Martha Stewart had a great suggestion for an inexpensive centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table.

"Anchor candles inside mini pumpkins to make centerpieces. Cut a hole inside each pumpkin with a utility knife, and then carve out space for candles with a melon baller. If desired, stack 2 and secure from inside hole with straight pins. With adhesive putty, affix candles inside gourds and pumpkins to leaves that cover overturned pie plates."

If you like the look, a few mini pumpkins are much cheaper than flowers. Click here for more directions at MarthaStewart.com/

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Hey, it worked for Rooms To Go: Cindy Crawford Style is a new collection of bedding, bath, table linens, furniture and home decor at J.C. Penney's.

This six-piece set of Egyptian cotton towels in Abyss Gre (a pretty light bluegreen color) for $34.99 caught my eye. Lots of other colors available.

Check out Cindy Crawford style online at J.C. Penney.

And it's all on sale, too! -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Been wanting to decorate or re-decorate? Art Explosion of South Florida's warehouse sale in Boynton Beach on Friday, Oct. 2, may be your ticket to a more colorful home -- especially if you like flowers and underwater sealife.

Art Explosion is liquidating its warehouse of art and art objects. The sale is in the evening only, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday. The warehouse is at 816 SE 1st Avenue, which is one block east of Seacrest between Boynton Beach Boulevard and Woolbright Road.

Original paintings, canvas art, furniture, marine signs are available. For more information, go to Art Explosion

Could be worth a look. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Restoration Hardware is holding it's summer bath sale: 20 percent bath items including towels, mirrors, linens, faucets and hardware.

Whether you're remodeling your bathroom or just sprucing it up, Restoration Hardware has some beautiful bathroom decor.

These mongrammed Turkish bath towels are $14-$48; without the monogram, they start at $7-$48. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds.

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There's nothing like a new pillow cover to freshen the look of your living room or bedroom.

Pottery Barn has them at all prices, $29 and up, but with free shipping for a limited time. These graphic crewel pillow covers are $49 each. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Spotted during a quick trip to Crate & Barrel Outlet at Sawgrass Mills Outlet: oversized, striped beach towels for $14.95, regularly $34.95.

Lots of items 50% off including dessert bowls in pink and orange for $2.50, one-liter wine carafe for $6.95; and cake and cupcake holders (where are they when you need them?) for $7.95 to $9.95. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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I've been wanting a small, decorative rug to go in my living room, but -- like everything else -- I don't want to pay a lot of it.

Pottery Barn has rugs such as this colorful one on sale starting at $79 and going up from there, depending on the size.

The store also has limited-time offers on pillow covers, candles, chairs and other home decor.

Pottery Barn also offers a class on Sunday, July 26: "Decorating with Color & Pattern." Any merchandise featured in the class is 10% off. Check your favorite store to see if the class being offered there. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Target never ceases to amaze us with their innovative merchandising.

This summer they introduced limited edition Kleenex boxes created for Target by L A-based artist Hiroko Sanders. Colorful watermelon, lime and orange slices...so whimsical....aren't these just too cute?

Okay, coupon queens...tell us...can you do it? Can you buy the $2.99 adorable designer Kleenex fruit wedges?

Or will you wait for a sale? The old fashioned rectangular (boring) Kleenex box is on sale this week at Walgreens for $0.89 minus coupon savings, making them $0.73 each? Just how addicted to saving are you? Well..... ??

--Super Saver Kathy

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If you break wine glasses like I break wine glasses, get to Crate & Barrel's summer sale where a wide variety of wine glasses are on sale for $3.50 to $4.95 each.

I especially like Crate & Barrel's red wine glasses -- the large bowl stemmed kind, perfect for a Cabernet Savignon, Malbec or Merlot.

Crate & Barrel's 50% markdown also includes other housewares and some furniture closeouts.

Cheers! -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Everybody loves 'em. Get your 20% off Steinmart coupons right here for the store's big summer sale, through Sunday, June 7:

Steinmart coupons

I found this cute sundress on their Web site, Steinmart

Also check out Steinmart's 50% off on home clearance items! -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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In South Florida, ceiling fans are essential to keep the price of air conditioning affordable and to stay cool especially in hot summer months.

Home Depot is lending some help, with 20% to 30% off its Hunter fans. Hunter is one of the better known brands. Here's a 52-inch bronze fan for $99 with a light to boot.

Hurry! Sale ends Wednesday, June 3.

Hunter fan sale

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In a fit after the last hurricane that destroyed my porch, I threw away my Weber grill. I got tired of dragging the thing, along with porch furniture, inside my house or garage everytime the winds started blowing our way.

So with some trepidation, I'm thinking about buying a new grill, this time a gas grill that will actually be useful after a hurricane.

I spied this great-looking Weber Performance gas grill at Crate & Barrel, regularly $325, but now 15% off. Anybody got some steaks?

Any item over $250 is now 15 percent off at Crate & Barrel stores and online. Better yet, check the Crate & Barrel outlet at Sawgrass Mall at the end of the summer. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Buy your favorite items from Pottery Barn at 25 percent off until May 5 online only at PotteryBarn.com.

I spotted these citrus print towels on sale for $39 -- yet another great Mother's Day idea. Lots of other choices in bedding, mirrors, lighting, rugs and more.

Plus, in the Town Center at Boca Raton store, catch a botanical arranging class on May 3. Call the store at 561-750-3949 for more information. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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I recently got an invitation to join Borders Rewards Perks, open to any one who is a member of Borders. No membership fee for either club.

I found discounts on South Florida restaurants through Restaurant.com, 15 percent off Bluefly apparel, discount movie tickets, and 25 percent off patio furniture at Home Depot. Some good deals; some not so much. Forty percent off of Nordstrom's, for example, is still often $100-plus pricetag.

But worth checking out. Sign up at any local Borders store. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Boca Bargoons used to be among my favorite haunts with my friend Lynn. She was an artist and could turn a plain living room into lush landscape of fabric and decor in a day. Twice, she recovered my dining room chairs and my patio furniture.

I asked her once to show me how and I would do it myself. "I don't have the patience," she said. Anyway, I benefited from her flair and expertise.

If you want unique fabric to make curtains, cover a couch or make some throw pillows, Boca Bargoons is the place to go. Get there by Saturday to take advantage of their 40 percent off sale the lowest ticketed item.

Boca Bargoons is in Boca Raton, of course, at 190 N.W. 20th St. (Take the Glades Road exit east to N.W. 2nd Avenue, go north to 20th Street.)

But, unless you have a good friend like Lynn., you better learn to sew. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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It might be time to freshen up your bathroom with new towels and rugs. If so, Bloomingdale's has put many of its designer towels on sale for 20% to 50% off. These Charisma towels are on sale for $6.39 to $35.99. Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren towels also are included in the sale.

More select items are on marked down 25% to 40% on Bloomingdales.com. But I'd stick the the towels unless you must have Juicy Couture sweatpants. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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I've been eyeing this Williams-Sonoma berry wreath for awhile, but it was too expensive for my taste at $49.99. Now, with Williams-Sonoma's winter sale of up to 75 percent holiday and other items, the wreath has fallen to the buyable price of $19.99.

My Christmas wreath, live evergreens that I decorated, is sadly awaiting garbage pickup and my door just seems, well, bare. This wreath of natural looking fall foliage really could be used year-round.

Other Williams-Sonoma buys include a chocolate fondue pot for $14.99 and fluted glassware for $14.99-$16.99. Love these after-holiday sales! -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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J.C. Penney has put up its after-Christmas doorbusters online. The department store's doors open at 5:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 26th. Doorbusters include this guy's fleece hoodie for $17.99.

Two coupons, $10 off a $50 purchase and $15 off a $75 purchase, are available:

J.C. Penney coupons

The store is advertising online 75 percent off its holiday trim and decor as well as 60 percent off many other items. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Somebody had to do it, why not a luxury retailer? Neiman-Marcus.com already has put up "after-Christmas sale" items on its Web site. If you've got the bucks, lots of designer clothing is 40 percent off on the site.

If not, go for the fancy Christmas ornaments and decorations. Dec. 26 is the traditional day to find the nicest of Christmas ornaments greatly reduced at department stores. Don't go to the discount retailers for this -- it's all gone. This is the time to go high-end.

My Christmas tree is looking pretty tired this year so I might be there. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Salvation Army, which usually is in the business of collecting money for its good causes, is marking down its acquired furniture and other items at all its Broward County stores on Dec. 24.

Everything will be 50 percent off for this one day only at the six Salvation Army Family Super Stores, open from 9 am to 4:30 pm. The stores have clothing, furniture, household goods, sporting equipment, books, electronics and more.

The best reason to buy: All proceeds from sales at the Salvation Army Family Super Store go directly to the operation of The Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Centers.

Here are the Broward County locations:

1791 W Broward Blvd. 888 N University Dr.
Ft Lauderdale Pembroke Pines
954 463-3725 954-433-2160

310 N State Rd. 7 7707 W. Commercial Blvd
Margate Tamarac, FL
954 979-6999 954-721-0705

2300 SW 56th Ave.
Hollywood
954 961-7523

451 E Copans Rd.
Pompano Beach
954 782-3925

Shopping and doing good -- now that's a great concept. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Still haven't bought anything for mom? or your sister or best friend in New York?

Hurry and order online. Some ideas:

At Overstock.com, there's one day left for free shipping and delivery by Christmas Day. Lots of ideas for women, especially. Check out the jewelry section. I like this sterling silver "Peace" necklace from Indonesia, only $35.99.

Have the holidays brought out the romance? Order that engagement ring or diamond stud earrings quick before it fades at Bluenile.com.

If all else fails, mom or grandma certainly would appreciate Christmas flowers. (Guys, remember that women want anything they can show off others: "See the flowers my son sent me?") Order this nice combo of Godiva and roses from FTD.com for $39.99.

Relax now: You've saved your relationships with the click of your mouse and your credit card. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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I was crushed earlier this fall when I walked past Seldom Seen, one of my favorite stores on Las Olas Boulevard, and there was a big sign of the times: Bankruptcy Sale.

Seldom Seem "reopens under new management," apparently, on Wednesday, Dec. 17, according to a new sign in the window.

All the same great stuff seems to be in the window. Seldom Seen has always been the place to go when you were looking for that perfect gift for someone, but had no idea what to buy. Walk into the store and there it was! Welcome back, Seldom Seen.

In other Las Olas news, I found these great Vera Bradley "Zip ID" case -- just enough room for a license, lipstick and your car keys. Only $10 at Needlepoint Originals. Great holiday present for colleagues or girlfriends.

Other Vera Bradley older styles and colors are 25 percent off at the store (but I'm not supposed to tell you that. Shhhh...) -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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I love the look of global decor. It's a great way to remember the places you have been or places you dream of going to see.

These rustic baskets, which look fab hanging on the wall, are hand-woven fby folks in the African makenge bush. Room and Board says each baskets is one-of-a-kind and reflects the heritage of the artisan who creates it.

They sell for $99 at roomandboard.com.

XOXO-- Shopper Girl

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If you have a "Secret Santa" or office gift exchange next week, consider Target's "Nice Twice. Gifts for a Cause” collection that also gives back to charity. Target has three gifts available:

Choxie chocolates for $10: 10 percent of price is donated to St. Jude's Children's Hospital

Songs for a Cause CD, collection of holiday season songs, for $5.99: $2 of this purchase goes to the Salvation Army

Salvation Army holiday ornament for $14.99: 10 percent goes to the Salvation Army

So spread holiday cheer in more than one way! -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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Stocking stuffers, home decor, furniture and other items at Restoration Hardware are 20 percent off with this coupon for "family and friends." You just need to print out the Restoration Hardware coupon and bring it to a store or enter the code online.

One stocking stuffer I'm thinking about for my Dad the movie buff is the "Great Lines from Great Movies" trivia game which is under $6 with the coupon. Can't beat that! -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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If you're a Christopher Radko fan, stock up on holiday dinner plates and other items for your Christmas meal.

A package of four dinner plates is only $15 until Saturday, Dec. 14 at Target. Other items, such as a matching platter, run between $15 and $19.99.

Radko's holiday designs include a big red ornament or a fully trimmed Christmas tree. They're both pretty and make your holiday meal extra special. So even if your turkey is not moist, your presentation will steal the show. Well, maybe. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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My friends Vickie and Tim had their Flamingo Park home on the Historic Flamingo Park home tour. I was put in charge of answering the door for visitors who came in droves.

Besides ideas in decorating your home, visitors may find local gift ideas on such tours. Vickie and Tim, for example, have put together a cookbook of 149 recipes from the residents' kitchens.

I had the opportunity to peruse the cookbook and it has some mouth-watering recipes that are beautifully illustrated.

The cookbook is $18.50 plus sales tax available by calling 561-758-5227 or e-mailing FlamingoFun@yahoo.com. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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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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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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If you haven't gone to Angsana's "going out of business" sale yet, better hurry. The stylish store, which features Asian home furnishings, accessories and gifts, will close its doors on Saturday, May 17.

Prices are now rock bottom -- with 75 percent off of everything. Even the fixtures are for sale. Some of the bargains include: silk boxes from Thailand, $2 and $3; Wayang Golek puppets from Indonesia (in picture at right), which were $75, now $18.75; a trio of mesh round baskets, which were $40, now $10; and a room divider with horizontal pieces of bamboo hung on a frame, which was $445, now $111. And there are still plenty of Buddhas, tables, chairs and other items left.

This is another closing that breaks my heart. Angsana was always one of my favorite stores because owner Michael Lipkowitz is a master at finding unusual and handmade pieces from his travels to Southeast Asia and Indonesia. He located just south of Swinton Avenue in a house because rents on Atlantic Avenue got too high. But, after he moved, the economy stalled.

"We just can't stay open," he said. "Everyone is hurting. No one has any money to spend any more." Lipkowitz said he is going to concentrate on his interior design business.

Angsana is located at 20 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach; 561-330- 6676; angsanaimports.com. Hours are 11a.m.-6 p.m. Monday and Tuesday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.

XOXO--- Shopper Girl

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Pier 1 Imports has re-invented itself once again. It has returned to its roots as a great place to buy small gifts as well as decor items. When I visited last weekend, I found a lot of things that would make great Mother's Day gifts.
Here are a few of them:
These snakeskin bangles look like they cost far more than $7 each. At his price, you can buy mom three or four and a few for yourself.
Check out the faux flowers like this peony arrangement in a ceramic vase for $20. It's perfect for a small area like a powder room or mom's dressing table.
There are also other cool objects like this glass purse than can be used as a decorative object or a planter. It's $25. You may also find some decorative frames for $12 or three small jewel boxes for $10.
For more ideas, see pier1.com.
XOXO--Shopper Girl

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When I was a pre-teen, I craved a bookcase bed because my idol, Annette Funicello, had one in her room. Back then, celebrities didn’t license their names for furniture brands. I was lucky to have a talented grandpa, who built me a bookcase that fit around my twin bed.

Kids these days don’t have to depend on grandpa’s cabinetry skills. Disney has done the work with them with licensed collections, including one for Hannah Montana, Miley Cyrus’ hit TV character.

Three style bedrooms are available – a sleigh/day bed, a twin post bed and, my fave, a brushed metal canopy bed in full or twin. The bedrooms come with coordinating pieces that range from a vanity with full-length mirror to an entertainment console with a special drawer to store a gaming system. And this furniture doesn’t cost a fortune. The 4-piece package with the full-size brushed metal canopy bed is $1,299. The collection is currently available at Rooms to Go. For more information, see roomstogokids.com.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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Those who think they know what we want on the Web keep talking about a "sense of community." Translation? We want to be able to connect with others of like interests and share ideas and problems.

Shopstyleliving.com calls itself "the first social shopping site devoted to home decorating." I love the idea. It's a great place to shop, discover new brands and share ideas with family and friends.

One of my fave features is you can set price alerts. The site will send you an email when your selected items goes on sale. How cool is that? The site brings together all the current deals, promotion codes and free shipping offers in one place.

You can also assemble a Stylebook of your fave looks for a room, occasion or trend that you can share with others. You can upload your own blog or blog with others.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

P.S. Here's a great daybed cover from Pottery Barn that was $79 and is now on sale for $54.99. Not your thing? There's plenty more. Check it out and let me know what you think.

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Angsana, a wonderful place to buy Asian and Indonesian imports, is going out of the retail business.

This is sad news for those of us who wanted to find designer-quality goods without hiring a professional. The store, located at 20 S. Swinton Ave. in Delray Beach always offered unusual furniture and a great collection of accessories that range from baskets to buddhas.

"This sale has been initiated only after careful consideration, as I have decided to focus Angsana exclusively in the area of design consultation," owner Michael Lipkowitz wrote in a letter to his best customers.

Most of the items are 20 percent off, but this weekend they will be reduced to 40 percent off. Different deals will be offered until May. Call ahead at 561 330-6676 to see what they are. Also see angsanaimports.com.

XOXO-- Shopper Girl

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Here's the first installment of filmmaker/comedian Mark Malkoff's video diary of actually moving into an Ikea store while his New York apartment was being fumigated. Obviously, he got the OK of the Swedish retail giant -- he has his own page there.

Malkoff is also the same guy who visited and made purchases at 171 Starbucks in Manhattan in one day.

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Ruinations has something for everyone - from $5 to $3,800. Flamingos. Betty Boop collectibles. Music boxes. Fountains. Buddhas. Beds. Venetian masks. Home fragrances. Lamps. Decorative portable fans. Custom arranging of silk flowers to fit your decor. Like the music playing in the background? They sell the CD.

The staff is friendly and makes you feel at home. It's a fun place to shop.

One of the most interesting items in the shop is the Deco-Breeze fan ($180), a tabletop model with lamp base. Some of the most popular items are music boxes from the San Francisco Music Box Co., especially the witch from the Wizard of Oz ($150). And the egg-shaped Raku fountain ($360) is unusual and very Zen.

You can find fun items like the mom and baby pink flamingos ($19 and $31), picture frames in the shape of flip-flops ($7.75), Lampe Berger home fragrances ($35-$150, depending on the container) and a jewelry hanger manikin mannequin wearing Scarlett’s green velvet curtain dress from Gone Wwith the Wind ($44).

Coral Ridge Mall, 3200 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale; 954-566-4823; Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 12 noon-8 p.m. Sunday.
1428 NE 26th St., Wilton Manors; 954-568-1675Ö; Hours: 12 noon-8 p.m. daily; Touchingbeauty.com.

XOX0-- Shopper Girl

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If you're a Costco shopper, you know that the center of the store is the spot where you can find home furnishings --- everything from sofas to outdoor furniture.

We bought a beautiful Sligh tall case clock a few years ago for $1,800, a price not too far above wholesale. (Most of what we saw in regular stores were about $5,000.) It was a special event, "The Clock Roadshow," and they delivered the timepiece as well as balanced it. Even more amazing -- this was Labor Day.

For those of us with this kind of positive furniture shopping experience, we've been waiting for Costco to expand its home stores. But right now it looks unlikely. HFN, a trade publication for the home furnishings industry, reported recently that five years after opening its first Costco Home, the company is still testing the concept. The first store in Kirkland, Wash. was followed one in Tempe, Ariz. Combined they do more than $100 million in sales. The stock is 70 percent furniture. The rest floor coverings, housewares, bedding and home decor.

Shoppers can still buy a variety of furnishings, like the photo at right, from www.costco.com, but most of us like to sit on the furniture and check the quality before ordering. What Costco needs is feedback from customers. Do you want to see a Costco Home in South Florida? Start a campaign. Let them know that you want to see more of the kind of savings we found with the clock.

-- C.V.S.

P.S. This photo is from www.costco.com and features a two-pack of Veronica microber chairs for $699.99.

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Expecting a baby or know someone who is? Bellini Baby and Teen Furniture may be the place to stroll to this weekend (Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 12 and 13). Bellini at Boca Center in Boca Raton is advertising a “scratch and dent” sidewalk sale. Boca Center is on Military Trail, one mile north of Palmetto Park Road.

These aren’t the beautiful cribs, twin beds and dressers in its showroom, but inventory that has a chip or other minor damage. How long does a kid sleep in it anyway?

For the bigger children, check out the sale inside the store: twin bedroom sets for the princess in your family for half off ($700 to $1400).

Say you still can’t afford those prices? Enter to win a “dream nursery” on bellini.com. Or head to Hoffman’s Chocolates in the same plaza and drown your sorrows in 75 percent-off Christmas candy.

--- Marcia Heroux Pounds

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The Firecracker Tabletop Tree looked fabulous in the Gump's catalog. And the description was tantalizing: "Fabric firecrackers, silky tassels, and mini coin purses combine with chili peppers, Gloriosa lilies and tangerines for a fresh take on holiday color. Our faux tree is arranged in an oxblood-glazed ceramic container and accented with 70 sparkling white lights."

It was going to be my attempt at simplifying holiday decorating, which has evolved into a time-consuming event over the past few years. Putting up five trees was getting to be way too much hassle. Martha Stewart I'm not.

I ordered the tree without flinching at its high price -- $225 plus $46 shipping for a total of $271. After all, this was Gump's San Francisco, a quality mail-order company that I had ordered from for many years. And a pre-decorated tree was going to save me tons of time.

My husband, Carter, and I anxiously awaited its arrival. When it arrived about a week later, we opened the box and were horrified. Our long-awaited tree looked looked nothing like the photo or the catalog description. It was equivalent to a tree that would cost $39.99 at a discount store. Not only was the tree fake looking, the ornaments looked really chintzy.

It had to go back. We called and complained. Gump's agreed to take it back, but wouldn't refund any part of the shipping, even though the product didn't live up to its promises. That cost us $66 for the first fee (an extra $20 FedEx fee was added) plus $34.75 in return shipping. The total: $100.75. Carter discussed the problem with a customer service supervisor, but she didn't budge or offer any incentives to make good customers want to return. (Other mail-order companies in similar situations have either paid for the shipping or offered a coupon.)

The lesson: Even if you have ordered from a mail order company for years, don't count on the quality to be the same. And be aware, if you don't like the product, chances are good you will be responsible for ALL the shipping.

-- C.V.S.

Photo: The nice-looking tree we thought we'd get (source: Gump's website)

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THE BEACHED BOAT CO.

206 NE 2nd Second St., Delray Beach, 561-278-3130; Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday; beachedboat.com

Owners: Jimmy and Patty Deitsch

Wow factor: The theme may be “come see what’s washed ashore,” but this Pineapple Grove store is far from kitschy. It evokes the tasteful world of Nantucket, where homes are decorated with ship models, tasteful but colorful furniture and elegant sea-themed dinnerware.

Editor’s picks: You’ll find everything you need for a beach-themed home - from sheets to silverware. Check out the ship models ($9.95-$549), white shell-and-coral mirror ($270), white dinnerware with shell design ($15 for a dinner plate) and Adirondack chair lamp ($105). Signs and paintings can be custom-ordered with the message of your choice, such as the sign “Welcome to Delray Beach” ($32.95).

Design for less: Look for sales - 25 to 50 percent off - at the front of the store. Regular-price faves include: turquoise vases with raffia-attached shell ($6.95 and $9.95), white finger towels with gold shell and “Welcome to Our Beach House” embroidered in blue ($6.95 each), silver wine corks with seashells ($15.95), metal hooks with turtles or palm trees ($7.79), and ceramic shell//-//motif dish with two soaps ($24.95).

Trivia: The store name came out of a conversation. Patty, a floral designer who used to work at Tommy Bahama, says her husband, a former boat captain, had no idea how retail takes over your life. “I told him, ‘You aren’t going to get out there in your boat. You’re so beached.’.” -- CVS

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When I walked into the new Crate & Barrel Homestore in Boca Raton's Town Center this morning at 10 a.m., sales clerks were still "fluffing" as designers like to call it. They were putting vases in place and correcting some of the rearranging that more than 1,200 guests created the night before at the opening party for C&B's best customers.

This is the largest C&B in Florida with 33,443 square feet and the only one that sells furniture. Most C&B stores are about 12,000 square feet.

After checking out the furniture on the second floor, I chatted with CEO Gordon Segal, a likable guy with that Midwestern ease that can be disarming to some of the pretentious folks in the East.

Gordon and his wife, Carole, started the company almost 45 years ago with $17,000 and a dream. It's called Crate & Barrel because after they spent $10,000 on merchandise, they only had $7,000 left to prepare the store. Money ran out before they could buy display cases so they used the crates and barrels their imported wares came in.

Gordon and I walked the store and chatted about how they do business. Here's the buzz from the top:

Tableware items turn over four times a year with each season. After the season is over, you can find the goods reduced at the company's Sawgrass Mills outlet store in Sunrise. Right now, you'll find the summer goods on sale at the outlet.

If you see something you like in the "in stock" upholstery pieces, it can be delivered with a week.

Steamer bar cabinet

All the furniture is specially designed for C&B, including stuff like the Kyoto bamboo topped table of layered bamboo by designer Maria Yee ($1,399), the Steamer bar cabinet ($999) and the Gentry floor mirror ($1,199), which has a MDF frame that looks like woven leather.

C.V.S.

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Crate & Barrel fans are going to go ballistic! We're getting a super sized C&B in Boca!

Count me in. I have been going to Crate & Barrel since I discovered the original store in Chicago in the 1980s. This store, which is 33,443 square feet on two floors, is the first C&B in Florida to carry furniture. You'll find housewares on the first floor and furniture on the second.

The store opens at 10 a.m. Sept. 25. It's located at the Terrace at Town Center in Boca, between Nordstrom's and Bloomingdale's. See you there!
C.V.S.

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Surprise. Surprise. The folks at Wal-Mart have injected themselves with some style genes. (For you shopping snobs, I know it's hard to believe.) I was shocked when I saw an ad for elegant bedding from Springmaid in a Wal-Mart ad in Domino magazine.

I couldn't find the comforter set in the ad on the Wal-Mart Web site, but it did have this Lauryn Sateen Duvet Set, which includes duvet cover with matching shams on 350-thread count sateen. Prices range from $44.96-$64.96.

The cool thing about www.wal-mart.com is the fact that customers rate the products for price, expectations, features and appearance. You may want to read them before you buy.

C.V.S.

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Anyone who loves traditional decor goes for toiles.

Rekindle your fond memories of the Big Easy with a French toile based on original sketches by Bryan Batt and Tom Cianfichi, owners of the home and gift boutique Hazelnut New Orleans. Although the toiles were introduced four years ago when the shop opened, the Katrina tragedy disaster has invigorated sales.

Toiles typically depict bucolic scenes and women in flowing dresses, but this one shows New Orleans scenes such as the St. Charles streetcar, the Vieux Carre and St. Louis Cathedral. It is available in five color combinations: the traditional magnolia (ecru/black), café au lait (tan/chocolate brown), claret (ecru/red), delphine (ecru/blue), and palmetto (ecru/green).

The products, made of a cotton and linen blend, range from throw pillows ($120 each) and photo frames ($45 each) to shower curtains ($180) and shams ($68) with duvet cover ($212). -C.V.S.

To order, see www.hazelnutneworleans .com .

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A true shopper shops whenever or wherever he or she can. That's what happened recently while I was on jury duty in Palm Beach County. The judge gave us plenty of time for a lunch break, and a fellow juror and I stopped in Z Gallerie, one of my favorite stores on Clematis Street in West Palm Beach. The store also has branches in Mizner Park, Palm Beach Gardens and the Shops at Sunset Place in South Miami.

One of the items that caught my eye was this table lamp made of miniature ivory coconut sticks. It's available in 12 inch and 17-inch diameters. It pricey -- $109 and $149. But it's sure to be a conversation piece. Don't you think?
C.V.S.

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I recently attended my 20 year high school reunion (Chickasha (OK) High School, class of '87 -- go Chicks!) and while I had a brilliant time hanging with my old pals, I came away thinking there's no way I'd ever want to redo those angst-filled teen years. (Now college, I would do again in a heartbeat.)

However, if I were a teen now, I would so beg my mother for the Tune-In bed from Pottery Barn Teens. Built with "Smart Technology", there are speakers in the headboard and a spot to plug in your iPod. It's $999 for queen -- I'd go for ice blue.

In fact, these days the Barn is chockful of cool Smart Technology furniture. In my never-ending effort of getting organized, I have my eyes on the Daily System Smart ReCharge Station ($129) where you can store and charge everything from cell phones, cameras and mp3 players.

--K.V.W.

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If you haven't been to the West Elm store, you're missing some great style and great buys.

This place rocks and I'm not talking about just the music in the background. The store knows how to make it easy to decorate -- with cubbyholes of accessories right behind the furniture so you can pull them down to see how they look together.

The key demographic appears to be 18 to 34, but even Baby Boomers can find some great stuff. When we went down there from Delray last Saturday, we found some great buys such as a tortise design bowl ($14), overlapping squares chair in new black ($179) and a new beaded links pillow ($34 for the cover and $13 for the insert).

One caveat: Beware the aggressive sales staff. On our two trips to the store, we were bombarded by at least six sales people per visit. It's located in the Shops of Midtown near the Miami Design District at 3201 N. Miami Ave. Store hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. For information, see www.westelm.com.

C.V.S.

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I wonder what the odds were in Las Vegas for the opening of the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams showroom in the Miami Design District. We waited and waited and waited. More than a year. But now it's finally open with a great mix of MG+BW's upholstery, case goods (that's the wood stuff for those of you who need a definition) and accessories, including great pottery and picture frames. You'll love the pictures in the frames of Lulu, Mitchell and Bob's adorable bulldog, who is wearing everything from a bumble bee outfit to a tiara.

The staff is friendly. And the loft-like location in the old Buick building displays the furniture with room to spare in about 7,000 square feet. They have fabric swatches to take home so you don't have to write to the company or order them, saving time.

One of the cool things is you can buy some of their discontinued pieces through September at 25 percent off suggested retail. One of my favorites is the Dominque armoire on sale for $1,497.50 (see photo).

And the bonus: Now you can finally find all those photos taken by Tipper Gore that we told you about in the Sun-Sentinel. They aren't cheap ($900-$6,500), but they are fab and capture a slice of history like the one of the historic handshake between Israel's Yitzhak Rabin and the PLO's Yassir Arafat ($1,500) at the Clinton White House.

Hours are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday. It's located at 3841 NE 2nd Ave., Suite 101, Miami. Also see mgandbw.com. Make sure to remember to prepay at the parking station so you don't get a ticket.

C.V.S.

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My husband Carter and I can't drive by the Outlets at Vero Beach without stopping. The car just steers itself there. I soon learned it's the Bombay Outlet that calls our names.

Many items sold here are made specifically for the outlet, but they don't look chintzy. We have always found great accents at really low prices. Recently we found the bargain of a lifetime -- exquisite decorative tassels that mimic those in design centers that cost $75 and up. Yes, they are 90 percent viscose rayon and not silk, but only a professional could tell the difference. The price? $4.95 each, but we caught them on a sale for $4.21 each.

Some other great buys exclusive to the outlet include king or queen bed in a bag (comforter, bed skirt and two shams, $149.95), large urn garden planter, $59.99 and hanging mosaic tea lights ($14.95 each).

The outlet is open 9 a.m. to -8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Go north on I-95 and get off on exit 147 and go west. Make it a day trip and go into Vero Beach for dinner.

-- C.V.S.

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This week's Divine Find is...

RUSTIC ROOSTER (1701 W. Atlantic Blvd., Delray Beach; 561-243-1303; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday.)

Owners: Ray and Michelle Mendez

Wow factor: This store has come a long way since it opened four years ago with rustic furniture that could be painted to your specs and samples of custom kitchen cabinetry. These days, the Rustic Rooster carries everything from furniture imported from India and Vietnam to accessories from Palecek and upholstery from Lee Industries. But what makes this store stand out is its in-store customizing. The staff will paint the furniture you bring in or redo what they have in the store to match your decor. They will also restyle wood pieces. Recently a customer liked a breakfront but wanted silverware drawers. They redesigned the piece, adding a pair of drawers.

Editor’s picks: We love the white hand-painted Indian chair ($625), carved wall panel ($2,395), four-panel rooster screen ($375), glass pendant lamps ($129-$189) and bamboo base lamps with beaded fabric shades ($97).

Design for less: Consider the seashell-coated decorative balls ($11.95), funky cottage signs that say “Beach” or “Coastal Living” ($14.95 and $22), conch shell on a black pedestal ($65) and decorative tropical plates to hang on the wall (4 for $120).

Trivia: If he’s around, Mendez’s father, Rolando, will make you a cup of Cuban coffee to drink while you shop. The red barn-like structure reflects the historical roots of the building. This location, alongside the CSX railroad tracks, was the home of the Delray Beach Farm Supply for 46 years until it closed in June 2000.

-- C.V.S.


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Who knew that South Beach had a distinct aroma? Or that anyone would bother to try to capture that scent in a new Limited Edition South Beach Collection of candles, potpourri, room sprays, fragrance diffusers and — our absurd favorite — outdoor burning sticks. Think incense for the lanai.

It’s described as a combination of water lily, driftwood and coral. Prices start at $15 for the extra-long outdoor burning sticks and climb to $29 for a candle that burns for 90 hours. To find out where the products are available, call 800-399-4994 and an operator will search for stores using your zip code.

-- J.T.

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