How to Shop Black Friday

I've been shopping on black friday a for the last few years. Although I've never spent big money or rushed early to stores, I've learned a few things about shopping on Black Friday. Below are a few tips to make the process easier...

1. Make a list of things you want and need...for yourself and presents for others.
2. Check the store's ads and their online deals. Sometimes stores may have separate deals for people who want to purchase something online instead of going into a store.
3. If or when you do find something you really want, search around to see if another store or website has it for a cheaper price. You can also see if a store offers a gift card with a purchase. For instance, I've seen a few ads where two different stores have an ipod touch on sale for the same price but one store may offer a gift card with the purchase. Look for things like that.
4. For hot commodity items (like TVs, laptops, tablets, furniture) make sure to get to the store super early (this year, maybe 1am or earlier...yikes).
5. Make sure you map out where you want to go and the times that certain stores open. It also helps having someone with you so they can go to one store while you are in another.
6. When buying electronics, already make up your mind if you want the store's extended warranty or protection. They are going to try to sell it to you and you need to already have made up your mind if you want it or not. Dont let them manipulate you into something...unless you want it...
7. Be prepared for the madness. this is the hardest part for me lol. People will act frantic and crazy over hot ticket products or the last of a product.
8. Always check out a store's return policy or warranty on the item. Sometimes its not worth buying something so cheap and it ends up breaking and you cant return it.
9. Save some money for Cyber Monday

This year, just like every other year, I dont plan on getting that much. I know i need a new set of sheets so I may get that from wal-mart or target. I also plan on getting Just Dance 3, I want to see who has it for the cheapest price. I need to get a few make-up things for Christmas, maybe from Ulta....but thats about it. Pretty boring.

Here are a few websites that show what stores are having what sales

http://www.blackfridayreport.com/

http://bfads.net/Ad/Best-Buy-2011

http://www.blackfridayads.com/

Do you plan on going shopping for black friday? What do you plan on purchasing?

Music Monday: Beyonce Live @ Roseland

I've heard a lot of Bey stans talking about this Live at Roseland performance being amazing. I like Beyonce's music but she isn't necessarily my favorite artist. When I saw this video, it made me like her even more. Her work ethic, personality, and the way she keeps her relationship with Jay-z private are things that made me love her from this video.

Beyonce - I was Here ( Live at Roseland)

The lyrics are very inspiring and spark something in me to "leave my mark" on this world.

Her vevo account is showing the whole DVD (Live at Roseland), which is an hour long performance including clips. It is supposed to be online for only 24 hours (so that will be until 11/21/2011 5pm EST) so hurry and watch it if you want to see it.

I love that she included clips from her private life.

What do you think about these videos?

Ashley

xoxo

Also check out some of my other Music Mondays

Music Monday: Adele

Music Monday: Katy Perry

Music Monday: Lupe Fiasco

Music Monday: Frank Ocean

Music Monday: J.Cole

Music Monday: Rihanna

Music Monday: Wale

Music Monday: Selena Gomez

Ulta Haul

I went to Ulta on Thursday and picked up a few things. I'm kinda mad because when I got back home there was an Ulta coupon in the mail and I didn't get a chance to use it. Oh well, I plan on going back during the holidays to get a few more things.

I saw this glitter and immediately thought of wearing it during the holidays or for New Years Eve. But when I got home and looked on the back, I saw it wasn't safe for the eye area. :-( I guess I'll find some way to use this.

NYX Glitter Mania in Disco Ball

I never really venture off into the body section of Ulta but I saw this for less than $5 and I had to pick it up. I put tried it on and it was pretty decent, the ginger is a little strong but it isnt too bad for the price.

Gorgeous Hands Hand Cream in Ginger Plumberry

I've always wanted to try the L'Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray, although I rarely use hairspray lol. I'm sure I'll have it for a long time and I hope its worth the money.

I've been trying to expand my perfume collection and before I go out and spend money on a big bottle, I always look in the travel size section of Ulta. I saw there were almost hundreds of this smell so I decided to try it out. I liked the smell in the store and it still smells pretty good.

Love Struck by Vera Wang

What are some new things you purchased?

Ashley

xoxo

Also Check Out

New Love: Mimosa

How I would Style A Fur Vest

Music Monday: Selena Gomez

New Love: Mimosa

Lately, I've loved the taste of a mimosa. I'm not really a breakfast/brunch person but I love having one of these (actually at all times of the day lol). Usually with most cocktails or drinks you need a lot of ingredients, I love that this one only calls for two.

What You'll Need:

1. Orange Juice
2. Champagne or Sparkling Wine (or if you are under 21 or choose not to drink, use sparkling cider, sprite, or ginger ale)
3. Champagne Flute (I didn't have one so I used some random glass in the cabinet lol, I dont know if its a wine glass or what but whatever.... If you are serving it for guests then you'll probably want to get champagne flutes)
4. Garnish (Orange slice, Strawberry, or Cherry)

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This drink is better served cold so make sure your orange juice and champagne are cold. I usually fill the glass up almost to the top and then top it off with champagne but I think this recipe is all about personal preference. You can do half champagne and half orange juice or if you want to feel a little tipsy you can use more champagne than orange juice lol.

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After you top it off you can garnish it and that's it. Pretty simple.

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When I get to the bottom I like to put my orange slice in the drink. When the drink is gone you can eat the orange and it is extra juicy lol.

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This drink is pretty foolproof and makes you feel a little fancy lol. Try it out and tell me how you like it.

Have you ever had a mimosa? Whats your favorite drink (alcoholic or non alcoholic)?

Ashley

xoxo

Also Check out

How I would Style A Fur Vest

Music Monday: Selena Gomez

Style Influence: Michelle Obama

How I Would Style A Fur Vest

Below are two ways I would style or wear a fur vest. I think when wearing fur vest you don't have to accessorize too much ( I mean unless you want to lol). I love pairing fur vest with bolder colors, especially since most fur vests come in neutral, bland colors like black or brown. The bottom outfit reminds me a lot of 70s style, or Rachel Zoe.

furvest by msashley407 featuring yellow gold earrings

furvest maxi dress by msashley407 featuring glitter heels

Remember style is personal and there are no REAL rules in fashion. Explore and experiment.

How would you style or wear a fur vest?

Ashley

xoxo

Also Check Out

Music Monday: Selena Gomez

Style Influence: Michelle Obama

Fall Trend: Fur Vests

Music Monday: Selena Gomez

Now I've never really been a huge Selena Gomez fan. I watched Wizards of Waverly Place sometimes (lol dont judge) and I think her puppy love relationship with JB is cute. When I heard this song on the radio I thought "omg who is this?". I instantly fell in love with the song and later found out it was Selena.

Now I know I'm probably the last one to catch on to the song and I just saw the video last week lol.

Love You Like A Love Song

The video is very cute, I love how she goes through the different time periods. And her big Diana Ross-ish hair is so gorgeous.

What do you think about this song?

Ashley

xoxo

Also Check Out

Style Influence: Michelle Obama

Music Monday: Wale

How I Would Style Fur Boots

Style Influence: Michelle Obama

Despite your political views, it is obvious that Michelle Obama has style. I think she is the most stylish first lady since Jackie O. Michelle seems to be very sophisticated with just a dash of sexy. I love that for upscale dinners and events she looks extravagant and when she is grocery shopping or walking the dog she looks laid back. Her style seems effortless. Although, the way Michelle dresses is not particularly something I would wear at the age of 22 but I could see as I get older and more mature taking some tips from her.

Michelle's style is simple, sophisticated, with a touch of fun. I love that she isnt afraid to wear prints or colors because some of the previous first lady's styles have been a little boring. She seems very down to earth and it shows through her style.

This is my favorite look from her. This Jason Wu dress is just elegant and regal. I think she looks amazing.

This last dress is one of my favorite looks too. When I saw her in this dress I immediately thought wow. She looks amazing and I'm glad she isnt afraid to show her figure without showing too much.

What do you think about Michelle's style?

Ashley

xoxo

Also Check Out

Music Monday: Wale

How I would Style Fur Boots

Fall Trend: Fur Vest