GREER WYLDER -- Best Buys

Each year, the Alzheimer’s Assn. of Orange County publishes Memories

in the Making wall calendars with paintings done by Alzheimer’s disease

patients. Most of the artists haven’t painted before the disease, and

many of them no longer have the ability to communicate with words. The

calendar comes with 13 color paintings and a story about each artist. The

Memories in the Making art program started in 1986, when the daughter of

an Alzheimer’s patient discovered patients could reveal a part of

themselves through art. The art program turned into a calendar, and there

are art exhibits as well. It’s quickly becoming a nationwide program.

Calendars are $14. If you’d like to order one, you can visit the

Alzheimer’s Assn. of Orange County Web site at https://www.alzoc.org; call

them at (800) 660-1993; or fax them at (714) 660-1993. To mail in an

order, write to the association at 2540 Santiago Blvd., Orange, CA 92867.

A last-minute Christmas sale is happening today at Green Systems

International. Orchid lovers will love the beautiful plants as a gift,

and you’ll love the prices. There’s also a free orchid potting seminar

from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. today. The orchid experts at Green Systems will

show you how to repot your orchids during the seminar. If you miss

today’s sale, you can mark your calendar for the next sales: Jan. 6, Feb.

3, 9 and 11. Green Systems International is at 20362 Birch St., Newport

Beach. Information: (714) 756-1211.

South Coast Plaza has opened another quality store, Malm Luggage, in

the Crate & Barrel/Macy’s Home wing on the ground level, across from Tiny

Computers. Malm Luggage started out in Northern California in 1868 and is

known for carrying the finest in luggage and leather goods. Top quality

name brands include Goldpfeil, Mont Blanc, Tumi, Hartmann, Ghurka,

Timberland and more. There’s also a large collection of business cases,

desk accessories, fine writing instruments and executive gifts.

Looking Glass is a local company that offers hand-painted personalized

baby gift sets. A three-piece gift set includes a playsuit, bibs and

socks for $19.95. The sizes range from 6 months to 24 months. The themes

available on clothing are football, baseball, basketball, airplane, fire

engine, motorcycle, police/sheriff, dolphins, angel, cow “got milk,”

chick “just hatched.” Looking Glass is at 1927 Harbor Blvd., Suite 448,

Costa Mesa. Custom designs are available by calling (949) 548-6882.

Helen Grace Chocolates is having a holiday outlet sale today at its

Bristol Street location, near South Coast Plaza. There are savings of up

to 70% on chocolates, children’s toys, gift wrap, and holiday gifts.

There’s also a buy-one-get-one-free sale on Belgian truffles, caramel nut

clusters, fudge logs, peanut butter bears, cream mints and more. The sale

is from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Helen Grace Chocolates Outlet is at 3313 S.

Bristol St. Information: (714) 540-0480.

Kayaks Surf Shop is having a shoe sale. You can save $10 on any pair

of shoes with the purchase of $50 or more. Kayaks carries popular Tony

Hawk, Adio, Duffs and more. Kayaks is in the Westcliff Plaza at 1036

Irvine Ave., Newport Beach. Information: (949) 631-2996.

Little People & Me is having a 20% to 50% off sale on its entire stock

of children’s apparel through Saturday. The girls’ and boys’ apparel and

accessories store has sizes for infants to preteens. It’s in the

Westcliff Court at 1829 Westcliff Drive, Newport Beach. Information:

(949) 645-1355.

Hodson Lighting is having a holiday sale on chandeliers, sconces, and

indoor and outdoor light fixtures. Prices are reduced up to 75%. There

are also all kinds of catalogs to look at inside the store with different

sizes and finishes of light fixtures. It’s at 1510 Newport Blvd., Costa

Mesa. Information: (949) 548-9341.

Miner Mistakes Designer Outlet is having a holiday sale. All Christmas

items are reduced 15%. The new 7,200-square-foot designer showroom is

filled with furniture and accessories. It’s at 2925 Airway Ave., Costa

Mesa. Information: (714) 979-6679.

* BEST BUYS appears Thursdays and Saturdays. Send information to Greer

Wylder at 330 W. Bay St., Costa Mesa, CA 92627, or via fax at (949)

646-4170.