In my college days at UF, football season was the highlight of the year. The packed stadium was abuzz with energy, and a close game would keep us in our seats until the end of the very last play. The rush of all those students and fans exiting through the Swamp tunnel/gates created a bottleneck like I haven't seen again until Midnight Madness at Sawgrass Mills! Deja vu!!

I went alone, much to the chagrin of my family, the early birds who can't stay up past 10pm. Nice to know they care...but I never for one moment felt apprehensive in the well lighted parking lots, bustling with folks coming and going.

Once inside...it felt like every school in Broward County bused in their total student body and added them to the entire worldwide membership of the Shoppers Anonymous Organization. It was a feast for people-watchers, seeing the melting pot of South Florida, but not fun if you wanted to do some serious shopping. Every language was represented, and the only overloaded shopping carts I noticed were being pushed by non-English speaking shoppers

There was a line to get into the Coach store in the Colonnade, and long lines to check out at Ralph Lauren Polo in the Oasis. Radio Shack was letting shoppers in a few at a time, the rest were held outside by the metal barrier gates. I was warned to stay away from BrandsMart.

If you were too tired after the big meal to start shopping at midnight, don't worry, be happy, as the song says!! I found a few things, but the sales just weren't that great. I had to leave because if one more person ran over my heels with their stroller, I was going to lose it! (Yes, strollers, lots of them, at midnight. Maybe Sawgrass Mills should start offering parenting classes.)

What did you find?

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Breaking news from BFAds.net

"What we're seeing today is absolutely unprecedented: 15 retailers are offering their online Black Friday or Thanksgiving Day sales right now! Such retailers include major stores like Walmart, Best Buy, Target, Dell Home, Sears and more.

The link to all of these Black Friday sales is here: http://bfads.net/Thanksgiving-Black-Friday-Sales-Going-on-Now"
The timeline for unreleased sales today and tomorrow is available
here: http://bfads.net/Thanksgiving-and-Black-Friday-Online-Sales-Timeline

We've also been keeping track of all the "in-store" items currently available online for their Black Friday prices on our Online Deals page here: http://bfads.net/Online-Deals

Sun-Sentinel shopping bloggers give you shopping tips all year long. Bookmark us!

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There are a mountain of Bed Bath and Beyond coupons in my kitchen coupon file. But they are each only good for one item.

This 20% off special is for your whole purchase, so now is the time to pick up on the bedding and towels you've had your eye on. There are a few exclusions, so have a look at the ad.

Bed Bath & Beyond Black Friday Ad

Sun-Sentinel shopping bloggers give you shopping tips all year long!! Bookmark us!

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If you do your homework in advance the Black Friday sales will be even more amazing! Keep checking our blog for more promotions.

Here's a link to print a $10 off $25 coupon at Macy's. And a savings pass to use storewide. Print both from the link below.

Macy's coupons

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It's good news for us night owls about the stores that open at midnight for Black Friday. I don't do 5am, or even 7am, but late nights I'm good to go!!

The three Ralph Lauren outlets in Sawgrass Mills open at 10pm on Thursday, and are open straight through until 9:30pm Friday. There's Ralph Lauren Polo in the Oasis, and Ralph Lauren in the Colonnade, and Ralph Lauren Children, Colonnade.

Ralph Lauren in the Colonnade has a promotion...an additional 20% off if you spend $250.

Isn't that good news?? Will we see you there??

Sun-Sentinel shopping bloggers give you shopping tips all year long!! Bookmark us!

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If you are going to shop the Black Friday sales, but are still undecided as to which television or video game you are going to claw your way through the crowd for......there's an unbiased resource to help you select gifts....TopTenREVIEWS.com.

TopTenREVIEWS is a review Web site, featuring expert reviews of technology and entertainment products and services. TopTenREVIEWS.com provides free access to in-depth reviews, side-by-side feature comparisons, industry-related news, articles and qualified links related to software, hardware, movies, music, video games and Web services.

I'm making my list.....getting a digital picture frame for my Mom. She loves her family pictures, so much that the picture frames are taking over her house. Now to pick one that won't break the day after she opens it. They're kind of expensive, but she's worth it. Maybe I'll find one cheaper on Black Friday.

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Been thinking about Black Friday, trying to decide what's my plan. I don't know about you, but 5am is not fun in my book. I'd rather pay double than get up at 4am!!

If I shop on Black Friday, it will be at Sawgrass Mills, or one of the other stores that will open at midnight on Thursday for the shopping frenzy. Right now I am buried in notes...trying to figure out what I might buy, and where I need to go to get it. I can't shop in that bedlam unless I'm organized.

A website that tries to make sense out of Black Friday for the consumer is BFAds.net. It has links for advertised sales, store hours, buying guides for laptops, televisions, GPS devices, and more. There are also message boards where you can post questions or past experiences and advice.

You can even register and work up a personal shopping list. And BFAds.net promises not to sell or share your email address. I'll bet they wind up with a lot of useful data though.

Where will you be on Black Friday?

We give you great shopping tops all year long! Bookmark us!

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

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

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

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

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Love those coupons!

Print the coupon in the link to get $5 off a $20 purchase at Walgreens on Friday and Saturday, 11/14 and 11/15 only. There are a lot of sales this week, so combine this coupon with the sale prices and you will be a strategic shopper!

For example, this week Walgreens has buy-one-get-one-free offers on Arm & Hammer laundry detergent, Scotch tape, Kleenex tissues, and Nature Made vitamins. Toss in a few manufacturers coupons and you can stretch that dollar big time.

If you stretch it far enough, you might be able to eek out that new purple sweater you have your eye on!!

Coupon

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My friend E. from North Carolina was visiting this weekend for a special event. We had some time to kill so we headed to the Sawgrass outlet mall, of course.

We checked out the 50 percent sale at Coach and then Michael Kors outlet store. Coach has some great buys right now, but even at 50 percent off, their handbags are at least $100 -- too much for sensible girls like us who grew up in the Midwest.

But we soon found our bargain at nearby Michael Kors: The French rosebud dress in cream or red, for only $49.99. We liked the red version -- so we both bought it.

This may be the perfect dress. It fits like a dream and it does not wrinkle. It was wrapped up in a tiny Michael Kors bag and unrolled in perfect form -- great for travel.

Two friends shopping together can rack up deals at Sawgrass. We needed black stockings to go with the dress so we headed to Saks Off 5th. We found Donna Karan "invigorating" stockings for only $4.99. Since we bought them together, we even got half off one pair!

Now a diehard Floridian, I rarely don a pair of stockings. It's just too darn hot. But these were fantastic: I've got to go back for more.

All in all, a successful shopping day. Bring a friend with you: it can pay off in savings and laughs. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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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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I had to go to the place "where bargains were born," Filene's Basement, now that it has opened in Aventura.

It's nothing like the flagship store in Boston. I remember going there with my friend Lynn. It was a mess but a fun mess. Clothes on racks all over the place. I found a slinky black dress for some ridiculously low price.

Aventura is a bit more tame. Clothes are nicely organized on racks sporting designer names. The prices? A bit more steep than I remember in Boston.

Still, there are bargains to be found. The biggest is probably Filene's choice of designer jeans, many for less than $40. A variety of earrings and necklaces are easy pickups as well and designer sunglasses such as a pair of Oscar de la Renta's for $12.99.

Fantastic prices on women's and men's suits, if you're in the market for that.

I fell in love with a wrap dress from Barney's New York, but it was still too pricey for this bargain hunter at $130. But I'll be back. It's worth the drive. -- 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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Here's an easy gift for mom, the sisters or a good friend: Sterling silver jewelry, earrings, necklaces and bracelets, on sale for 65 percent to 70 percent off at Kohl's in Boynton Beach.

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

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

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A trunk show Thursday from 4pm-7pm...have a look at the unique hair accessories in the Evita Peroni line. Jeweled holiday pieces, leather headbands, gorgeous clips and barrettes...

Joann, the national trainer for Evita Peroni, will be at the trunk show to demonstrate simple techniques that transform our look from OK to fabulous.

Evita Peroni

In the Harbor Shops at 17th Street Causeway in Ft Lauderdale.

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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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Cactus Flower, the unique home goods and gift shop in Plaza 3000, is having its anniversary sale. 20 years!! Can you believe it? Plaza 3000 is on the east side of Federal Hwy, just south of Oakland Park Blvd. 3020 N Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale

And while you're there, have a look at Flora Ottimer, for children's clothes and gift items, a quick walk across the parking lot.

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I've heard so much about Filene's Basement. Never been there. I am really excited....I'm finally going to get to shop at Filene's Basement! It feels so...so...what's the word...so very cosmopolitan!!

I saw it on Biscayne Blvd the other day as I drove down to Bal Harbor Shops. Wow, my heart jumped...it looked open...too bad...not yet. A freestanding building on the east side of Biscayne. (17651 Biscayne Blvd, Aventura.)

I live and work in Fort Lauderdale, but it seems there are a few reasons to drive south for discount shopping. Loehmann's is down there, and now Filene's.

What do you think? Is Filene's Basement worth getting excited about? Is it all it's cracked up to be? Have any of you shopped there? Is there a good selection? What kind of things do they sell...Designer dresses...Casual clothes? Which do you like better, Loehmanns or Filene's?

What are your favorite stores for finding bargain clothes in South Florida?

Filene's Basement

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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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There are lots of Columbus Day sales advertised for this weekend. Anybody plan on shopping?

If you plan on making it to a Neiman Marcus Last Call, there's one at our new favorite Dolphin Mall, or Sawgrass Mills, they are having big discounts for Columbus Day weekend.

Shop the Columbus Day Sale, October 8-13 to SAVE AN EXTRA 20% TO 30% OFF practically every department.

Plus, SAVE AN EXTRA 20% OFF YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE, on top of already-reduced sale prices when you use your NM credit card or open a new account.

Now I'm glad I didn't buy much there last weekend. It'll be a lot cheaper now!

If you don't have a Neimans credit card, and don't want one, click here to print a 10% off coupon for this weekend.
Neimans Last Call Coupon

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Suck it in girls, it's nearly the season for little black dresses and evening gowns. Thanks to Spanx founder Sara Blakely, you don't have to hold your breath all evening.

And thanks to Neiman Marcus Last Call at Miami's Dolphin Mall, you can buy the Spanx original design -- tummy control and flab smoothing to just below the knee -- for only $12, regularly $20.

Since inventing Spanx -- why didn't we think of that? -- Blakely has expanded her line to many varieties including textured tights, slimming apparel, bras and socks. Her black pencil skirt, a retro favorite this fall season, has a built-in liner to smooth and shape you. The "Bod-a-Bing" skirt, at right, is $68 at Spanx.com.

You go Sara. Women everywhere thank you. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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My fellow shopping diva, Shopper Girl, has nicknamed me Coupon Kathy, because I am having so much fun with my coupon savings. This weekend I profited $3 buying my daughter L'Oriel cleansing towelettes at Walgreens.

For me it's a challenge...some people do crossword puzzles or sudoku....I obsess over uncovering the cheapest necessities, or even free stuff! Maybe I need to get a life!!

Tune in to Oprah on Wednesday, 10/8, Stephanie Nelson (Coupon Mom) will be teaching Oprah's viewers how to cut their grocery bill in half!

I wonder how many of our readers are couponing? Let us hear from you....

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OK, I've got my appointment along with my bf "E."

But you gotta run to the phone (can't make an appointment online) and sign up for the Spa Week $50 specials at Elizabeth Arden Red Door Salon & Spa.

You have the choice of a facial, body melt (shea butter wrap and then a massage) or a manicure/pedicure special for only $50.

These treatments, at the luxurious Red Door, are usually $100 plus! Facials were already sold out at the Red Door location at the Bonaventure resort in Weston, but still available at The Galleria in Fort Lauderdale as of Saturday.

We chose the Bonaventure because after pampering, you can hang out for the day at the hotel's beautiful waterfall pool.

Spa week special is only for Oct. 13 to 17. Get your bf, like I did, and go for it. Life is short. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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I apologize if you saw my CVS coupon offer Friday morning. Apparently, the link was to my personal coupon, and not a generic one. I contacted CVS for a generic replacement, so I could post that one instead, but CVS doesn't have a generic coupon offer at the time.

Joanne at CVS corporate offices said, "The best way to spread the word about a deal or a coupon is to encourage your readers to register their own email addresses as part of their ExtraCare membership. That way, they will get their own unique deals. Here is the link for people to sign up or add their e-mail to their account."

CVS Extra Care

I know we are all reluctant to share our email addresses, the spam can be soooo annoying, but the CVS Extra Care program is a money saver. I know, I know....who can keep track of all the 'dad-blasted' little membership cards??? A royal pain, but well worth it, if you are into saving $$$.

For example, this week Cover Girl foundation is $5.49. I bought the foundation, got $5.49 back in Extra Bucks. And I used the manufacturer's coupon from Sunday's paper, for $1 off, so I actually made $1 profit on the item. Now, that's my kind of shopping!

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Have you been eyeballing a particular pair of Nine West shoes.....don't want to pay retail?

I'm with you, I have a serious aversion to retail. It's not as good as a great sale, but if you can't wait, here's a coupon. Until October 31st you can save $10 on a purchase of $65 or more when you pay with a Visa card, in Nine West stores and online.

Use coupon code NWVIS8 online or print the page in the link below and present at time of purchase.


NineWest Coupon

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I've used Oil of Olay. products most of my adult life. In recent years, the product line has been expanded and I've been wanting to experiment with some of the new products.

A sale at CVS helps make that possible. CVS is having a beauty products sale and that includes the Oil of Olay line. You can get the pre-moistened facial wipes two for one. Those make the night-time makeup removal routine a cinch.

Most recently, I've tried the 14-day Regenerist Skin Intervention and Regenerist Micro Sculpting Cream. Love them both. Now I'm on to the Definity line of moisterizers.

What do you think of the Oil of Olay products? Do they compare with department store creams? I think they do, and cost much less. -- Marcia "Bargain Hunter" Pounds

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If y