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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Looking for some good bargains? Check out the great sale at Salvation Army's Broward stores.

On Oct. 25, everything in all six stores throughout Broward County will be 50 percent off except for furniture, which will be 25 to 75 percent off. Among items included in the sale are clothing, furniture, household goods, sporting equipment, books and electronics.

All six Broward County stores will have free drawings for prizes and giveaways.

Here are the locations:

888 North University Drive, Pembroke Pines, 10 a.m.-8 p.m., 954-433 2160.
1791 W Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, 10 a.m. -8 p.m, 954 463-3725.
310 N State Rd.7, Margate, 10 a.m.- 7 p.m, 954 979-6999.
2300 SW 56th Ave., Hollywood, 10 a.m.--4:30 p.m, 954 961-7523.
451 E Copans Road., Pompano Beach, 10 a.m. -6 p.m., 954 782-3925.
7707 Commercial Blvd., Tamarac, 10 a.m. -7 p.m., 954 721-0705.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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If you love the cottage look, celebrate.

Maine Cottage, which Furniture Today describes as a "specialist in upscale coastal home furnishings," has opened its first Florida store on Clematis Street.

The Grand Opening is today from 4 to 6 p.m., and the first 50 guests will get free Coastal Living beach towels.

The 5,000-square-foot store is also offering a 10 percent discount off all furniture orders until Nov. 1. Maine Cottage specializes in painted furniture like this (at left). Cool, isn't it? They also have rattan pieces that look like they came from grandma's porch. Say hello to Hasty, Beth and Annie, right, when you visit the store.

Maine Cottage is located at 312 Clematis Street West Palm Beach. Call 561-366.0033. See www.mainecottage.com.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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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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I overheard a conversation at an outdoor dinner party the other night, as we admired the lovely landscaping. Ficus whitefly is causing defoliation on many ficus shrubs and trees.

My friends got their info from the Sun-Sentinel. I work here, but somehow missed that story...bet it ran while I was out of town. So I wonder if any of you missed it too. If your ficus trees or shrubs get this bug, then replacing them will surely cut into your shopping budget!

The next morning, I checked out the ficus hedge at my condo, and sure enough, it was losing leaves and getting 'stick-y.' (Picture is from our story, not my yard.)


Bayer's Tree and Shrub Care will treat whitefly, it's available at Home Depot. I didn't want to waste precious time shopping prices, our plants needed immediate help. A 32 ounce bottle was $19.97 and was enough to treat 5 two foot plants. A gallon bottle is $69.97. Pricey!

I bought the small bottle and treated the worst parts, but will probably need to get more. Has anyone found a cheaper way to buy this stuff?

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Looking for a fun afternoon with girlfriends?

Hit Delray Beach. Not the famed Atlantic Avenue, but NE 2nd Avenue, the entrance to Pineapple Grove.

I discovered that many great little shops and restaurants have opened up along Pineapple Grove. The street is a bit like Atlantic Avenue used to be: Full of unique shops and friendly and less expensive restaurants.

My friend M. and I had a fine breakfast of frittatas and french toast at Joseph's Wine Bar. After buying my quota ($20) of craft fair jewelry, I checked out the shops.

I found upscale jewelry and art at Spotted on 2nd, unique gifts at Conversation Pieces, Fatboy outdoor cushions at Museo (see right), and monogramed gifts for baby and children (lunchbox, $25, or backpack, just under $40). Pricey, but a unique present for the doting aunt or grandmother.

Met up with two friends, C and A, on Pineapple Grove and they also had a find: Kismet, a consignment shop with "gently worn" clothes. C found the little black dress she has been looking for, $35. Big shipment of designer dresses coming in Nov. 13, the shop told C.

So hit the boutiques in Delray Beach for an enjoyable day and you'll also be supporting small business, which makes the South Florida economy go 'round. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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We know who you are. You follow Martha Stewart wherever she goes -- Kmart, Macy's, KB Homes. And now you can sleep with Martha.

The design diva has introduced a new mattress line -- Martha Stewart The Good Bed. The collection includes 12 mattresses in firm, medium-firm and plush in twin, full, queen, king and California king.

Unlike many mattresses that look like they require a step stool to get into bed, these feature a more comortable profile (12-17 inches deep). And practical Martha has made sure that they are made with a curved edge at the mattress base so that linens fit securely. Keeping linens from slippng is enough reason to check them out.

The Good Bed uses 100 percent cotton fabrics inspired by Martha's personal collection of vintage tickings. It has dual-directional coil innerspring support and a soft comfort edge. Prices start at $1,000.

For more information and dealers. see www.thegoodbed.com.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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Retailers are no doubt anxious to get holiday shopping going. There's already evidence of it: Crate & Barrel. Crate & Barrel sent out an e-mail with corporate gift suggestions for under $20.

Nice stuff, too, such as a wine decanter ($19.99) and holiday plate (at right for only $8.95). Never mind the corporate gifts -- good for family and friends in what is likely to be a budget-conscious shopping season.

Retailers take notice: We want bargains this year! ('Cause that's all we can afford to buy.) Anyone agree? -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Last I checked it's still September, but Halloween already is on sale at Target stores. Bulk up on candy, for either the trick-or-treaters or you, for only $5 a 30.2-oz bag. They have all the favs: Snickers, M&Ms, Milky Way and combos.

Why bother carving a pumpkin? You can buy a fine large plastic pumpkin already "carved" and pre-lit for $9.99 -- a super big one for $29.99.

Target also has every Halloween party decoration you can imagine. Decorate even the guest bathroom with a rug, handtowels and "glow-in-the-dark" soap dispenser in ghost, monster, witch, pumpkin or skeleton designs. Don't stop there, buy a skeleton shower curtain for $14.99.

You'll also find an assortment of trick-or-treat bags, safety equipment for the youngsters, and, of course, costumes. Think I'll go as Sarah Palin this year. Awwww....Everybody will be doing that. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Do you want a new sofa as much as I do? I'm afraid to have anyone over 40 sit it in because they'll need a crane to get up. Down pillows are great until they get old....

Or maybe your sofa is it ripped or torn. Or did the upholstery cleaners declare it unsalvagable?

If you don’t have the excess cash right now to buy another, check out the sofa sweepstakes at BassettFurniture.com. Starting today, in celebration of its 106th anniversary, Bassett will give away one custom sofa every day through Dec. 18. That's one for each anniversary year!

You can build your own sofa on line, like this one, if you win. The price limit is $3,000 for fabric only. Leather, sectionals or motion furniture are excluded.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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My daughter emailed me the link for these rattan storage boxes, knowing how much I love boxes that don't need to hide in a closet. Closets hadn't been invented yet in the middle ages when my condo building was built!

I NEVER have enough storage space. I'm a big fan of decorative storage, hopefully I can eventually get to that elusive stage where I have 'a place for everything, and everything in its place.'

The three wooden boxes were $89 at retail, marked down to $69, and with an additional 15% off were $59. Still not cheap, but if they help me get even a fraction my life in order, it'll be worth it.

I ordered two sets. I plan on storing my grandkids little toys and books in the two big ones. If they are as nice as they look in the picture, I can stack them and use them as a small side table. You'll just have to hold your drink if the kids are visiting. Any suggestions for a good use for the two smaller ones?

Ballard Designs is having an Anniversary Sale, 15% off everything until September 15th. Have a look at the 'Estate Sale' section for the boxes. In this case, the extra 15% covered the dreaded shipping charges.

Ballard Designs Website

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December was always the best time to visit the Ralph Lauren flagship store in Manhattan. The store is housed in the the gorgeous old Beaux Arts style Rhinelander Mansion on Madison Avenue, serious architectural eye-candy in itself, but coupled with the beautiful home furnishings and tasteful evergreen arrangements, it was always one of our first stops in an all-girls shopping weekend. Just the inspiration we needed to go home and tackle our own holiday decorating.

There is no Rhinelander Mansion in South Florida, but the RL store in the Boca Town Center completely updated its furniture displays last weekend to showcase the new fall line. There are two lovely room settings, beautifully accessorized to entice you into wanting to redecorate. Even though they don't have space to display it all, the whole line of furnishings is available to order from the Boca store.

If you want to take a virtual show house tour, have a 'walk around' the Ralph Lauren Home website. It's way out of my budget, but one can dream.

Ralph Lauren Home

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The Linen Store, off Linton Boulevard near Target in Delray Beach, is usually too pricey for me.

But in August, they're having a summer sale. Lots of items including comforters, coverlets, pillow, bath towels and decor are 30 to 50 percent off.

I found something I've been looking for forever -- a toothbrush holder for only $3.99. It's a gold Croscill that holds four brushes. I like it because it doesn't have a container at the bottom. Those tend to become laden with toothpaste and are hard to clean.

I also noticed some cute linen towels embroidered with fanciful scenes of cities: Las Vegas, Rome and Miami.

Nice stuff for a bit less than the rest of the year. Check it out. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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I just love almost everything that Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams designs.

And, if you are looking for a new mirror to give some long needed pizazz to your wall, this is it.

The lines are graphic and yet it will go with any style -- from contemporary to traditional. The 28-inch mirror comes in espresso or soft white. Imagine how it would look on a solid color wall over a powder room sink. It sells for $245.

See more at www.mgandbw.com. Or see it it in person at: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, 3841 NE 2nd Avenue (Miami Design District) Suite 101, Miami ,305-576-1135.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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I was searching for some items featured in the August issue of Country Living magazine when I came across Vivaterra.com. I wasn't hot on the stuff featured in the magazine, but these two other items on the Website rock.

If you love bringing nature inside the house, check out this side table made out of glass and wood branches from fallen trees. I love the shape, and the fact it brings texture into an indoor living space. The size is 19.5"D x 20.5"H and it sells for $198.

Never feel guilty about all those magazines you read again. This is the ultimate recycled item with style. This rolled magazine storage crate is made from magazines around the world, which create the vertical striations on the base. Above you can see the foreign magazine covers. Each one is different and coated with a natural finish. It's 16.5"W x 11"D x 7.5"H and sells for $69.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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Time to stock up on household goodies.

Linens 'n Things in Delray Beach, Wellington and Davie join the list of its South Florida stores slated to close. Those extra discount coupons probably are already in your mailbox.

The stores to close are: The Plaza of Delray Beach off Linton Boulevard and Federal Highway; The Mall at Wellington Green; and Tower Shops in Davie.

The chain filed for bankruptcy reorganization in May. Now, 57 underperforming stores nationwide are closing. That's actually fewer than the 87 planned, which is good news for employees and our household guests who like fresh towels. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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HomeGoods has always been one of my fave places to shop for home decor. The prices are great, especially on some small furniture items.

If you live in Margate, you may want to check out the newest store, which opened June 22 at Coral Landings III, Sample Road and NW 62nd Avenue. Hours are 9:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday.

The store PR machine claims that their prices are 20-60 percent below finer catalog, specialty and department store prices. That's a claim that's hard to prove because no one charges suggested retail these days. But I do know I have found some good buys at HomeGoods.

Check out the Website at www.homegoods.com for customer blogs and photos of their finds like this shadowbox.

XOXO-- Shopper Girl

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If you're like me, you'd love to have a butler's pantry so you could fill it with all the fab dishes and glassware you find.

I am controlling myself, but I was really tempted when I saw these French Fleur de Lis tumblers on www.maison-midi.com for only $9. They are great for quaffing wine or lemonade on the veranda. And there's a matching carafe for only $24.95.

Have you found any other cool, inexpensive tableware? Please share.

XOXO-- Shopper Girl

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Don't you just hate the economy right now? My demand for shopping is so pent up that I could burst. How about you?

Well, I'll continue my quest to find you cool decor and great clothes at less than you expect to pay.

In this case, it take a little imagination. If your bedroom looks like some of those on the HGTV "before" scenes because you don't have a headboard, I have an inexpensive answer.

Check out this Mid-Century Gothic headboard made out of stenils that were designed by the Savannah College of Art interns. Price? Only $60. See www.whatisblik.com.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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Urbanus Miami is known for using finer metals with wood. And right now they have a great final inventory clearance sale through Sunday, June 22. Believe it. You can get cool stuff for $100!

The savings, up to 90 percent off, include "buys" such as the Alan coffee table that was $599 and is now $100, The Alan console that was $699 and is now $100. The Francisco coffee was $555 and is now $150, and the side table was $425 and is $100. (Both Francisco tables are featured in photo.) Other discounts are on samples and first quality merchandise. All have bronze tops.

Sale hours are from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays.

Urbanus Miami is located at the Southwest corner of Biscayne Boulevard and NE 34th Street. For more details, call: 305-576-9510 x7000.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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Wow! Charlyne (Shopper Girl) is right about the hype over SATC. There's nothing like a nice fresh look to get us inspired to freshen our own homes. I wanted a new kitchen so badly after seeing the movie 'Something's Gotta Give,' remember Diane Keaton's fabulous beach house in the Hamptons?

You can have the Manolo Blahniks and lingerie, give me those beautiful wood floors in Carrie's apartment!

There was a wall hanging in Carrie's living room that sparked a lot of interest. It's called 'Love too' and can be found at therugcompany.info Type Love in the search bar.

And another great site to see the set design analyzed is at Design for Mankind

Design for Mankind

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Etikette, the Wilton Manors shop with a cool designer aesthetic, is the place to go for unusual furniture and accessories. No more complaints about everything you see in stores looking alike!

The place to find everything from toile upholstered chairs to a Chihuahua night lamp, is having an end of season sale Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 31. Not everything is on sale, but you will find a selection of items discounted from 20 to 60 percent off the original retail.

You'll get discounts on one-of-a-kind furniture, lighting and accessories. For example, the Due surf board table, made of bamboo veneer with chrome trim and legs, formerly $1,345 is now $687.50.

Etikette is located at 2341 Wilton Drive in Winton Manors. Call 954 636-6427 and see www.etikettehome.com.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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South Beach Style, one of my favorite design stores, is scheduled to close its doors Thursday, May 29. It breaks my heart because these folks really knew great style. They carried Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, one of my fave furniture lines plus some other good brands. (I own a MG+BW sofa and dining room chairs, which I bought at their former South Beach store.. MG+BW was the first to recognize that washable slipcovers are a great thing for people with kids and pets.)

Some good items are still available, such as Tonin Casa glass dining table, which was $4,495 and is now $2,250 (at left) and the queen storage bed with one nightstand (at right) , which was $2,335 and is now $950.

The store is located at 515 N. Andrews Avenue, between Broward and Sunrise Boulevards in Fort Lauderdale. Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Everything must go by closing on Thursday. Call 954-764-5020. The South Beach location is already closed.

All sale items are as-is and all sales are final. Delivery is available to Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties.

The owners tell me they have no current plans for another South Florida location.

XOXO-- Shopper Girl

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Where: Hibiscus Place, 1406 East Las Olas Boulevard, Ft Lauderdale. (954) 463-6688

When you're born-to-shop, even a short fix is good one. If I happen to be at the post office on Las Olas (between the Dairy Queen and the Floridian,) there's a consignment shop right next door, on the east side. I can't be within feet of a consignment store and not run though it, can you? They get things in daily, they are one of a kind, so if you don't get there while it's there, you missed your chance. How many times have you asked in a shop for something specific, only to hear,"Oh, we had a really nice one last week." When its followed by some really low unbelievable selling price, that is even worse.

Manny and Paul, the owners of Hibiscus Place, stock lots of ready-to-hang framed art, a very eclectic mix. But they don't buy just any old print. Their things are mostly original or, if a print, they are signed and numbered, like the Richard B Williams 'Regatta' print pictured here. It's marked $200. There are 2 Richard Williams signed sailing prints in stock right now.

If something has been in stock for awhile, they will mark it down, so be sure to ask about that. You are taking a chance, if you wait for the price to come down, but that's all part of the thrill of bargain hunting. I bought a beautiful Baker table here last year because I could finally afford it after the third markdown.

Did I mention eclectic? They had loads of these Bali masks from a customer who collected them, before they downsized to a condominium. I'm not sure where I would go to find a Bali mask if I was in need of one? But it's all part of the surprise of consignment store shopping. These are marked $35 each, and as of this writing there are 7 left.

There are a few other interesting looking consignment stores on Las Olas west of Hibiscus Place, toward downtown, but I'm usually on my lunch hour when I stop by, so there isn't time to do them all. Why don't you stop by and let us know if they have anything we can't live without.

Hey, the latest dirt on saving money at Hibiscus Place: Go to Valpac.com/coupons, type in your zipcode and you'll find a Hibiscus Place coupon for 20% off. You can print it yourself.

Kathy (Born to Shop) Haines

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Wouldn't you like to win a $100,000 outdoor design makeover? I sure would. Now that we are being squeezed with high gas prices and spiraling food costs, some of the things we want, like a fabulous outdoor room, have to be put on hold. So why not try to win?

The Frontgate catalog and Coastal Living magazine will select one winner who will get: $50,000 in Frontgate outdoor furniture and accents; $50,000 toward a luxury pool, landscaping, or water feature installation from Master Pools Guild; a design consultation with Elizabeth Raines Beeler, certified designer and decorating editor for Coastal Living ; and a design consultation with an award winning designer from Master Pools Guild.

Just go to www.frontgate.com/coastalliving enter. Online entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. May 31.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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