Happy New Year 2023

I’m so ready to close out 2022. I don’t know about you, but this year has had it’s ups and downs.

I am not one to make New Year’s Resolutions , however in 2023 I’ve decided to change things up.

I’m starting a new chapter in my life for 2023. I’ve decided to make a vision board. Oh, sure I’ve made them in the past but I didn’t apply myself to keep it up. Let’s face it, I got lazy!

What is a vision board?

Psychology Today has a great article by Tchiki Davis, Ph.D. titled; What is A Vision Board And Why Make One? Using this as a guide you can make a vision board that suits your needs, wants and desires.

Here are a few boards to look at and get an idea for your own.

Once I have mine started and looking great, I’ll share it with all of you.

I’ve added the link to one of my favorite New Year’s songs.

Dana Krall, What Are You Doing New Years Eve

I wish you all the joy, happiness and health in the new year.

Gain The Advantage,

Alicia Osmera

Merry Christmas

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

What Is Labor Day Really About?

What is Labor Day Really about?

According to Wikipedia Labor Day is a Federal Holiday on the first Monday in September to honor and recognize the American Labor Movement and the contribution of laborers that helped to make America great.

Labor Day weekend marks the end of summer. The three day weekend is packed full of barbeques, parades, swimming in a lake, or local pool, baseball games and the end of summer trips.

For more information on the history and the founders of Labor Day you can read this article by the US Department of Labor. (I figure why reinvent the wheel when it’s already been discovered).

I’m keeping this one short today because I can and I don’t work on Labor Day. Ha ha 😂

Have a safe and happy Labor Day.

Gain The Advantage,

Alicia Osmera

Small Businesses I Recommend to Shop For Christmas Gifts In 2021

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

Happy Independence Day AMERICA

Happy Independence Day America!

With all the craziness of 2020, let us not forget in America there are those whom have gone before us to fight for our freedoms.

Why should it be celebrated?

Why do we celebrate the fourth of July? The federal holiday marks the day in 1776 when the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, signaling the official separation of the colonies from Great Britain amid the Revolutionary War.

Today July 4, 2020, it is especially important to understand and appreciate living here.

I am grateful to live where anyone has the right to worship any religion they choose, to work wherever they choose, to gather together for functions, to voice one’s opinion and discuss in an adult manner why a p person has theat outlook on something.

Our world is an unbalanced place right now. It will fall back into place when the time is right. Until then, enjoy your loved ones, find the good in people, do something to help keep America the Greatest Nation on earth.

I wish you and yours a very Happy Fourth of July.

Gain The Advantage,

Alicia Osmera

My Top 5 Gifts For Mother’s Day

You’re probably thinking to yourself, “Why is she doing an article about this in February”? If you think about it May is not that far off.

Throw pillows make great gifts. Mom can place it on the couch, her bed, heck even in the car as a pillow to sit on.

Now you can design your mom a family keepsake with all the names of her children on it. Truly a gift she will cherish for a lifetime.

Price range is anywhere from $15.00 to $30.00. Click here to grab your 10% off today.

Pictures make a great keepsake. Does your mother still have photographs in a shoe box? Thousands of pictures stuck in her computer or laptop? Digital Photo Frames are so easy and convenient to show those beloved pictures.

BestReviews.Guide picks the top ten of an item you’re looking for, pulls up a review for comparison along with each website to order from. Most digital photo frames run anywhere from $30.00 and up. Surprise her this year with a couple to put in every room.

Are you considering making her a brunch? Check out this do it yourself video with quick tips that won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

Something I always wanted was a Keurig coffee maker. For three years I kept giving my family hints. “Hey did you see that commercial for the Keurig coffee maker? That sure would be great to have since most of you are out of the house now”.

Well two years ago while my husband and I were out and about we stopped at a garage sale. Low and behold, there it was an older Keurig for only $20.00. I couldn’t believe it. A little $20.00 bill for a machine that cost over $60.00. My husband jumped on it and we brought it home. Yes it still works.

If mom entertains a lot then the newest K-Duo Single Serve & Carafe Coffee Maker features a dual system making a perfect pot of delicious coffee, or she can enjoy a single cup of her favorite hot tea beverage or coffee pod.

You can find them on sale at Walmart, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond and all major retail stores.

Pricing ranges from $120.00 up to $150.00. Sales should be coming out so keep an eye out for your favorite store sales.

My fifth and final choice is the Instapot.

Did you know there are over eleven different machines? My daughter received one for Christmas from her family and she just raves about it. “Mom I made a frozen whole chicken in 40 minutes”. Impressive to say the least.

Price ranges anywhere from $79.99 up to $179.00.

Hand made gifts of macaroni necklaces and bracelets, finger painted hand prints, poems written out of love and more. No matter what gift you bestow upon her, your Mother deserves the very best.

Gain The Advantage,

Alicia Osmera

Gaining My Barrings For A Great December

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

Let Us Never Forget.

Memorial Day is ment to be a sober day. Here in The United States of America, we hold those whom have laid down their lives in war times protecting America’s values and freedom very close to our hearts.

Personally I want to take this moment to say, “Thank You for your service to this great country, and for defending our ways of life for all people of America”.

Gain The Advantage,

Alicia Osmera

Hello January, Goodbye 2018

Happy New Year Everyone!

As 2018 is now over, my wish for you is to have courage, hope and faith to overcome any obsticals that may come your way.

Find joy in the everyday things not just the happy moments.

Have peace with yourself and with life. Without peace there’s no happiness. Without happiness no joy, without joy there is only sadness and hate.

This year in 2019 show love, be happy, love and care about your fellow man.

Resolutions are fine to have; however according to an article I found in Very Well Mind only 9% of people keep their resolutions.

Do you have any resolutions for this new year?

Happy New Year.

Gain The Advantage,

Alicia Osmera