Christmas is over...now it's time for the 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 for the holidays!

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 hesitating less. 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?

Took these photos while driving around Los Angeles...

Hope you enjoy this bit of Fall/Winter...

Musha Restaurant

424 Wilshire Boulevard Santa Monica, CA
Can you say mmMMackerel?! Musha is a small Japanese tapas style restaurant in Santa Monica with the most amazing seared mackerel. It's brought out to your table, the meat is thinly sliced, and the waiter comes and torches it in front of you O_o I went here with a friend and we each got our own fish, because it was too good to share. It's $11 per order, but BOY was it worth it!

The tofu fries are also good, crispy on the outside and soft inside...definitely refreshing from your typical potato fries. My friend and I also shared an order of croquettes which was decent, but not memorable. However the udon noodles with clams, garlic, and mushroom was YUMMY! The sauce was made perfect, not too salty and full of flavor from the clams and garlic. The noodles were chewy, not undercooked, so really nice texture :)

We ended the meal with apple tartin and vanilla icecream, which again was decent, but didn't really blow me out of the water.

Overall this is a cute little place hidden away from the promenade. It's not a good place if you're going with a big group because the space is small. I'd recommend going here on a date because it's cozy and the plates are made for sharing. Beware, it does get a bit busy during the dinner rush but it stays open until 11:30pm so you could come here after a nice walk on the pier a couple blocks down.


posted by Jennifer Nguyen

The coolest house on caravan!

822 N. Norman Pl., Los Angeles,

California

A warm and inviting mid-century architectural that exudes style and serenity, secluded from the street by lush landscaping. Conveniently located within walking distance of shops and restaurants.



The remodeled kitchen is a work of art with soaring 20-ft. ceilings opening to a zen bamboo garden and patio with period fountain.
The open flow from the living and dining rooms to the lawn and pool invites a real California lifestyle.

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.


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.

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