Category: #christmas

Merry Christmas

#bloggers, #caregivers, #christmas, #holidays, Christmas, Uncategorized

Dear Readers,

I want to say Thank You so much for hanging in there with me throughout all these years.

When I started this blog, it was because I thought it would get me “recognized” as a serious writer, blogger, all around information giver. It’s not any of these things.

Seriously, these past months have been hard for me to even sit down and write a blog post, much less the sequel to the book I wrote called Terror In The North Tower.

Between being the caregiver to my husband and other family matters going on, I feel that I’ve neglected all of you.

This has never been my intention!

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a healthy and happy New Year.

Gain the advantage ,

Alicia Osmera

Small Businesses I Recommend to Shop For Christmas Gifts In 2021

#christmas, #gifts, #holidays, Business, Christmas, Christmas Gifts, Home Purafication, HomeBusiness, Quietcool Whole House Fans, Whole House Fans, Work From Home

This year I chose to feature small businesses for gift-buying and giving instead of actual gift recommendations.

Let’s face it 2021 has been a strange year.   Businesses are still in comeback mode after all the shutdowns from 2020.

Apex QC Fans is owned and operated by Jack and Elaine Williamson and it is located in Parker, Colorado.  They serve the South East Metro area; as well as Parker, Castle Rock, and other areas. 

Apex QC Fans is A Premier Colorado Platinum QC Dealer!   They’re native Colorado-based whole house fan and attic fan experts. BPI certified licensed residential contractor with over 30 years experience in the whole house and attic fan knowledge, and a Quietcool dealer.

Now is your chance to get a Quiet Cool Whole House Fan Systems installed and save up to $550.00 on a new system. They also provide attic fans, solar roof vents, UVAIRx, and Puraclenz advanced air and decontamination systems. They offer Military, Law Enforcement, and 55 discounts. They serve the South East Metro area; as well as Parker, Castle Rock, and other areas. 

Annas Attic is owned and operated by Anna Locy and is located in Colorado. Anna takes fabric that once belonged to loved ones, and creates a tangible memory. With dignity and respect, she transforms sentimental materials into a lasting keepsake. Please visit her site and see what she can make for you or someone you know.

Grazing Upscale is owned and operated by Lindsay Giles and she is located in Aurora, Colorado. She is a mom, a wife, and a prior Army service member. She creates grazing boxes for any occasion and creates grazing tables for special events. She takes pride in each order she receives and makes all of them with love. These would make excellent Christmas gifts!

Janae Gibson is a Color Street Consultant. She is located in Aurora, Colorado. Color Street makes and sells gorgeous, customizable manicures with no dry time and for a fraction of what you would pay at the salon! I wish I was coordinated enough to use them. I tried and failed miserably at it. She has a special going on right now. French nails are buy 1 get 1 free, and the rest are buy 3 get 1 free. Please visit her site today.

I am so excited to introduce you to Odde’s Music Grill owned and operated by Chris Odde. Located in Westminster, Colorado. The OMG is your neighborhood bar, restaurant, and local music venue to sit down, relax and enjoy a great atmosphere with your friends, family, and co-workers.

Taunya Tobias Stillman is a Scentsy Consultant and is located in Bailey, Colorado. Scentsy is a family-based company that offers safe scent-based Products. Scentsy started with Wax and Warmers and has evolved over the years into a Fragrance company. Their Christmas line is here and cute too. Please visit her site today.

My wish for you this holiday season is that you and yours be healthy, happy, and blessed.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to one and all!

Gain The Advantage,

Alicia Osmera

5 Comfort Christmas Gifts For 2020

#christmas, Christmas Gifts, HomeBusiness, Slickdeals, Uncategorized

2020! I thought about what this year has been like for most of the world. A crazy pandemic kicked it off along with people being told to stay at home, work from home if they could. Our children were rooted up from their known comforts of school playgrounds, socializing with other children, and having their own time away from family.

2020 has brought a chance to look back at what brings us comfort in all the craziness. This year I decided to focus on my top 5 comfort picks for gifts. Not just to buy at the holidays but any day.

Number 5

The Brentwood Quesada Maker

I find food can be very comforting. What’s better than making quesadillas? It sells on Amazon for $24.66.

Number 4

JML 10 Piece Microfiber Bedding Comforter Set

It comes in a variety of colors and looks very cozy. You can find it on Slickdeals.com for just $59.99.

Number 3

Let’s not forget our pooches!

Bark Bones Barktique

This home-based business is owned by Rachael Wood.

Each dog treat is homemade with quality ingredients. She also has collars and leashes available for a great price. Log onto her website Bare Bones Barktique today and order your furry friends something comforting.

Prices range from 12.00 and up.

Number 2

31 Comfort and Cozy Gift Ideas That Keep You Warm

While surfing the world wide web I came across 31 different comforting and cozy gifts for every member of the family, friends, and even coworkers.

The Spoonful Of Comfort website has everything from weighted blankets, making smores, Jammies, Teas, Winterwear to anything you’re looking for.

Prices range anywhere from $20.00 on up.

Sign up today and receive 10% off your order.

Lastly, NUMBER 1

I couldn’t decide on just one thing. I’m adding the link to an article I wrote a few years ago titled, My Top 5 Unique Gifts To Give For Christmas. My favorite one is the fruit-infused ice balls.

Here’s to wishing you and yours and very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Gain The Advantage,

Alicia Osmera

Gaining My Barrings For A Great December

#christmas, #gifts, #goals, #holidays, calendar, Cyber Monday, free app, goal setting

December 2019 is upon us. The end of another decade and the beginning of new things.

This time of year really can throw some people into a state of panick and anxiety. Worrying about where to buy gifts, what to get for that speacial someone and money, money, money.

This year I want to challenge everyone reading this to have a better December this year then in years past.

Planning

Recently I found an article by Marelisa Fábrega, owner of “Daring to Live Fully” titled; How To Have An Organized Christmas – Create A December Planner.

Usually my calendar is full of events, deadlines, birthdays and more. Planner? I’ve never kept a planner for being organized. Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

With today’s technology everything is in my phone or tablet and written on my main calendar at home.

When I start out the month the first thing I do is add birthday celebrations. My husbands is on December third, then my youngest grandsons is on the twenty-seventh.

Next thing on my list decorating for Christmas. Seems stupid I know; however I’d rather plan to do it early then realize later I forgot to do it at all.

Between working a full time job, writing, taking care of my husband, and all the other things I must do planning works!

Organization

Baking, shopping, parties and the list goes on. Along with planning out my month, the need for being organized screams out at me.

My husband is always on me about mt list. “Where’s your list at”? He asks as we are walking down an isle. I used to smile and tell him; “Don’t worry it’s right here” while pointing to my head. Of course after we’ve gotten home, it’s then I realize what I’d forgotten.

Now if I don’t make either a paper list or use a handy mobile application like Cool Memo and To Do Tasks.

Self ❤ Care

Always make time for yourself! Even if it’s drinking coffee in your favorite Christmas mug, getting your nails or hair done at the salon. Make time for you!

Afterall if you are not grounded yourself know one would get through December much less all the holidays it includes.

Rewards

Make a Rewards Bucket List. As you’re accomplishing tasks throw in a reward for yourself. Maybe a “movie day with the kids” or “date night with your honey”.

Reward lists are alot like a bucket list. Cross off each one as you go.

Finally

Enjoy time with your family. Be happy, loving, caring and most of all thankful to have those you love around you.

Have a great December!

Gain The Advantage,

Alicia Osmera

Saving Money On Black Friday Deals For 2019

#christmas, #gifts, apparel, Clothing, Daddy, Deals, Entertainment, health and beauty, Mommy, Slickdeals

 

Black Friday, November 29, 2019 offers affordable deals with substantial savings both online and in stores.  The average consumer saves hundreds even thousands of dollars on this one day.

Making A List – What is the objective you are trying to accomplish on Black Friday?  Might I suggest writing your list in a way to help visualize the cost and items you’re wanting to purchase.

My Black Friday Shopping List 2019

  1. Dave – New TV for bedroom, fishing poll, Harley Davidson apparel –  Walmart $129 – 200  43” TV,  $20 – $40 Fishing Poll, HD varies $50 – $200.00
  2. Sally – New Tablet, Room Décor, Makeup, Curling Iron – Walmart $50 – 150, Varies $15 – 50 each, Varies $15 – 30

Browsing The Internet For Deals – While I was browsing the world wide web, I came across this fantastic site called; Slickdeals .  What will you find that is different from other sites?

  •     Store Coupons
  •     Video Game Deals
  •     Deal Alerts which you can setup to your liking
  •     The Top 10 Black Friday Deals -TVs are obviously a hot-ticket item each year, but there are plenty of other price breaks to be had. Laptops, smart home devices, video games and small kitchen appliances are always popular this time of year. Check back here in early November to see which deals are the best ones for 2019.Here are the top 10 discounts from 2018 (as voted on by the Slickdeals community):
    1. 65-inch TCL 4K HDR Roku Smart LED TVSale Price: $398 | Reg. Price: $598
    2. PlayStation Store’s Sony PS Plus 12-month Digital MembershipSale Price: $39.99 | Reg. Price: $59.99
    3. GameStop’s Nintendo Switch Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bundle + $50 GameStop Gift CardSale Price: $299.99 | Reg. Price: $359.99
    4. Kohl’s’ Google Home Hub + $15 Kohl’s CashSale Price: $99 | Reg. Price: $149
    5. Target’s Apple Watch Series 3 (GPS)Sale Price: starting at $199.99 | Reg. Price: starting at $279.99
    6. Kohl’s PlayStation 4 Slim 1TB Spider-Man Bundle + $60 Kohl’s CashSale Price: $199.99 | Reg. Price: $299.99
    7. Best Buy’s Roku 4K Ultra Streaming Media PlayerSale Price: $49.99 | Reg. Price: $99.99
    8. Best Buy’s Sony 1000XM2 Premium Wireless Noise Cancelling HeadphonesSale Price: $199.99 | Reg. Price: $349.99
    9. Instant Pot LUX80 8-Qt Pressure CookerSale Price: $59 | Reg. Price: $99
    10. Best Buy’s Dell Inspiron 15.6″ Touch-Screen LaptopSale Price: $399.99 | Reg. Price: $599.99

Stop by and browse through their site.  With so much to offer you may not have to even leave your house or office.

Using Rewards Credit or Debit Cards – Using your rewards credit or debit cards adds up more points, which saves on purchases throughout the year.  Cash back credit cards are popular because they offer tangible benefits.

Not all cash back offers are the same.  Money Crashers offers valuable tips about this very topic.

“Some offer the same cash back rate on all purchases. Others offer higher cash back rates on certain spending categories, such as groceries or gas, and lower rates on everything else. Others offer bonus cash back on spending categories that rotate every quarter. A few accrue cash back on purchases and monthly payments. And some cash back cards even hew to hybrid models, with cash back on certain spending categories and different types of rewards (such as airline miles) on others”.

Reward Yourself – When all is said and done, find the time to reward yourself for accomplishing such a huge task.  Go out for cocktails, lunch, take a spa day, take a trip, hell just do whatever you want to.

Shopping is what one makes of it.  Have fun, smile and be happy.

Gain The Advantage,

Alicia Osmera

 

My Top 10 Favorite Christmas Songs

#christmas, #gifts, #holidays, caroles, music, songs, Uncategorized

Music is good for the soul. Bringing joy, sadness, laughter, healing and more.

Christmas is my favorite time of the year. I love everything about it. In my article titled My Top 5 Christmas Gifts is even more evidence how gifts bring joy to someone’s life.

There are so many songs to choose from. However these are my all time favorites.

10. White Christmas by Bing Crosby

“I’m dreaming of a white Christmas just like the ones I used to know”.

Not everyone has a white Christmas. If you live in an even tempered climate sunshine may be all one experiences. How do you get along without a snowy holiday? There is nothing better than a Colorado confiti holiday.

The movie White Christmas starring Bing Crosby also is a classic.

9. Silent Night by Elvis Presley

The king of rock and roll and his sexy soulful voice makes any women’s heart joyful during the season.

8. I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas

This video, click the link above ☝️☝️☝️☝️☝️☝️ is too cute.
Did you know: Hippos live in loose groups of ten to thirty individuals, that may swell to hundreds depending on the season? Look it up on Animal Facts Encyclopedia along with other animal facts.

7. Little Drummer Boy

This particular version is done by David Bowie and Bing Crosby. The twist is they mention peace on earth which is the biggest wish most people have for the holidays.

6. Hark The Herald Angles Sing

One of the most important praise and worship songs for the holy season.

Hark! the herald angels sing,
“Glory to the new-born King;
Peace on earth, and mercy mild;
God and sinners reconciled.”
Joyful, all ye nations, rise,
Join the triumph of the skies;
With angelic hosts proclaim,
“Christ is born in Bethlehem

Christ born in the promised city of Bethlehem.

5. Rocking Around The Christmas Tree

One of my most fondest memories growing up was decorating the Christmas tree with my parents and siging this song while we were going around the tree.

4. Hey Moon

Written by one of my favorite Christian music artists Sidewalk Prophets puts a new twist with its version of the star telling it’s story to the moon about birth of Jesus Christ.

3. Baby It’s Cold Outside

I just had to put this as number three. Whenever I hear it I want to light a fire, mix a cocktail and snuggle with my husband.

2. Please Come Home For Christmas

This one has a very special meaning for me. As a mother of a retired United States Army Veteran the words really brought on a new meaning when was in both Iraq and Afghanistan.

Please come home for Christmas
Please come home for Christmas
If not for Christmas, by New Year’s night
Friends and relations send salutations
Sure as the stars shine above
But this is Christmas, yes, Christmas my dear
The time of year to be with the ones you love

Words cannot express what it feels like having someone you love fighting in a war so far from home. We are blessed that our son came home without any bodily injuries. On the downside PTSD is real and I watch him son struggle with the symptoms each and every day.

To those parents, siblings, wives, husband’s, children and family and friends of loved ones who were not so fortunate to return home, I send my love and support to you especially this time of year.

Okay, okay enough of the mushy stuff. Now back to my countdown.

My number one favorite song is……………………

Mary Did You Know

Written in 1984 by Mark Lowry. The song asks the questions to the Mary the birth mother of Jesus Christ,

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation?
Mary did you know that your baby boy would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy is heaven’s perfect lamb?
That sleeping child you’re holding is the great I am
Mary did you know? Mary did you know? Mary did you know?

As women and a mothers we sense what are children may become when they are grown. We dream of the success we want them to become.

In my eyes Mary knew that her son was special. The promised messiah to the Jewish people who would become the Savior to the world.

Christmas such a special time of year. For most it can bring stress, heartache, depression and for others it brings joy, happiness, love and peace.

From our house to yours Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Gain The Advantage,

Alicia Osmera

My Top 5 Unique Gifts To Give For Christmas

#christmas, #gifts, Uncategorized

I love Christmas and all the season represents. From the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ to the family time spent together.

With that said most others dread gift giving. What do you get someone who seems to have everything? I’ve put together my top 10 favorite unique gift ideas for this Christmas season.

1. Fruit Infused Ice Balls This comes in a set of 4 for just $10.00. Not only is it a fun gift for adults but kids will love them too.

2. Black Board Coasters

Comes in a set of 4. It’s a great for entertaining. Just $8.99. Write your guests name on their coaster so much fun.

3. Odd Measuring Cups And Measuring Spoons

The baker in you’re life will love these, they’re just $9.76. Who wants to count and measure when they need an odd amount of ingredients? Heck I need some for myself.

4. Salsa Grow Kit

For those you know that love salsa why not help them grow their own ingredients for just $12.00.

5. Personal Family Belonging Mugs

I love these mugs for Grandparents. Have them personalized with all the grandkids names. Just $16.99 each.

I know, I know it’s only mid October. However if you start shopping now you just might find yourself done before Christmas Eve.

Wishing you all a Happy Holiday Season and a very Merry Christmas this year.

Gain The Advantage,

Alicia Osmera