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KeithKNOWS.net, Been There, Chilled There: Haraz Coffee Bar,  930 Spring St, NW, Atlanta  harazcoffeehouse.com  If you’re looking for a spot that blends good energy with beautiful vibes, Haraz Coffee House in Midtown is the one. The moment you walk in, you’re wrapped in warm aromas and an even warmer atmosphere—funky, friendly, and full of people who feel like community. The décor is gorgeous: modern with cultural touches, comfortable seating, and pops of style that make you want to stay a while. It’s the kind of place where you sip, chat, relax, create… or just people-watch the beautifully eclectic Midtown crowd. The menu? A whole experience. Their desserts are delicious and photo-ready, their bites are fresh and flavorful, and the coffee—smooth, rich, bold—never misses. Whether you’re grabbing something quick or settling in for a long conversation, Haraz hits that sweet spot of taste + ambiance. Funky people, good energy, beautiful decor, and flavors that keep you coming back—Haraz Coffee House is officially a Midtown gem. Highly recommended.

KeithKNOWS.net, Been There, Ate There:  The Daily Café, 100 Hurt St NE, Atlanta  shopthedaily.com  A friend and I were apartment hunting and afterwards we were starving so we stopped by “The Daily” café in Inman Park, right next to the MARTA station. We received a warm and attentive greeting, the atmosphere is casual, reminiscent of a 70’s vibe café. “The Daily’ serves homemade food with fresh ingredients.  We both had the  “Loaded Avocado, which is half avocado, squash chili crisp, market greens, pickled onions, chives, seeds & crunchies, mini toast (you can add egg or chicken shawarma if you like) to drink, I had Blood Orange Tea. We’ve been back several times and the vibe is consistent.  They also serve wraps, coffees, teas, smoothies, bowls, and more. So the next time you are in the area, check out “The Daily”, you will definitely be glad you did.

KeithKNOWS.net, Been There, Ate There:  Oh My Soul, 3046 North Davidson, Charlotte, NC  ohmysoulusa.com/OMG!!!! On my stay in Charlotte for a few months, this was my go to restaurant. The staff is awesome, warm and friendly. My favorite is the plant based cheeseburger, yep! You heard me, topped with vegan cheese, grilled onions, garlic mayo, and bacon, so good. I've probably had all the food on the menu...lol... the zingalings were good too, spicy seitan marinated "wings" . I always save room for a decadent dessert, lol, layered strawberry shortcake, yumlicious!!! I also love their creative outdoor seating area to relax and chill and eat of course..lol..

 

KeithKNOWS, Been There, Ate There!  Divan Restaurant & Bar(The Castle),  87 15^th Street, Midtown Atlanta ( 15^th Street, on the hill across from Woodruff Center) 470-388-5558 divanatlanta.com/  Divinely Divan’s, a friend and I were going to a show at the Alliance Theatre, we wanted to find a spot for a quick bite, we were on a time limit. We first tried the restaurants at Colony Square they were all booked, so we decided to try the castle on the hill, Divan’s. You’ve passed by it numerous times and never went in, so I decided to do it for you. (LOL) Divan’s is multilevel, 4 floors, which encompasses a private dining room, a hookah lounge, a bar, so many cozy and quaint rooms. Divan’s is casual with a touch of chic, the food creatively yummy.  My guest had slow cooked lamb shank with saffron, fava beans and dill balsamic rice.  I had blackened verlasso salmon with oyster mushrooms, linguine alfredo., oh I also had cardamon tea, so good!

We passed on dessert, it was time to head on over to the Alliance Theatre.  I’m excited to revisit so I can try their desserts and explore more floors, I hope to see you there.

 

KeithKNOWS, Been There, Ate There!  Breakfast At Barney’s, 349 Decatur St SE, Downtown Atlanta www.Breakfastatbarneys.com   I finally made it to Breakfast At Barney’s and I was  so satisfied.  I had out of town guests,  so we decided to meet them for breakfast there.  We were greeted by a bubbly host and our waiter was knowledgeable, very friendly, and made great recommendations.  All 3 of us had the Emperors Breakfast which consist of eggs, bacon or sausage, beyond meat, toast, grits or potatoes, they also have “Just Egg vegan folded eggs and you can substitute fruit too, and  I can’t forget the housemade jam that was so delicious, they should bottle it  and sell it. The restaurant is beautifully decorated with flair.  Now it’s a very popular place, there’s usually a long line, we arrived during the weekday at 9am, so the earlier the better. (LOL) I highly recommend them, who knows I might see you there. ( I hear that you must try the 24 layer red velvet champagne cake, 24 karat gold pancakes)

 

KeithKNOWS, Been There, Ate There!  Rumi’s Persian Kitchen, 1175 Peachtree St, Midtown Atlanta (Colony Square) www.rumiskitchen.com

My guest and I were celebrating my move to a new apartment, so we meetup at Rumi’s  Kitchen Atlanta Restaurant at Colony Square. It’s a swanky new midtown restaurant offering Persian cuisine. I had the roasted Salmon with charred onions, citrus, saffron and aromatic basmati rice and my guest, Chicken Kabobs with lemon saffron brine and with rice also. For dessert, now you know I gotta have some sweetness, I chose Rumi’s tart, made with pistachios, hazelnuts, pinenuts  and a shortbread crust, are you drooling yet? LOL   Simply the best!   Our drink was a non-alcoholic sparking Reisling, had no idea there was such a thing, it was good too. Rum’s has several locations in Georgia, Avalon in Alpharetta and Sandy Springs.   So elevate your dining experience and checkout Rumi’s, they have excellent food and great customer service. (They have a nice outdoor patio too)

KeithKNOWS, Been There, Ate There! 5Church Midtown @  Colony Square Midtown Atlanta  1197 Peachtree St, Midtown Atlanta  https://5church-atlanta.com/ 

I celebrated my friend’s Birthday at 5Church Midtown, a very popular, trendy new American restaurant.  We both were starving, I had Miso Scottish Salmon with creamed coconut rice, edamame, mango grastrique(caramelized sauce) and the Birthday “King”, fried Shrimp Po’ Boy with shaved lettuce, tomato, pickles, creole remoulade, Italian hero, both were yumlicious!! You didn’t hear me, they both were yumlicious!!!(LOL) For dessert, I had the Pineapple Mango tart with lemon sorbet, and the Birthday “King” had Tiramisu. You’re gonna love the upscale but down to earth atmosphere, great customer service, oh I almost forgot, if it’s your birthday you can choose one of  2  options, a free dessert or a glass of champagne.(my friend decided on champagne, of course). So the next time you are in midtown, let’s gather together on their rooftop lounge, my treat! By the way, they also have a Buckhead location.  Enjoy!!!

KeithKNOWS, Been There, Ate There: El Vinedo Local Atlanta, 730 Peachtree St, Midtown Atlanta  https://www.elvinedolocalatlanta.com/

It’s a beautiful sunny marvelous Monday, no humidity, not too hot yet, my friend and I decided to try a different place to eat instead of our regular midtown spot.  So we chose El Vinedo Local Atlanta, a small intimately quaint and creatively designed South America wine and tapas bar restaurant, it’s just one block north of the Fox Theatre.

We both shared chicken empanadas, light, crispy, and very tasty and decided on sandwiches, he had fried fish with butter lettuce, cebolla criolla, tartar sauce and me, grilled springer mountain farm chicken with butter lettuce, Georgia tomatoes, chimichurri, no mayo for me..lol.. on a sassy sesame bun. The sandwiches came with fried yucca(similar to a potato, it’s sweeter and nuttier) ,  so delicious served with  salsa rosada.(cocktail mixture of mayo and ketchup)  

In addition to empanadas, they have arepas(sandwich that’s crispy on the outside, soft in the inside), ceviche, sandwiches, plates, sides, coffee, pastries, did I mention, the tea is from my favorite tea shop, “Just Add Honey”, yep! and of course, they have an extensive wine list(wines from Argentina, Chile, etc.) Now they are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, so call me, let’s grab a bite, vibe,  and chill on the patio.

 

KeithKNOWS, Been There, Sip the Tea! Brooklyn Tea Room ATL, 329 Nelson St. (Castleberry Hill) Downtown Atlanta https://brooklyntea.com/pages/atlanta  It’s a beautiful Spring morning, I’m taking my daily mental wellness art walk, I decided to stop in Brooklyn Tea  Room ATL in the Castleberry Hill neighborhood. I really like the vibe, energy and of course their tasty chai latte with oatmeal milk, talk about smoothness, oh, and I grabbed a vegan mini sweet potato pie to go. (LOL) Brooklyn Tea Room also has vegan and non vegan items such as croissants, muffins,  vegan cookies and  mini sweet potato pies by my favorite vegan company, First Batch Chef. They sell, apparel, tea boxes, teaware and more. The space is just the right size to chill and network, don’t forget to take an Instagram pic of the Brooklyn Bridge wall mural. I know you are definitely gonna check it out, call me, I’ll meet you there, we can chill outside! Tea-riffic!  (by the way they also have another location in Brooklyn, NY)

KeithKNOWS, Been There, Ate There often!! Healthful Essence Caribbean Vegan Vegetarian Restaurant and Food Truck, 875 York Ave SW, (West End) Atlanta  https://healthfullessence.com  They have the best sorrel drink in the ATL, yes, I said so…lol..  Whenever I’m in the West End, this is my go to place for delicious yumminess, love their un fish cakes, rice and peas of course, curry veggies..so good!, they also have really good collard greens too, now you know I gotta have dessert, I usually devour the carrot cake and from time to time I’ll have the peach cobbler.  It’s a small intimate space, they also do takeout and have a few outdoor tables. I would highly recommend this spot for vegans.

 

KeithKNOWS, Been there, shop there! Wadada’s Healthy Market & Juice Bar, 878 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd  SW (West End) Atlanta https://www.wadadaatl.com/    Your one stop market for vegan friendly, all natural, plant based everything in person or online, some of  my favorites are the vegan Jamaican patties(veggies, ackee, callaloo, spinach) that crust is amazing, mini sweet potatoes pies from First Batch, Majestea sorrel tea, True Laundry detergent, there’s so many great options.  Wadada’s also sells loose teas, hot foods, vitamins and supplements, candles, hair care, household cleaning products, bath and body products, desserts, fruits, health and beauty products, sea moss, shea butter, herbs,  oils, lotions, wellness products, smoothies, ice cream, juices, prepared meals, paper products, fashions, jewelry and so much more. It’s also an opportunity to support local and national small black businesses.  On your next visit to the West End, you gotta check them out, tell ‘em KeithKNOWS sent ya!

KeithKNOWS, Been There, Ate There!  Eighty 7 Sweets Vegan Ice Cream, on Broad Street, Downtown Atlanta (56 Broad St) www.Eighty7sweets.com "If you love yourself some ice cream, like I do, who don't?Creamy, coconuty, delicious, smooth and tasty, but you are lactose intolerant, and you can't do dairy or soy, this is the place for you. They specialize in non dairy, vegan ice cream with creative flavors with catchy names: West End Wakanda(I tried that one, yummy, it's a mystery flavor and I tried the Mocha flavor reminded me of coffee), Caramel Cobb, Edgewood Oreo, Vanilla Vinings, Spelman Strawberry & Mango and many more, try it on a waffle cone, cup or their warm vegan choc. chip super bowl. The staff was great at letting me taste all the interesting flavors, well not all, a few. (LOL) I'll will definitely be back. Call me, I'll meet you there!

KeithKNOWS, Been There, Ate  & Drank There!   "Just Add Honey", Old 4th Ward(East Beltline), 684 John Wesley Dobbs, Downtown Atlanta  https://justaddhoney.net/   Just Add Honey   "Givin You the "Tea"  I celebrated my B Earth Day there and was blown away with excellent customer care, delicious fruity teas and much more.    Oh, Oh, Oh, did I mention their teas are au naturale, can also be purchased at their flagship store or online.

“Truly Living Well, Food for Life Supreme!True Food Restaurant @ Lenox Mall, 3393 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta 30326 404-481-2980   http://www.truefoodkitchen.com/locations/atlanta/  KeithKNOWS, Been There, Ate There!

“I just recently return from my hometown VA(Virginia) where the deers and foxes do play(LOL)..just teasing, now that I’ve gotten your attention. True food opened while I was in Virginia so I was excited to check it out!  If you are looking for a restaurant with good food that’s simply delicious, look no further.  Food that’ll keep you fit for life! True food uses the freshest ingredients, meals fresh to order. The restaurant is eco-friendly with an open air atmosphere, quaint and comfortable.  Now let’s get to the real reason I’m at True Food, the food! I was starved, so I wanted something hearty, I tried the Turkey Lasagna(spinach, ricotta cheese, organic tomatoes)  and sipped on a coconut water mixer(coco nut water, pineapple, vanilla, OJ )now that’s real good food. For dessert, I had the chocolate flourless cake, you heard me, flourless cake…light, sweet, chocolatey, ”Da BOMB!(LOL)  This is a great restaurant for vegans, vegetarians, gluten free diets, there’s something for everyone. The prices are reasonable and the menu’s diverse with items such as, natural refreshments, entrees, salads, sandwiches, starters, wine, cocktails and beers. I’m excited to visit True Food again, if you go before I do, let me know what you think or call me, let’s meet for dinner”

KeithKNOWS, been there, Ate There!   Panbury’s Double Crust Pies, (inside the Sweet Auburn Curb Market) 209 Edgewood Avenue, Downtown Atlanta  30303 404-500-1279   http://www.panburys.com   New at the Sweet Auburn Curb Market, single serve hand pies,  just opened over a week ago. “Pie Power”  While elevating Small Business by having a scavenger hunt at the curb market, I discovered Panbury’s Double Crust Pies. I was greeted with such warmth and friendliness, I knew I had to try a pie, well, I ate 2 apple pies and bought 2 additional pies to take home.(LOL)  What I  really like about Panbury’s, their pies are homemade fresh from the oven. While I tried the fruit pies, some of the guests from the scavenger hunt were more adventuresome, some tried the roasted lamb pie, spinach and feta, and green thai chicken curry.  The menu consists of variety of pies, beef, chicken, veggies, and sweets.  Panbury’s also has small bites, sides and extras such as a kale salad, potato salad, beverages and more. Lunch anyone? Let’s go to the curb market, I’ll treat!

Revolution Doughnuts, 908 West College Avenue, Decatur & Inman Park   678-927-9920   www.revolutiondoughnuts.com KeithKNOWS, been there, KNOW that!   For Real “Dough”!   Have you ever dreamed of doughnuts that were gluten free, all natural, made from scratch, and definitely delicious. (  vegan and vegetarian optional).  Well, wake up the dream is over,  Revolution doughnuts to the rescue.   You must try my favorites, orange pistachio and dark chocolate, yummy for my tummy!(smile)  Now I must warn you, these doughnuts are a hot commodity, people drive across Atlanta just to get them.   I see your eyes are glazed over with excitement, now when you go, avoid Mondays, they are closed.  So spread the word, healthy doughnuts dominate the ATL.(smile) Don’t forget Revolution also has organic coffee and an expresso bar.

List of  Gifts 2 Give & Get!

Shop Small Black Businesses!

Cultivating A Culture of Consciousness!!!

Buy Black, Gift Giving, “Ask Keith, KeithKNOWS” here's a list of where to find & buy black owned, affordable, quality handcrafted items, unique specialty shops, contemporary/ upscale/ one of kind gifts, artifacts, jewelry, original artwork, all occasion greeting cards, and much more.  "Elevate" your Gift Giving. Local, National, Online shopping. (Gift Cards will do too, use them wisely, check expiration date, policies, etc.)

Gift Giving, Holiday Shopping, Special Occasions, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday and all year round gift giving..  Holiday Tips: Shop early, ship items in advance, be patience, item availability may be limited, create a list, shop online if possible.

Georgia & Local Businesses:

1. Aakofii Leather Designer

Gifts to Give: handcrafted leather belts, tops, bottoms, neckpieces, bags, cuffs, silver jewelry, leather jackets, for men and women. aakofii.com

2. Afro Centric Network

Gifts to Give: Art, clothes, jewelry, fabric, hair & body products, essential oils, and holiday/kwanzaa greeting cards, and  more. Iamafrocentric.com

3. Afrentic

Gifts to Give: Melanin GLow Skin products, whipped shea butter, black soap body wash, clothes,  pillows, and more, all from Africa.  afrentic.com

4. Black Art In America

Gifts to Give:  shop for fine art,  by Najee Dorsey, John Biggers, Woodrow Nash, Mohammad Bhatti, William Tolliver, Buchi Aghaji, Abiola Akintola, Delita Martin, Faith Ringgold, David Driskell, Elizabeth Catlett, and many many more. shopbaiaonline.com

5. Barn Owl Garden

Gifts to Give: Stainless steel garden tools, garden gloves, bucket hats, nonslide shears.  Barnowlet.com

6. Basil me Lemonades

Gifts to Give: Basil infused non sugary, health benefit beverages, with flavors like, blueberry, elderberry, strawberry, wheatgrass, and original. basilme.co

7. Brown Toy Box

Gifts to Give: Cultural books, STEAM projects & activities, classroom décor, fun content for kids. (ages 4 to 12) browntoybox.com

8. C2bN(Created To Be Noticed) Bags

Gifts to Give: multifunctional, adjustable strap leather and durable canvas bags, 6. wallets, vacuum flasks, clothes and more.  c2bn.com

9. Culture Greetings All Occasion Cards

Gifts to Give: Culturally relevant greeting cards printed and mailed digitally for you… for holidays, birthdays, thank you, religion & spirituality and more. culturegreetings.com

10. Dream Jammies

Gifts to Give: young girls, sleepwear, stain bonnets, cotton pajamas dreamandjammies.com

11. Fruition Hat Company

Gifts to Give: Hat styles, fedora, wide brim, boater, top hat, flat caps, panama, derby, porkpie, bolero, godfather, bowler, trilby. fruitionhatcompany.com

12. Gems of Africa Gallery

Gifts to Give: Shona sculptures, Iron wood sculptures, masks, South African pottery and tribal artifacts. gemsofafricagallery.com

13. IWI Fresh Spa

Gifts to Give: Farm to Skin spa, Spa services, spa products, hot shaves, beard trim, facials, hair coloring, hair cuts, natural home remedies and more. iwifresh.com

14. Just Add Honey Tea Company

Gifts to Give: loose-leaf teas, black tea gift set, elderberry syrup kit, latte gift set, matcha teas, roobois, cacao chai, tea strainers, black coconut, and more.  justaddhoney.net

15. Majestea Tea Company

Gifts to Give:  Health & Wellness Teas, lemon ginger, sorrel, sweet tea, wellness tea, loose tea & infuser sets. mymajesteas.com

16. Medu Bookstore

Gifts to Give: Afrocentric books, videos, magazines, greeting cards, and more. medubookstore.com

17. Miss D's Pralines

Gifts to Give:  New Orleans style Pralines, Gourmet Popcorn. missdspraline.com

18. Reflektion Designs

Gifts to Give: African Ankara prints, fans, bags, baskets, accessories, phone cases, jewelry, fabric, scarves, tableware and more. reflektiondesign.com

19. Sammy Cheezecake

Gifts to Give: Signature flavors, red velvet, strawberry, german chocolate, vanilla, yellow, lemon, chocolate, and more.  Handmade from scratch.  sammycheeze.com

20. Smith & Lee Handmade Leather Goods

Gifts to Give: Handmade leather, watch straps, bags, wallets, card holders, luggage tags, keychains, bracelets and more. smithandleehandmade.com

 21. Timbuktu Art Colony

Gifts to Give: handcrafted  cultural jewelry, african masks, artifacts, bracelets, earrings, rings, and more. timbuktuartcolony.com

22. Uncle Jimmy Products 

Gifts to Give: Beard care, beard oils, balms, shaving creams & gels, hair, beard and body wash, beard growth oils, body lotions, molding putty, conditioners. unclejimmyproducts.com

Nationwide Businesses:

23. Abbey Creek Vineyard

 Gifts to Give: Hip Hop Winery, chardonnay, sparkling blanc de noir, pinot noir rose, sparkling pinot gris, mélange noir, cabernet sauvignon, and more. abbeycreekvineyard.com (Oregon)

 24. Africaboutik 

Gifts to Give: African, blankets, baskets, throws, scarves, bags, masks, clothing, wall art, jewelry and more. www.Africaboutik.us (NYC)

25. Bamboozle by Lavalis

Gifts to Give: Handcrafted natural bamboo silver, bone jewelry, earspears, bracelets, necklaces, loc ties, belts, earrings and more.  bamboozlejewelry.com   (Louisiana)

 26. Bevel Men Grooming

Gifts to Give: grooming tools, trimmers, face wash, shampoo, beard softener, soaps, deodrants, body lotion and more. getbevel.com  (California)

 27. Charlie Renee

Gifts to Give: vegan handmade body butters, hair & body butters, lip butter, hair grown serum, face serum, scrubs and soaks, hair pomade, Jamaican castor oil, aromatherapy and more.  charlierenee.com    (Virginia)

 28.Cocovaa Chocolatier

Gifts to Give: finest cacao beans, ganaches, bars, barks, caramels, mousses and more. cocovaa.com  (Wisconsin)

 29. Cooper Rose Baby

Gifts to Give: Eco friendly baby brand, diaper covers, flat & fitted diapers, wipes, nursing products, apparel and more. copperrosebaby.com  (Illinois)

 30. Foot Nanny

Gifts to Give: foot and hand protein cream, peppermint, tea tree oil, chocolate cream, lemon cream, eucalyptus, parsley sage, foot tubs, and more.  footnanny.com (California)

 31. Good Vibes Plant Based Cleaners

Gifts to Give: All natural pure cleaners, sandalwood, nao champa, frankincense & myrrh.  Goodvibesclean.com  (Philadelphia)

 32. HarperIman Dolls

Gifts to Give: Dolls of Color, positive affirmations, custom dolls, keepsake dolls, and more.  harperiman.com (online)

 33. Issa Black Thang Game

Gifts to Give: fun charades game for the culture, revisits favorite past times, movies, music, and so much more.  issablackthang.net  (Texas)

 34. Jungalow Désigns

Gifts to Give: wall paper, planters, outdoor/indoor décor, quilts, pillows, duvet sets, wall hangings, e-gift cards, recycled gift paper, blankets, and more. jungalow.com (California)

 35. Lakay Designs

Gifts to Give: African inspired, bedding, clothes, art, lampshades, African print, rugs, chair covers, wall art, place mats, and more.  lakaydesigns.com  (Colorado)

 36. Linoto Pure Linen Design

Gifts to Give: beddings, baskets, sheets, towels, curtains, kitchen & dinnerware, jewelry, scarves, sandalwood art, mugs, pillows, accessories, journals and more. linoto.com (New York)

 37. Lock it Plates

Gifts to Give: microwaveable to go containers, party plates w/cup holder, usable as steam bowl & salad mixer.  lockitplates.com (Ohio)

 38. Mahogany Books

Gifts to Give: Fiction, non fiction, children, young adults, children  mahoganybooks.com (Washington, DC)

 39. Melaninful

Gifts to Give: Men & Women, black cartoon & civil rights leaders hoodies, dashiki hoodies,, ancient Egyptian bedding sets, fleece jogger sets, african jewelry, jigsaw puzzles, civil rights leaders rugs, ’68 olympics polo shirts,  shorts, car seat covers and more.  melaninful.net  (online)

 40. Moroccan Furniture Décor

Gifts to Give: Moroccan style, wooden artwork, tile fountain, chairs, vases, panels, doors, lighting, vintage furniture and more. moroccanfurnituredecor.com (Florida)

 41. Nurilens by JuNuri

Gifts to Give: wooden eyewear with blue light blocking lenses(from computers, phone, electronics), prescription options, sunglasses for men and women.  nurilens.co   (Washington, DC)

 42. Odin Leather Goods

Gifts to Give: accessories, bags, belts, travel, wallets, desk and writing, and more. odinleathergoods.com (Texas)

43. Phillip Ashley Chocolates

Gifts to Give: Designer chocolates, build a box, business gifting (salted vanilla caramel, salted bourbon caramel, dark chocolate and more) phillipashleychocolates.com (Tennessee)

 44. P-X-W Fit Factory

Gifts to Give: Men & Women fitness, shorts, leggings, Jump rope, t-shirts  p-x-w.com (California)

 45. Marcus Samuelsson Cookbook

Gifts to Give: “The Rise: Black Cooks and the Soul of American Food marcussamuelsson.com (NYC)

 46. Shop Well Costore

Gifts to Give:  gum healing toothpaste, carbon pulling perspirant, pit tox, mouth breath spray, castile soap, mist spray deodorant, ph dish soap, all purpose cleaner, toothache ointment, hand lotion and more. shopwellcostore.com (North Carolina)

 47. Soul Popped Gourmet Popcorn

Gifts to Give: Flavors, austin smoke bbq, banana pudding, corn on the cobb, chicken n’ waffles, momma’s friend chicken, mac n cheese.  soulpopped.com  (Texas)

 48.Talley & Twine Watches

Gifts to Give: Men & Women watches, wallets, handbags, belts, and more. talleyandtwine.com (Virginia)

 49. TNT Goods

Gifts to Give: sweatshirts, jewelry, enamel pins, buttons, coasters, keychains, unique accessories and home décor.  shoptntgoods.com  (Tennessee)

 Tally & Twine

KNOW Where to GO.. Places to “CHILL”, Gather, Cultivate, Unwind.....Netweave...Feel the Vibe!

Lounges, lattes, laptops, WIFI, Relax, Unwind, Coffee, tea, sweets, frappes, lattes, smoothies, salads,  sandwiches, soups and much more…. Chill…all year long!

Allegro Coffee Company at Whole Foods, 22 14th St NW, Midtown Atlanta   A cozy full-service coffee and espresso bar with wine, local beers, baked goods – including handmade biscuits,  sandwiches and more,  404- 552-4201   allegrocoffee.com/  

Black Coffee ATL, 131 Walker St, Downtown Atlanta (Castleberry Hill) Black Coffee is that meeting place. That place where the artist, the businessman,& the entrepreneur can convene over a hand-crafted beverage. A place where students from the illustrious historically black college center in Atlanta can study and a spot for the ever-growing art scene in Atlanta to come alive. blackcoffeeatl.com/*Blackowned

Black Coffee Company, 1800 Jonesboro Rd SE, Atlanta "The Black Coffee Company" is a lifestyle brand that sells coffee; beans, merchandise, and apparel. We blend our love for coffee and culture with the pursuit of financial freedom. theblackcoffeecompany.com/ *Blackowned

Black Dot Cultural Center & Bookstore, 6984 Main St, Lithonia Since its opening in November 2017, Black Dot Cultural Center and Bookstore has served as a community staple in Downtown Lithonia. It is more than just a local bookstore and gourmet coffee shop providing specialty coffee, such as Ethiopian Yirgachaffe. It is a welcoming space where locals and visitors gather to experience the richness of African and Black Culture.  blackdotcc.com/ *Blackowned

Brooklyn Tea Company, 329 Nelson St, Downtown Atlanta (Castleberry Hill) Founded by husband and wife team Jamila Wright and official Tea Sommelier Alfonso Wright, Brooklyn Tea has become the hot spot for tea enthusiasts everywhere! If you love tea as much as we do, Brooklyn Tea is definitely for you. All of our teas are loose leaf, all natural, iced, hot and in more than 50 varietals. Stop by one of our tea rooms or purchase online. brooklyntea.com/  * Blackowned

Buzz Coffee & Wine Bar, 2315 Cascade  Road SW, Atlanta 30311 (678) 337-8370 Where Art.Culture.Community and delicious libations reside in the heart of Atlanta’s historic Cascade Heights area buzzcoffeeandwine.com  *Blackowned

 
Café Intermezzo, 1065 Peachtree St, Midtown Atlanta 30309 404-355-0411(other locations in Dunwood, Avalon, Airport)   Café Intermezzo presents over 100 different tortes, tarts, cakes, pies and cheesecakes; scores of coffee beverages and other non-alcohol beverages; many hundreds of beverages with alcohol; and complete, international lunch and dinner menus with a plethora of offerings. Featuring the Largest Espresso/Cappuccino Machine in the World cafeintermezzo.com

Condesa Coffee, 480 John Wesley Dobbs Ave, Ste 100, Atlanta, GA 30312 (404) 524-5054 Condesa Coffee is a café and espresso bar.  We sell coffee from roasting-great Intelligentsia, house-made sandwiches and morning quiche and locally sourced pastries.  condesacoffee.com

Dancing Goat Coffee Bar,   650 North Avenue NE, Ponce City Market,  Midtown Atlanta 30308   (404) 874-0370   (other locations Buckhead, Midtown on 9th st,  Decatur)We offer exceptional espresso beverages, locally-made doughnuts, pastries, sandwiches and a menu of single origin coffees and blends roasted right here in Atlanta on the Westside. batdorfcoffee.com

Get Fruity, 3707 Main Street, College Park (678) 515.7601 (other locations, Greenbriar,  Old National Hwy, Ricon, GA) Smoothies, Salads, Wraps and more. mygetfruity.com/ *Blackowned

Grant Park CoffeeHouse, 8 Park Place NE, Downtown Atlanta (other location, Grant Park) specializing in premium, fair trade and organic coffee as well as made-to-order breakfast and lunch, high quality (and delicious!) ice cream, and baked goods and deserts that are all made here on the premises, most of which are baked daily. grantparkcoffeehouse.com/ *Blackowned

Grounded Café, 1545 Peachtree St, Midtown Atlanta  specializing in coffee/espresso-based beverages while serving mouth-watering pastries and deliciously crafted salads. groundedcafevi.com/  *Blackowned

Hodge Podge Coffee,, 720 Moreland Ave, (Ormewood) Atlanta Their 1000 sqft of gallery space serves dual purposes: it acts as a space for people to commune either at our community table or relax at one of the smaller four tops in the area. It also functions as a space to display art from local artists. Our full menu is available at this location, including our lunch menu. hodgepodgecoffee.com/*Blackowned

Inman Perk @ Inman Park, 240 Highland Avenue, ste H, Atlanta  678-705-4545  Inman Perk Coffee was once just a family’s idea—an idea to bring really good coffee and a warm, comfortable atmosphere to the Inman Park neighborhood of Atlanta, Georgia. Today, the reality is that you can enjoy a variety of delicious specialty hot and cold beverages—along with decadent desserts, engaging artwork, and a free wireless Internet hotspot—in two metro Atlanta locations. Inman Park is often called “Atlanta’s oldest neighborhood”—and today, it thrives as a community of people who are interested in making their neighborhood a better place. inmanperkcoffee.com/about/

JuiceHeads ATL, 2591 Piedmont Rd NE Atlanta (Lindbergh) A whole-plant, fresh-made organic spot for healthier options. Vegan meals, smoothies, shots, fresh juice, smoothie bowls and much more.  juiceheadsatl.com/

Just Add Honey Tea Company, 684 John Wesley Dobbs, Atlanta 30312 {404} 850-6510   (on the Eastside Trail Beltline) just add honey tea company wants you to enjoy the best, freshest, and most flavorful teas with every sip. Whether it is a black tea, herbal tea, fruit tea or specialty tea, just add honey wants you to enjoy every cup. Anytime. Anywhere. justaddhoney.net  *Blackowned

Land of A Thousand Hills, 715 Peachtree St, Midtown Atlanta 30308  (470)240-1269   , Buckhead, Downtown)  Drink Coffee, Do Good! We craft beautiful coffee, create purposeful work, and cultivate flourishing communities.  landofathousandhills.com/   

Momonoki Atlanta,   95 8th St NW, Atlanta  Midtown   Momonoki will serve chef driven Ramen, Tsukemen (dipping ramen) Donburi (raw/cooked rice bowls), Katsu Sando (Japanese cutlet sandwiches), salads and small plates.  A full bar stocked with cocktails, sake, wine and local/Japanese brews in cans/bottles and on tap will round out the menu. Along with the restaurant, a café (Momo Cafe) attached to the space will serve the choicest coffee and Japanese-inspired drinks.  You can enjoy our drinks while getting inspired on our mezzanine overlooking the bustling 75/85 interstate or on our patio bar looking in to the cafe and restaurant. To complement the drinks, we’ll serve desserts, sweets and pastries made in-house with Japanese technique and ingredients.   momonokiatl.com

Southern Roots Spices/Cafe,  225 East Ponce De Leon, Downtown Decatur,(other location Chamblee)  Come and enjoy our "Speakeasy" themed coffee shop. The room was inspired by the "Chris Botti Candelabra" hanging in the center of the room. Relax in one of the velvet chairs or leather sofas with a delicious espresso drink, signature coffee or tea. southernrootsspice.com/*Blackowned

Sweet Hut  Bakery & Cafe,  935 Peachtree St, Midtown Atlanta 30309  (404) 600-4800 You will never not be satisfied with the hundreds of pastries and drink combinations that you can choose from at our store. Combining the selection available at our Doraville store with the sandwich menu available at our Midtown store, our Kennesaw store will have it all! Also in Marietta  sweethutbakery.com/

Urban Grind Coffee Shop,962 Marietta St NW, Atlanta   established in 2007, with the true coffeehouse culture in mind. The comfortable seating, the aroma of the freshly brewed coffee and the loose-leaf herbal tea, makes it a soothing environment by day. People can be found studying, working on projects, hashing out startup ideas and meeting with friends over coffee. By night, there are art exhibits, poetry events, discussion groups, and more. urbangrindatlanta.com/ * Blackowned

Wadada’s Healthy Market & Juice, 878 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW (West End) Atlanta   Atlanta’s first blackowned and woman owned vegan grocery store and juice bar. Over 90% of the products and vendors are other local blackowned businesses. An natural, organic and locally sourced vegan grocery store offering smoothies, superfood, herbs, fruits, sea moss gel, fresh pressed juices, organic teas,  delicious prepared foods and more.
wadadaatl.com/ *Blackowned

West Egg Cafe, 1100 Howell Mill Rd., Atlanta, GA 404-872-3973
Master the art of the coffee break at a charming breakfast-all-day cafe on busy Howell Mill. westeggcafe.com

Hot Spots for Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Outdoor Dining

 Al Fresco Dining!  Sip on a tall glass of icy cold freshly made lemonade, chill with a fruit soup, try peach or strawberry, my favorite! Enjoy the nice weather while you can. Great places to dine..a cozy romantic patio, a quaint courtyard, open air seating…perfect hot spots for Spring/Summer/Fall. Places to unwind after a long day, relax with friends or take that special .  Downtown, Midtown, Uptown, all around town!

Blackowned restaurants are indicated with 2 asterisks(**)

10 DEGREES SOUTH, 4183 Roswell Road, Atlanta, GA 30342 (404) 705-8870     

10 Degrees South is the only restaurant of it's kind in the USA, specializing in South African cuisine. South African cuisine is a fusion of French, Portuguese, Dutch, German & Malaysian cuisines with strong Mediterranean influences. The restaurant was founded in 1998 in a small bungalow in Buckhead Atlanta. Six years later, inspiration was taken from the sophisticated & modern hotels of Cape Town to transform 10 Degrees South. 10 Degrees South offers the passion for life which means the love of friends, family, food & drink! http://www.10degreessouth.com

AGAVE, Cabbagetown   242 Boulevard SE, Atlanta   404-588-0006   

Dressed-up Southwestern dishes share a stage with New Mexico standards at this likeable urban cantina in Cabbagetown. Shrimp and tuna seviche gets a nice kick from its lime and cider vinegar marinade. For dessert, rich chocolate mousse hits the spot. http://www.agaverestaurant.com 

BARCELONA WINE & BAR, 240 N Highland Ave NE, Atlanta (Inman Park)   404-589-1010

A variety of Spanish shareable plates & a long wine list amid rustic wood decor & wraparound patio.  As with the food, the décor is classic, sophisticated and understated. Whether dining inside in our tapas lounge or al fresco on our wrap-around patio, the restaurant’s warm ambiance mirrors the chic and urban style throughout the neighborhood.  http://www.barcelonawinebar.com  

**Breakfast At Barney's 349 Decatur St SE Unit A1, 30312 404-549-6042

Obsessed with Breakfast at Barney’s! Their extensive brunch menu will make you want to return every weekend. Make sure you finish your meal with their Peach Cobbler and Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. https://www.breakfastatbarneys.com/

CAFE SUNFLOWER, 5975 Roswell Road, Suite 353, Sandy Springs  404-256-1675

Very friendly service. Relaxed atmosphere. Beautiful outdoor seating with cypress trees. Has a cookbook. Small place with an intimate atmosphere. The food is well-presented. A good place for a special event  www.cafesunflower.com

CANOE, 4199 Paces Ferry Road, Atlanta 770-432-2663

Overlooking the Chattahooche River, Canoe offers unusual and artistically prepared American fusion cooking. Canoe is one of the loveliest restaurants in town. www.canoe-atl.com

ECCO, 40 7th Street NE, Midtown Atlanta, GA 30308    (404) 347-9555

Since being named a "Best New Restaurant in America" by Esquire in 2006, Ecco has quickly become one of Atlanta's, and the Southeast's, most recognized and renowned restaurants. The seasonal European menu tempts with delicious meat and cheese boards featuring a myriad of different selections, housemade pastas, authentic wood-fired pizzas and mouthwatering desserts. The restaurant also features an adventurous, nationally-recognized wine list representing both boutique and well-known European vinyards with many selections exclusive to Ecco. Featuring award-winning design including an over-sized bar, a large, open-air patio and a breathtakingly beautiful main dining room, Ecco is completely unique, yet comfortable. Whether with a large party, enjoying a romantic dinner or simply having a bite at the bar, Ecco is sure to become one of your favorite Midtown neighborhood dining spots. http://fifthgroup.com

ECLIPSE DI LUNA,  Buckhead, 764 Miami Circle,  404-846-0449
Once you walk through our door, you feel like you’ve stumbled upon the best-kept secret in the city. Evenings offer a tapas menu that is tops. Lots of fun! Funky. Live music. http://eclipsediluna.com

**Milk & Honey Restaurant, 5495 Cascade Rd Suite 100 404-968-9266

A contemporary venue with a cheery vibe featuring all-day brunch & Southern specialties. Milk & Honey have award winning Shrimp and Grits, so you’re going to want to try them. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. They may become your new ATL addiction. https://www.milkandhoneyatl.com/

Mojave Restaurant, 6450 Powers Ferry Rd NW, Sandy Springs, 30339 770-858-1720

This Latin American gem has one of the best brunch views in the city. Every Saturday and Sunday from 11 until 3, brunch is served up with stand-out dishes like the Huevos Rancheros and their French Toast stealing our hearts and bellies. The French Toast is served up with thick slices of challah bread, grilled and draped with a Mexican hot chocolate rum sauce and carmelized bananas. https://www.mojaverestaurant.com/

MURPHY'S, 997 Virginia Ave. NE, Midtown Atlanta   404-872-0904

Celebrating 25 years of service, Murphy’s is one of Atlanta’s best-loved restaurants. Located in the trendy Virginia Highlands, it is the long-standing hub of neighborhood camaraderie and the choice destination for visitors seeking the epicenter of the district’s shopping and nightlife. Tom Murphy’s acclaimed restaurant brings in the crowds with the perfect combination of upscale comfort food, unpretentious service, a cozy, high-energy setting and excellent value. www.murphysvh.com

**Nouveau Bar & Grill,   3775 Main Street, College Park/ 404-343-675    103 West Mill St, Jonesboro/770-7035168

With live DJ’s and karaoke, it’s always a good time at Nouveau Bar & Grill. Their homestyle cooking is beloved by many. We suggest trying out their chicken wings, and make sure to get waffle fries on the side.  https://nouveaubar.com/

**Roc South Cuisine & Cocktails, 3009 Buford Hwy NE,  (Buckhead) Atlanta  404-481-5915

The undisputed Rockstar of Southern food, this restaurant is an icon in its own right. One bite of their Seafood Eggrolls and you’ll be hooked for life. Their refreshing and unique cocktail selection alone will make any visit worthwhile too!  https://www.rocsouth.com/

SOTTO SOTTO,  Inman Park  313 North Highland Avenue, Midtown  404-523-6678 

Subdued style and authentic Italian ingredients whisper softly in Inman Park.    The kitchen generally eschews popular Americanizations for simple ingredients in authentic combinations. And starters, pasta, and risotto are where it really shines. Retro-pleasure Vitello Tonatto serves up a flawless combination of unctuousness and tang. Tagliatelle with cream, ham and peas and spaghettini with tuna roe sing with understated, lovely flavors. Tortelli with roasted eggplant and walnuts, and an asparagus risotto likewise trade on a balance of rusticity and richness.  http://www.sottosottorestaurant.com 

STATS,  300 Marietta Street, Downtown Atlanta    404-885-1472  

Are you ready for some "food play?" Concentrics Restaurants has introduced the city of Atlanta to the premium, food-focused, sports-centered, draught-direct eatery with a high-energy vibe, STATS. Adding to the excitement and anticipation, tap tasters will be mesmerized by the revolutionary beer system incorporated into the restaurant. With 70 high-definition televisions, gourmet American cuisine and beer that literally pours from the tables, the venue will be the definitive spot for sports lovers seeking good meals and libations. Bob Amick and Todd Rushing are proving once again that when it comes to restaurants, they don't play around. http://www.statsatl.com

Sun In My Belly,   2161 College Ave, NE, Atlanta  404-370-1088

This place does exactly what it says it will. If you’re looking for sunshine in your belly, try their Cajun grilled shrimp served on cheese grits with pork sausage and toasted focaccia. It’s the ultimate Shrimp n’ Grits. http://www.suninmybelly.com/

TABLE 1280,   Woodruff Arts Center/High Museum  1280 Peachtree Rd. NE, Midtown  404-897-1280

Elegant cuisine in a crisp, contemporary setting in Table 1280 Restaurant and Tapas Lounge at the Woodruff Arts Center. While enjoying views of the main Piazza, guests may choose from two different dining experiences: The restaurant, offering American brasserie-inspired dishes and the Tapas Lounge, serving a variety of small plates, using the finest seasonal ingredients. An intimate food bar links the two dining rooms allowing guests to sit and enjoy their meal with a spectacular view of the restaurant's open kitchen  http://www.table1280.com

**Toast on Lenox, 2770 Lenox Rd, (Buckhead) Atlanta 404-748-4594

Dynamic breakfast & lunch spot with a trendy vibe serving waffles, salads & sides, plus cocktails. https://www.toastonlenoxatl.com/

Treehouse Restaurant & Pub,  7 Kings Circle NE, (Buckhead) Atlanta 404-266-2732

There’s an extensive brunch menu on offer at this Peachtree Hills gem. From Belgian Waffles to eggs however you like ’em, there’s something for everyone at Treehouse. There’s even Brunch Pizzas including the Farm Egg Pizza served topped with bacon, potatoes, eggs, and more! https://www.treehouseatlanta.com/

Financial Monthly Calendar

Making One Financial Adjustment a Month Can Help You Get Your Money in Order

With a new year upon us, it might be time to make a commitment to revisit some aspect of your finances each month. Here are some suggestions:

January — Resolve to increase savings.
With each new year, many of us resolve to quit a bad habit, but this year you should resolve to start (or ratchet up) the habit of saving. First, increase your 401(k) deferral by the same percentage as your raise. So, if you currently defer 7 percent of your paycheck to your 401(k) and your annual raise for the current year is 3 percent, increase your 401(k) contribution from 7 percent to 10 percent. You will not miss the money and will benefit from this increased savings down the line. In addition, sign up for an automatic investing program through your bank or mutual fund firm. Start with a manageable amount, like $50 or $100 a month, and increase this amount over time. By having the money automatically debited from your checking account and deposited into a savings or investment account, you miss it less than if you were to deposit the money yourself. 

February — Make your  IRA contribution.
You can contribute a total of $4,000 to either a traditional IRA or a Roth IRA for the current year, and you can make your contributions until April of the current year. If you are age 50 or older, you can contribute an additional $1,000 in catch-up contributions for a total of $5,000. To participate in a Roth IRA, your adjusted gross income, or AGI, cannot exceed $95,000 for single filers and $150,000 for joint filers. Contributions and earnings grow tax free with a Roth IRA, and eligible withdrawals are tax-free as well. With a traditional IRA, earnings and contributions grow tax-deferred with eligible withdrawals subject to income tax.

March — Avoid the rush and get organized for your current year tax-return filing.
Look out for 1099s and your W-2. To minimize the painful ordeal of completing your tax return, take the time now to gather all the necessary paperwork. By the end of this month, you should have received your W-2 wage statement from each employer, as well as form 1099 from each bank, brokerage firm, investment company and mutual fund in which you invested in_____yr. If you have not received these forms by the end of the month, call the respective institutions immediately to request additional copies. Keep in mind, even if you are not ready to delve into completing your tax return, it is important to have all the paperwork at your fingertips now, as waiting until April can often be too late. On average, it takes banks three to five business days to mail you a duplicate 1099; however, many branches allow customers to come in for a reprinted copy. Additionally, it may take up to a week for shareholders to get duplicate paper copies of their brokerage account or mutual fund 1099s.

April — Electronically file your current  tax return. According to the IRS, 65.8 million tax returns were e-filed for the  tax year (an 11.3 percent increase from the year before). When filing your current tax return, you should take advantage of this filing option, as it can result in quicker refunds and fewer errors. Specifically, on average, e-filers get their refunds in half the time of regular filers, and if you e-file and use direct deposit, you can receive your refund in approximately two weeks. In addition, e-filers have a less than 1 percent error rate because the computer software automatically checks your math.

May — Use your tax refund to pay down debt.
If you filed your taxes via paper, your refund should arrive about six weeks after you filed, and within 10 days if you filed electronically. Either way, that money will likely arrive in May, so make sure to use it to pay down any outstanding loans. With an average refund of about $2,100 last year, this money can definitely make a dent in your debt.

June — Take your car in for a tuneup, so it is in top shape for summer travel.
While this might not sound like a financial tip, it actually is — the worse shape your car is in, the more money you are going to spend on gasoline. With gas prices usually a bit higher during summer months, a poorly tuned car could really hit your pocketbook. For example, be sure to check and replace the air filter regularly, which can provide a fuel economy benefit of up to 10 percent.

July — Check your credit and improve your score.
It is important to verify regularly the accuracy of the information in your credit report, and now you can do it for free! Beginning Sept. 1, 2005, the federal Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act enabled everyone living in the United States to obtain a snapshot of his or her credit history once a year for free from each of the three major credit reporting agencies — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You can request a copy of your free three-in-one credit report, which provides data from all three credit reporting agencies, through the Web, phone or mail.

Once you know the score, work on improving your credit by setting realistic goals and committing to a timeline for reaching each goal. Given its weight in your overall credit score, the first goal on your list should be paying your bills on time. If necessary, contact your creditors to arrange for a payment plan that you can manage, thereby preventing future late payments. Next, when thinking about which debts to tackle first, generally, credit card debt is the most expensive (i.e., credit cards carry the highest interest rates), followed by car loans, mortgages and student loans, so you should start with credit cards. If you have more than one credit card, pay down those balances that are the largest relative to the credit limit first. While it is best to pay down all your debt completely, you should aim initially to reduce the amount of your total debt to 30 percent of your credit limit. For example, if your credit limit is $1,000, you should reduce your debt to a maximum of $300.

When working to improve your credit, do not accumulate more debt. The best means of prevention is to use debit instead of credit; pay more than the minimum on all your balances; and most important, do not apply for additional credit cards. Finally, remember, no one can improve your credit quickly, so do not seek the services of any organization or person who makes such guarantees. The only person who can improve your credit is you.

August — Work on your will.
When work is quiet at the end of summer, take time to evaluate your will, or if you do not have one yet, get one on the books. Approximately 55 percent of Americans do not have wills, which can put your family in a precarious situation should you die unexpectedly. While no one likes to talk about death, it is important to get your affairs in order, especially if you have children. If you have a fairly straightforward estate, you may even be able to write your own will using a software product such as Will Maker. However, if your estate is more complicated, you should seek the advice of an estate attorney in your home state, as laws regarding wills vary state by state. As your financial and personal situation may change year over year, be sure to commit to revisiting your will annually and making updates as appropriate.

September — It's back to school time … be sure to invest in a Coverdell Education Savings Account.
Depending on your income, you can invest up to $2,000 a year in a Coverdell Education Savings Account. Your investment options include mutual funds, a savings account or a brokerage account (through which you can invest in individual stocks and bonds). Although your contributions are not tax deductible, the money you invest grows tax-free, and all withdrawals from the account are tax-free as well, provided you use them for qualified education expenses. These expenses go beyond just tuition and include books, school supplies, computers and many other education-related expenses. Anyone can contribute to an education savings account on behalf of his or her child, so long as the total annual contributions do not exceed $2,000.

October — Complete a home energy audit to prepare for winter.
A home energy audit is one of the best things you can do to cut down on energy costs, and it can result in hundreds of dollars in savings. Many local energy companies offer a free online audit service that lets you enter information about your home to determine what your energy costs should be. Other energy companies or outside organizations offer in-home audits by an energy auditor for a fee, which typically ranges from $100 to $500.

November — Start your holiday shopping.
There are several advantages to starting your shopping early. First, you are not rushed and you can take the time to find the right gifts at a good price. Next, by starting early, you have more pay periods before year-end, and you can effectively budget without having to rack up debt by rushing to buy all your presents the week before Christmas. Additionally, you can take advantage of lots of sales, including end-of-fall closeouts, Veteran's Day sales and, of course, Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.

December — Take advantage of last-minute tax strategies.
Before the holiday parties begin, make sure that you have made all your current tax moves, such as donating to the charity of your choice, contributing to a 529 for your child and making early mortgage or property tax payments. These moves can benefit you at tax time, but they must be done before Dec. 31, so be sure to make your tax moves as early in the month as possible so as to not be scrambling on Dec. 30.

Mellody Hobson, president of Ariel Capital Management (arielmutualfunds.com) in Chicago, is ABC News' personal finance expert. Matthew Yale and Aimee Z. Daley contributed to this report.

10 Healthiest Desserts

Sweetness is my Weakness

Parting with dessert is such sweet sorrow, "Anything can be part of a healthy diet when eaten in moderation." So, from low-cal options to portion-controlled indulgences…here’s 10 ways to safely satisfy your sweet tooth:

1.*Homemade chocolate pudding with low- or non-fat milk

2.*Meringues -- they're fat-free and low-cal, so having a few is ok.

3.*Biscotti (oblong, thick, brittle cookies designed to be dipped in coffee, cocoa, or wine)

4,*Your favorite ice cream in a 1/2 cup portion-control bowl.

5.*Fruit Sorbet

6.*Homemade ice cream sandwiches (graham crackers and reduced-fat ice cream)

7.*Fruit fondue, with dark chocolate

8.*Brownies or cookies cut in 1in. x 1in. portions

9.*Baked fruit

10.*Pre-portioned mini peanut butter cups (Trader Joe's)

*Recipe resources: Cooking Light(www.cookinglight.com) , Eating Well(www.EatingWell.com), Nubella(www.Nubella.com) Vegetarian Times(www.vegetariantimes.com) Health(www.Health.com)

Remember that the first few bites of any dessert are always the most enjoyable, so if you find yourself faced with a tempting plate, savor a taste and then share with friends. Bon Appetit!

EZ Tax Return, Authorized IRS e-file provider, Fast, Easy Online Tax Preparation and e-file, use the code for $5 discount: EZMA88    Feel free to share code with family and friends. www.eztaxreturn.com/ezcash  

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Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System Hosts Free Tax Assistance and Preparation

Date: NOW thru - Tue, April 17th 2012  

For over 18 years, the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System, in collaboration with volunteers from the IRS-VITA and the AARP Foundation, is hosting free tax aide program, providing assistance and e-filing of both federal and state returns for people making up to $49,000 per year and senior citizens.

Tax assistance available at the following locations:  Adams Park, Buckhead, Central, College Park, East Point, Kirkwood, Northeast/Spruill Oaks, Roswell, Sandy Springs, South Fulton, Southwest and Washington Park. 

Link for locations, dates, times, contact info, etc:

http://www.afpls.org/images/stories/content_PDFs/schedule_TAX_PREP-_020312.pdf

In 2011 the tax aide program helped nearly 3,000 patrons.  

This free service is being offered at the following locations in your area from NOW  through April 17. Please see the attached schedule for locations, dates and times. The information call also be found at www.afpls.org

10 Healthiest Desserts

Sweetness is my Weakness

Parting with dessert is such sweet sorrow, "Anything can be part of a healthy diet when eaten in moderation." So, from low-cal options to portion-controlled indulgences…here’s 10 ways to safely satisfy your sweet tooth:

*Homemade chocolate pudding with low- or non-fat milk

*Meringues -- they're fat-free and low-cal, so having a few is ok.

*Biscotti (oblong, thick, brittle cookies designed to be dipped in coffee, cocoa, or wine)

*Your favorite ice cream in a 1/2 cup portion-control bowl.

*Fruit Sorbet

*Homemade ice cream sandwiches

(graham crackers and reduced-fat ice cream)

*Fruit fondue, with dark chocolate

*Brownies or cookies cut in 1in. x 1in. portions

*Baked fruit

*Pre-portioned mini peanut butter cups (Trader Joe's)

*Recipe resources: Cooking Light(www.cookinglight.com) , Eating Well(www.EatingWell.com), Nubella(www.Nubella.com) Vegetarian Times(www.vegetariantimes.com) Health(www.Health.com)

Remember that the first few bites of any dessert are always the most enjoyable, so if you find yourself faced with a tempting plate, savor a taste and then share with friends.

Bon Appetit!