Make-A-Wish gives kids a chance to meet Santa

South Coast Plaza is inviting more than 50 Make-A-Wish Foundation children and their family members to Santa’s Village in South Coast Plaza’s Carousel Court from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Tuesday. Children with life-threatening medical conditions from Orange County and the Inland Empire will visit with Santa Claus, enjoy breakfast, crafts and complimentary carousel rides. (714) 573-WISH. orangeco@wishocie.org.

Something simple at Book Soup

Nicole Richie will sign copies of her new book, “The Truth About Diamonds” at 2 p.m. Sunday at Book Soup in South Coast Plaza.

In her debut novel Richie writes the story of Chloe Parker, a fictional member of rock royalty who socializes with Hollywood’s inner circle. Richie gives readers a glimpse into Hollywood’s new elite, taking them behind the scenes into premieres and private parties.

This is a ticketed event. With the purchase of a copy of “The Truth About Diamonds,” you’ll receive one ticket, which admits two guests.

Book Soup specializes in edgy fiction, art, architecture, film and music books. The helpful staff offers expert literary advice, posting handwritten recommendations throughout the shop.

Book signings happen each month.

And, there’s a flourishing selection of fashion, cooking, children’s, true crime and biographies, plus the latest imported French and Italian CDs; local and international periodicals; and handmade cards.

Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; and 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Level Two at South Coast Plaza. (714) 689-2665. www.booksoup.com.

Get made up at Sephora

Sephora is a one-stop shopping destination for beauty product devotees, makeup aficionados, fragrance experts and skincare enthusiasts. It’s a showcase store of the world’s most prestigious cosmetics displayed in open cases for shoppers to sample and discover.

Sephora encourages touching and testing everything from lip glosses to blushes, skincare to fragrance. The newly expanded Sephora store in South Coast Plaza offers more than 150 beauty brands. Makeup lines recently added include Jouer, Duwop, Guerlain, Pout, Model Co., and it carries exclusive skincare lines such as Lancome, Clarins, MD Skincare, and Kinerase.

Sephora has its own line of fragrance, makeup, skincare, bath and body products, as well as tools and accessories.

At Sephora you can choose self-service or rely on expert advice from Sephora’s team members. Cutting-edge trends are grouped in sections highlighting the newest and most popular makeup, skin solutions, scents, beauty accessories and tools.

Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Level 2, at South Coast Plaza. (714) 429-9130.

A promising night at the Promenade

Stop by the 17th Street Promenade in Costa Mesa from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. tonight for an evening of holiday shopping. Merchants at this popular center offer holiday treats and festive spirits at their first annual event. Participating retailers include the Bedroom, Crackers Ltd., the First Page, Feathers, Gatehouse, Lola Rouge, No Rest for Bridget, the Photo Lab, Wine Styles and Where’s the Party.

270 E. 17th St. in Costa Mesa.

Toying with presents at Market Place

Toy collectors can find treasures at the Holiday Antique and Collectible Toy Fest, a new event on Saturday and Sunday at the Orange County Market Place, the weekend swap meet. Choose from a plethora of dolls, electric trains, pedal cars, lunch boxes, tin toys, cookie jars, action figures, television and movie memorabilia, comics and more.

Admission is $2, children 12 and under are free.

Open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Orange County Fairgrounds at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. www.ocmarketplace.com. (949) 723-6660.

A little Italian art to view

Saturday, six renowned Italian artists will be at Lahaina Galleries at Fashion Island from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

“Fantastico!” is a rare and special occasion to view new works from Aldo Luongo, Dario Campanile, James Scoppettone, Andrea Razzauti, Alessio and Marcello Bugagiarre. The artists present still lifes, romantic impressionism, scenic landscapes, as well as Venetian renaissance themes.

Lahaina Galleries is at Fashion Island, on the lower level below the Cheesecake Factory. (949) 721-9117. www.lahainagalleries.com.

Patina gets a second spot

Jenny Johnson, owner of Patina Boutique, has just opened another boutique right around the corner from Patina in Costa Mesa. Just like her original store, Patina 2 is a hidden treasure in a little house.

To make room for more lines she opened this second store. Patina 2 carries great lines such as Burning Torch, Generra, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, Cydney Mandel, Citrine by the Stones and True Religion.

Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. 125 1/2 Broadway St. in Costa Mesa. (949) 548-1980.

* BEST BUYS runs Thursdays. Send information to Greer Wylder at greerwylder@yahoo.com; at 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92626; or by fax at (714) 966-4679.

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