In case you didn’t know, I am an avid Black Friday shopper. Over the years I have utilized every way to save on that day from shopping online to camping out in the snow at Target. It is a fun and time-honored tradition for me. Just because I love a bargain doesn’t mean I overspend and put us in debt for this deal-mania, though. Instead, I have set rules in place that I follow every season. Now I want to share how to actually save money on Black Friday with you as well as hook you up with some free moolah to shop with!

Start Now

Don’t think that you are forced to spend Thanksgiving Day planning for a successful Black Friday haul. Many major stores “leak” their ads early on purpose. Take advantage of this. My favorite database for this is Brad’s Black Friday. He and his team have been doing this for years. They know how to verify leaked ads and can spot a fake from a mile away. If you are relying on Black Friday deals to stay on budget this year then start planning now.

Do Your Research

When you see a deal for an item on your Christmas list make sure that you know it is a good deal. Companies pay people a lot of money to get you to part with your hard-earned cash. Check out what items are going for in stores now and compare to the deals in the leaked ads. If you’re only saving a few dollars off of the regular price is it really worth the fight through the chaos?

[bctt tweet=”Find out how to actually save money on Black Friday and enter to win some shopping cash! #blackfriday” username=”diyadulation”]

Make a List and Stick to It

This is the number one best thing you can do to save on Black Friday. Make a list of the exact items you want to pick up. While you are shopping, do not deviate from that list. The chaos of Black Friday encourages you to buy now! This is made even worse with many deals being available online. Shopping online prevents you from seeing any of your money leaving. It also keeps you from seeing the items you purchase accumulate.

Brave the Store

I know that this turns a lot of people off of Black Friday. When you think about the points made above it makes sense that you will save the most money in store. However, in addition to those points, here are a few more reasons to visit the stores on Black Friday:

It forces you to prioritize. Many stores open at the same time and you have to decide which store has more of the items you are looking for.
A lot of deals on big items such as game consoles and televisions are only available in the store (although I recommend skipping these items in most cases… read more about that here).
You get tired. When you are on your feet for hours hauling items and waiting in line you will lose stamina. Being tired will send you home with more money in your pocket than shopping on the couch will.

Now are you ready to win some free cash?! Enter below and don’t forget to share with your friends!

[bctt tweet=”Want to win some free cash to shop with this Black Friday? Enter today! #giveaway” username=”diyadulation”]

WELCOME TO THE FALL BLACK FRIDAY GIVEAWAY!

Do you have a long holiday shopping list and need extra cash? Well, I’ve got good news for you. 24 bloggers have come together for the Fall Black Friday Giveaway! We don’t want you to stress over holiday shopping, so we’re giving away $335 in Paypal CASH! So what are you waiting for? Enter using the giveaway form below! This giveaway has ended. Thanks to everyone for entering!

Meet the Hostesses

Erlene • My Pinterventures Chelc • Inside The Fox Den Christene • Keys to Inspiration

Kim • Made In A Day Megan • C’mon Get Crafty Sherry • Olives-n-Okra

Leslie • Lambert’s Lately Emily • Our House Now A Home Amanda • The Kolb Corner

Brooke • Re-fabbed Shirley • Intelligent Domestications Brittany • Balanced Frugality

Lorelai • Life with Lorelai Emily • Two Purple Couches Alli • An Alli Event

Marie • DIY Adulation Dee • Meatloaf and Melodrama Holly • Pink Fortitude

Cindy • Little Miss Celebration Sara • Twelve on Main Vineta • The Handyman’s Daughter

Marilyn • Marilyn’s Treats Andrea • Waldorf Salad & Cottage Fries Paula • Holly Jolly Holidays

ONE WINNER WILL WIN $335 PAYPAL CASH!

Giveaway ends November 16 11:59pm PST, open to US and Canadian residents, ages 18+. Winner is subject to eligibility verification and will be announced within 72 hours of giveaway close. Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: The winner has 48 hours to respond or an alternate winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way administered, sponsored, associated, or endorsed by Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram, or Facebook., or Facebook.

You’ve been learning all about how to DIY your Halloween party. You’ve made your invitations, started on your décor, and planned your menu. What is left to do? That question would be easier to answer if you had a Halloween Party Planning Checklist. I have always loved to entertain, especially at Halloween. Over the years I have perfected the art of doing so. Now I’m passing that knowledge onto you. Get the free Halloween Party Planning Checklist when you subscribe to be a DIY VIP member (don’t worry, it’s free). Now let’s get onto more party planning with these DIY bone party utensils.

This is a sponsored post written on behalf on Oriental Trading. In addition, affiliate links are used on this site. Ordering a product through these links may result in a commission. Read the full disclosure here.

Materials

Crayola Air Dry Clay
Plastic Forks
Optional: Sandpaper, Acrylic Sealant, and Painters Tape

Step 1

Pull out a small chunk of air dry clay (about 2 inches in diameter).

Step 2

Roll the piece of clay into a long strip (like a snake).

Step 3

Place the handle of a plastic fork on the top half of the clay snake.

Step 4

Fold the bottom half of the clay snake over the top of the fork handle.

Step 5

Roll the handle/clay mixture between the palms of your hands to completely cover the handle.

Note:

Roll in a way that all of the excess clay is pushed to the bottom of the fork handle.

Step 6

Form the excess at the bottom of the handle into a ball-like shape and gently push in the bottom center. Manipulate until you have what looks like the end of a bone.

[bctt tweet=”More Halloween party fun: DIY bone party utensils (+ a free party planner)! #ad #halloween” username=”diyadulation”]

Step 7

Set somewhere to dry for 24-48 hours.

Tip:

Dry time will vary based on the thickness of the clay.

Step 8

Repeat steps 1 through 7 until the desired number of utensils are made. The container linked to above will do the entire pack of forks.

Step 9 (Optional)

If your bones seem to be falling apart once they are dry do the following steps:

Very gently sand the bones. Clean off any dust.

Next, tape off the tines of your fork with painters tape.

Spray the clay with an acrylic sealer so that it is completely sealed.

These are super cool and creepy! If you don’t have time to cover all of your utensils, cover 8 to 10 of them and display them on your tablescape for décor. As you can see, they look awesome in the Gentleman’s box from the Buffy the Vampire Slayer “Hush” episode (that tutorial is coming your way next week!).

Looking for a deal at Oriental Trading? Visit their coupon page for the latest in sales.

Don’t forget to snag your copy of the Halloween Party Planner before you go. Sign up in the box below and you’ll receive the password for our resources page in minutes! In case you’re not ready to commit to weekly visits from me in your inbox, here are the 6 main party checklist components for a successful party:

Invitations

Décor

Food

Activities (Yes, even adults-only parties need some activities.)

Favors (I’ll give you some easy ideas for favors next week.)

Memories (You want to preserve the memories whether it be with a guest book or a photo.)

When you cover these 6 bases your party is sure to be a hit! Get all the tools you need to rock these bases and your costume with Oriental Trading!

See where I’m linking up!

No Halloween gathering is complete without food and drink. When you’re looking to throw the ultimate spooky fete you can’t serve just any old bag of chips. You want your food to be just as awesome as you party. These 18 wicked drinks and savory treats are the perfect addition. Find the perfect alcoholic or non-alcoholic party punch to fit your tastes. Then serve up some spook-tacular bites with these creepy treats that are sure to wow!

[bctt tweet=”These 18 wicked drinks and savory treats are perfect for your Halloween bash! #DIY #halloween #party” username=”diyadulation”]

Wicked Drinks

How cool are these blood clot shots from A Worthey Read? Delicious toasted marshmallows give this drink its creepy appeal!

This non-alcoholic party punch from Our Family World is perfect to serve kiddos. They’ll love sipping from a drink that looks at them.

Another great drink for kids is these bloodshot Halloween drinks from Finding Zest! These interactive drinks will make your mini-monsters feel like superstars.

Apple cider is delicious on its own but your teens will love if you take it to the next level with these Apple Cider Mocktails from My Teen Guide!

Pump up the pumpkin vibe with this adults-only Pumpkin Spice Fizz from April Golightly. You can’t go wrong when prosecco is involved. Yum!

This family-friendly Cranberry Orange Spiced Cider from A Proverbs31 Wife is delicious and easy. The best part of this recipe is that you make it in the Crock-Pot!

The Crimson Martini from Grey is the New Black is perfect for a fancy soiree. Make your guests feel even cooler than Bond with these easy to make cocktails.

This purple-y Black Spider Party Punch from Finding Zest is another great family punch. The addition of frozen blueberries helps keep your punch cool throughout the party.

Don’t feel like mixing up your party drinks? Serve pre-bottled drinks and top them with these ghost tags from Val Event Gal. She uses them to top mini-bottles of wine but you could easily make them family-friendly by using mini-bottles of pop instead.

Drink your dessert with these Vampire Milkshake Shots from Frog Prince Paperie. Don’t let the look full you. These are 100% alcohol free so you can serve them to everyone.

Savory Treats

These spooky Halloween appetizers from Woods of Bell Trees are super easy to make yet easily up your party fare.

Jalapeno poppers are a staple party appetizer but these mummy ones from The Lucky Pear up the ante. Who wouldn’t want to nibble on these tasty little spooks?

If you are looking for a lighter meal to serve then this Chicken Boo-dle soup from Morgan Manages Mommyhood fits the bill. It is healthy and delicious with a dash of Halloween flair.

I don’t know about your family but mine loves pizza. They’d eat it every day if I would let them. Treat your family and party guests with this fun mummy pizza from The Joys of Boys.

Don’t forget to treat your guest to some pumpkin fun. These roasted pumpkin seeds from Tabler Party of Two are a great treat to serve alongside chips and pretzels.

If you are throwing a family-friendly affair then be sure to serve up some of these Babybel cheese monsters from SheSaved. They are perfect for little hands to grab and go.

Another great savory appetizer from SheSaved are these spooky deviled egg spiders. They are just as creepy as they are delicious.

Last but certainly not least is this easy pumpkin cheese-ball from Crafts a la Mode. Cheese-balls are always an easy and crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Now that you have the perfect party fare to serve your guests, which ones will you choose? Don’t forget to round out your party with these wickedly easy DIY Halloween invitations and sweet DIY pumpkin banner! The DIY Halloween fun continues on Friday. See you then!