Frontload Washer? No!

What is that thing pictured? No, it is not a beer dispenser for the fridge. Read on and you'll find out!

An interesting turn in our post-eating Thanksgiving idle talk took us to the discussion of front-load versus top-load washing machines. It began when my sister-in-law commented about the mold that had developed in her front loader. Yuck! It seems that she had some company as others shared similar stories.

I thought about my own experience with a front-load. We had bought an early generation water-saving front loader. I vividly remember taking notes as I watched the instructional VHS tape. But (fortunately!) the machine broke only after three years. I wrote a blog about it on April 11, 2009. http://thriftyandproudofit.blogspot.com/2009/04/clothes-washing-energy-minutia.html

Based on the mold comment, I checked on the internet; and sure enough, it is a common complaint. http://www.networx.com/article/choosing-a-washing-machine-top-loading

However, what is fascinating to me is the high and low of the spectrum. In checking the Home Depot on-line catalog it looks like you can purchase a 4.3 cu. ft. capacity front load steam, Model PFWS4605LMG, for $1,499! However, the shipping is free. But wait! For $599 you can additionally purchase the GE SmartDispense Laundry Pedestal with Storage Drawer, Model # SPBD880JMG that allows you to store up to 6 months of laundry detergent and 95 ounces of fabric softener to be dispensed automatically during the wash and rinse cycles, pictured above. A time-saving and wise investment?

My daughter walked by as I am writing this blog. She remarked that they bought a top-loader for $200, and it works just fine.

In-Store Coupon ONLY at Mast & Other Local Deals

2:09 a.m., Friday, November 25. I just returned from Old Navy where members of my family got terrific deals on jeans and other stuff. I got scarves for the Christmas gift bags that my small group puts together for Mobile Meals clients. We arrived at the store at midnight and spent 1/4 of our time shopping and 3/4 in line. whew! However, the people behind us in line got there at 9:30 p.m., but they did get one of the early bird giveways--a camera.

I intend to do my serious shopping with the locals. Looking through the paper this morning, I saw:

Season Passes at Dollywood

Friday specials (and some Saturday)

J.P. Coffins, FREE holiday Tote with $100 Bradley Purchase

Harb’s on Broadway, 30-60% off with coupon in Thursday’s paper (If you can’t find a Thursday paper when you read this and need a carpet, it might be worth going over to the News Sentinel and getting a copy.)

Hammer’s of Clinton: Register on Friday morning for three $100 bills and three $50 Hammer’s Gift cards to be given away between 8:15 and 9:15.

Turkey Creek Wine and Spirits, 20% off every wine

Amvets Thrift Store, 50% off everything, Friday, Saturday and Sunday

And noted in my Market Square weekly e-mail:

This Friday and Saturday, enjoy spectacular savings at Mast General Store. (ok, I am hearing you purists: “Mast is imported from North Carolina.” I say that’s close enough!) Coupons are available only in the store between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. There are no cut-out or print-out coupons available this year. The "Make Your Own Sale" means you can use the in-store coupon with any one item* in any department during the entire shopping day the coupon is issued.

On Friday, November 25th, pick up your coupon in the store between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Enjoy 40% savings at any time during store hours on any one item* in the store.

On Saturday, November 26th, pick up your coupon in the store between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. Enjoy 30% savings at any time during store hours on any one item* in the store.

*Some exclusions apply. Limit one coupon per one customer for each day. Coupons apply to any single, regularly priced item in the store. The coupon cannot be used in conjunction with any other discount. Patagonia and gift cards are excluded. Sorry, coupons cannot be used online.

They say Black Friday, we say Purple and Green Friday! Join us the day after Thanksgiving for Bliss + Bliss Home's first Purple and Green Friday! Receive a $10 gift certificate for every $100 you spend, see a sales associate for more details!

Reasons to shop at Union Ave Books for the Holidays:

* Free parking for one hour in Locust St. or Market Square Garages with any purchase!

* Free same-day hand-delivery for downtown customers of any purchase over $20

* Free hand-delivery for Knoxville metro-area customers of any purchase over $50

* Free Union Ave book bag with purchases over $100!

* Buy a $50 gift card and receive a $5 gift card

* Buy a $100 gift card and receive a $10 gift card

* Send us your "Wish List" and we'll show it to your "Santa Claus"

* Support Local Downtown Businesses and avoid the crush at the malls!

Fizz has everything you need for your holiday shopping this year! From sparkly party dresses to snuggly sweaters, great jewelry, fun tights, scarves, hats, and gloves to everyday basics, we are your one-stop holiday shop!

As a thank you for shopping with us, Fizz will be giving a free gift with every purchase of $25 or more this Black Friday! Come get yours while supplies last.

JOHN BLACK PHOTOGRAPHY MINI SESSIONS!
Searching for the Merriment of Christmas & a great deal?
YOU FOUND IT!
Right after Thanksgiving, while the family is still in town and in between shopping trips...

Stop by JOHN BLACK PHOTOGRAPHY for your Family Portrait!

mini SESSIONS

30 minutes, 1 outfit

Unlimited people, unlimited Santa hats, unlimited bad sweaters and don't forget the dog!

only $100!

Also Christmas Card Sale - 5x7 watercolor card: one side is only $1, two sides are $2 - packs of 25.

FRI ~ SAT ~ SUN

Nov. 25, 26, & 27th

10am to 6pm Fri & Sat; 10am to 4pm on Sunday

(Friday morning is booked, Saturday 11:30 is open rest of morning is booked, call or email soon!)

Jams, Jellies, Jerky, Sauces, Cookies, Chocolate and more from area businesses! All food items are 30% off!!!

Perfect for gift baskets, hostess gifts, and gifts for teachers and friends. Supplies are limited, so hurry in!

SALES and SPECIALS

• Clearance items are perfect gifts starting at only $1. Save over 75% on select items!

Does a Witch Wear Sequins? Of course!

1980's -- the country experienced an economic uptick, and there was some serious materialism going on. Think Gordon Gekko -- Knoxville style. Well, it wasn't exactly like that. However, it did mean a exceptional number of parties, events that required some serious clothes.

My most prized party-clothes possession was a sequined duster that I bought at Marshall Field's in Chicago in 1989. I am very glad that I do not have the receipt for the coat anymore, because today's me would probably be ashamed of what yesterday's me paid for it.

It is gorgeous -- and I swore to NEVER throw it away, even long after significant shoulder pads were passe and I was too old for bright colors.

It completed a great Halloween costume this year. With pancake make-up, sparkly fake eyelashes, and an awful stringy black wig, the $5 sequined witch's hat that my husband found at Walmart made for a super outfit.

The coat weighs almost 2 1/2 pounds, but it kept me warm! We were at a party in a tent, and the weather had turned exceptionally cold.

Cheap Pays Off -- Most of the Time

I am getting to the point where I believe that you can get a deal on anything at some time somewhere. My e-mail inbox is stuffed with deal blogs, and two this morning were G-O-O-D.

• Long's Drugstore--the meeting place in West Knoxville (and to you Farragutans, Bearden is the heart of the REAL West Knoxville). 50 percent off! Who is NOT going to drop by Long's in the next month or so?
• Christmas card deals. To my dear friends who are thinking "I never got a card from her in the 30 years that I have known her. What is she talking about?" You are right!! I do not send out personal cards. I send out cards to those with whom we have had business dealings. I think I have found THE deal for me this year. It came up through commonsensewithmoney.com. Through some magical power this blogger holds, she scans the half-off, etc., deals nationally. The one of which I think I will take advantage is the Simply Social Chicago: $15 for $40 worth of custom holiday cards, invitations and more from SimplyToImpress.com. Another one to consider is Knoxville's Half-Off Depot deal for today, $15 for $45:
  

  75 8X4 Customizable Slimline Holiday Cards with Envelopes from Premier Photo Mall
  

• Cheap does not pay at the hospital! If you have surgery or extended treatment at St. Mary’s, Mercy, Tennova’s Physicians Regional, you get free parking in the garage! Yesterday I parked three blocks (three HILLY blocks) away on the street and found out about the freebee during the admission processing. Well, I can always use a little more exercise!

AS ALWAYS, STAY