You can cut the cost of pricey Tommy Bahama goods by ordering today -- the last day for free shipping.

And enter the promoction code RELAX to get a free gift.

How about this Leaf Chaser camp shirt for your honey? See tommybahama.com.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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You probably don't watch Gossip Girl. But betcha your teenagers are watching the perils of Serena, Blair, Chuck and the gang every Monday night at 8 p.m. on the CW. I'm not the demographic, but I just love these underparented, overfunded Upper East Side kids.

But I digress -- once again. Sorry. Anyhow, if you don't want to spend a fortune, but want to make your kids happy in their Gossip Girl fantasies, check out this link.

One of my fave items is Blake Lively's Sky Blue Cocktail Ring. It features an attractive smoky chalcedony blue hue surrounded by pale blue enamel. It contains small clear, aquamarine, and sky blue colored rhinestones in the enamel. And the cost is only $40.

Tell your own Gossip Girl that you wish her only blue skies like the ring. XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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While many of you were hitting the malls this weekend, I was concentrating on our holiday decorations.

Have you decked your halls yet?

One of the places I go for inspiration and quality decor is Verzaal Farms in Boynton Beach. I learned about the place from my buddy, Glenn, who does the fab decorating at Fifth Avenue Grill in Delray Beach. (If you haven't seen their decorations yet, you must. Stop by for a drink at the bar and you'll think you were transported to a winter wonderland.)

Verzaal Farms didn't have the 3-foot-tall nutcracker I was seeking, but they do have some really great stuff like the tall candlesticks (about 32 inches) for $32 and $35, gorgeous wreaths for $50-$76.85 and a metal stand with four angels handing from a horizontal bar that is topped with four cups to hold votive candles for $36.75.

They also have a wonderful selection of pots -- $29.50 to $440 and tons of silk flowers. The greenhouses to the left of the main building are filled with poinsettias.

It is located at 5220 Flavor Pict Road in Boynton Beach.

Love this place and so will you.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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If you're foolish enough, like me, to head to frigid New York City on a winter holiday, at least visit the many holiday markets the city has to offer.

I went to the one at Union Square where I found painted cooper earrings by Bora from Greece for only $20 and a lovely silk-strewn necklace with a cascade of small gems for $47. You'll also find Christmas decor, unique leather goods and lots of fun gifts for children at the Holiday Market.

Similar markets can be found at Bryant Park, where you also can ice skate, Grand Central and Columbus Circle. So, wherever you land in the city, there is a holiday market to shop.

The markets feature booths from stores around Manhattan as well as the outreaches and independent vendors. While I wouldn't count on a return policy, I found the shopping experience more fun and interesting than the overcrowded department stores with faux sales (20 percent off and only $800!).

South Florida retailers might do well to copy this NYC idea. After all, our weather is much more conducive to outside shopping. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Mizner Park kicks off a month of holiday shopping events with a fashion show on Thurs., Dec. 4.

The "Holiday Nights on the Town" also features live jazz, wine and food tastings, and the chance at a $2,000 shopping spree at Mizner Park.

A special shopping pass with discounts and specials is available at shops. Go to Mizner Park.com for details and other incentives. I found, for example, 15 percent off at Ann Taylor Loft on Friday, Nov. 28, aka Black Friday. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Each year about this time Santa Claus brings presents a little early for women: The cosmetic counter holiday specials

If you buy right, you might not have to buy makeup all year long. I'm still using the eye shadow from a holiday Estee Lauder special from a year ago.

This holiday season Lancome seems to have the best deal. For a $36 purchase, you can buy a Lancome case full of cosmetics for only $49.50, supposedly a $339 value. While a few items are decidedly small, the Lancome case has full-size lipsticks and a variety of some of its best products.

I spotted this deal at Nordstrom's. It's the holidays and time to put on a happy face, or at least a nicely made up one. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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On my shopping list this weekend are some warm jammies. Not only has it been a little chilly lately for this reborn Floridian, I occasionally head north during the holidays where I know I'm going to be freezing my fanny off.

No Victoria's Secret here. Something solid like J.C. Penney. My mother bought me a pair of pajamas a few years ago from JC Penney or Sears -- two department stores reliable for relative gift giving because items can be returned in other cities.

These PJ's look cute, for $24.99 to $28.99. I may look at these and possibly use JC Penney's $10 off coupon this weekend for items $25 and over.

I want to be warm, but since I fully intend to return to better weather, I don't want to pay a lot for it! -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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I just got back from a girl's trip to Italy...a college sorority sister restored an old farmhouse in Tuscany (sound familiar?) and threw a magical housewarming party for about 100 of her closest friends!!

Nine of us were UF classmates, trapsing around Italy, reminiscing and laughing hysterically about days of old. I tried to photograph and video the antics, but most often I was laughing so hard, there was no keeping the camera still!!

Have you ever played "go around the table and describe your worst date ever" while consuming massive quantities of Chianti? (Chances are we will never be invited back to that restaurant.)

Next time, I'll be prepared. Look at these cool flexible tripods. They will attach to lots of things, or work like a traditional tripod, just to steady the camera when you get the giggles. I'll bet it would hold on to a Chianti bottle neck.

What a cool gift idea for the camera enthusiast in your life. I know I want one....before my next trip!

There are probably lots of flexible tripods out there, a co-worker got his for around $10 at Walmart. I surfed around the Internet and liked these by Joby, called Gorillapods. The smallest one, strong enough to hold a point-n-shoot, sells for $21.95 straight retail, both on Amazon and on Joby's website.

Now if you read this blog, you know we don't like to pay straight retail for anything. So let us know if you come across a better deal!! Hopefully...before I buy mine.

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Get ready early to make it a magical holiday season!

And to get you in the mood, this year, the editors of Martha Stewart Living will help you plan the ultimate celebration with festive ideas for delicious treats and memorable feasts, plus one-of-a-kind decorations and gift ideas. Sign up now for a six-week workshop to get:

-Enchanting decor ideas for outdoors and in
-Start-to-finish party plans for holiday feasts, cookie exchanges, and more
-Handmade cards and gift ideas for everyone on your list
-Fun and festive Christmas traditions for kids and adults
-Interactive holiday quizzes
-Holiday tips from Martha Stewart Living editors
-The chance to show off your creations
-And much more! You get the idea!

Martha Stewart Christmas Workshop

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Put on your running shoes and sprint to DSW. The shoe store's sales racks are full of designer shoes -- Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren, Ann Marino and many, many more.

Most are dress-up heels and sandals -- great for holiday events. Get this: I bought two pairs of gorgeous shoes: a marbled shiny brownish black Ann Marino and sexy black pumps from Rampage for $35. OK, I had two $10 coupons DSW had sent me for being a loyal customer -- but still!

So don't wait until you need those satin with rhinestone pumps for the holiday party, go while you can get them el cheapo. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Here's an easy gift for mom, the sisters or a good friend: Sterling silver jewelry, earrings, necklaces and bracelets, on sale for 65 percent to 70 percent off at Kohl's in Boynton Beach.

I overheard a man shopping for a birthday present for his wife. He was going to get her a Citizens watch -- also on sale. I wanted to scream at him: No! No! Something romantic, stupid. But I just let the saleswoman gently suggest a more elegant watch instead.

But back to the jewelry: lots of choices, both traditional and modern. Great for gifts for others -- or yourself! -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Whether it's Halloween, Thanksgiving or Christmas, Crate & Barrel Outlet at the Sawgrass Mills mall is bound to get you in the holiday mood.

I stopped there on Saturday and found a beautiful table runner 50 percent off, only $19.95. I chose the Alexandra red design, but there's also one with autumn colors (see at right).

Then I found an irrestible item for $6.95: fanciful salt and pepper shakers in the design of snowmen. My friend M collects those for her friend M, so I may pass them on to her. If not, one of my sisters' is getting snowmen as part of her Christmas present.

The snowmen design also is available in a sugar and creamer for $12.95, appetizer plates for $14.95, and tapered candles - snowmen with tall winter hats, 2 for $5.95.

What a fun tabletop for the children in us during the holidays! And at a bargain price, of course. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Want to find some really one-of-a-kind gifts, and support your local artists? Go to the Pinkghost Fun Fair on Saturday November 8th, from noon to 6 pm.

There will be a hand picked selection of independent shops, including designer toy store Pinkghost, record store Back Bone Records, bookstore Books & Books, delicious pie provider Purple Pie Company, handmade plushies Pinky Punk, vintage clothing retailer Pin Up Vixen, indie T-Shirt retailers Chix Ink, FFee Clothing and so many more.

There's also an art show with 'art on the go' pieces available for purchase. Participating national and international artists include Matias Vigliano (from DOMA), Colorblok (Juliana Pedemonte), Kendra Binney, Mike Bell, John Kissee, Liz Lorini, Ryan Myers, Skaffs, and many more.

In case you needed any more reasons to go: Goodie bags for the first 25 people, live bands, DJ sets by Adam Foster (twilightnotes.com) and nice people all over.

Fairgrounds are across Andrews Avenue from the Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale, next to Laffing Matterz. The address us 201 South Andrews Avenue.

Admission is $2 for Adults. Children under 10 free admission with adult.

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Sam's Club announced today (Thursday, Oct. 16) that it's offering a $10 membership good for 10 weeks for families and businesses not currently members.

Consumers can sign up for Sam shopping privileges on two weekends, Oct. 17-19 and Oct. 24-26. Sam's Club stores are in West Palm Beach, Lantana, Coral Springs, Sunrise, Miramar and Miami.

Sam's Club, Costco and other discount shopping stores are likely to be busy places this holiday season when most of us are trying to S-T-R-E-TCH that dollar. Check it out. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Last week I promised to let you know about the Miami mall a cute hip young fashion writer recommended. We thought we'd check it out first. It's an easy drive if you follow the Homestead signs driving south on the Turnpike. We didn't...don't ask.

Hardly an undiscovered gem, the huge parking lot was full, full, full. But, wow, well worth the drive. It's huge....and doesn't seem as picked over as local Sawgrass Mills.

It has some of the same big flagship stores as Sawgrass: Neiman Marcus Last Call, Off Fifth Saks Outlet, Burlington Coat Factory, T J Maxx, Marshalls, Bed Bath and Beyond. In total there are over 240 stores and restaurants.

Fellow blogger Marcia and I only had a few hours...we could have spent the whole day! Heck, you could spend a week there! We happened to walk in the entrance that took us to For Love 21, the Forever 21 accessory store. Huge selection, amazing prices. I bought a beaded necklace with a cheap charm on it, intending to replace their charm with an old locket I've had. Marked $4.95...scanned in at $1. Like a treasure hunt!

We ran out of time after Neiman Marcus Last Call...walking out for a previous engagement was sheer torture. The store signs were like the mythical sirens summoning us: Michael Kors, Coach, Calvin Klein, DKNY, DSW, Ann Taylor.....

But we'll certainly go back. And soon!

Dolphin Mall

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I discovered this really cool Website that has everything from a mango wood stool to a great tea pot.

If you're looking for some unusual gifts, check out gaiam.com.

I just love this mango wood stool that was hand turned by Thai artisans, who used a lathe to create the gentle curves. Because it's handmade, the Web site says measurements will vary slightly, but it's about. 13"W x 18"H.

You may like it so much that you'll buy one for yourself as well. I'm tempted, really tempted. It sells for $299. There's also a surcharge because it weighs 25 pounds.

You can watch the tea in the glass pot as the delicate blossoms of silver needle green tea and fragrant flowers bloom in water. Each of the teaposies is flavored with jasmine, magnolia, amaranth, lily, camellia and rose. The borosilicate glassware is made with 20 percent recycled glass. Tea set includes a Tea for Two teapot with glass diffuser, loose-leaf tea, bamboo hot plate and two elegant teacups with saucers. It's $78 for the set.

C.V.S.

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OK, i'm not typically the type to go ga ga over toys, but I just had to tell you about the Girard Wooden Dolls from Design Within Reach.

If you're familiar with DWR, you know the catalog company specializes in well-designed products with not-so-small pricetags. Alexander Girard, a designer of textiles, furniture and, yes, toys, says these "represent a microcosm of man's world and dream exhibit fantasy, imagination and humor." If that's too deep for you, they're really cute.

Girard, who loves folks art, created a collection of wooden dolls for his Santa Fe home. The folks at the Vitra Design Museum worked from his originals and reissued the brightly painted, semi-abstract and sculptural figures. The 6 to 12-inch dolls present well as a gift because they are individually packaged in a wooden gift box. Oh, yeah, the price? $145. Expensive but really cool. Grandparents' stuff. To order, check dwr.com.
-- C.V.S..

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Now this has got to be the perfect tree ornament for all you fashionistas.

Ornaments to Remember is offering a collection of tree decor that reflects all styles of fashion -- from cocktail dresses with matching purses to shirts and boxer shorts.

You can find your choices of fave footwear -- boat shoes, loafers, hightops, even saddle shoes. There's blown-glass tote bags, kimonis and flipflops.

They are crafted in Europe and individually gift wrapped. Check out ornaments2remember.com.

Prices range from $18-$66. And your love of fashion can help a good cause. Profits go to The Learning Community, a non-profit, public-benefit corporation that helps families and schools work together to help the kids.

-- C.V.S.

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