Thanks for the chance to win. 🙂
We don’t have Black Friday in Canada! I’ve never been to one.
I have to agree with all your suggestions I used to go out and brave the sales. But not so much anymore.
I can’t wait to be able to shop for my little ones but that money is a couple of weeks away.
~~*Drea*~~
dreabecraft(@)aol.com
I hope there are lots and lots of good deals posted each week until Christmas!
I think this is a great idea and lots of fun. Me, myself, I don’t shop on Black Friday. I never have…I do shop online on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Thanks,
Tonya 😀
tonyacallihan@hotmail.com
Nice survival guide! I’m having so much fun with this hop.
GabbyG
msgabby(at)gmail(dot)com
Although we don’t have Black Friday here, I have checked out some online deals.No crowds there and no one bitching at me. 🙂
elaing8(at)netscape(dot)net
LOL, I love the no bitching bonus!
I’m with others: can’t stand shopping normally and wouldn’t shop on Black Friday unless you made me a millionaire. I shop online in my jammies and do things like this blog hop which are way more fun!
jay9moore@gmail.com
I don’t do Black Friday. I don’t like crowds and folks are just down right rude!
Give me online shopping!!!
Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com
Thanks for having this great blog tour giveaway!!!
Online shopping shopping for me! After the last 2 days of cooking and cleaning, I didn’t want to end up getting trampled too!!! LOL!
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving!!!!
kimmyl
klmc_37@yahoo.com
There’s no way I would brave the Black Friday crowds!!! Thanks for the giveaway!
makepeace.arts[at]gmail[dot]com
I’ve heard there was a stabbing at my local Walmart last night. So glad I skipped that stop!
Amazing giveaway!
http://beingmama.com/
http://ohsoprettylife.blogspot.com/
Great rules to follow! But I am one of those crazy people that does go out and brave the crowds, though nowadays you don’t really have to get up in the morning, we just don’t sleep because stores are opening earlier and earlier, so last night our shopping was done and we were home by midnight. We found our deals and saved lots and really I don’t mind the crowds too much, we do go in a group so we all watch out for each other, most importantly! Thanks for being part of the Blog Hop 🙂
Eva
evitap67(at)gmail(dot)com
I’m so glad you saved a lot–and I wish I had your bravery!!
Fabulous tips. I started shopping online just to avoid the chaos. Enjoy your holiday!
robinbadillo720 (at) yahoo (dot) com
You are not alone. Crowds make me antsy and drive me crazy. I do my grocery shopping at 7am Saturday mornings to avoid crowds. I wait until a movie has been about for at least 3 weeks before I go see it because I don’t want to be in a crowded theater. I just don’t like being around a lot of people. I’m a mess. LOL!
Online shopping was made for people like me!
lovetoreadforfun(at)gmail(dot)com
🙂 I just got done black Friday shopping, I live in a small town so it doesn’t get to bad here. I finished shopping for everyone so now all I have to buy is myself a copy of Angel Of Darkness on Tuesday 🙂 (Unless I WIN one 🙂 ) Thanks for the awesome blog contest
brandon_savannah@yahoo.com
I love black Friday shopping! I think your recommendation should be to leave the toddler at home! I avoid Walmart, Best Buy, and Toys R Us. I just got everything I wanted at Target – including the electronics! Thanks for the Blog Hop giveaways! chessa79 (at) gmail (dot) com.
Chessa, I wanted to hit Target. They had this fun, life-sized Mater that kids could color. I thought my son might like it. 🙂
I do all my Black Friday shopping from home, in my pajamas, with my computer. 😉
Thanks for the giveaway!!
makepeace.arts[at]gmail[dot]com
My rules for Black Friday shopping are quite simple: Don’t. I’ve had no problems sticking to it yet.
Thanks for the giveaway! aviashnanama@yahoo.com
Thanks so much for all of the comments!! And I am loving the advice. 🙂 I *think* I may try to be brave and head out in a bit…we’ll see how that goes!
Good luck with the giveaways!!
My Black Friday rule of thumb is STAY HOME. I don’t care about the savings. I’d become a very nasty unhappy person if I went out will all those people.
Thank you for the blog hop.
vsloboda(at)gmail(dot)com
Great giveaway!!
I will not be doing any of the crazy shopping, only cause I can’t afford it, lol.
imajicasnow@inbox.com
What a great blog hop. I’m hopping along.
I can’t go shopping. My fiance and his 11 year old son sat in line for 4 hours at WalMart to get an XBox 360.
I avoid shopping I hate it with a passion. One year my mom gave each of my daughters Walmart gift cards… I payed a friend to take them shopping.
No Black Friday is not for me i’ve seen how those people get. Lol its not worth it. Besides I dont like big crowds and too many people so I do best just to stay away and stick to the online shopping or just wait til the madness calms down. Specially with my lil ones i cant be really going crazy on people and have them witness mommy’s ugly side. Lol
Thanks for the opportunity!
Ashley
ashleybarco2@yahoo.com
What a great blog hop. I’m hopping along.
You’re brave women…I stay home and shop on the web! Saves toes that way! Don’t enter me in your giveaway, Cynthia…’cause I already have your book (LOVE IT)…but, I’d like the chance for the Kindle Fire!
My Black Friday in store shopping days are over. I do 100 percent of my shopping online. I get the bargains without the rude customers, the long lines and the crowds.
Thanks for the chance!
mizztuts AT bellsouth DOT net
I shop at home! Online is the way to go! Happy Holidays and thanks for the great post!
robinbadillo720 (at) yahoo (dot) com
Totally great advice! I will keep it in mind if I ever decide to venture out on Black Friday lol
Ashley A
ash_app@hotmail.com
I think people who do the black friday shopping must be a little bit insane.. lol.. i pretty much finished my holiday shopping in october, and i live in a rural community.. so driving 2+ hours to go to a big store to be mobbed by people.. just doesnt seem like fun to me
awesome contest, thanks so much for the giveaway!
I love your tip about the shoes! That is soooo important. I went shopping with my in-laws a few years ago and didn’t wear proper shoes. They told me I was crazy for not wearing comfy foot gear, but I thought they were just old. Hehehhheh! 🙂 Turns out I wasn’t as young as I thought! I had to buy some tennis shoes halfway through the day.
Thank you for being part of this giveaway. Happy Holidays to you and yours!
I’m with you, I don’t go out on Black Friday unless it is a total emergency. I love shopping from my PC or laptop. No drama or crowds at all. Thanks for the giveaway and Happy Holidays.
dukediva32(at)yahoo(dot)com
Great offers and fun prizes! Thanks.
cmselfridge@gmail.com
I used to go to the stores on black Friday but now I shop online. Much better 🙂