Black Friday: Get the Best Deals without Overspending

Black Friday is almost here! For businesses, it's time to go from the red to the black, and for consumers, it's time to save! But it's hard not to get caught up in the commotion and end up spending more than you meant to. We've compiled tips for staying frugal on Black Friday, as well as some of our favorite can't-miss deals. Visit our new website for tips on how to get the best Black Friday deals!

Must-Visit Site of the Week: KidsMealDeals.com

No matter how hard we try, we always end up eating out way more than we'd like. It's easier to not feel bad about it when we go to a restaurant where the kids eat free. To find a bunch in your area, visit KidsMealDeals.com. Enter your zip code and you'll find deals from chain restaurants and local joints alike, and they even have apps for iphones and blackberrys in case you need it on-the-go.

The only downside to this site is that you have to search by day of the week (there doesn't seem to be a "search all" option), but a restaurant that offers deals for kids also usually offers frugal prices for adult entrees, so this site could potentially save you hundreds (or if you're as bad as us, thousands) per year. Bon appetit!

Must-Visit Site of the Week: Orientaltrading.com

While Oriental Trading may not have the most PC name, it does have fantastic deals on crafts, decorations, and large quantities of toys. If you're having a kids party, this is the must-visit site for goodie bags. For example, $25 for 50 glow bracelets, $8 for 72 sticky lizards, $9 for 48 yo-yos with snowflakes printed on them, and more.

Oriental Trading also has tons of fun decorations, and today, of course, begins their sale on Halloween decorations, so act fast if you want a cheap head on a platter for next year. Check their sale section for more deals on decorations for birthdays, baby showers, and more.

Right now, the site is running a contest to win $500 in Oriental Trading gift cards. You can enter every day, so check back frequently! They are also offering a FREE subscription to Martha Stewart Living (or an extension if you already subscribe) and free shipping if you spend $50. Not a bad deal!

Sample New Proctor & Gamble Products

One piece of advice we always give our readers is to set up a separate email account for freebies. (It's also great to give out at stores and anywhere else you think might send you a lot of mail you don't want or sell your address.) The Proctor & Gamble newsletter, however, I get straight to my "real" inbox. It reminds me to collect my P&G freebies, it's a must-have coupon source for everything from fabric softener to cat food, and it also has some fun tips and tricks--and you know what household tip junkie I am! This month's free sample is for Oil of Olay bodywash. I'm hoping this one arrives before my other body wash samples run out! Maybe I'm just crazy, but I always feel better using a sample than something I paid for. Or maybe I just love saving that much....Click here to sign up for the newsletter and get their body wash sample, and enjoy!

Cheap and FREE ways to learn to play guitar

Luis, one of our sons' best friends, has decided he wants to be a guitar player. Unfortunately, he refuses to practice! "He knows the basic how-tos," his mom Lupe told me, "but I feel like I'm throwing money away to pay for lessons, when getting him to practice is always a fight." This got me wondering about low-cost alternatives to expensive music lessons.

Visit our new website to learn about cheap and free ways to learn how to play the guitar.