HAPPY GIFT RETURNS...............

Happy Holidays. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas holiday. I came across this great article that I found helpful for that after Christmas gift exchange. Let's face it we all get that one gift or gifts that we would rather exchange for something a little more to our liking. So I hope this article will help make your gift exchanges and returns run smoothly......



Gift Returns New rules require new tactics.

Don't feel guilty about returning that singing mounted fish your cousin bought you. He might be returning your gift, too. About 40 percent of Americans take back at least one gift after the holidays, says the National Retail Federation.
If you find yourself in line to return a gift this season, you're apt to discover that store policies have become stricter. Restocking fees for opened boxes or missing packaging are increasingly common, and not just for electronics. For example, Sears now imposes a 15 percent restocking fee for some appliances, tools, and lawn and garden products.
Stores have also become more persnickety about receipts. Last summer, Target changed its policy to allow for two receipt less returns a year of items less than $20. Before that the threshold was $100.
Kmart, Lowe's, and Wal-Mart are among the retailers that now use computer systems to monitor how often customers return items without sales slips. If you bring back too many within a given period, the store might stop accepting them. Some retailers say they're trying to prevent returns of stolen goods.
HAPPY RETURNS
If returning a singing fish is essential to your sanity, follow our tips and the process should go swimmingly.
Check the policy. It's probably on the store's Web site. If not, call the customer-service line or the store. Note that some stores have more generous return policies for goods purchased at holiday time.
Handle with care. Lost tags, missing packaging, or damaged boxes make it less likely you'll get your due. Amazon.com says it won't accept returns of products missing the serial number or UPC square on the box. Best Buy and Circuit City charge a 15 percent restocking fee on some electronic items whether or not you've opened the box. But you should not have to pay a restocking fee if the item was defective when you unwrapped it.
Bring the receipt. Being able to present one makes it more likely that you'll get back the item's full value. Without a receipt, a retailer might credit you with the lowest recent price or simply deny your return altogether. Gift givers should try to include one whenever possible.
Go to the right place. If the item was purchased by mail order or on the Internet, make sure you send it to the address the retailer specifies. The retailer might also have a location near you that takes mail-order returns. Sears, for instance, accepts Lands' End returns at its stores. But Macy's and Kohl's, which sell online and in stores, don't accept returns by mail if the merchandise was purchased in a store.
Clear your good name. If your return is denied and you don't know why, you may have been incorrectly flagged by a store's computer for committing "return fraud." You might be able to correct the matter by e-mailing the Return Exchange, a company that monitors returns for retailers, at returnactivityreport@thereturnexchange.com.





article courtesy of Consumer Reports.org

SOCIAL CHRISTMAS EVENTS GOING DOWN IN THE ATL......

Join Peach Connection for their first holiday soiree on Dec. 20, 2007 at the highly anticipated AquaKnox Restaurant. This is an event you don't want to miss. Drink specials, complimentary appetizers, gift certificate giveaways, & more!

Mistle Toe Madness Charity Event7:00PM
VIA FOOD.BAR262 Pharr RoadAtlanta, GA 404.214.5404
The holidays are here and it’s the season of giving! Join Via Food.Bar on December 19, 2007 at 7:00 0p.m. for the First Annual “Mistletoe Madness” holiday celebration. Guests can enjoy great holiday hors d'oeuvres and cocktails for $10 per person, proceeds benefit The Atlanta Alzheimer's Foundation. Via Food.Bar is conveniently located in the Eclipse Building at 262 Pharr Road, in the heart of Buckhead. For additional information call 404.214.5404 or log onto the website.
Hosted By:
VIA FOOD.BAR
Info Link(s):
http://www.viarestaurant.net/

TOUS Holiday Affair w/Chrisette Michele

TOUS be elegant be tous
TOUS Jewelry invites you to experience a Holiday Affair with Chrisette Michele, performing singles from her debut album, "I Am.'
North Point Mall Saturday, Dec 22, 2007 2:00 - 5:00pm
Receive A Holiday Gift With Any Purchase
Please RSVP at rsvp@thegarnercircle.com

KISS AND GRIND

THIS SATURDAY AT THE UTOPIA COMPLEX

FEATURING 2008 GRAMMY NOMINATED VIKTER DUPLAIX ON THE 1S & 2S

10 Savvy Gifts for Under $100

Affordable prices with luxury Style

To continue in the holiday spirit of things I will be sending out each day a list of great gift selections. For our 8 days till Christmas rush. Again our theme is giving back and with these stylish and affordable gifts loved ones will be easy to please and think you spent a fortunate on that perfect gift. Remember presentation is everything.

Here we go:


Anthony Logistics For Men “It Kit”, $50
Help make your man clean and smooth with a half-dozen of these best-selling products. The reusable travel bag fits snugly into the shoe compartment of your luggage.
Strategy: To give him a clean, smooth shave. Clean with Glycolic Facial Cleanser (4 oz.). Smooth with Face Scrub (2 oz.), Sea Salt Body Scrub (4 oz.) and After Shave Balm (2.5 oz.). Shave with Pre Shave Oil (1 oz.) and Shave Cream (2 oz).



Juicy Couture “Cheer “ Flat, $59.50,

Festive pompoms top the round toe of a rib-knit flat, and it's available in two colors.






GPX AM/FM Ipod/MP3 Clock Radio, $29.99
This dual alarm AM/FM clock radio docks, charges and plays your iPod. You can awaken to your iPod, AM/FM radio or buzzer, and it also features snooze and sleep functions.





MAC Heirlooms 5 Basic Brushes, $48, This antique-inspired clutch bag, which holds five professional-quality basic brushes for lips, face, and eyes, is made of woven cream/silver metallic thread fabric with a royal crown detail on an ivory moulded plastic frame.

Cabo Isabella Frames by Kate Spade, $50 These silver plated picture frames offer a fresh, fun design with a touch of color on the inside border of the frame — and a classic Kate Spade polka-dot fabric back. Available in three colors and two sizes.








Too Faced Good Girl/Bad Girl, $29.50 Feeling naughty or nice? This chic holiday palette has six eye shadows and six lip glosses to match your mood.


Philosophy Memory Sage Scented Candle, $25
Fill your surroundings with the rich fragrance of sage, which helps to clear the mind and relieve stress. This generously sized sage-scented candle will allow you to unwind and remember times of love, laughter and joy










Little Birch Jewelry Stand, $26, This coated-aluminum branch on a wide velvet-lined base is perfect for displaying your jewelry or for just looking pretty on its own. It's available from Urban Outfitters in three colors.


Armani’s dark-rinse cigarette jeans, $98,
These jeans are sure to look fabulous with knee boots or flats.


Stemless Red Wine Glasses Set of 4, $19.99
A classic bowl for serving red wines in a stemless silhouette, individually crafted by European artisans using centuries-old techniques• Set of 4 glasses• Made of 100% soda lime glass• Quality blown-glass wineglasses• Dishwasher safe

*some gift selections courtsey of Glam article

Gifts from the Heart Never Go Out of Style......

So the holiday is nearing and if your like me your still trying to locate that perfect gift on a budget. While sweaters and socks are very nice, and always appreciated, you might just want to give gifts with a little more pizzazz this year. Giving gift that shows your love, friendship or appreciation is never the wrong gift and never goes out of style.

I came across some interesting finds that I think would make great holiday gifts. And they will keep you from over extending yourself. My thought for this year, give some items that you found interesting and would like to share with others. Here some great finds that I researched for my inner circle.

For my fashion conscious readers: The Nylon Book of Global Style.


Synopsis
Ask any designer, fashion editor, or art director where the hottest trends are coming from, and they'll tell you it's from the streets of certain cities. And if you ask them what magazine gives the best, most authoritative coverage of these outsider fashion incubators, chances are they'll say Nylon. Nylon here combines its street cred and international expertise (the magazine is read in major cities around the world, and has recently launched both Japanese and Australian editions) to reveal the iconic looks in the seven most fashion-forward cities today: London, Paris, Berlin, Tokyo, Melbourne, Copenhagen and New York
www.barnesandnoble.com/$24.95




For the Friend Inspiring to Model: Holiday Mega Shoot


Get made over by the hottest designer/fashion stylist in Atlanta GA, Reco Chapple, and have your picture taken by noted fashion photographer, Leslie Andrews for only $150 for 3 Looks.... This fee includes hair make-up and styling.


For more info call 404-246-3773 or 404-433-1272





A little something for Her Stocking: Jill Bliss flower mini journal set




Set of 4 mini journals in a hardcover slipcase. Darling native flower exterior opens to accented patterned on blank pages. So perfect for the gal on the go! 4”x5.75

www.fredflare.com/$14.95




Something Fun for Him: Deluxe Valet:


Technology may have made man more efficient, but all of those gadgets have wreaked havoc on his dresser top. Our chestnut-finished valet has room for his watch, wallet and cuff links, as well as cord cutouts to accommodate his phone, music player and PDA.
www.redenvelope.com/$105-$110





















For the Family: A year Subscription to NetFlix:

This is a great gift idea to give to a family. They can order as many movies they like and they will arrive right at their door. With Netflix you can rent as many DVDs as you want for one low price. There are no late fees and no due dates, and DVD shipping is free both ways. Plans start from only $4.99 plus applicable tax. With our most popular plan, you can rent as many DVDs as you want (3 DVDs at-a-time) for just $16.99 a month plus applicable tax. There are no additional charges.
http://www.netflix.com/

Breaking Into Fashion..............

forum panel lto r: Derek Blanks, Blu Brewster, Drexina Nelson, Cristal Stervenson, Toni Acey, Candice Hood, Reco Chapple, Odnair and front Cotrice

I was in attendance for the Breaking Into Fashion, Atlanta 101 workshop. Although, I am not really a fashion designer, model or actor. I could not miss the chance to attend this event and network with some of Atlanta’s own talented designers, photographers, makeup artist, image consultants and models. Spearheaded by the ultra glamorous fashion designer Reco Chapple of House of Chapple, (www.myspace.com/thehouseofchappleinc) , along with Chapple the forum panelist consisted of Candice Hood, owner of Lifestyles by Candy, Lifestyle Mogul, The flawless and fabulous Toni Acey, Celebrity Make-up artist(www.toniacey.com), Drexina Nelson , Photographer (www.nstylonline.com), Derek Blanks , Celebrity Photographer(www.dblanks.com), Cotrice, Fashion Designer/Stylist for NY and Atlanta, Blu Brewster, Creative Director/Fashion Designer for CP Time Outfiddars, LLC.(www.myspace.com/cptimeclothing) , Odnair, Model, and rounding out the panel Cristal Sterverson aka Serious, From Charm School/Model (www.myspace.com/soserious07).
With this all star line up and the nature of the event I was surprisingly amazed that this forum was not filled to capacity, especially with all the A-town aspiring models, actors, photographers, stylist and so on. They surely did not know what vital information they missed out on. Threw topic of discussion I found the forum to be very informative and eye opening for any business minded individual. So if you were not in attendance because your desire is not for fashion, I found the information provided would help any entrepreneur stay ahead of their game.

Let’s run down some of the following topics for breaking into the industry.

Create Relationships: For all industry type individuals creating relationships with other knowledgeable industry folk will and can help you build a team and hopefully offer opportunity to open doors for yourself and others in your circle. If you’re a model looking to build your portfolio introduce yourself to a photographer or makeup artist that is also trying to build a name for them selves. Build a team, help each other. As Candice Woods put it, “Even Business Exchange”, bring something to the table.

Follow your dreams: Surround yourself with like minded individuals. If you’re working your way up in fashion design then hangout with fashion designers with your same interest in mind. Surround yourself with people that can take you to the level you desire or higher. Keep elevating yourself.

Find Direction: A simple tip given by Cotrice, Fashion Stylists was to get a notebook, list all the things you like and what you want to do in the industry. If it is acting list what types of rolls you would like to play. Research that area. Work on your ideas everyday add to that area and check off which ones you have completed. Set some goals for your ideas.

Say what you are and believe you are it: Stand firm on what you’re doing at that particular moment. If you are a makeup artist then introduce and carry yourself as a makeup artist. Know how to sale yourself. Have a presence for your service by having a website, portfolio, business cards, press kits, and a reliable business number with a professional voice mail box. Network, network and network. At every opportunity sale your self and your service and have passion in doing so.

For more information or to sign up for updates visit the forum’s myspace page: www.myspace.com/breakingintofashion. Hopefully The Social Scene has enlightened and inspired all my fashionistas out there to attend the next seminar. I will also keep you posted on upcoming events of course.

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If you’re a trendsetter in Atlanta then I am sure you attended the Icon Style Trunk Show and Sample Sale event last Thursday. The event was held at Defoor Centre this was an excellent platform for hot designers and vendors to showcase their goods. Among the showcases were Lachelle Morris of Joia Style Studio, a -commerce retailer delivering an online shopping experience, , Pondur (http://www.pondur.com/), Couturiette Custom Clothing (couturiette.com),Faveur clothing(getfaveur.com).
Shouts out to ICON STYle for giving these designers some shine and the opportunity to share their work.
ICON STYLE is always on the look out for new designers. If you are a designer and wanting to participate in their next trunk show apply via website(http://www.iconstyleinc.com) or visit their my space page www.myspace.com/iconnstyleinc.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ __ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

I also made my way over to one of my new fav restraints Hot Stix Stir Fry Kitchen. I have been dying to try this place for sometime. The concept is a dining experience that allows you to create your own stir-fry bowl. You have your pick of rice or noodles, vegetables, sauces, spices and meats. You can pile them as high as the bowl can handle, then your mixture is cooked on a 700-degree Mongolian grill-in-the-round, and then brought to your table by the HotStix staff. I was amazed to learn that one of owners for this restaurant it the same owner of Thrive in downtown Atlanta another one of my favorites and part owner of The Compound night club. My Food was delivered fast and fresh. On Thursday nights they offer socializing drink specials like $5 Sake Bombs, $5 Jagger Bombs and my personal favorite to help complement the Socialista in me, the Geisha House. A little Sophia Mini champagne in can served with a champagne flute and a pink straw. How cute is that. So if you’re in the new Lindbergh City Center be sure to check out them out.

Hot Stix Stir-Fry Kitchen, 570 Main Street, Lindbergh City Center, Buckhead (404-844-2000 or (hotstixstirfry.com).

Insider tip: Valet Parking, Prompt Seating and Buffet style dining.

Till next time my socialites......The Urbansocilista the socializing trendsetter.

Mary J. Blige & Michael Jackson - “Just Fine”

Greetings Everyone.. I know I am a little behind on posting but the Socialista was a little comoste after all the holiday eating, shopping, and socializing. But now I am well rested and ready to let you know what is going on The Social Scene.






I am so super amp’d off of Mary J. Blige new single “Just Fine”. I have been hearing the song in rotation for a couple of months now and I love hearing it get air play, but after seeing the video yesterday, I am really excited. This song and video makes you want to dance. It puts me a good mood. It is so FANTABLous. I guess it sums it up on where I am and a lot of you guys are in your life. I saw the video and had to keep going back to watch it. When I first saw the video I was like that reminds me Mike Jackson and low and behold go on You Tube and the have the making of video detailing how they used MJ’s video footage from over 20 years ago from “ Don’t Stop til Get Enough”
I just love the lyrics, check them and the video. I posted my fav part. This is def the Mary I enjoy listening to.


So I like what I see when I’m looking at me When I’m walking past the mirrorNo stress through the night, at a time in my lifeAin’t worried about if you feel itGot my head on straight, I got my mind rightI aint gonna let you kill itYou see I wouldn’t change my life

my life’s just…..Fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, oooohFine, fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, oooohJust fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, oooohYou see I wouldn’t change my life, my life’s just fine




Okay now that I got that out of my system let’s chit chat about what’s been going down in the A.

I have to tell you guys about the newsest Midtown Hot spot The Mealting Pot, which had it’s grand opening on last WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2007. But being the Socialista that I am I go the opportunity to attend the Pre-Grand opening on Tuesday. If you don’t know about the Melting Pot franchises check their site out at http://www.meltingpot.com/. They also have several locations as we in the city like to say outside the perimeter, but the Midtown location was the ideal location for this interactive dining experience. Their niche is Fondue, where you can get a unique four course dining experience. There were so many options to choose I am just going to narrow down to the Socialista’s Top Fav’s. Let’s start with the cheese dips. I am not a big fan of cheese but I have got to tell ya, The Melting Pot won me over with this one.

*Spinach Artichoke Cheese Fondue
Fotina and Butterkaie Cheeses, spinach, artichoke hearts and garlic

*Mojo Style Shrimp
Caribbean seasoned

And now for the best part of the whole night, Yummy Yummy chocolates. This section had everyone at the event feeling love. I guess chocolate does that to you. I could not just choose one from this section.

Yin & Yang
Half dark chocolate and half white chocolate.

Chocolate S’mores
Milk Chocolate topped with marshmallow cream, flambéed and garnished with crushed graham crackers.

They also offer some great specialty drinks I suggest the Love Martini, it is a combination of Malibu rum, Peach Schnapps, cranberry juice and fresh strawberries.

754 Peachtree Street NE
Suite 100Atlanta-Midtown, GA 30308404-389-0099 Fax: 404-389-0097

SUNDAY - THURSDAY4pm-10pm (Full Dinner Service Only)10-11pm (Cheese and/or Chocolate Only Service)
FRIDAY & SATURDAY4pm-11pm (Full Dinner Service Only)11pm-midnight (Cheese and/or Chocolate Only Service

The next day was even more action packed. Me and El’ Presidente had slide on over to Shout to share a happy birthday dinner with my girlfriend Randy Pierre, The Budget Stylist, hit her up at TheBudgetStylist@gmail.com if you want to makeover your style today. We had so much fun here and the food was delicious. I know this is not a new spot, but you can’t really seem to go wrong with the dishes at this place.












We had to sing Happy Birthday and run because I had to be on the Social Scene for Sol Fusion’s 5th year Anniversary at Earthlink with special guest Bilal.











You say who? Bilal, You may not remember him but he had a few hits a couple of years ago.. Then he disappeared. From what I heard he hasn’t performed here in 5 years. But I have to let you guys know this is one performer you don’t want to miss, although I did not know a lot of his songs. I can say he gave it his all.
Did you know Bilal was nominated for a Grammy? He was nominated for his duet with Beyonce “Everything I Do”. Who knew he had a song with B?
Amongst the guest in attendance, Kenny Burns, Joi,Algebra , Jcarter, & acclaimed entertainment journalist PJ Jackson.
















They even gave away free Rockport shoes to the first 250 guest.



Pics provide by the Hip Publisicsit.

So now let’s get down to business. I hope everyone has big Thanksgiving plans. Atlanta is going to be super busy. I have already started celebrating since last weekend with family.
Most of my family came into town and we did our thing her e in Atlanta this year. I must say it was very entertaining. I got to reconnect with some family members that I have not had a chance to sit down and chat with for sometime. Since every one is in different places, being location or mindset it made catching up a delight. I got the chance to see those that had grown and those who have had to humble themselves because of other hardships. I truly love my family and I have come to realize that at the end of the day I have family. I don’t get to choose who they are and the ways are but, I have to accept them for all those reasons that they are the way are and enjoy my time with them. I was reading JET magazine and on the cover was Rev. Run and his daughters and inside the article was a statement that stood out with me. Rev Run said this “If you don’t make time for family then it won’t happen”. I understood this because some many times we are continually running around weather it is work, school or other activities that sometimes we just need to stop or make plans for a family dinner, trip or sit for coffee and spend time together. Not everyone is going to like each other’s thoughts or ideas, but being mindful for the purpose of doing things together and spending time should supplement for the dislike. But hey this is just my way of thinking and it did help me get through the weekend with a smile on my face.

Black Friday Ads…..



Here is a list of all the major stores Black Friday Ads Click Here















Wednesday Lunchtable Gossip........................

Damon Dash owes New York 2.9 mill in taxes ?

This is not a good look for d.dash.According to the NY times Dame dash owes NY 2.9 mill in back taxes
The records show that hip-hop mogul Damon Dash - whose estimated $50 million fortune bought him a chauffeur-driven $400,000 Maybach sedan, diamond-encrusted watches and more than 1,000 pairs of sneakers - owes the state more than $2 million.
Dash, 36, is one of almost 225,000 city debtors who together have shortchanged the city and state more than $1 billion in income taxes, penalties and interest, the records show.