Check Hoag’s Thrift Shop for bargains

Off the beaten path is Hoag Hospital’s Thrift Shop, where bargains

can be found on clothing, books, household items, decorative pieces

and more. The thrift shop, staffed by volunteers, accepts donations

that are in good condition and will pick them up. All proceeds

benefit Hoag Hospital. Open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through

Thursday; and the first Saturday of every month. In the Quonset huts

at 670 W. 17th St., No. F2, Costa Mesa. (949) 722-9106.

SUMMER’S SHOE TIME

Great deals on Mephisto shoes for women can be found at the second

women’s summer clearance sale starting Tuesday at Mephisto Newport

Beach. Clearance items reduced 25% to 60%. Mephisto specializes in

high-quality comfort footwear and related fashions for men and women.

The selection includes dress, casual, walking, sandals,

outdoor/hiking/trekking and golf. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday

to Saturday; and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. 1727 Westcliff Court,

Newport Beach. (949) 642-FEET.

LIGHTS ON

Acanthus Gallery is having its annual lamp sale through June 30 at

its new Crystal Cove Shopping Center location. There are more than

300 lamps, chandeliers and sconces reduced up to 50%. Lamps come in a

variety of finishes, with unique shades and finials. It also

specializes in decorative accessories and antique prints. Open from

10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday; and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sunday. 8045-46 E. Coast Highway. Newport Coast. (949) 715-6900.

TIME TO SLEEP

Blue Springs Home has a “welcome summer sale” starting this

weekend. High-end Belle Notte and House Inc. bedding is reduced 20%

to 70%. Adorable baby bedding is included. Great buys on discontinued

and sale merchandise throughout the store. Blue Springs also has

antiques, furniture, mirrors, chandeliers, accessories and fabulous

designer maternity apparel. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to

Saturday; and from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday. 369 E. 17th St., Costa

Mesa. (949) 642-3632. www.bluespringshome.com.

DISCOVER SUMMER

The American Cancer Society Discovery Shop will start its

“summertime sales event” on Saturday. The sale will continue through

June 30. Prices will be is reduced 10% to 75%. Open from 10 a.m. to 5

p.m. Monday to Saturday. 2600 E. Coast Highway in Corona del Mar.

(949) 640-4777.

WATCH ART

Design Within Reach at Fashion Island hosts a wonderful modern art

exhibit with a variety of art on display by local artists from 7:30

to 9:30 p.m. Saturday. The artist’s work will exemplify Design Within

Reach’s five guidelines for great contemporary design: details,

materials, integrity of design, simplicity and authorship. Featured

artists are Ron Whitworth, with his metal work; Myra Falisz, with a

quilt of wood; Zaid Arriola, with paintings; Trevor Scherr, with

glass work; and Rico Garcia and Bil Easton, with abstract paintings.

Lower level of Atrium Court in Fashion Island. (949) 721-0031.

LISTEN UP, MUGGLES

Harry Potter fans can attend the celebration of the release of

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix at 10 p.m. Friday at

Borders at South Coast Plaza. Borders planned two hours of fun and

games leading up to the midnight release of the latest Harry Potter

adventure. Also, there are three ways to win a free copy of J.K.

Rowling’s latest:

1. Dress as your favorite Harry Potter character. They’ll pick the

best costume and the winner gets a free book.

2. Win a Harry Potter trivia contest.

3. Enter a drawing for a free copy.

The three winners will be the first to receive their books at

midnight, when the books officially go on sale. (714) 432-7854.

GET THE ORIGINAL

As soon as Oprah Winfrey announced that Origins’ A Perfect World

Intensely Hydrating Body Cream with White Tea ($30) was on her

“Oprah’s Favorite Things” list for 2002, it instantly became the

hottest seller at the Origins South Coast Plaza store. Two years

before, she mentioned Origins Ginger Souffle whipped body cream ($25)

and customers couldn’t get enough of that either. Never mentioned by

Winfrey, but a favorite among loyal customers, is Origins anti-aging

cream -- A Perfect World White Tea Skin Guardian ($30) -- meant to

smooth visible signs of aging. It’s recommended for all skin types.

Origins is known for nature-based products and for their helpful

staff, who are willing to take the time to explain products. With two

free-standing sinks, they’ll demonstrate salt rubs and washes.

Origins offers a salt collection, body washes, sensory therapy, skin

care, hair care, makeup line and more. Customers love the tranquil

scents used in bath and body care products: grapefruit, tangerine,

ginger, pomegranate and peppermint. Ask about their complimentary

makeovers, massages and facials. Open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday

to Friday; from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; and from 11 a.m. to 6:30

p.m. Sunday. Level 2, at South Coast Plaza. (714) 957-8800.

* BEST BUYS appears Thursdays. Send information to Greer Wylder at

greerwylder@yahoo.com; at 330 W. Bay St., Costa Mesa, CA 92627; or by

fax at (949) 646-4170.