Mario Badescu: My Spa Gift to...ME

I decided to get myself yet another gift for the holidays: a spa treatment. I looked online at a few spas I've been to over the years, including Bliss, Soho Sanctuary and Mario Badescu. I decided to go with M.B. because they have a package called the "Quick Pick Me Up" that includes an hour massage, a facial, and a mani/pedi all for $165 (which is pretty good). And I walked there and back, so I got a pre- and post workout too. Happy New Year to me!

Gift Cards and Returns and Cash...Oh My!

I asked for a red scarf for Christmas. And I got it. And then when I brought it home I thought, "why did I ask for this?" So I returned it (sorry mom) - but I got something so much better! A gold (OK, not real gold) Skagen watch. I can't get enough of these Skagen watches, I have four! Then I also had a gift card from Bloomingdale's, so I went there and bought some Laura Mercier makeup...and then with the remainder put a small dent in a Elie Tahari coat that I couldn't say no to. It is so great - the style I have been seeking, 30% off, and...IT FITS! Then I headed to the Apple store where I bought a new iPod (an 8GB Nano) that I love - they have made some vast improvements over the one I bought about a year and a half ago. And since I gave them my old one back for "recycling," I got 10% off. THEN I went to Sephora because I had another gift card (thanks mom) and I bought a bunch of other fun makeup odds and ends from Make Up For Ever, Smashbox and Stila. I swear that store is a candy store for women.

Casket Jewelry by Mariam Aryai-Rivera

The other night, my friend's friend was wearing a necklace with a giant gold clasp in the shape of an octopus. I was charmed, moved and...I found out the name of the designer. It's Mariam Aryai-Rivera.

Not only sea creatures, she also makes bracelets out of metal tags taken off of caskets...yes, caskets. Here's a bit about those: http://thehandoffatima.blogspot.com/2008/12/im-not-morbidreally.html

Here's what else I found out about her: "I am a jewelry designer from New York City, specializing in reconstruction of antique and vintage parts into one-of-a-kind pieces. I sell my work on http://www.thehandoffatima.etsy.com/. My work has been featured in BUST magazine, and newsday.com, along with several reputable blogs." (oooo, now she can include Guerilla Shopper too!)

website: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=104420
blog: http://thehandoffatima.blogspot.com/
portfolio: http://www.etsy.com/shop_sold.php?user_id=104420
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/pub/6/406/6b4

Post Xmas Sales

Hi ladies, sorry I've been gone so long but I have been burning the holiday candles at both ends. But here are a couple of sales going on right now right now:

• Cole Haan 30% off sale until Jan. 1, 2009 - Stuff is already on sale and now it's even more on sale.
• Crate&Barrel Winter Clearance Sale started December 26 with savings up to 60%. Including ornaments, glassware, kitchenware, furniture and more...

Also, if you received any gift cards, remember to spend them quickly - not only are a lot of stores going out of business fast and furiously, but also gift cards often lose their value over time until they are completely worthless. I got a couple and am planning to spend them within the next week.

Room & Board: Sample Event Dec. 26 - Jan 3

Room & Board

Not entirely my style, but I did buy a great dresser on clearance from them a couple of years ago (and blogged about it)...go check it out, because believe me, furniture stores NEED your money these days more than most kinds of stores...

Lord & Taylor: Wins the Coupon race

Lord & Taylor is putting out coupons about every day now, this one can get you up to 30% off between now and Dec. 24 if you have an L&T credit card:

http://lt.lordandtaylor.us/ltdocs/coupons/lt_121908_coupon_3.pdf

Til Dec. 24: Neiman Marcus Last Call stores

If you are in a last-minute bind, you might want to check out the event taking place at all Neiman Marcus Last Call stores (http://www.nmlastcallclearancecenter.com/) going on until December 24th. Also, if you use a Neiman Marcus credit card you will save an additional 20% off on top of the sale prices. There will also be an after Christmas sale.

Dec. 27: Housing Works Thrift Shops’ Steven Alan Sale!

Housing Works Thrift Shops’ Steven Alan Sale!

Acclaimed New York-based designer Steven Alan has generously donated more than 1,000 items of brand-new women’s and men’s clothes to Housing Works. Every item in the entire Steven Alan donation—which also includes dozens of items from labels Lulu, Willa, Sophie, Sea and Reve Seam—will be priced at an incredible 70 percent off retail. Don’t miss racks and racks of women’s tops, dresses, shorts, camisole-shorts sets and sweaters and men’s shirts, pants and light jackets.

WHEN: Entire Steven Alan donation goes on sale December 27 at 11am

WHERE: Housing Works Thrift Shop, 143 W. 17th St. between 6th and 7th Avenues

PRICE: Sale is free. All items are 70 percent off retail.

BENEFITS: All Housing Works Thrift Shops profits go to lifesaving services for homeless and low-income New Yorkers living with HIV and AIDS. For more information on Housing Works’ mission and services, visit http://www.housingworks.org/.

FOR HOUSING WORKS THRIFT SHOP INFORMATION: Call 718-838-5050

Bill Blass - Gone for Good?

The company that bears the name of designer Bill Blass is closing its doors according to an announcement on December 17. Blass retired a decade ago and the latest company designer departed in October.The label was put up for sale earlier this year by its parent company, NexCen Brands Inc., which announced in May that it was facing a severe cash squeeze. NexCen is still trying to sell the brand.

Century 21: ANOTHER Coupon