Holiday Returns

Why on earth am I writing about holiday returns when you probably haven’t even started shopping for holiday gifts? Because there are things you need to know before you make that trip to the mall or before you go cyber shopping. Here are some tips for hassle free returns.

Know the Deal: Return policies are either printed on the receipt themselves or will be displayed at the register. Some electronics retailers (online or physical store) may also charge a restocking fee of up to 15 percent. So it’s best to know before you go so you don’t get any surprises.

Act Fast: Plan on heading to the stores as quickly as possible after the holidays. Most returns are accepted within a limited amount of time. Unless you have the original receipt, be prepared; you may not get the amount that you paid. Markdowns are common this time of year. Look on the bright side; you can take advantage of the post holiday sales as well.

Open At You Own Risk: You may be tempted to open the original packaging to check out the item even if you know you’re going to return it. DON’T! Items in the original packaging where the seal is not broken will be easier to return. And don’t be tempted to take off the tag on clothing until you are sure you want to keep it!

Be Patient: The week after Christmas is still the busy time for retailers and niceness counts. Remember to be pleasant to the overworked staff and if you’re not getting the answer that you want, ask for a manager. The cashier may not have the authority to override any policies. Also be flexible; you may get more by accepting store credit versus getting a cash return.

Don’t Get Blacklisted: Big retailers are using proprietary software to monitor return behavior and will reject returns if customers bring back items too often.

Online Returns: Keep original packaging and return packaging as well. Most online retailers will include a return label and return instructions are generally included with the item. If instructions are not included in the original packaging; go to the website or call the 800 number for instructions.

If All Else Fails: Re-gift, donate to charity or sell the item online at websites like eBay.com, Amazon.com or Cragslist.com.

Let Ideal Lifestyle Concierge assist you through the holidays. Here are some of the personal and corporate services that we offer: Addressing cards. Purchasing & Wrapping Gifts, Decorating, Party Planning, Mailing Gifts, Personal Chef Services, Returns. Don’t see what you need on the list. Call us we’ll be happy to accommodate your request.

Let's Talk Turkey

Thanksgiving happens to be my favorite holiday. One, it's all about the food and two it's all about giving thanks and spending time with family and friends. I know the holidays are stressful to most people but Thanksgiving is the time to stop and really think about what's important.

Now that you have happy thoughts in your head, are you responsible for putting together the spread this year? Are you stressed out again? Here are some tips and resources that can lend a hand.

Not sure how long you should cook your turkey? Call these hotlines or visit the websites for recipes, cooking guides, FAQs and more! Butterball Turkey Talk-Line: 800-Butterball or visit http://www.butterball.com/. US Department of Agriculture: 888-674-6854, http://www.fsis.usda.gov/.

Are you dreading the Thanksgiving rush at the grocery store? Shop early, don't wait until the last minute. Try to visit the store first thing in the morning right when it opens. You'll be sure to breeze through your list. Most grocery stores open by 7:00 AM so may be able to fit it in before you go to work. Why not outsource the shopping completely. Ideal Lifestyle Concierge can shop your list, deliver it to your home and even put the groceries away all while you are at work.

Did you know that you can buy a fresh turkey instead of a frozen one? This year save yourself the task of having to defrost a turkey. Groceries, gourmet shops, specialty stores and even online shops have fresh turkeys available as well as kosher and organic options. Most grocery stores require you to pre-order your fresh turkey ahead of time. So make sure to phone your favorite establishment. If you want to save yourself a trip, here are some websites that sell and deliver fresh turkeys -

• Williams and Sonoma: http://www.williams-sonoma.com/
• Igourmet.com: http://www.igourmet.com/turkey.asp
• Lobels: http://www.lobels.com/store/main/item.asp?item=458

One of the hardest parts of putting together the holiday spread is coordinating the timing of your dinner. What should you cook ahead, when do you put your turkey in the oven, what should you cook next? Real Simple magazine provides an easy to follow plan ahead schedule - http://www.realsimple.com/realsimple/package/0,21861,1841009-1550118,00.html.

Are you in a giving mood? Why not purchase an extra turkey to donate to a church or shelter?

Having guests over for dinner? Stock up on disposable containers to send home with guests for the perfect "doggie bag".

Ideal Lifestyle Concierge can provide assistance to get you through Thanksgiving and the holidays in general. No task is too small or project too complicated. Our on demand personal assistant services can give you the time to relax and enjoy what's really important - Enjoying a relaxing Thanksgiving Day!