GREER’S BEST BUYS:

Spa Gregorie’s, the award-winning spa and salon in Newport Beach, offers an incredible raffle and silent online auction with luxurious prizes through Sunday, Oct. 7. All proceeds go toward a much-needed cause: the annual Race for the Cure and Greet the Day, the spa’s own cancer outreach program. Once a month, the spa offers cancer patients a day of relaxation and renewal through complimentary spa treatments.

Raffle items donated include items from Strawberry Farms Golf Club, Blue Coral Seafood, Lululemon, Nike Women and Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa. Lucky winners can receive a $150 gift certificate to Wildfish Seafood Grille, dinner for two at Five Crowns, a two-night stay at the Ayres Hotel, dinner for two at Fleming’s, two six-month memberships to Gold’s Gym, or the latest in a “feeling the burn” — boot-camp classes at Fitness Patrol.

The raffle also includes more than 15 spa and salon services from several local spas and the coveted Gregorie’s Great Escape package valued at more than $500. This package offers luxurious head-to-toe spa treatments: a eucalyptus steam bath, aloha body polish, express hydrotherapy, detox seaweed wrap, one-hour massage, signature facial with skin analysis, spa pedicure, paraffin hand or foot treatment, hairstyle, makeup, and a delicious and light lunch at Gregorie’s Bistro.

Online auction items: a weekend getaway at Utah’s exclusive Red Mountain Spa ($1,380 value); a five-day retreat in the Arkansas mountains at the lakeside Turtle Cove Spa Resort ($2,200 value); a three-day, two-night spa getaway for two from The Oaks at Ojai ($1,500 value); a weekend at the elegant Ritz Carlton complete with a leisurely brunch and spa services for two ($1,500 value); a chocolate lover’s weekend delight at the Hotel Hershey ($1,000 value); and a yearlong pass to Yoga Works coupled with fashionable ZENsei yogawear ($1,135 value). Raffle tickets cost $20 each, or $100 for six. Tickets are available for purchase online and at Spa Gregorie’s, 200 Newport Center Drive, Suite 100 in Newport Beach; (949) 644-6672. For more information about the raffle and a complete listing of raffle prizes and silent auction items, go to www.spagregories.com/rfc/.

 SOUTH COAST ITALIAN FLAIR

South Coast Plaza and the Italian Trade Commission celebrate “Italy at South Coast Plaza” with a 25-day cultural festival from Oct. 4 through 29. For the opening day of the exposition, a team of Italian masters will create a vibrant infiorata (a beautiful mosaic of thousands of flower petals and organic materials) displayed Oct. 4 and 5.

And throughout South Coast Plaza, enjoy exhibitions from Italy featuring the best in fashion, textiles, culture and art. More than 40 of South Coast Plaza’s retailers and restaurateurs will feature fashion, food and other luxury goods from Italy while hosting special events, fashion previews and trunk shows. South Coast Plaza’s Italian restaurants will offer special menus, wines, cooking classes and wine tastings. The event is free and open to the public. The infiorata is adjacent to Garden Terrace, Level 2. South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa. www.southcoastplaza.com.

 FESTIVAL FOR READING

Don’t miss the Orange County Children’s Book Festival Saturday and Sunday at OCC from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The family festival celebrates the magic of children’s books, encourages literacy, and supports children’s charities. The program includes more than 80 exhibitors of book vendors and educational supply stores. There will be presentations by authors and illustrators, storytellers, costumed characters, train rides, crafts, food and entertainment, and children’s activities such as face painting, clowns, musicians, readings, drawings and more. The festival provides free admission and parking. It’s at 2701 Fairview Road in Costa Mesa; (714) 432-5707, www.kidsbookfestival.com.

 ANCIENT SKIN ART

One of the leading authorities on ancient Indian beauty techniques, Ziba Beauty specializes in threading, a noninvasive hair removal technique that expertly shapes eyebrows with cotton threads; and mehndi, the art of temporary henna tattoos. Threading is an alternative to waxing that enthusiasts say is less painful, cleaner and more affordable; it costs just $9. Trained threading specialists can shape your eyebrows in the most attractive way for your facial structure. Threading lasts as long as waxing, and it can remove other unwanted facial hair as well.

Ziba Beauty was put on the map when artist Sumita Batra of Ziba applied mehndi on Madonna for her “Ray of Light” videos. Other celebrities who have sported a Ziba tattoo are Gwen Stefani, Salma Hayek, Jennifer Aniston and Christina Aguilera. Ziba’s artists have extensive training in international symbols, color and design. And for extra glamour, artists can enhance the designs with crystals, glitter art and stickers.

Ziba offers bridal and special occasion packages. Mehndi parties are popular for weddings, birthdays, baby showers and other celebrations. Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday at 3940 S. Bristol St., Suite 210, across from South Coast Plaza; (714) 556-2245, www.zibabeauty.com.

GREER WYLDER writes Best Buys, which runs Fridays. She’s the founder and president of www.greersoc.com, a free daily e-mail service that provides the latest in Orange County fashion, dining and trends.