http://travel.nextag.com

This is a great start for researching options and price points. However, don’t stop there. Find your preferred hotel (even better, a few top choices). Then, before booking online, be sure to call your local travel agent for pricing and always call the hotel or inn directly to see if they can price match the lowest online price and offer additional incentives (free breakfast, discounted tickets to local attractions, etc).

In this economy and with technology at your fingertips, bargaining has never been easier.

If traveling is just not in your budget, check out our latest column on staycations (click here!)…sometimes it is not only cheaper but more restful! After all, hotels are great but there’s no place like home!

Now until the end of the month is a great time to take advantage of winter clearance sales! Not only can you were items now and for the next few weeks, but you could go ahead and update wardrobes for next fall at deeply discounted prices.

Shopping off-season clearance racks is a great way to purchase clothing at stores that might normally be out of your price range. The key though is quality, not just name brand or styling. By purchasing well-made, quality clothing (this is in terms of stitching and fabric), your clothes will last longer and will ultimately be a great investment. Things that you wear often, should probably be replaced every year but good quality will look good all season. However, other items, especially formal and special occasion should last a while. This is why it is also wise to stick to the classics and only purchase a few trendy things if you have extra money after buying basic necessities.

As always, the first step to saving money is to get focused and organized!

We recommend:

1) Making a list of wardrobe necessities–pants, tops, skirts, dresses and shoes you need to get through the season based on your lifestyle (for example: do you need dress clothing for church? dress pants for work?)

2) Then go through closets and throw out things that are too worn or were not worn this season. Then decide based on size and condition, what can be used next season and what needs to be replaced. Then formulate a shopping list. This will help prevent you from buying too much or buying things you really don’t need.

3) Check the condition of coats, boots, hats and gloves and add items that need to be replaced to your shopping list

*When shopping, focus on needs first and if money is left in budget, buy “wants” (like accessories, etc.)

For example, this is what Sarah’s fall/winter clothing necessities are for her closet:

dress coat, casual coat,  leather gloves, wool hat, waterproof snow boots, ski pants, ski gloves, ski coat, fleece ear warmer band, 1 black dress boots, 1 brown boots, tennis shoes, casual shoes (brown), wool socks, dress socks, leggings/tights, 2 winter dresses, 1 black skirt, 4 dressy shirts, 1 iron-free white button-down shirt, 1 suit,  1 party/formal dress (pref. black), fleece jacket/pullover, brown-tone sweater, black sweater, casual blue jeans, dressy blue jeans, 1 heavy-weight khaki pants, 1 pair black pants (lined), 5 pairs of knit pants (stay-at-home mom staple), 5 long-sleeve casual shirts, 3 workout outfits, 2 winter nightgowns, 1 pant-pajama set, a heavy robe, slippers.

*In bold are things that will need to be replaced for next year and will be purchased at clearance sales in the next few weeks!

Remember, try to purchase items at least 50% off retail!

Happy Shopping!

I always find that calling and speaking to a real person, whether it be for the circus or a hotel, usually means more success at getting a better discount…because as always, “it doesn’t hurt to ask.” Real people can override stipulations whereas computer systems cannot.

The circus is coming to Knoxville March 3-7. The code is good for kid tickets, ages 2-13.

The code when calling is: KIDG4 and the number is 865-656-4444

Check out our column in the Wednesday edition of The Daily Times for tips on getting the biggest bang for your buck with diet and fitness programs!

If you are in the market in Blount County, we’ve compiled some information to help you get started. We sound like a broken record, but as always…do your homework (the information listed below is not guaranteed and are not paid advertisement nor are they endorsed by Cheap Blondes).

Here are the January promotions we know of for food programs…

• Jenny Craig*-loose 20lbs for $20 (*does not include food cost)
• Weight Watchers*- Registration fee waived, free online trial, free meeting
• Nutrisystem* – 2 weeks of food free
• LA Weightloss*- offering 30% off through the end of the month

Health Clubs/Fitness Programs–

With health clubs, take a look online if they have a website at the different promotions they are offering. Many clubs have a set fee that can be broken down into monthly payments. Other clubs vary in their pricing. Some will not reveal their prices because they want to get you in the door.  Try to gather information about several gyms before deciding on one and don’t let a skinny sales rep in a nice sweat suit talk you into something you’re not sure about!

With most clubs, take advantage of free week to 2-week trial memberships at several clubs. You could work out for a couple of months before you have to pay for anything and you will know for sure which one you want to join!

Each club has their own system with contracts and enrollment fees but just know that the price point for this area is between $20-$30 a month.  This really won’t change even after the New Year’s rush.  What you may get now that you won’t see in a couple of months are extras, like free food programs, personal training or discounted enrollment fees. As always, shop around!

In Blount County, you have a few options:

• Curves http://www.curvesinformation.com
• Jazzercize http://jazzinmaryville.com
• Quick Fitness 24/7 http://www.justfitness247.com
• Ladies Total Fitness: http://www.ladiestotalfitnesstn.com
• Cherokee Athletic Facility
• Dyna Body
• Fitness Concepts
• National Fitness Center (formerly Court South on Alcoa Hwy.) a new facility is opening in Maryville on W. Broadway in the fall.
• Rush Fitness Complex in Alcoa http://www.therush247.com

Ask your friends where they workout and see what their experience has been like and what they are paying. When you join a health club, ask about friend referral discounts. For example, at Ladies Total Fitness in the mall you can get a free month for every friend you refer and a free lifetime membership if you refer six friends.

So if you join LTF, be sure to write the name “Sarah Herron” on your referral line. Sarah has five more friends to go before getting the free lifetime membership

Know of other health club or food program promotions or tips? Email us at cheapblondes@gmail.com!

For small donations, you can check with your local church to see if they distribute clothing and other items to people in the community. At our church, Fairview UMC, they offer a clothing closet to the community that coordinates with the food pantry. Many police and fire departments also accept donations, like the Maryville Fire department, who are currently accepting donations for Coats for the Cold. If you want to donate specifically to the homeless, contact Knox Area Rescue Ministries at (865) 690-0939.

If you have done a major clean-out and need to donate a large amount of stuff, we recommend the following charities:

Habitat Home Store
212 College Street, Maryville
open for shopping Mon-Sat 9-5
open for donation drop-off Mon-Sat 10-4

They will pick up larger items/large volume donations- call 379-9299 to schedule a pickup. They accept virtually anything: Furniture, Appliances, Household items, Building Materials, Clothing, Books, and More

Goodwill
145 N. Calderwood, Alcoa
984-5296
open for shopping Mon-Sat 9-6 and Sunday 1-5
open for donation drop-off Mon-Sat 10-5

They will pick up larger items and large volume donations- call 584-7726 to schedule a pickup. They accept most things like household items in good, usable condition.  They do not accept: Refrigerators, items that use gas or oil, baby car seats, box springs or mattresses.  Call to confirm questionable items.

Salvation Army
1413 East Broadway
983-7155

The Salvation Army website has a guide online for what donation items can be valued at on your taxes as you weigh your options between donating or selling your items:
http://www.satruck.com/donation-value-guide

Holiday Express at the UT Gardens
• Nov. 25-28 12 p.m.-8 p.m.; Nov. 29 12 p.m.-6 p.m.; Weekends Dec. 4-Jan. 3 Fri. & Sat. 12 p.m.-8 p.m. & Sun. 12 p.m.-6 p.m.; Dec. 25 2 p.m.-6 p.m.; Dec. 28-29 12 p.m.-8 p.m.
• U.T. Gardens on Neyland Dr.
This 4,000 foot railway display features 10 model trains running through miniature landscapes decorated for the holiday season. Admission is $5 (children under 4 are admitted free). Call for group/special viewing scheduling.
974-7141

Trolley Ride of Lights

November 4, 2009 – January 30, 2010  Enjoy a guided trolley ride of the spectacular Gatlinburg Winter Magic lighting displays. Downtown Gatlinburg Contact Info: (865) 436-0535 Admission: $5.00

Classic Movies at The Palace in downtown Maryville

We recommend you buy tickets at The Palace in advance and get there early for a seat!

• December  17 and 19: The Palace Theater Film Club presents: White Christmas with Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye and Rosemary Clooney.

Join us for an annual tradition with the ol’ 16 mm original projector. Tickets $5.00 Show Time 7PM Children 9 and under free with a paid adult.

• December 18: The Palace Theater Film Club presents “It’s a Wonderful Life with Fred McMurry and Donna Reed.

Tickets $5.00 Show Time 7PM Children 9 and under free with a paid adult.

The Tennessee Theatre

December 18,19, 20 at 8pm
A Christmas Carol (classic movie)
$8 adults, $6 seniors and children

order tickets online!

Family Photo

While the family is in town, get a family photo taken at the Townsend Visitor Center. Starts at $10 (no sitting fee) visit website for more info: http://www.marygracephotostownsend.com or 727-871-0210

ALL PORTRAITS ARE TAKEN BY PHOTOGRAPHER MARY GRACE AND ARE READY INSTANTLY. Indoors with the Center’s Grand Hearth (decorated) or outdoors with backdrop of Smoky Mountains.

Knoxville Arts and Fine Crafts Center
Christmas Gifts to Give

December 21st, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Students (ages 7-12) will make & wrap five unique gifts perfect for mom, dad, grandparents and friends. Encourage your child to experience the joy of creating & giving from the heart. Dress in old clothes as we will be painting and pack a lunch. The cost for this event is $40 ($8 per gift). Call 523-1401 for more info.

Here is a list of the events we mention in our column:

Locally in Blount County:

• 12/12 Jaycees Parade, from Midland to downtown Maryville on Broadway at 11 AM
• 12/12-12/13 First UMC Maryville choir presentation, 7 PM
• 12/13 Fairview UMC choir presentation, 6 PM
• 12/20 Fairview UMC “Appalachian Christmas” 6 PM
• Through December, visit the tree display at the Maryville Courthouse.
• The Blount County Library, free crafts for kids. See www.blountlibrary.org for more information.
• 12/26 Kwanza Celebration at Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, call 983-1954 for more information.

In Knoxville:

• 12/13 “Walk Through Bethlehem” at Churchstreet UMC from 1-6 PM (www.churchstreetumc.org for more info)
• 12/19-12/21 Living Christmas Tree at Thompson-Boling Arena (reservations recommended: www.knoxtree.org)
• 12/13 Yes We CAN—build largest food can Menorah for Second Harvest, 4 PM in Market Square.
• 12/12 & 12/19 Market Square Holiday Market, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• 12/12 Knoxville Museum of Art Family Day, free admission
• 12/12 Blount Mansion Open House, 12-4 p.m., free holiday tours and music
• 12/11 Comcast Christmas at Chilhowee Park, 6-8 PM. Call 215-4248 for more information
• Driving tours of lights at Chilhowee Park every night from 5- 10 PM

Sevier County:

• 12/12, 12/13, 12/19 & 12/20 “Gatlinburg Winter Magic Tunes & Tales” on city sidewalks.
• “Winter Magic” light displays every night through February

Smoky Mountain Parks:

• 12/12 “Festival of Christmas Past” at Sugarlands Visitor Center. Call 865-436-1291 for more information.
• 12/19 “Holiday Homecoming” at the Oconaluftee Visitor Center and Mountain Farm Museum from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 828-497-1904 for more information.
• Search for snow! Check road conditions, driving tours and hiking trails at www.nps.gov/grsm

We received an email today in response to our column. Thanks June for sharing this great tip from your Aunt Vi!

Exclusively published every week in the Life Times section of The Daily Times! www.thedailytimes.com

To book The Cheap Blondes to speak at your next event, church or community group or for more information on couponing & bargain shopping seminars, contact them at cheapblondes@gmail.com