An Artist's Pallet

Is it time to refresh your look? Are you still rocking the blueeye shadow and Barbie pink lip stick? I didn't think you were stuck inthe 80s; give me some credit please? However I know you have becomebored with your latest beauty routine. If this sounds like you,head to your mall or go to Sephora's (www.sephora.com) website right now. They have reintroduced the mega makeup kit to fill all your beauty needs. Go ahead and get your hands on The Sephora Brand Collector's Edition Palette. The "Ultimate Blockbuster" kit (http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml;jsessionid=PF02RHPCHB3RACV0KRTQ5UQ?id=P220561&categoryId=C7010#) is the ultimate steal this holiday season, a makeup kit with every color imaginable for your eyes, face, and lips. With this collection you can create any look you desire, try out the 1920s Hollywood starlet, or go for the dewy fresh from the spa look. This is an all in one compact with a rainbow of colors from Sephora's Brand of makeup.

This kit comes with 84 eye shadow shades, 60 lip glosses, 5 blushes, 1 compact powder, 1 lip liner, 1 eyeliner, 7 applicator brushes. They are all contained in a black case to make applying makeup easy and organized. This kit sounds like a fortune; however this amazing pallet is under $50. This is the steal of the year. Every item in the box costs you pennies. One would be crazy not to snatch up this kit before it is too late. This is the perfect holiday present for your friend who cannot leave a make-up counter empty handed. Treat yourself to a fresh new face, and then try out a new look over and over again. Match your make-up to your mood.

Have Your Cupcake and Eat it Too

Although you are probably still coming down from your Thanksgiving Day food coma, you still maybe able to make a bit of room for a cupcake. Maybe not? However, cupcakes have fast become my favorite dessert after apple pie. They are also becoming a trend across the country. Cupcakes are no longer reserved for your child's birthday party. They are chic, delicious and gourmet.

From sea to sea there are plenty of bake shops popping up specializing in cupcakes. Flavors run the gamut from passion fruit to a Twinkie cupcake. They are no longer your traditional chocolate and vanilla. If you cant find a flavor that tickles your fancy, you must not like cupcakes.

For your next dinner party or get together have cupcakes to serve. They are a great way to please everyone in attendance because you can have a variety of options. There is no need to worry if your friend's husband only likes chocolate flavored desserts, but your sister only likes fruity options. Get a variety and don't stress.

Here are some options around the country to pick up your next dozen. These places have original options that constantly rotate with the seasons. They use the freshest ingredients and inventive ideas to keep your taste buds on point:

Dallas: The Cupcakery http://www.thecupcakery.com/favorites.html

Nashville: Gigi's Cupcakes http://www.gigiscupcakesusa.com/

NYC: Crumbs http://www.crumbsbakeshop.com/

LA: Sprinkles http://www.sprinklescupcakes.com/index.html

Chicago: Chicago Cupcakes http://www.chicagocupcakes.com/

Miami: Sweetcakes http://sweetcakesedibles.com/

Boston: Sweet http://www.sweetcupcakes.com/index.html

DC: Georgetown Cupcake http://georgetowncupcake.com/home.html

San Fran: Kara's Cupcakes http://www.karascupcakes.com/index2.html

Portland: Saint Cupcake http://saintcupcake.com/

Seattle: Cupcake Royale http://www.cupcakeroyale.com/

Local Steals and Deals

I recently stumbled upon 8Coupons.com and have started to notice I can save a lot of money in my city. 8coupons purpose is to get coupons from local businesses into the hands of the people who actually support these establishments. Their goal is to help people make the most out of every penny they spend. This service is currently only available in New York City, but I can guarantee that this will catch on in other cities.

There are various ways for you to benefit from the services of this website. You can receive text messages to show the vendor the current deal being offered. There is no need to remember to print and bring them to the restaurant. They are free of charge, you only pay your carrier’s standard text message fee. Have a favorite place with no current deals, set up an alert and when your place offers a special you will be the first to know. Share coupons with the rest of the city to enjoy the deals and steals.

The coupons range from restaurants to shopping to basic needs. Save a bundle on your next shopping trip. You can get extras at your next meal; you didn’t want fries, but if they are free at POP Burger, why not? Go see the new musical Rock of Ages for about $40. Treat yourself to a day at the spa without feeling guilty about breaking bank. This is a great site to help find ways to do those things you have been yearning for but never wanted to spend that much on a meal. Go ahead and live your life as that superstar.

NINE DAYS UNTIL.....

The busiest shopping day in America. Are you dreading Black Friday? But you do not want to miss out on all the deals? Well check out the official website that has compiled all the deals that will happen the Friday after thanksgiving: Black Friday @ Gotta Deal (http://blackfriday.gottadeal.com/). This is a great way to plan an attack at the mall. You can see what will be on sale where and if the deal is worth it. Hit the stores you think will have low inventory first because you do not want to miss out on saving boat loads of cash. Too many deals and not enough time? Go with a friend, a spouse, the homeless man on the corner! Just grab someone who won't grab that Nintendo Wii right from under your nose. You need to cover all of your bases before everyone snatches up the DVD players or button down blouses you need to buy for your mother-in-law. There are no excuses, you stuffed your faces the night before to sustain your energy for when Kohl's open's at 6 AM and JC Penny closes at 10 that same day.

More Sample Sales to Fawn Over...NYC

Thanks to Daily Candy:

What: Aloha Rag

Why: Celebrate Hawaiians in the White House with 40 percent off Balenciaga, Chloé, Linda Farrow, and Tom Ford.

When: Nov. 18. Tues., noon-9 p.m.

Where: 505 Greenwich St., at Spring St. (212-925-0882).

What: Bindya New York

Why: Scarves, handbags, and tunics are 65 percent off. Free gift with every $50 spent.

When: Nov. 19-21. Wed.-Fri., 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Where: 49 W. 38th St., b/t Fifth & Sixth Ave., 9th flr. (212-730-8852).

What: Cardigan by Lynne Hiriak

Why: French stripe sweaters are $88. Other layers start at 50 percent off retail.

When: Nov. 20 & 21. Thurs. & Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Where: 594 Broadway, b/t Houston & Prince Sts., ste. 305 (212-431-8900).

What: Filippa K

Why: Modern Swedish coats for men and women at $250 or $300.

When: Nov. 19 & 20. Wed. & Thurs., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Where: 33 W. 26th St., b/t Broadway & Sixth Ave., 5th flr. Cash only.

What: Frette

Why: Italian linens good enough for The Ritz are 70 percent off.

When: Nov. 17-20. Mon.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Where: 4 W. 58th St., b/t Fifth & Sixth Aves., 4th flr.

What: Gucci Group Watches

Why: Comb out that Gucci mane and save 90 percent. Save 70 percent on Bedat & Co. bling.

When: Nov. 20 & 21. Thurs. & Fri., 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Where: 125 W. 18th St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Aves.

What: Heikejarick

Why: Voluminous and tailored coats in cashmere and alpaca. Diffusion line is 30 percent off wholesale

When: Nov. 19-26. Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Where: 262 W. 38th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., 5th flr. (212-764-0878).

What: John Robshaw Textiles

Why: Sheets, duvets, curtain panels, kaftans, and decorative pillows marked down at least 60 percent.

When: Nov. 20-22. Thurs., 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (cocktails, 6-8 p.m.); Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: 245 W. 29th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Ave., 11th flr. (212-594-6006).

What: La Perla

Why: Naughty bras were $268, now $67. Satin slips were $346, now $85. Men’s tees were $65, now $16.

When: Nov. 24-28. Mon.-Wed., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thanksgiving Thurs., 9 a.m.-3 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.

Where: 260 Fifth Ave., b/t 28th & 29th Sts. (212-725-5400).

What: Noir

Why: Giant cocktail rings are $20-$60; bracelets and bangles are $5-$45.

When: Nov. 19-21. Wed.-Fri., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.

Where: 350 W. 38th St., b/t Eighth & Ninth Aves. (212-244-4846).

What: Obedient Sons & Daughters

Why: Get into woodsy mode for autumn/winter duds at sample sale prices.

When: Nov. 22 & 23. Sat. & Sun., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Where: 237 Lafayette St., b/t Prince & Spring Sts.

What: Rebecca Minkoff and Nicholas K

Why: Get your hands on Morning After bags and other cult favorites. Dresses, tops, pants, and accessories are 50 percent off.

When: Nov. 20-23. Thurs. & Fri., 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Where: 33 W. 17th St., b/t Fifth & Sixth Aves.

What: Rogan and Loomstate

Why: Past-season overstock, rare samples, and one-offs are up to 75 percent off.

When: Nov. 29-Dec. 7. Mon.-Sun., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Where: 91 Franklin St., b/t Broadway & Church St., behind the Rogan shop (646-827-7554).

What: Sari Gueron

Why: Ridiculously priced cocktail attire ($2,950) now somewhat less obscene ($590).

When: Nov. 19 & 20. Wed. & Thurs., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Where: 133 W. 25th St., b/t Sixth & Seventh Aves., 4th flr. west.

What: Steven Alan

Why: Eponymous label at up to 75 percent off. Some Odd Rubies, The Generic Man, Demy Lee, and more for cheap.

When: Nov. 20-23. Thurs. & Fri., 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., noon-7 p.m.; Sun., noon-5 p.m.

Where: 87 Franklin St., b/t Church & Broadway (212-219-3305).

What: Té Casan

Why: Fancy flats for $75, pumps for $95, booties for $125, and boots for $175. When: Nov. 18-22. Tues.-Fri., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Where: 260 Fifth Ave., at 28th St.

What: Three as Four

Why: Denim from the past three seasons ranges $4.44-$44.44. Very special archival pieces range $77-$666. Really

When: Nov. 20-24. Thurs.-Mon., noon-8 p.m.

Where: 77 Delancey St., at Allen St.

What: Tocca

Why: Take at least 45 percent off candles, fragrances, and other treats from the Italian beauty brand.

When: Nov. 19-21. Wed.-Fri., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Where: 542 W. 22nd St., b/t Tenth & Eleventh Aves.

What: Yigal Azrouël

Why: Merch from past and current seasons is 60-80 percent off.

When: Nov. 19-21. Wed. & Thurs., 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: 225 W. 39th St., b/t Seventh & Eighth Aves., 7th flr. (212-302-1194).

A Well Read Budget

Are you dying to crack open Nelson DeMille’s latest best seller, The Gate House? Its almost $30? What?! That is crazy. If you cannot wait to read it I say go drive to your closest Barnes and Nobles and start reading. If you can wait a week, check out the deals on Half.com. Half.com is a partner website with eBay that offers excellent deals on books, video games, music and so much more. DeMille’s book will run you 55% less on half.com. With savings like this you can stock up on all the books you have been yearning to read.

Half.com brings together buyers and sellers to enrich the world with a more well read public. Due to the fact that you are not dealing with a big corporation you must be more patient with receiving your items. When you submit an order, the seller is given about 3 days to pack and ship your item. If you choose media mail (the cheapest but slowest) as your shipping option you will have to wait seven to ten days for your book to arrive. Often the books are used, but sellers try and give as much information about the book they are selling. When listing an item the seller ranks the item from brand new to acceptable for condition. If there is anything noticeable about the book such as tears, doggy ears or writing on the inside, the seller is required to note this. Every once in a while you will encounter a seller who is not completely honest. Chances of this happening are slim to none.

Saving over half is great, but what if you could buy a book for 99% off the suggested retail price? Would you stock your bookshelf just to look well read? I have no shame I just might. Make a dent in reading the classics such as To Kill a Mocking Bird for 75 cents. Want to indulge that guilty pleasure with Confessions of a Shopaholic? Go for it! With prices this low, there is no excuse to find the next great novel.

Check out my bookshelf too!

Calling All My LA Ladies

Thanks to Daily Candy, here are some sample sales happening in the LA area:

What: Steven Alan Sample Sale

Why: Legendary NYC sale makes its L.A. debut with 30-75 percent off retail on the house label, Rag & Bone, The Generic Man, Demy Lee, and more.

When: Nov. 6-9. Thurs. & Fri., 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sat., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: 1937½ Hillhurst Ave., b/t Franklin & Finley Aves., Los Feliz.

What: Elaine Kim Open Studio Sale

Why: Current and previous collections from this up-and-comer are marked up to half off wholesale.

When: Nov. 7. Fri., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Where: 5971 W. Third St., b/t S. Fuller & S. Martel Aves., Hancock Park (323-937-0355).

What: Mike & Chris Sample Sale

Why: Leathers, silks, and knits from this past summer and all seasons before are 30-70 percent off retail.

When: Nov. 6-8. Thurs. & Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.Where: 843 S. Broadway, b/t W. Eighth & W. Ninth Sts., ste. 402, Downtown.

What: Cake Jewelry Parking Lot Sale

Why: Lori Cooper, Material Things, Mod Metals by Cake, and 18 Karat Cake are up to 50 percent off retail; vintage pieces are $5-$50.

When: Nov. 8 & 9. Sat., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: 4649 Russell Ave., at Vermont Ave., Los Feliz (323-363-3321).

What: Delite Sample Sale Pop-Up Shop

Why: Up to 75 percent off retail on Jimeale, Kale, Shih, Raj, Below the Belt, Dillon Rogers, and others.

When: Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-5 p.m. or by appt.

Where: 8053 W. Third St., b/t S. Laurel Ave. & S. Crescent Heights Blvd., Mid-City West (323-933-6800).

What: Citizens of Humanity Warehouse Sale

Why: Men’s and women’s denim and knits are going for up to 60 percent off retail.

When: Nov. 8 & 9. Sat., 8 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Where: 5715 Bickett St., b/t E. Slauson Ave. & E. 54th St., Huntington Park.

What: Fashion Elements Holiday Sample Sale

Why: Save up to 60 percent on clothing and accessories from more than 35 designers.

When: Nov. 8. Sat., noon-5 p.m.

Where: Smashbox Studios, 8538 Warner Dr., b/t Higuera St. & Steller Dr., Culver City.

What: Amenity Home Sample Sale

Why: Organic bedding, nursery gear, table toppers, pillows, wall art, and holiday ornaments and stockings priced $5-$200.

When: Nov. 14-16. Fri., 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., noon-4 p.m.

Where: 453 S. Spring St., b/t Fourth & Fifth Sts., ste. 839, Downtown (213-624-7309).

What: Ella Moss and Splendid Sample Sale

Why: Save 50-60 percent off retail on cottony soft women’s, men’s, tweens, toddler, and baby wares.

When: Nov. 14-16. Fri. & Sat., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: Cooper Building, 860 S. Los Angeles St., at Ninth St., 8th flr., Downtown.

What: Matteo Home Sample Sale

Why: Up to 75 percent off luxury bedding, sheet sets, blankets, throws, pillows, bath, tabletop, loungewear, and robes.

When: Nov. 15 & 23. Sat. & Sun., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Where: 912 E. Third St., b/t Alameda St. & Santa Fe Ave., Downtown (213-617-2813).

GO VOTE

In honor of this historic election there are a lot of retailers that are offering specials.

Krispy Cream will give you a free donut with your "I voted sticker"

Wash it down with a free cup of joe from starbucks

Then cool down with a free scoop from Ben and Jerry's

If you haven't gained 10 pounds today go to BCBG and save $150 off a dress