The Savvy Shopper

Gosh, this week has gone by fast - too fast in fact!

If you want a break from the hustle & bustle of the holiday season, be sure to visit Fireside Books & Gifts tomorrow, as Nancy and Guy Winker will be reading their book "Abigail Ann & the Santa Claus Plan". This book is also highlighted in the December issue of "Our State" magazine. Enjoy a great afternoon Pajama Party with the kids, complete with storytime, snack and a fun make-a-snowflake craft project! Perfect activity for a cold day. 1:00-3:00 pm

If you're looking for a small, unique gift for your secret pal, office gift exchange or stocking stuffer, stop by the Gift Shop at Spindale Drug and check out the great selection of ornaments that can be personalized while you wait!

The Graham Cash store in downtown Forest City is running a 3 Day Sale which concludes tomorrow, with 25% -30% many selected items as well as Lee and Levis jeans for $19.99. They also offer free layaway & gift wrapping on purchases over $10. You may want to check the Daily Courier for an additional coupon for 25% which appeared in the last several days!

Here are some GREEN ideas for hosting a party-

*Buy drinks in bigger bottles rather than small ones. One large bottle generates less waste than several smaller ones.

*Check out Farmers Fresh Market at http://www.farmersfreshmarket.org/. Local produce supports small suppliers and the community while minimizing your carbon footprint. They are still offering items such as honey, jam, jellies, eggs, potatoes and various types of lettuce and tomatoes. Even a few varieties of apples still available.

*Buy your fruits and vegetables loose and skip all that wasteful plastic packaging. Make sure any packaging is made from recycled materials.

*Cook a fresh, organic turkey or ham.

*Use the right-sized pan for anything you cook; boil vegetables in just the amount of water they need. This all saves on energy and helps our planet.

* Don't forget to put your vegetable peelings from your parties or holiday dinners in your home compost bin. If you have a garden, consider an indoor worm (ugh!) ranch to break down the vegetable food waste into rich nutrients for the soil. (That idea is even worse than having an ant farm).

* Switch to cloth napkins - collect varied ones at thrift stores and garage sales. Tie one at each place setting with raffia, and insert a cinnamon stick, dried flowers or eve a spring of fresh boxwood or rosemary. This also adds a very elegant touch to your holiday table. Just love cloth napkins!