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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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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Thanks to the folks at Kohl’s we don't have to search Websites for their Black Friday specials.

Better get to bed early Thanksgiving night because Kohl's opens at 4 a.m. The Early Bird specials are from 4 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Thanksgiving shoppers also will get $10 off future purchases for every $50 spent.

Here are some of the 300 specials:

Toys: 50 percent off entire stock including popular brands like Fisher Price, Playskool, Barbie, Tonka, Matchbox and Hot Wheels. This year it also covers Little Tikes, Crayola and Play-Doh.

Designer brands for misses: 40 to 50 percent off entire stock of apparel including:
Simply Vera Vera Wang – $17 to $100.80, originally $34 to $168; Elle Contemporary Collection – $8.99 to $49.99, originally $24 to $84; Daisy Fuentes – $8.99 to $35.00, originally $18 to $89.

Chaps apparel for misses (selected styles): 55 to 60 percent off; $13.50 to $75.80, originally $30 to $189.50.

High-definition video camera value pack including 2GB SD card, tripod, rechargeable batteries, cable and pouch. Records HD video and captures still images up to 12M resolution: $99.99; regularly $199.99.

Kohl's is cool. You can check out the ads now at kohls.com.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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No time to shop when we have lines to stand in to vote!

But after you cast your ballot today, check out Kohls.com for 15 percent off everything with only 99 cents shipping per item (unless there's special handling involved.)

Enter the code Election15 to get the special discount.

If you're a Phillies fan -- or know one, you could buy this World Series T-shirt through Kohls.com.

You also can enter to win a $10,000 grand prize in a Kohl's sweepstakes. First prize is a family vacation for four at a Disney World resort and tickets to Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba show in Orlando.

Let's see I've voted, so what shall I buy? Maybe I'll just enter the sweepstakes. It's my birthday week; maybe that's lucky. -- 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're like me, you wait until the last minute to stock up on candy for the swarms of trick or treaters, then spend way too much at the last minute.

Let's think ahead this year...stretch that dollar. Publix has a BOGO offer this week on Snickers, M&Ms, Milky Way, Twix Cookie Bars, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, and Kraft Caramels. Also Nestle Fun size bars: Crunch, Butterfingers or Baby Ruths. Good 10/16 to 10/22.

You'll be the most popular Mom in the neighborhood!

What are you giving for Halloween treats this year? Any ideas you can share with us for saving $$$ and without feeling like Scrooge?

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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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None of us wear northern-style raincoats in South Florida, but we still need to keep dry in what often seems like a monsoon.

This cute kids' slicker in waterproof fabric that was featured on the Today Show is just the ticket.

It has vented arms to provide air movement and an adjustable hood. But more than that, it's great nostalgia for grandma and grandpa who lived through the hippie movement. Tie dye, anyone? It's $38 at www.landsend.com. And there's even cute boots to match for $29.50.

Makes you want to have a child or at least borrow one.

XOXO -- Shopper Girl

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Looking for something fun to do with the kids this weekend? To kick off the official launch of FAO Schwartz within Macy's locations there's a big grand opening celebration at Macy's Dadeland this weekend.

Celebrated author and mother, Jenny McCarthy, will be there on Saturday September 27th at 2:00 p.m.

Children and families are invited to join the fun and activities. There will be balloon making, face painting, and other family festivities.

Children will be invited to create their own version of the FAO Schwartz Toy Soldier hat for a chance to win $1000 shopping spree. Contest held on site and all decorating materials will be provided.

Heck, I want to win $1000 shopping spree!! Can adults play too?? What would you buy if you won a $1,000 and HAD to spend it?

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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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Remember the Arab oil embargo of 1973? Apparently, all the politicians forgot. So, as we struggle with gas prices over $4 a gallon, many of us are planning our shopping trips more than ever before.

We on the shopping blog promise to make your lives easier and to save you gas by letting you know about all the new store openings.

Here goes: A new 4,200-square-foot Lilly Pulitzer store will open on June 27th at The Terrace in Town Center at Boca Raton. The new store will have women's, men's and children's collections as well as gifts and accessories, including bags, shoes, jewelry and eyewear.

Palm Beach's Lilly Pulitzer no longer owns her namesake label, but the designers have taken her bright colors and fun patterns and updated them. I just love the look. Perfect for Florida -- then and now.

XOXO --- Shopper Girl

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My Target in Plantation sold out of their supply of 30 Wii Fits in about 30 minutes. A clerk told me that they had people lined up for the store's 8 a.m. opening and they ran to the electronics department (great way to work in the cardio, guys!). My physical therapy appointment got canceled so I tooled over to Target to see whether there were any left and lo and behold, I got the last one! (I had the clerk double-bag the box so no one could spy my haul).

According to the clerks at GameStop, which opens at 10 a.m. (in most locations), they'll be fulfilling their customers' preorders, then selling whatever they have left to the general public.

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Toys R Us just sent out an e-mail promising "more Wii in-store than ever before" on Sunday. And this time they're taking pre-orders, but you have to plunk down $200 to do that. They'll also be releasing MarioKart Wii on Sunday, so pick up those Wii steering wheels.

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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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Few kid items are more annoying than booster seats. They are a pain to put in the chair. They make the kid feel like a baby at the table. And they just aren't cool.

Check out this funny video for Kaboost, a device that attaches to the four legs of any grown-up chair so your child can feel like a big kid at the table. It is designed for children ages 20 months-6 years and holds up to 300 pounds. (Let's hope your 6-year-old isn't quite that big or we have a whole other problem!)

It sells for $37.95 and $41.95 with carry bag at 1,200 stores, including Target and Babies "R Us. For the four color choices and more info see www.kaboost.com.

Even if you don't have kids, check out this video. More products should be promoted with a sense of humor. What is your child really thinking? Does this work for you, moms?

XOXO-- Shopper Girl

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How cute is this? The Maryjane baby socks from Gracious Home really rock!

Can't you just see your baby wearing these?

They are packaged six pairs per set for $24.50 and fit babies up to 12 months old. They are practical as well as pretty -- the rubber bottom is non-skid. They ar 80 percent cotton, 17 percent nylon and 3 percent spandex.

Check it out at gracioushome.com.

XOXO-- Shopper Girl

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The Cabbage Patch Kids of 1983 will make a comeback this year. Click here for the full story in today's Sun-Sentinel.

You either love or hate these dolls. I never wanted one. The Kids had smooshed faces, and I hated cabbage. So I stuck to my trunk full of Barbie and Ken dolls. But I remember some friends loved them.

Here's what some readers had to say about their cherished Cabbage Patch memories:

"I loved those dolls, but my father used to tell me that when I went to sleep at night, they would come alive and have a party. I didn’t sleep much from 1983-1989." -- Lori, Miami

"I was an only child growing up, so my parents spoiled me with THIRTEEN Cabbage Patch kids. I used to sit them up and pretend I was their teacher." -- Leila, Miami

"I am an identical twin and my sister lives in Boca Raton. We are 61 years old. When we celebrated our 40th birthdays together in 1986, our children presented us with Cabbage Patch Twins. Each year when we celebrate our birthdays together we bring along our Cabbage Patch dolls and re-unite them. We have some pictures taken over the years commemorating each birthday. After we pass on, these twin dolls will someday go to my daughter as well as my sister's daughter who have vowed to re-unite them each year on our birthday."
-- Sharon Gorsen, Weston

Did you like Cabbage Patch Kids? Write in with your memories of these little munchkins.

-- Jaclyn Giovis, staff writer

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While I was walking through the Town Center at Boca Raton, one of those middle of the aisle venders caught my eye.

OK, I'm a long way from being a kid, but I know in my gut that WindSpinners will delight anyone from tots to teens. These metal cutouts -- with motifs that range from butterflies to marijuana leaves -- spin and look like one of the drug experiences of the '60s.

They are really cool, especially when used in groups of three. The prices are $25 for a small one and $35 for a large one. You'll find them right in front of Cole Haan.

If you want to see what they look like before going to the mall, check out the photo at right and the ones on line at my www.outdoorconnection.com. Let me know what you think.

XOXO-- Shopper Girl

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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 designer stroller (Maclaren) meets designer sportswear (Lacoste) in a new limited edition baby buggy.

The $400 stroller is lined with fabric bearing Lacoste’s iconic green crocodile logo. Buyers also receive a matching cotton polo shirt and sun hat. The stroller weighs 14 pounds and features Maclaren’s one-hand fold capacity, 4-position seat recline and tilting hood with UV protective viewing window.

Now, even your infant can be perfectly preppy. Find out where to buy them at maclarenbaby.com or 877-442-4622. (Incidentally, Maclaren has collaborated with other designers. Check out styles from Kate Spade, Burberry and Lulu Guinness.)

J.T.

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ELEGANT CHILD

59 S. Federal Highway, Boca Raton; 561-416-0152; Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; 561-416-0152.

Owner: Rene Barth

Wow factor: There should be a warning label on the door of this store: Enter at your own risk. The offerings are so adorable you may want to get pregnant - again. The shop stocks everything from toys to tiaras. Yes, it is in downtown Boca, but the prices range from inexpensive ($2.99-$7.99 for a fab selection of hair bows) to upscale ($88 for an elegant dress from Baby Biscotti). It’s a great place to buy shower gifts, especially crib blankets that can be personalized in 24 hours ($19.95 plus $5 for embroidery). And gift wrapping is free.

Editor’s picks: Faves include a toddler-sized plastic piano in white, pink or black ($130), E-Land boy’s corduroy pants embroidered with dogs ($46) and a matching doggie sweater ($46), hard to find Corelle baby carriages ($40), multicultural Green Tree dolls that sing and move their heads ($18), and unusual and well-made Halloween costumes ($20-$39.99), such as a shark with fins and a ladybug.

Design for less: You don’t have to look far to find inexpensive items, including a ballerina tote ($20), large piggy banks for boys and girls ($40) and a tiara on a headband ($4.99) with matching tutu ($4.99).

Trivia: Barth is a pro who was in the children’s store business for 20 years in Tampa and Long Island before she opened this store almost a year ago. This is her first store with the Elegant Child name, but it’s not the first in Boca. She was surprised when customers told her there was an Elegant Child in the nearby Royal Palm Plaza about 25 years ago. -- CVS

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We ran a blurb in Sunday's Sun-Sentinel about the online baby stuff site giggle.com.

Aside from a great selection of unique, quality products, gotta love the company's philosophy: It will only sell products that meet the "giggle criteria," which is innovation, portability, ability to grow with baby and being toxin free.

Two of our faves: This lion backpack

and this "Pair of Pears," a fun gift for twins.

K.V.W.

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Not sure what to think of the Play With Your Food product that came across my desk recently.

Created by Daydream Toys, the “game” includes a cute melamine plate and mug and spinner. The plate has four sections, each with a different illustration (for example, a plane, bus, car and train).

The premise is to use the spinner to get your picky eater to either take a bite from a specific section or choose a bite. Presumably you are filling the plate with healthy food.

While this is a seemingly fun gimmick, you have to wonder if it works when kids don’t like certain foods. Are they really going to take a bite of spinach just because the spinner tells them to?

Another negative: By making eating a game, are you creating food issues with your kids? Then again, I suppose if your family subscribes to the clean plate club, this kind of game can’t really hurt.

Find It: Play With Your Food, $14.99, from www.daydreamtoy.com

--K.V.W.

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Check out the Sun-Sentinel's parenting blog transParent today to find out about the cute kids co. Alex and Jett. Its specialty is personalized tees -- very original and cute.

K.V.W.

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I have been giving Pediped shoes as baby gifts for the last year.

They are made of ultra supple leather and are soft soled, which enables babies to feel the ground beneath them as they learn to walk and develop foot strength as they grasp with their little toes. (They were even recognized this year in Consumer Reports' 2007 Best Baby Products guide, as one of the top recommendations for flexible children’s footwear.)

All that good stuff aside, they come in the most adorable styles. The latest one to catch my eye: The Ethan. The camouflage design is meant to be for boys, but we all have a sassy little girl in our lives who could carry the look.

If you go to the Pediped site, you'll see they are temporarily out of stock (told ya they were hot!) but go here for the store locator. By the way, you get free shipping if you order two or more pairs from the website.

K.V.W.

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My daughter's 8-year-old birthday party is coming up, and we're doing an HSM2 viewing party. For those of you who live under a big fat rock, that's High School Musical 2, the highly anticipated sequel that premieres on Aug. 17. Our fete will include movie-like seating, popcorn, dance games, and of course, a sleepover.
Since we don't have to pay for any entertainment (the show's free, thank you Disney Channel!) and since she only invited a few friends, AND since I have banned pinatas and related candy-and-toy-junk we have historically given as party favors, I let her splurge on these cool $10 notebook sets from Lillian Vernon.
We got them personalized for each kid and each comes with three notebooks and 6 personalized pencils. They are sure to be the hot accessory at school the following week. And you gotta admit, they fit in well with the whole HSM (Go Wildcats!) theme.

-- K.V.W.

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