BEST BUYS -- greer wylder

With the addition of the new Borders Books Music and Cafe on Newport

Boulevard and Barnes & Noble across the street at Triangle Square, it’s

easy to overlook Crown Books at the Costa Mesa Courtyards. However, Crown

Books is worth stopping by -- the selection of books is very good, and it

offers everyday savings throughout the store. Crown Books is committed to

giving customers the books they want at the lowest possible prices.

Examples of savings offered are 45% off on featured hardbacks, 40% off on

New York Times hardback bestsellers, 25% off on New York Times paperback

bestsellers, 30% off on audio book bestsellers, 15% off on all hardbacks,

and 10% off on all paperbacks, newspapers, magazines, and gift items. The

store also offers a low-price guarantee -- if you find any book

advertised for less, bring the ad to Crown Books, and they will give you

10% off the lower price for bringing it to their attention. On

Internet-ordered books, all price comparisons must include shipping and

handling charges. Crown Books is at 1835 Newport Blvd. in Costa Mesa.

Call (949) 979-0123 for more details.

Bloomingdale’s is having a private sale today through Saturday from 9

a.m. to 10 p.m., which is known as its biggest event of the year. The

sale is for Bloomingdale’s card holders, and the reason why it’s such a

big sale is that Bloomingdale’s is offering unlimited $10 bonus savings certificates to earn while you’re shopping, and 15% off savings

certificates. There is also a coupon worth $25 off on any single purchase

transaction of $100 or more. Bloomingdale’s is at Fashion Island in

Newport Beach. Call (949) 729-6600 for more information.

Everyone loves the Christmas Tree Jamboree. Ever since it arrived on the

scene some years back, Christmas trees suddenly became affordable. This

year trees are priced from $29.99 to $39.99. Small trees start at $11.99.

If you need an extra large tree, you may request one. The selection of

trees is great. You can choose from Noble fir, Grand fir, Silver Tips,

Fraser fir, Nordman fir and Douglas fir. Look for the coupon for $2 off

on Noble fir wreaths in today’s Daily Pilot. The Christmas Tree Jamboree

is at Newport Dunes in Newport Beach, off Jamboree Road and Back Bay

Drive.

Another bargain destination for Christmas trees is the Magic Forest tree

lot at the corner of Arlington and Fairview at the Orange County

Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa. All Noble firs are $29.95 and all Douglas firs

are $19.95. Flocking and flame proofing is available.

Smart & Final is a one-stop shopping destination for holiday entertaining

necessities. The no-frills shopping store always has a good selection and

low prices. You’ll find deals on sodas, liquor, beer, party trays, bowls,

napkins, serving spoons and forks, and bulk food items like chips,

cookies, chicken, crackers, stuffing mix, chocolate chips, sugar, eggs

and Hillshire Farms brown sugar spiral hams. Of course, it’s always a

great place to find cleaning supplies, foil, trash can liners, paper

towels, etc. With the addition of the new SmartAdvantage card, you can

even save more. Smart & Final is at 707 W. 19th St. in Costa Mesa. Call

(949) 548-8473 for information.

Charles H. Barr Jewelers has a personal holiday gift idea, a “starter

bracelet” so that you can create a family heirloom. The bracelets are

designed to add “slides” for each family member, birthday, important

occasions and anniversaries. Engraving is offered at no additional

charge. The 14-karat add-on slides start at $150. Charles H. Barr is at

1803 Westcliff Drive in Newport Beach. Call (949) 642-3310 for more

details.

* BEST BUYS is published Thursdays and Saturdays. If you know of a good

buy, send a fax to (949) 646-4170 or write to Daily Pilot, Best Buys, 330

W. Bay St., Costa Mesa 92627.