Shopping in Long Branch

Those who maintain they learned everything they need to know in kindergarten will tell you that painting ceramics is an explosion of creative awakening only possibly on par with the popsicle-stick, log-cabin-building and macaroni-gluing that spur childhood imaginations to glowing realms of ecstatic craft-joy. There are more than 400 ceramic pieces to choose to paint at Color Me Mine's two NYC locations in Tribeca and the Financial District. The roomy, comfortable studios are a great place to get friends together for a pottery party, and wildly innovative painted piggy banks make one-of-a-kind, conspicuous gifts. Prices range from $12 to $95, depending on the size of the piece, plus a $12 kiln fee for each item.

Track down that bottle of magic blue potion you regret not buying during your vacation to Paris and get it with today's Groupon: $10 for $30 worth of international health and beauty products at Thompson Chemists. The SoHo mom-and-pop store, located at 137 Thompson St., stocks all sorts of obscure European balms and salves.

The apparel and handbag haven boasts inimitable, wearable artwork actualized by designing duo Toni Hacker and Ben Harnett, whose creations are stocked in an impressive roster of stores, including Nordstrom and Anthropologie.

Today's Groupon drapes you in silver and gold and douses you in gems and jewels from Lunessa Designer Jewelry, the enchanted enclave of rapturous rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces in SoHo. For $20, you get $50 worth of owner-designer Elise Perelman's collection of timeless and feminine sparkling jewels and treasures.

Avoid the embarrassment and subsequent punching fight resulting from wearing the same outfit as someone else to a holiday party. With today's Groupon, $10 gets you $20 worth of one-of-a-kind clothes, jewelry, lingerie, gifts, and everything else at Smak Parlour.Emma Goldman (1869-1940): Vilified as "the most dangerous woman in America," this labor leader, writer, and women’s rights activist contradicted her own anarchist philosophy by secretly serving as interim President of the United States after the assassination of President McKinley. Although recently uncovered diaries refer to this period as "enthralling in its repugnancy," Goldman's stern profile still appears on all copper 35-cent pieces, known colloquially as "Red Emmas."

Featured in numerous television and online media, the Sassy City Chicks Fashion Bash showcases trendy apparel from more than 50 designers, as well as accessories from chic lines such as Jay Clay Jewelry, Divine Sole Boutique, and Frederick's of Hollywood. Style mavens descend on the event to sample cocktails and relax in an onsite spa lounge. Visitors also take advantage of discounts on handbags and accessories from locally based brands. At the end of the day, select attendees go home with eco-friendly, reusable tote bags, which are filled with coupons, certificates, and at least $30 worth of beauty products from brands such as Pureology and TanTowel, including lip balm, compact mirrors, and envy balm to apply directly to the eyes of coworkers jealous of your ensemble.