Make the best of the Holiday Returns!

Hope everyone had a happy Christmas. Now that the gifts have been opened, the next step to wrapping up the holidays is to make all those returns... Yes, I know it can be a hassle to take back all those unwanted presents, especially when retailers don't want to take them back. However, to make returns easier on you and the retailer, here are some tips:

1. Gift Receipts- Make sure to give your recepient a gift receipt for the present. It makes it a lot easier for them to exchange the item for something else. If you're the one making the return, bring along your gift receipt. It makes the process faster because the store doesn't have to look up the item and make you fill out extra documentation.

2. Bring ID- Be ready to show your ID for your returns. With return fraud estimated at 14.8 billion last year, according to the National Retail Federation, retailers are pushing towards ID for all returns.

3. Know the return policy- Pay attention to the policy of the retailer. Some items are exchange only while others offer no refunds at all. Also, some stores set a limited time for which you can make your returns. Thus, if you miss the deadline, then the item is forever yours...So read the receipt or call the retailer directly to find out when you have to make the return by.

4. Go early- Personally, I have experienced better and faster service when I go to the store as soon as they open. There tends to be less crowds in the morning and the cashiers aren't burnt out by the time it's your turn in line to be helped.

Those are just a few tips to make those holiday returns go more smoothly. Remember, you can't avoid the returns so you might as well make the best of it. Goodluck

The BEST GIFT this holiday season!

The U.S. economy may be getting the best gift of all this holiday season...

According to Thomson Reuters/University of Michigan preliminary index of consumer sentiment, confidence among U.S. consumers rose to 74.2 from 71.6 at the end of November. This is the highest level its been in the past 6 months. Consumers seem to be spending more and with less hesitation. Now what could possibly be a better gift than a recovering economy?

Goodbye freeway...hello BULLET train!

Tired of driving from NorCal to SoCal? Well that may soon be a problem of the past because California is receiving more federal funding for the construction of a bullet train.

The Department of Transportation announced that it would be redirecting 624 million to California's high speed rail project, putting the state's total federal funding to 3.1 billion. The estimated cost to build a system that would link Sacramento and San Francisco to Los Angeles and San Diego is near 43 billion.

The question now is: how long will it take to build? Maybe we won't be saying goodbye to the freeways anytime soon...

For full article, visit: http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2036197,00.html

Who says we don't have seasons in Los Angeles?

Couldn't help but take some pictures while driving around the city...

Hope you enjoyed this bit of the changing seasons!

Porterhouse Bistro

8635 Wilshire Boulevard
Beverly Hills, CA

What a great prix fixe menu! Porterhouse Bistro offers 4 courses and 2 cocktails or wine for around $44 per person.

First, they serve you some delicious La Brea Bakery baguette with a variety toppings: house tapenade, tomato bruschetta, a whole roasted garlic flower, and butter. My favorite is the roasted garlic which will scare away any vampires lurking...and possible your date as well!

I had the onion soup as a starter, which was fantastic, followed with the jumbo shrimp entree. I finished my meal with a delicious lava cake. Of course I had my usual pinot noir and a riesling to end the night. The wines weren't all that good, but not bad either. Since it is included with the prix fixe menu, I thought it was a good deal nonetheless.

My only complaint is that the service was a little slow and the restaurant itself wasn't at all full. Maybe the kitchen is understaffed? Overall, food was good and the waiter was pleasant. At the end of our dinner, we were served a special treat- homespun COTTON CANDY! That really brought back memories of childhood.

visit their webpage for more information and menu: http://www.porterhousebistro.com/home.htm

-posted by Jennifer Nguyen

The coolest house on caravan!

822 N. Norman Place
Los Angeles, California

A warm and inviting mid-century architectural that exudes style and serenity, secluded from the street by lush landscaping.


The open flow from the living and dining rooms to the lawn and pool invites a real California lifestyle.

The remodeled kitchen is a work of art with soaring 20-ft. ceilings opening to a zen bamboo garden and patio with period fountain.
An elegant master suite with stunning bath and large walk-in closet is a peaceful oasis with its balcony overlooking the lush, private grounds and swimmers' pool.
There are three family bedrooms and two baths plus a large custom office as well as a family/media room with fireplace and additional office on the first floor.














Conveniently located within walking distance of shops and restaurants.

Contact:
Mary Beth Woods- mwoods@marybethwoods.com
310-571-1358
Mickey Kessler-
mkessler@verizon.net
310-367-2322