reLYME

You had to have woken up pretty early in the a.m. if you had wanted to take advantage of the cosmetics settlement. As a result of a class-action settlement, beauty companies like Clarins, Clinique, and Chanel began handing out free products today, and for the remainder of the week while supplies last.

All that was necessary was a signature attesting to that fact that you've purchased makeup within a certain time period, and you were given $25 worth of goodies. (Sorry, beauty companies. Your loss is my gain! Cha-ching!)

I'd nearly forgotten all about today--a beauty junkie's holiday! Though I was only able to nab a Clinique moisturizer, and was slightly disappointed in my failure to obtain the Lancôme Fatale Mascara I'd been secretly meditating over since learning of this settlement, I'm still happy that I walked away with something for nothing!

So, can you still partake in the luscious beauty giveaway? Perhaps, if you visit a mall in Smalltown, America, in the next seven days, where they haven't heard of Estée Lauder, I'd say you might stand a chance. It's worth a shot. If not, I'm sure many of our fellow Americans will be auctioning off their free products on eBay. Good luck!

For a doll that's only about 12-inches tall, Barbie's reign is larger than life. The plastic mistress has been instructing young girls in what to wear, which career to choose, and how to throw a proper pool party for half a century.

How do you celebrate the birthday of a "woman" who has wed Ken several times before divorcing him; saved animals as a veterinarian; worked as a school teacher; worked as an astronaut; had a brief stint as a McDonalds employee; moved to Hawaii and then to Malibu; grown her hair past her waist; been a rock star; acted as primary caregiver to three younger sisters; changed ethnicities; filmed her own workout tape; impersonated innumerable celebrities; collaborated with MAC cosmetics; owned a dreamhouse and several pink cars; won Miss America; has always stayed fit; and walks on heels every day?

Why, you create her very own runway show at New York Fashion Week, of course! This February, the powers-that-be behind the Barbie empire (Mattel UK) have collaborated with 50 designers--Givenchy, Dior, Vera Wang, and Oscar de la Renta, to name a few--who will create human sized outfits inspired by Barbie herself. Even Christian Louboutin is on board, and will be designing the doll's signature pink pumps.

I don't think Ken will be on the guest list.

If that's not enough, the department store giant, Bloomingdales, will adorn the windows of its flagship store with all things Barbie during Fashion Week.

It just goes to show: you don't have to be tall or outspoken to get ahead. You only need to be blonde and successful. Happy Birthday, Barbie!