Now that I've realized my fat belly is not the result of an overindulgent Christmas, I'm keen to find some hip maternity stores. Lucky for me, Tiffany Rebholz and husband Jeff opened Trendy Tummies Couture about three weeks ago in Turkey Creek's Pinnacle shopping center.
Tiffany stocks everything that a yummy mummy needs during those closet-challenging months. And it's not all muumuus - you'll find Ripe swimwear, Chiarakruza wrap dresses and Crave tops. She hasn't forgotten the essential jeans, life saving evening wear, lingerie and sleepwear. Looking for a gift for a mamma-to-be - then check out the very cute Sweet Fletcher Designs baby slings (hint, hint) and the Belli body lotions. And best of all the prices are pretty reasonable. Take a sneak peak at their website - www.trendytummies.com

Trendy Tummies Couture - 11324 Parkside Drive, Ste 2030, Knoxville TN, Tel: (865) 671 1877

Turkey Creek is becoming as much of an eating destination as a shopping destination. HHGregg looks far from lonely these days with a bunch of new restaurants popping up next door. Just about whatever you're craving, they've got it in the new Pinnacle shopping center - Coldstone Creamery, Shane's Rib Shack, Moe's Southwest Grill, Pimento's, Subway, an Irish themed pub called the Irish Times Pub & Restaurant, and of course Calhoun's.

This week Kroger, scan your Kroger card to get 50% off the regular retails price on Maybelline, Revlon and Almay cosmetics and 33% off the Cover Girl range.

If you're on a tight remodeling budget stop by the Habitat for Humanity store on North Central. Depending on the day you call by you can unearth some real bargains at their ReStore.

Materials are donated from building supply stores like Lowes, contractors, demolitions crews and local home owners. They sell everything from gently used (and some unused) doors, windows, cabinets, screens and light fixtures. And that's not all, Broadway Carpets donate their carpet remnants and you may even find plumbing and electrical supplies and tiles.

The regular store is open from Monday through Saturday and they even have a warehouse down the road that's open on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9am and 3pm that sells the bulkier stuff.

Proceeds go towards the constructions of Habitat homes and you're recycling at the same time.

Knoxville Restore - 2209 N Central St, Knoxville, TN, Tel: (865) 523-3539

The parking lots at Goodwill are packed with bargain hunters' cars again. Today and tomorrow, Goodwill has 50% off everything in all of their stores.

I heard talk today that a new Super Target store could be in the works for Oak Ridge. Word is that it'll be the perfect anchor for a 4,000 square foot retail development.

Years ago on my first visit to the US I couldn't wait to visit one of the iconic American stores - The Gap. I wanted it all - the shoes, the classic white shirt, the khaki's, even the perfume.

However, years later, it just isn't very tempting. Buckle actually sells a bigger range of jeans. There's no real atmosphere and I don't get the same thrill that I used to going into one of the stores.

After an 8% decline in sales in December and a general slump (despite some clever ad campaigns) the Chief Exec Paul Pressler resigned yesterday. It'll be interesting to see the future direction of the chain.

I'd love to hear from The Gap shoppers (past and present). What is your all-time favorite purchase from The Gap? Do you still shop there for the basics? What do you wish they sold at The Gap?

If you're feeling crafty Kmart are having a huge sale of 2006 Singer heavy duty sew and serge sewing machines. The machines are so super sturdy they can sew denim, canvas, upholstery and even leather.

The sale is only on this Sunday (Jan 21st) between 12 noon and 4pm and there'll be trained demonstrators on hand if you need them.

Kmart - 7428 Kingston Pike, Knoxville and 945 McCammon Avenue, Maryville

Feeling a little bored this weekend? Here are some suggestions for picking up a bargain or two.

Knoxville Flea Market
The Knoxville Flea Market is on again this weekend at the Knoxville Expo Center . Open until 7pm this evening and from 10am to 4pm tomorrow (Sunday). Expect to find everything from collectibles and antiques to jewelry, crafts, books and electronics. There can be a fair bit of junk - both new and old - but you'll get to stretch your legs while you sift through it all. I usually don't go away empty handed.

Knoxville Flea Market - Knoxville Expo Center - Corner of Merchants Drive and Clinton Highway.

Parisian is in the middle of a three day clearance sale. They have heavily discounted men's outerwear sweaters and fleece,(75% off), there's up to 60% off ladies boots and there's an extra 50% off clearance shoes and handbags.

Belk are doing a 'Buy One, Get One free' deal this weekend, for already reduced, red lined clearance items. As usual the one of equal or lesser value is the free item.

Linens n Things still have up to 75% off clearance merchandise in store. Deals cover items like sheets, blankets, comforter sets, mattress pads, draperies, table top, cookware, kitchen gadgets.

During January Kohl's are taking 30-50% off bedding, bath and 'decorative home accents' (table linens, throw pillows and rugs).

Every year my taxes seem to get more complicated, but I usually end up with a refund which I, of course, take straight to the store and spend. However, this year I'll probably be getting out my check book. So I'm shopping around for the best deal on TurboTax and if I can get something free at the same time, even better. And the best deal, at the moment is at Staples - TurboTax Deluxe for just $39.99 and they throw in Quicken Basic 2007 (free after rebate).

I think I've found a new place to hang out with my toddler on a rainy day - The Maytag Store out at Turkey Creek. They've got a kid's play area so you can shop in peace and they encourage you to bring along your dirty laundry or dishes to test drive the appliances - talk about multi-tasking.

Now, I'm only kidding about spending the day there, but if you're in the market for some new appliances it could be worth dropping by. Check out their 2006 final clearance items and savings on floor models and closeouts. If you're tackling a total remodel, then there are cash back incentives for purchasing more than one Maytag appliance at a time.

They don't just sell Maytag, they've also got Hoover, Magic Chef, Amana and Jenn-Air.

the MAYTAG store - 11131 Turkey Drive, Farragut, TN, (865) 777-3895, www.maytagplace.com

Grab a copy of the Knoxville News Sentinel on Friday for Belk's sales flyer - they've got a ton of coupons for discounts ranging from 10 to 30% off.

This Friday and Saturday check out the merchandise with a red dot - you'll score up to 45-80% off the original price, that's an extra 30% off clearance merchandise.

I always find that the best prices on shoes are during clearance time in the major department stores - you can net an absolute bargain.

Dillard's are having a Fall shoe clearance which means up to 50% off women's shoes and about 25% off men's shoes. They've got dressy and casual, so it's a good time to replace those old worn out puppies.

Talbots are known for their incredibly well made clothes and of course you pay a little extra for that quality. However, it always pays to keep an eye out for their third or fourth markdowns when you can invest in some classic pieces for your wardrobe - think basic pant suits, an essential white shirt, etc.

At the moment they're got a huge 60-70% off original prices in the clearance sections. You can shop at one of their stores or online and they have a great range of sizes - you'll be surprised how well things will fit.

Talbots - 1800 248 SALE or www.talbots.com

If you've resolved to get a little more organized this year this could be your chance. The Looking Glass on Kingston Pike has a cool range of the russell+hazel products such as binders, notebooks, stationery, card cases, etc - all of it 20% off during January. It's amazing what some flash new stationery will do for the motivation.
The Looking Glass - The Gallery Shopping Center, 7240 Kingston Pike, Suite #142, Knoxville, TN, Tel: (865) 588-9088

The Mast Store is planning a cool sale this weekend. It's a sample sale and as such sizes are limited (medium for women and large for men). Plan to save bundle - 50% off retail prices - on Columbia spring and summer shirts, shorts, pants and skirts and fall clothing and outwear from Mountain Hardwear.

Apparently they hold these sales at just some of their locations and they're a great way to get a jump start on your spring outdoor clothing.

The Mast Store - 402 S. Gay Street, Knoxville, TN, Tel: 865 546 1336
www.mastgeneralstore.com

While it's snowing outside, stores have hung up their racks of swimwear and spring clothing. But head past the new displays and you can still find some seasonally appropriate stuff (on markdown of course) towards the back of the store.

Winter accessories like gloves, hats and sweaters were heavily discounted at Baby Gap and The Children's Place. Abercrombie & Fitch, Express and Hollister were absolutely heaving with discounted racks and tables. I couldn't help but notice that there were some empty shelves ready for their new stock, so no doubt these deals won't last long.

It's great when someone comes up with a creative solution for a common problem - in this instance kids' haircuts. Usually you're lucky if they sit still long enough for the hairstylist to give them a somewhat stylish-do no-one's ear gets lopped off. At Kidz Fun Kutz, waiting for your turn is no hardship. The older kids can play video games while the little ones can play at the train table and in the soft play area. Sadly, no, you can't leave your kids there while you duck over to the mall across the road.
Instead of a regular chair, when it's their turn they get to choose from a retro style airplane, fire truck, police car or yellow taxi cab. A kid's movie on the screen above provides additional distraction. Prices are slightly higher than at a regular barber's but the little extras make the process less painful for mom. Hair cuts are around $15, bang trims are $7 and they can even get an up do from $10 and washable hair color for $5.
I love the 'First Hair Kut Package for $20 which includes a first hair cut certificate, locket of hair and a 4 x 6 picture). Mom can even get a relaxing hand scrub and massage for around $5 while she waits.
Kidz Fun Kutz - 104 Jack Dance Street, Knoxville, TN, Tel: 865 560 3292
www.kidzfunkutz.com/aboutus.html

After a crazy run up to Christmas it's almost a relief to head to the stores and see the festive stock rapidly diminishing beneath 75% off signs. And Valentine's Day merchandise and swimwear are slowly nudging their way in.
For less than ten bucks at Target I was able to replenish my Christmas gift wrap and decorations for next year. If you've got a kid's birthday coming up check out the 50% and 30% off rows in the toy section.
Be sure to cruise the 30, 50 and 75% discounted racks in apparel too.
A few doors down at Goodys they had '50% off the original price signs' sprinkled all over the store.
It's a great time to pick up winter basics such as scarves and gloves for just $2 a pop at Old Navy. Items such as jeans and performance fleece jackets are a whopping 50% off as well.

Several months back I heard a whisper of a new store opening on Market Square - Abode. The owners had told me of their plans to open a furniture store, so I kept my eyes peeled for their opening. As is often the case it took them a little longer to open than they originally planned. But it's easy to see why, they haven't just thrown the merchandise in and flung up some shelves, they've created a gorgeous environment to shop in.
Owner Allison Sprouse and her husband Matt have a real eye for accessorizing. They've imported sturdy hardwood furniture (no cheap finishes) Sprouse and mixed it up with affordable antiques brought in from Europe.
Sprouse has decidedly avoided anything too matchy-matchy and has used her skills as an events organizer (she also runs her own company, The Modern Hostess) to put together stunning table arrangements and displays throughout the store.
You'll find vintage style linens, gift wrap and decorated plates that you'll be hard pressed to find anywhere else in Knoxville.
This Friday (January 6) from 6.30pm they're throwing a Trunk Show for Meg Hunter Parrish - a local print maker. They'll be selling hand made stationary and journals, screen printed tees, scarves, bags and 6:30 pm.
Call Abode for more details about their Valentine's Day event on February 8th.

Abode - 15 Market Square, Knoxville, TN, Tel: 865 523 5090
www.abodeknoxville.com

Well, after a couple of weeks of jet setting - as much as you can with a toddler in tow - the Shopping Bag is finally back. While on my old stomping ground I unwound the only way I knew how, by shopping. US dollars in my pocket turned it into a 20% off nation-wide sale and what a great feeling walking up to the cash register and not even giving sales tax a second thought - it's all included.
And I still had some shopping stamina and local currency left for the airport shops. Which I would have put to good use if it hadn't been for the extensive and sometimes pesky security checks that take up all of that good duty free shopping time. They even frisk 2 year olds!
Australian airports have great shops, which I can't really say the same for Nashville's or even LA's airports. I've spent hours and I mean hours at both and the best thing I can say about LA's Airport is that it has two Starbucks. I'm usually passing through Mc Ghee Tyson when the stores are shut, but from what I can tell it has a lot more to offer than some of the bigger hubs.