Wonderful Spring 2016!

 

Colored eggs in bird’s nest in honor of the spring season.

Hard to believe 2016 is already underway! Spring officially arrived March 20, 2016, even though in Oklahoma we already were experiencing Spring weather the end of January and throughout February. Definitely a winter miracle!

 

At the end of last year, much changed on my end with getting Alicia Rose Shares, my official author’s website, completely created the way I had envisioned. It felt good to remove the words “this page no longer under construction” as each page became complete. This also meant updating a lot within the pages of this blog website; finished that task December 2015. Felt good to end 2015 this way.

End of March 2016, due to a change that involved an opportunity removing the payment processor I normally use for their website, I bid that particular venue farewell even though it was a good and honest website. It saddened me to leave for it was also a trusted advertising venue I had used since 2011. Thankfully there are other ways to advertise one’s website, so time to move on,and updated Alicia’s tips and money making opportunities for people on a budget page by deleting the information about this money making opportunity. This was the first of this kind of change I have done, so added the reason for the change to the bottom of this particular page as a way of informing. Trying to prevent a misunderstanding.

I wholeheartedly appreciate those who regularly visit this blog and Alicia Rose Shares. It is an honor to have a gigantic readership developed and loyal visitors. I am very grateful for all visitors to this blog and my official author’s website, many thanks to YOU!

Another wholesome change in social networking, I am now on Twitter! It is wonderful to connect with more people via this venue. I still participate on BOBL, Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn and Wazzub Community. I am very visible these days while enjoying interacting with many domestically and internationally (global!).

I have been social networking since 2006, I have learned much while interacting with others; even made some wonderful friendships. When asked, I usually make the following recommendations:

1. Share only what you want the public to know. Anything private, do not put online. Be wise by not sharing personal information that could lead to identity theft or robbery such as phone number, mailing address, the bank you use, type of credit cards in your wallet, when you are going on vacation, where you were born, etc. These types of things regard top-secret, share with NO ONE!

2. If someone you only know from online wants to Skype with you, be cautious. Make sure you have a good idea who they are before agreeing to this, make them social network with you for at least 2 years before agreeing. Most undesirable types usually give up within the first to second year of networking with someone. There are, however, exceptions so be very careful.

3. Meeting in person can be very dangerous if you only know the person from online. I personally have never done this, but those I know who have, first do background checks and after 2 or more years of socializing online bring others with them (safer in numbers) for the first meet-up. It is my understanding this is the safest route other than abstaining from any in person contact.

4. Do not share a cell phone number if only know the person from online. I have had friends who regretted doing this. There are people who can get very pornographic with texts and images, or want to talk dirty on a cell phone. Best to keep one’s cell phone strictly for friends and family you actually know off-line.

These recommendations are from what I have learned by others’ mistakes or my own errors, plus by using common sense. Do not be afraid to make friends online, just be wise with how you go about this. Embrace the happy friendships made. They are amazing!

Wonderful Spring to YOU! Thank you for visiting,

Alicia Rose

 

2013 Spring arrived early in Oklahoma

Spring basket with chocolate eggs and flowers.

This year in the state I reside, spring arrived two weeks earlier than the norm. The sections of Oklahoma where I have lived usually see the very beginning of spring at or a little after the Spring Equinox; this year March 20th. Seventy degree weather before the Spring Equinox is very rare. I do not remember weather this mild in March throughout the years I have lived in Oklahoma. Many Oklahomans, who I have discussed this odd March weather, recall similarly. All of us, however, are smiling because the weather has been unusually mild for the entire winter 2012 – 2013.

Our March weather has been unpredictable because of its unusual warm pattern. March weather is usually very cold with inclement weather. As I write this, it is a beautiful warm sunny day of 75 degrees; truly amazing! I am optimistically predicting the Easter Egg Hunts on Sunday March 31st for Oklahoman Christian families will be a fantastic sunny warm day like today; none truly know what the weather will be in The Sooner State, could change by then.

March 8th I was introduced to a brand new website from a good friend of mine who I completely trust. This opportunity website is called JubiRev, “the marketing arm of JubiMax.” This site has been specifically designed for “all income levels;” open to everyone. Those behind the scenes at JubiRev want to truly help others become successful without feeling any financial strain; even if in the past burned by other multi-level marketing or online business opportunities like they have been. This is very exciting; especially from a business and economic view.

The JubiRev accounts are free. There are no sign up or start-up charges; zero hidden fees. Right now, JubiRev is in the Pre-launch phase, but once it officially launches, the expected profits will begin rolling in making JubiMax’s leading profit revenue sharing aspect worth having a JubiRev account (all JubiRev accounts will receive a share of the profit revenue sharing). There is no sponsoring requirement; granted if you sponsor others you will receive more plus bonuses. The level of participation is completely up to the participant. Much is still being added during their Pre-Launch: if you find JubiRev interesting, please click here. It is worth looking into.

I am also busy updating my bookstore and adding a new Featured Selection. I have deleted some banners and content on our Welcome page that was no longer available, current or the company involved asked for removal. More of course will be added to maintain a large diversity in Alicia Harrell’s Bookstore and more website.

Undermining Alex is scheduled to be published sometime this year. There is much involved. I will continue to give updates about this Science Fiction sequel to Just Alex.

Thank you for visiting my blog site. It is a pleasure to share my interests with others. I try to share useful, helpful, interesting and entertaining content. All feedback is welcome. I am a firm believer that we can learn from each other.

Happy March and Spring everyone!

Alicia Rose

Delightful autumn and an all-natural cleaning tip for you!

This photo of autumn leaves was taken in Ada, Oklahoma. Ada is located in Southern Oklahoma. Found online Google Images/richardbarron.net

Once again, here in Oklahoma, the leaves are beginning to turn into their stunning fall colors. Some trees have already begun the leaf shedding process while others will do this later as the weather becomes colder. Right now, at the end of September, the weather is enjoyable in the milder 70’s and 80’s temperatures. The foliage is incrementally changing toward the beautiful autumn look we appreciate for fall is very pretty in Oklahoma with its browns, yellows, oranges and reds.

Eventually, as autumn grows closer to the Winter Solstice the green grass will become its winter brown (in California they call it golden and their grass if not watered changes to what we call here as “winter brown” in the summer), usually around Halloween or near the time change in early November as we fall back into the Standard Time; bidding farewell to the federal funded to participating states Daylight Saving Time.

Today, my dachshund found more leaves on the ground to stomp over for the “crunchy” sound. He loves walking through a pile of leaves or a lawn covered with them. This is one dog that might be little, but adores making the big “crunchy” sound as he tromps on the leaves child-like. We go through this every autumn. I find it amusing and fun to watch our precious dachshund have so much fun with the leaves – like a young child with a big box.

I will be adding more new content to the other pages; as time permits. I am planning on adding some videos for all ages; some will be educational, others fun or musical (or all three). Please keep an eye out for new content right here at Alicia Rose at WordPress. There is much I have found to share and will be adding these jewels throughout the month of October.

As far as when my second book Undermining Alex will be published, that will occur sometime next year. The release date is unknown at this time – sincerest apologies. As soon as it is published in 2012, I will definitely blog right here on my official author’s blog website an announcement.

Alicia Harrell’s Bookstore is doing well for its first year as an online bookstore that offers more than just books. There have been more photos, banners and a featured selection by Linda Yezak added. We do have space for more to showcase on the Featured Selections page. As this unique bookstore’s owner, I personally invite you to visit Alicia Harrell’s Bookstore and see all that is new.

In October, my plans are to add more services on the Welcome page to well round out the bookstore’s website thereby offering a better variety of services as well as the huge selection of books, CDs, DVDs, Amazon Kindle products, children through teenage items, baby products, accessories and much more! We currently have a great selection of autographed books available on the Autograph and Rare Books page that many might find of interest. The page’s title describes exactly what is on that page; designed for those who enjoy book collecting.

For those ecologically minded and performing their autumn cleaning (similar to spring cleaning), vinegar is an excellent cleaning agent (with or without water added). Straight vinegar is perfect for getting rid of mold and mildew – where ever located in the home. I use it to clean my coffee pot, linoleum flooring, toilet bowls, sinks, bathroom tile, bathtubs, laundry room and for sterilizing the cupboards. It is very versatile, won’t harm the outside of dryers, washing machines, refrigerators, ovens or stoves. Vinegar has saved me
much in cleaning products.

Vinegar smells better than the chemical-based cleaning products. It is chemical free and one does not have to worry about it touching the skin for vinegar comes from all-natural sources. You can also drink a teaspoon of it for detoxification purposes.

Which Vinegar should you use? I have found White Vinegar best for cleaning and Apple Cider Vinegar is great for detoxification. The Apple Cider Vinegar tastes better; is easier to ingest. The White Vinegar has a clean smell that is not overpowering; recommend for the sensitive nose.

A heartfelt thank you for the valuable time you spent visiting this site. All visitors are welcome! Children and teens, remember to get your parent’s permission – or view this website with your parents as a family time thing.

Happy autumn to each and every one!

Alicia Rose

 

Moving tips I have learned

A moving truck aka moving van

Greetings every one!

The month of April was filled with moving plans from Southern Oklahoma to Central Oklahoma. Our move-in scheduled date was the beginning of May, so we had much to plan and prepare. As I went through the moving process I found a few moving tips handy to apply.

While preparing to move, make certain you have enough boxes and storage containers; especially for everything non-perishable in the kitchen. This is not easy, but I determined one 58 quart size storage container per kitchen cabinet. This was nigh perfect. I only had to purchase six Banker Boxes for the heavier kitchen items like the canned goods, pots and pans.

Packing canned goods and non-perishable food items like rice, cereal and sugar that is already in the kitchen to take with you is a good way to save on groceries upon moving into the new place. This makes stocking the new place’s kitchen cabinets less expensive. Doing this saved me $25 – $40.

If you have an ice chest and the new place is only hours instead of days away, you can further save money by placing perishables including frozen food items in it. I have a small ice chest I use to transport ice packs, frozen vegetables and some refrigeratable items that will not spill. In this latest move, packing the ice chest saved me about $25 – $35 in groceries I otherwise would have had to purchase upon moving into the new place.

The small ice chest fit perfectly in the trunk of our car with the suitcases and a few other items we did not want to put in the back of the moving van. The frozen items and ice packs stayed frozen because they were only in the ice chest for three to four hours.

Investing in the plastic storage containers of assorted sizes is a money saver. I have found that I use these containers for storing holiday decorations, business paperwork one should save for 5 to 7 years in case of an audit and the like. There is usually a need for a storage container and they are a great way to make the most of one’s storage space, tidy up closet clutter or use as organized storage underneath the bed. If you move every 2 years or more, plastic storage containers save you about $50 – $100 per move for there is little need to purchase boxes. Unused clean boxes cost from 50 cents to $3 each (or more).

Another way to ease the pain of moving is the week before the move-in date, to begin packing per room. I recommend starting the packing process in the bedrooms 8 to 7 days before the move-in date. Leave the bathrooms and kitchen for two days before the move-in date. Example: For a 2 bedroom home, if you’re planning to move in on a Monday, begin the week before on a Sunday. Begin packing on Sunday and Monday the bedrooms (usually takes 1 day per bedroom). Tuesday and Wednesday pack the den (or office) and living room. Devote Friday and Saturday for the dining room first, and then pack the
kitchen. This will give you the Sunday before the move-in date to place all packed items plus the furniture into the moving van.

One thing I have found a must have for moving is an air-bed (usually used for camping) that has an air-pump. We used ours the night before we moved and slept comfortably with all packed in the moving van. We were able to get up in the morning fully rested, cleaned the house so we left it in excellent condition and left after lunch to our new place.

Another thing to consider is pricing out moving vans if renting them. Highly recommend for some places that rent them might have specials or like U-Haul special in-state daily rates that could save on the moving expense. Determining the entire moving expense before moving to the new place is also a good idea. This way you know exactly how much is going to be spent and can budget the move better.

We found planning ahead with the moving expenses and employing these packing methods saved us time, aggravation and stress throughout our move. Another noticed benefit was we were less tired upon our arrival to the new place in comparison to past moves.

Cheery May,

Alicia Rose

Alicia added a new page!

Spring flowers blooming in the countryside.

Hi and welcome everyone! Thank you for stopping by. Hope March has been treating you well. I have added the Alicia Harrell’s Bookstore page. Doing my best to add content that is of interest.

Spring this year lands on March 20th. Where have the days gone? They do go by fast when busy.

Feel free to leave a comment and let me know what you think of this informational blog domain. Would love to hear from you.

Happy March and National Nutrition Month to everyone,

Alicia Rose

Winter arrived February 1st in Southern Oklahoma

Icles hanging from roses

Greetings,

Thank you for visiting my WordPress blog domain. It is appreciated. I have in the past two weeks added or altered some content throughout its web pages. This blog domain has become my monthly project instead of the planned weekly or bi-weekly one. I sincerely apologize to those who prefer weekly or bi-weekly updates or added content. 

My time currently is 95% dedicated to writing Science Fiction novels and Freelance Writing on the websites listed under the tab “Published by Alicia Rose.” The other 5% includes family time, walking my dachshund, cleaning our home, emailing, shopping for groceries and incidentals, plus other very ordinary aspects of living as well as keeping this domain updated.

Today, February 1, 2011, Southern Oklahoma received its first real snow and ice for the winter. According to my yardstick, we received about 3 to 4 inches. The method I used is not the most accurate. I went to six different spots in my front and backyard to determine the average snow in inches with the use of my yardstick. My husband teased me about acting like a meteorologist when I came indoors after sticking the yardstick into the snow to determine snowfall.

Due to the amount of snow and ice received, I will not be driving my car today. My mailbox is iced shut. I am uncertain how my mail will be delivered. The screen door to my front door’s threshold is snowed closed; will not budge when I attempt to open it.  According to my Weather Channel dashboard, it is 11 degrees Fahrenheit (freezing is 32 degrees Fahrenheit) where I live. A good day to stay warm indoors, eat soup and drink hot beverages.

Wishing all a fabulous February,

Alicia Rose