The Savvy Shopper

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!