Up to 75% Off at After-Christmas Sales

The post-holiday sales are in full swing, and shoppers are hitting the stores for the best bargains.

Today, and possible going into this week, those who wish to brave the malls and shopping centers are going to find some incredible shopping bargains. These deals are so great that I have recently learned some families resorted to giving notes to loved ones telling them of the big-ticket items that they will receive from the post-holiday sale because the pre-Chrstmas sale didn't slash the price enough. Research this morning on which stores will have the best sales is showing me that just about everything and every store will be discounted. Christmas will be 50 percent off at almost every store today. Whether you are looking to fill stocking for kids from the pharmacy stores for more family gatherings this week or wish to buy elaborate …

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Christmas Wishes Come True

Students from Kell High School raised money to provide Christmas gifts for "Little Longhorns."

Kell High School student and faculty volunteers helped make the holidays a little brighter for families in need by hosting the school’s fifth annual “Shop with a Longhorn” at Walmart on Saturday Each year, students in need are chosen from Kell’s five feeder elementary schools, Nicholson, Keheley, Blackwell, Chalker and Pitner, with each child receiving $40 to spend on themselves and $60 to spend on their families. Recipients meet Kell where they are paired up with a team of student shopping helpers from the school’s sports teams, orchestra and various clubs. The students and children are then bused to Walmart. Kell principal, Trudie Donovan, explained that the program began five years ago, with a $500 donation from North Cobb High School…

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Neighbors Ask. Neighbors Answer.

Wii: A Good Buy For Kids and Fitness?

A neighbor asks a question that you may be able to answer.

I am thinking of buying a Nintendo Wii for my children and also to use as a fitness motivator for our family. I visited Walmart yesterday. The $149 price seems a good deal, but it seems that many games require additional accesories that do not come with the system purchase. Our family wants games for the kids and family ("active" games like bowling and Zumba). If you have a Wii, would you recommend it? Do you have any advice for a first-time buyer? Thank you, and Merry Christmas! Sarah Hannigan

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Julia Harris

6:17 pm on Sunday, December 18, 2011

Hi Sarah, I included the Wii review because it provides an overview and talks about the accessories you may have to purchase depending on what games you want for the system.   more ›

Friday With Julia

Holiday Shopping: What Size Are You, Hypothetically?

Men holiday shop differently than women, it seems. What's your opinion?

My boyfriend Phil and I are celebrating our first holidays together. What's more fun than shopping for someone you love? The other day I was out on the road in Northeast Cobb...interviewing people for a news article and stopping by the local Starbucks to see familiar faces and work. I was chatting with fellow coffee lovers when my cell phone rang. The assigned piano rift ringtone told me it was Phil. "If you were shopping for a coat, say, hypothetically, what size would you buy?" Phil asked. I smiled. "Medium." "Okay, thanks. That's all I wanted." He quickly disconnected. I feel giddy for a second in knowing that I'll be receiving a coat for Christmas. My next thought, don’t men think of looking at size labels on a woman's garments before …

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Holiday Lights, Christmas Concerts, Charity Brunch

Holiday-themed events in and near Northeast Cobb and Marietta this weekend.

-- Lassiter High School Marching Band Annual Christmas Tree Sale.  Get your tree now through Dec. 24. Fraser fir class A trees up to 14 feet tall.  Fresh shipments arriving weekly.  9 a.m.-9 p.m.  Publix Shopping Center, corner of Sandy Plains and Shallowford Road. More info:  678-494-7863. -- The Artist Attic Holiday Show and Sale takes place at The Art Place Mountain View through Dec. 17. The event includes all hand made items by TAP students, instructors and staff. More info: 770-509-2700. -- The Gift of Christmas Concert at Mt. Paran North Church of God is Friday at 6 p.m. 1700 Allgood Road, 770-578-9081. -- Johnson Ferry Baptist Church will celebrate its Christmas Festival on Saturday at 7 p.m. and on Sunday at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Music…

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Poll: How Much Are You Spending During the Holidays?

More than half of holiday shoppers intend to spend between $251 and $750 on gifts this year, according to a recent survey conducted by AAA Consumer Pulse.

The holiday season can be an expensive time of year when it comes to gift giving. According to a recent survey conducted by AAA Consumer Pulse, more than half of holiday shoppers plan to spend between $251 and $750 on gifts this year. The majority of survey respondents, 44 percent, plan to purchase gifts for six to 10 people, and 43 percent said they planned to make purchases using a credit card, while 54 percent plan to use a debit card, checks or cash. Four out of five holiday shoppers—82 percent, said they intend to shop at discount stores such as Target and Walmart. These are the top 10 categories for gift shopping, according to AAA: The AAA Consumer Pulse Survey was conducted online among residents living in the Southern Region of The…

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Fashion Sense

Put Down the Credit Card

Put down the credit card? My husband would laugh hysterically at the idea that I'm proposing this to anyone!

This holiday season, when there is a deal (or 20) a day, it's very easy to get caught up in "limited time offer" syndrome. I'm constantly inundated with emails and posts for items that are at rock bottom, fantastic prices. And the kicker is that they REALLY are amazing deals. But, I have to remind myself that I'm not saving money by buying that amazing leather jacket at 75 percent off because I had NO intention of buying a leather jacket. Sounds simple but you might be amazed how hard that is to remember at the time. Here are my tips for navigating the sales and saving yourself some money this holiday season: 1. Make a list and check it twice. Write down your holiday list as well as any items that you need right now to add to your wardrobe…

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Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

The Cobb Police Department is urging citizens to be alert to discourage thieves and avoid becoming victims.

The following is the Cobb Police Department Precinct 4's November PENS (Police Email Notification System) bulletin, which communicates with citizens and businesses about safety and security matters.   This bulletin offers tips on how holiday shoppers can reduce the risk of being victimized by thieves. With the onset of the holidays comes a stronger presence from thieves trying to take advantage of the season in their own way.  Thanksgiving is just a week away and the holiday shopping season will officially begin. Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, is often the busiest shopping day of the year. Shoppers will be out in full force and so will the thieves. And although there will also be an increased law enforcement presence, we simply …

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Holiday Home Safety Tips

The Marietta Police Department is taking steps to help citizens have a safer holiday season with the 2011 Holiday Season Crime Prevention Plan.

The Marietta Police Department's 2011 Holiday Season Crime Prevention Plan is designed to provide more of a police presence in residential communities and areas with a high shopping population. A variety of methods and tactics will be deployed to these areas, but the best deterrence to crime comes from an alert public. The plan consists of a variety of safety measures including both hidden surveillance and visible police presence. The Skywatch surveillance system will be deployed in a variety of our business areas along with T-3 patrols. The department will increase patrols in shopping areas, residential communities and at financial institutions. Safety checkpoints and intensive DUI enforcement will also be increased during this holiday …

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