One week and counting until BLACK FRIDAY!

Many are beginning the countdown to the busiest shopping day of the year - BLACK FRIDAY! This is the day all retail merchants look forward to having a profitable day of sales. Some of the Big Box stores have already gotten a jump start on shopping by "leaking" their Black Friday ads to the press and reducing stock items in their store early.

If you're not the "gotta hit the stores at 5:00 am" type, here are some suggestions for a leisurely holiday gift shopping experience.

• Shop the local stores in the downtown areas during non-peak times, such as 10-11:30 am or 1:30 to 4:00 pm. Check with local merchants to see if they have extended hours in the evenings during the holiday season.

• Ask merchants if they have an e-mail or mailing list that they use to notify customers of special sales or discounts.

• Look around your house for items that would be happier in a friend's home - a favorite book or photo, perhaps those candlesticks you've never used, or that extra set of hand-painted fruit plates. More commonly known as re-gifting.

• Scout estate sales, consignment shops or antique shops for one-of-a-kind treasures. We have several antique, thrift and consignment stores in the TriLocal area. It's not only a great way to recycle, but it's also nice to give something with a little history.

• Get crafty. If you are talented in sewing, scrapbooking, woodworking, painting, knitting, crocheting, pottery making, etc., you can turn your talents into treasures that ones on your gift list will appreciate because it's a gift from the heart.

• Good at cooking? Then turn your culinary skills into delicious creations that will be appreciated by any harried hostess.

• If you're not talented in craft making or cooking (or simply lack the time), you can give green by buying products that are locally made. Purchasing gifts created by local craftspeople help support the artisans in our community, boosts the local economy, and help avoid unhealthy carbon emissions caused by shipping. The Rutherford County Visual Arts Guild shop is a great place to look for unique gifts at great prices! The shop is located on Main Street in Rutherfordton a few doors up from Green River Interiors (formerly Blossoms). Another idea is local church bazaars and craft shows.

• If your shopping list includes individuals who really don't need or want more stuff, invite them over for a home-cooked meal, an offer of a night of babysitting or perhaps a donation to a favorite charity in their name.

• Give an experience instead of a gift. Purchase tickets to an upcoming concert, give a DVD of their favorite movie along with a gift basket containing popcorn, candy, etc., or a subscription to one of many great magazines relating to western North Carolina such as WNC, Our State or Southern Living. You can also try treats such as dinners out, an afternoon of horseback riding, a session in a pottery studio, a massage, pedicure or facial, all environmentally friendly ideas and experiences that will last forever in someone's memory.

Remember - gifts make memories, but the best aren't about the newest, the latest or the most expensive!

Now - let's look at some upcoming events for this weekend.

* The 18th Annual Ellenboro Fiddler's Convention will be held Saturday, Nov. 21 at 6:30 pm at the Ellenboro School Gymnasium, 813 Piney Mountain Church Road, Ellenboro. There will many concessions for sale, as well as CD's from the musicians.

Admission is $7 for adults, children $1, those under ten are free.

A BBQ dinner will be served beginning at 4:00 pm. Adults $8, 6-12 yrs $5, and 5 and under - free.

Lots of cash prizes and trophies for various categories. For more information, call 453-7457 or 458-0342. All proceed will benefit Colfax Free Fair Exhibits.

* The Rutherford County Visual Arts Guild will host an open house at their shop in Rutherfordton this weekend. Local artisans have stocked the shop with beautiful items ranging from pottery & paintings to one-of -a-kind jewelry pieces. Be sure to shop by the Main Street location and find that unique gift for that special person on your holiday gift list!

* The Foothills Antique & Artisan Show will be held this Friday and Saturday at the Spindale House located on Main Street in Spindale. Hours for the show are 3-7 pm on Friday and 10am-5pm on Saturday. Admission is $2 per person at the door, but look for BOGO coupons in the local newspapers and at Spindale Drug.

In addition to the show, the Spindale Merchants' Association is holding a Holiday Open House on Friday and Saturday with lots of specials for the holiday season ! Spindale Drug will offer tips on how to accessorize your holiday outfits, make the perfect bow and how make holiday wrapping a snap! Merchants will also offer special discounts on food orders and retail purchases, so check out the Coupon Queen page in last Saturday or this Saturday's Daily Courier for coupon information.

Join the town Friday night for the Lighting of the Christmas Tree on the lawn of the Spindale House at 6:15 pm. The weekend will be filled with special entertainment, a Gingerbread House display, book signing by Robin Lattimore and a visit from the jolly old elf himself, Santa!

* And finally, don't forget to place your orders for Urban Half or Full boxes from Farmers Fresh Market by noon on Monday, Nov. 23. Pick up is Nov. 14 after 12:00. Half boxes are $17.50 and full boxes are $35.00. Great way to due your holiday grocery shopping online, visit http://www.farmersfreshmarket.com/ and click on "Other" in the sidebar.

IDEAS FOR A GREEN CHRISTMAS

With the holiday season fast approaching, the Savvy Shopper is going GREEN!

Did you know that Americans will send out approximately 2 BILLION holiday cards, use more than 50,000 miles of ribbon and leave millions of dead Christmas trees on the curb! Now that doesn't mean you can't enjoy all the traditions you love - absolutely NOT - just celebrate ecologically!

Going green can be fun, inspiring and a great time to bless the whole county with holiday spirit! So starting today, with each new post,until January 2nd, I will feature some way you can begin dreaming of a GREEN Christmas!

• If you're shopping for new appliances, look for the Energy Star label, which insures you are purchasing an item with the highest ranking by the EPA and industry. Besides, certain items even qualify for tax deductions!
  
  
• Shop smart by by taking your own tote bags shopping with you - if you don't have any, check the local thrift stores for good, clean canvas totes (wash before using) or check the stores, as most are now carrying inexpensive recycle bags with their logo on them. They can usually be found near the register/check-out area.
  
  
• Carpool whenever you can - going to parties, shopping or other holiday events. It saves energy and makes it a social event!
  
  
• REDUCE, REUSE & RECYCLE - Let nature be your palette for holiday decorating by using natural materials and forest products. We have an abundance to choose from in Rutherford County!
  
  
• Buy Less - Put your crafting & culinary skills to work and get creative with re-gifting! It's become a very chic thing to do!
  
  
• Buy Local with TriLocal - don't forget to look for gift ideas in our downtown shops - you'll be surprised what you'll find and you will be helping our community as well as saving time and gas!

Speaking of shopping locally, Fireside Books & Gifts invites everyone to two upcoming author events. Tonight, from 5:30-8:00 pm, they welcome Jim Shroyer to Fireside to sign his novel, Crossroads:Winds of Grace.

Next Saturday, November 21st, from 1:00-3:00, they're hosting a dual reading/signing with Joan Medlicott and Celia Miles!

Be sure to mark your calendars now and join them for these two exciting events. Start your Holiday Season with Fireside in the company of some sweet Southern charm!

Have great weekend!

The sun is beginning to peek out this afternoon - just in time for weekend!

Several events going on Saturday at the Union Mills Learning Center! The monthly "All You Can Eat" Breakfast is scheduled for Saturday, November 14 from 7:30-10:00 am at the center. November's special price for a hearty country breakfast is only $5 for adults, children 6-12 years $3, and children under 6 years are free with an adult.

When you finish breakfast, be sure to browse the Fall Book Sale being held at the Center. All books are only 25 cents each! Now that's a real deal!!!

Union Mills Learning Center is located at 6495 Hudlow Road in Union Mills.

There's also a new business in Union Mills - UNION MILLS MUFFIN COMPANY.
They offer scrumptious buttermilk muffins baked fresh daily in their Union Mills kitchen.

Every batch is created from scratch using all natural ingredients including the finest fresh butter, eggs, buttermilk, flour & sugar, plus fruit, nuts, chocolate and other delectable extras that will surely tempt your taste buds. They contain no preservatives, fillers or artificial flavors.

Great idea for the upcoming holidays when you have guests in or as a hostess gift. For more information and to see their menu, visit http://www.unionmillsmuffincompany.com/ or contact them by phone at 828.287.4283. A warm welcome to our latest Rutherford County business!

It's not even Thanksgiving yet, and the Christmas ads and sales have already begun!

Many of the local big-box stores, such as Wal-Mart, Aldi, & Big Lots, are offering weekly holiday specials on select items such as Wii, X Box, etc. The grocery stores are also getting on board with specials on baking items, condiments, etc. Be sure to check the weekly ads for sales and use your coupons whenever possible for additional savings. Just last week I had coupons for BirdsEye Steamfresh Meals for Two - one was for $1.50 off one bag and the other one was a Buy One, Get One Free coupon. Food Lion had several varieties on sale for $4.99 each (normally $6.99 a bag); so... for a mere $3.49 I got two bags. Now that's savvy savings!

Several local business also offer layaway, which comes in quite handy with holiday shopping. It's All in the Bag is offering layaway during the holiday season only, while Graham Cash and Roses have the service year round.

Don't forget to check the thrift stores for some great buys on Christmas decorations - you can find everything from brand new to vintage at really great prices. This week, Hospice and Yokefellow are running their half-off sale throughout the entire store!

Some events happening around the county this weekend include the Snuffy Jenkins Renunion Festival being sponsored by Rutherford County Arts Council. The event will be held at Isothermal Community College on Saturday, November 7th. For more information contact Matthew McEnnerney at (828) 245-4000.

An Arts & Crafts Sale will be held tomorrow, Friday, Nov. 6th at the Senior Center located on Callahan-Koon Road. The sale begins at 9:00 am and runs until 5:00 pm. Be sure to check out it, as there are always some great handmade items for sale.

If you're looking for something interesting and educational to do Friday evening, way not stop by Fireside Books & Gifts. They will be hosting a reception and reading by Ed Southern from 5:00-7:00 pm, as they celebrate his debute fiction collection. Mr. Southern is a born & bred Tarheel, who currently resides in Winston-Salem and is Executive Director of the North Carolina Writer's Network. Don't forget to browse the gift shop while you're there. Both books and gifts from Fireside Books & Gifts are great for holiday gift giving!