Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Oma's Family Immigrate To The U.S.A.

The story of Oma’s life begins in Indonesia in 1954. After a detour in the Netherlands, the family immigrated to the United States of America in 1961. It is the best present Oma’s parents bestowed on their progenies. Oma love America and all that it represents.

Three Dutch Children immigrate to the United States.
Daniel Malcolm, president of Mrs. Green’s class shows the three Dutch visitors:
Toni age 9, Z. age 5, & Rein age 7, the class’ events bulletin board (Star News Photo)


This narrative was taken from a newspaper article written in 1961.

Students in Mrs. Kathryn Green’s third grade class at Lilian J. Rice School found their three visitors from Holland more than a little different from the wooden-shoe-wearing Dutch children most Americans imagine. The three children and their parents live with Mrs. Green. The family’s immigration is being sponsored by Mrs. Green’s church, St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church.

Z. speaks no English Mrs. Green said, but is a happy child, singing all the time. Her older brother Toni speaks English fluently, while Rein does a pretty good job with his “new tongue.”

The family comes from Armsworth. They came from Holland to this country by boat and from New York to San Diego by rail. The two boys were attired in new jeans. Mrs. Green said in their country they had worn short pants to school, but had insisted they have long pants before they would come to school here in the United States!


Lost Civilizations – 10 Societies that
Vanished Without a Trace Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. 
 
Michael Rank’s “Lost Civilizations – 10 Societies that Vanished Without a Trace”
Oma just loves reading about history. History is a means to understand both the past and present. It supports the foundation of an informed tomorrow!

When the opportunity presented itself to read and review Michael Rank’s “Lost Civilizations – 10 Societies that Vanished Without a Trace” Oma happily accepted the challenge.

The book title leads the reader to believe this book to be an arid textbook. However, nothing could be further from the truth. The short ninety-five page book is handily organized into ten chapters; one chapter on each of the Lost Civilizations explored.

This book discusses the cultures of the ten greatest lost civilizations in history. Some were millennia ahead their neighbors, such as the Indus Valley Civilization, which had better city planning in 3,000 B.C. than any European capital in the 18th century. Others left behind baffling mysteries, such as the Ancient Pueblo Peoples (formerly known as the Anasazi), whose cliff-dwelling houses were so inaccessible that every member of society would have to be an expert-level rock climber.

Michael Rank’s “Lost Civilizations – 10 Societies that Vanished Without a Trace” is a quick read divided into bite-size analysis of not only the civilization lost but the possible explanations for their disappearance.


My only negative comment would be this book’s lacked illustration. As a personal preference, Oma would have savored some drawings, photographs, and/or maps to augment the fascinating historical tales.

If you appreciate a good mystery surrounded by history – you will love Michael Rank’s “Lost Civilizations – 10 Societies that Vanished Without a Trace” as much as Oma did.

You can purchase this book on Amazon Here

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Friday, December 27, 2013

Reef Indy's First Christmas

"Use a picture. It's worth a thousand words." appeared in a 1911 newspaper article quoting newspaper editor Arthur Brisbane who was discussing journalism and publicity.  However, the concept is just as relevant today.

Therefore, here is Reef Indy's First Christmas in  28,000 words . . . . . err . . . . in 28 photos.

Oma’s Christmas Breakfast – Turkey Neck Soup
Oma’s Christmas Breakfast – Turkey Neck Soup

Even Reef Indy And Opa Are Vegetarians – Opa Makes Turkey For The Rest Of Us.
Even Reef Indy And Opa Are Vegetarians
Opa Makes Turkey For The Rest Of Us.

Oma and Opa’s house – full of Christmas Decorations
Oma and Opa’s house – full of Christmas Decorations

Auntie Jennifer Brought Yummy Snowman Cupcakes
Auntie Jennifer Brought Yummy Snowman Cupcakes

Christmas in California Cousins Mckenna and Bailee enjoy the pool.
Christmas in California
Cousins Mckenna and Bailee enjoy the pool

Uncle John spoils Riley and Spike
Uncle John spoils Riley and Spike

Reef Indy loves his BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier
Reef Indy loves his BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier

Reef Indy, Kicking It With Dad
Reef Indy, Kicking It With Dad

Sleepy Reef Indy With Mom
Sleepy Reef Indy With Mom

Reef Indy Taking A Christmas Power Nap
Reef Indy Taking A Christmas Power Nap

Reef Indy Enjoying Family Time
Reef Indy Enjoying Family Time

Christmas Dessert Bar
Christmas Dessert Bar

Yummy Christmas Spread
Yummy Christmas Spread

Time For Christmas Dinner
Time For Christmas Dinner

Nothing Better Than Family & Friends At Christmas
Nothing Better Than Family & Friends At Christmas

Reef Indy Entertains Himself While The Family Eats
Reef Indy Entertains Himself
While The Family Eats

Christmas Gift Opening – Always A Fun Time
Christmas Gift Opening – Always A Fun Time

What Did You Get For Christmas?
What Did You Get For Christmas?

Christmas Family Time
Christmas Family Time

Reef Indy Really Enjoyed His First Christmas
Reef Indy Really Enjoyed His First Christmas

Auntie Sitara And Uncle Moses Check Out The Christmas Tree
Auntie Sitara And Uncle Moses Check Out The Christmas Tree

Uncle Moses Finds Cash In The Christmas Tree Mailbox Ornament
Uncle Moses Finds Cash In The Christmas Mailbox Ornament

Reef Indy (3.5 Months-Old) Had An Exhausting Christmas Day
Reef Indy (3.5 Months-Old) Had An Exhausting Christmas Day

Grandma Wendy And Grandpa Ray
Grandma Wendy And Grandpa Ray

Cousin Kaleb
Cousin Kaleb

Mom And Dad Find Time For A Kiss
Mom And Dad Find Time For A Kiss

Dad Acting Silly As Auntie Heather Looks On
Dad Acting Silly As Auntie Heather Looks On

Reef Indy Receive Plenty Of Christmas Gifts
Reef Indy Receive Plenty Of Christmas Gifts

Hope everyone had a happy and fun Christmas. Reef Indy’s first Christmas was filled with love and enjoyment. Although only three and a half months old, Reef participated glowingly and demonstrated advanced social abilities.

Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Amira, Age 9 Wows in Holland's Got Talent!

Enjoy this beautiful music from the tiny Dutch Wonder, Amira Willighagen.



Amira Willighagen was the last audition in this year's Holland's Got Talent, held in October.




Armed with new-found confidence, 9-years old, Amira beautifully sang Ave Maria in the Semi-Finals Liveshow of Holland's Got Talent on 21 December 2013. Next week Amira will sing again during the Finals.

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Caramel Matcha Green Tea Powder Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial. 

Oma received a package of Red Leaf Caramel Matcha Green Tea Powder to review. Oma is a big tea fan and recently learned to love Matcha Tea. 

 Red Leaf Caramel Matcha Green Tea Powder


Matcha refers to finely milled or fine powder green tea. The Japanese tea ceremony centers on the preparation, serving, and drinking of matcha.

In 2003, researchers from the University of Colorado found that the concentration of the antioxidant EGCG available from drinking matcha is at least three times greater than the amount of EGCG available from other commercially available green teas. Matcha is also said to boost metabolism and help reduce cholesterol levels when it is drunk regularly.

Here is a few details of the Red Leaf Caramel Matcha Green Tea Powder by the creators:
For those with an unrepentant and unwavering sweet tooth, there is no better tea than sweet caramel matcha. This fine tea blends the eastern traditions of matcha with the modern caramel flavor to brew a delectable tea that is sweet to take as a mid-morning snack, before lunch aperitif or after dinner relaxing drink. The toned-down caramel matcha is ideal for those who need a sweet tea without adding any extra sugar.

Oma prepared the Caramel Matcha Green Tea Power using two different protocols:

  1. Oma simply mixed about a half a teaspoon of the Match Powder in a cup and added about three ounces of pre-boiling water; then stirred briskly.
  2. Oma added a half a teaspoon of the Match Powder to approximately three ounces of Almond Milk; then gently heated the mixture while stirring the entire time.

Both ways were rich and yummy! The Caramel flavor offers a unique aroma and palate.

If you go to the Red Leaf Tea website you can order this marvelous tea in several sizes & different quality levels. Red Leaf also carries other types of teas including: Wine Infused, Blooming, Red, Green, Black, White, Pu-Erh, Oolong, Herbal and a large Earl Grey Collection.

Check Out Red Leaf Tea on Twitter and/or Facebook

 

Remember to keep your Caramel Matcha Green Tea Powder in the refrigerator or freezer to help maintain the freshness.



As a blogger, integrity is one of the most valuable commodities Oma possesses. Therefore, reviews will contain both positive and negative aspects as is appropriate. To put it in a simpler manner, this review is meant to help my readers (editorial) more than to help a brand (advertising). However, it should be noted that Oma was given a packet of Red Leaf Tea Caramel Matcha Green Tea Powder to use then review. 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

How To Explain Your Job
Blogger/Social Media Manager

Just in time for those Christmas gatherings. 



Source

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Noxicare Natural Pain Relief Cream
Review & Giveaway

Winner:   Melissa C. 

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.


In no sense of the imagination does Oma have any medical training nor experiences; therefore might seem like an unlikely reviewer for Noxicare Natural Pain Relief cream. However, every once in a while the left knee experiences a dull ache after Oma’s hour on the treadmill.

Noxicare™ is a breakthrough natural, patent-pending pain relief formula that is a proprietary combination of 7 of the world's most potent natural pain relievers that quickly and effectively alleviate inflammation, muscle aches and nerve pain—with NO known side effects and without a prescription.

Noxicare™ Natural Pain Relief Cream is registered with the FDA (Food and Drug Administration of the United States Government), NDC 51230-391-01.
Noxicare™ is available in capsules for all-over pain or in a topical cream for localized pain. (from their website)


Noxicare states that it relieves all 3 common types of pain: 



After using the cream twice, it appears to work very well. Further, Oma loves the fact that Noxicare is odorless and non-greasy.

Now you can win a full size tube of
Noxicare™ Natural Pain Relief Cream


Noxicare has been awesome enough to give one lucky “Oma Loves U!” reader their own full size tube of Noxicare Natural Pain Relief Cream. Just fill out the Rafflecopter below and you’ll be entered to win. Entries will be open until December 28, 2013, and you must live in the USA and be 18 or older to enter. Good luck! 



As a blogger, integrity is one of the most valuable commodities Oma possesses. Therefore, reviews will contain both positive and negative aspects as is appropriate. To put it in a simpler manner, this review is meant to help my readers (editorial) more than to help a brand (advertising).

However, it should be noted that Oma was given a free tube of Noxicare Natural Pain Relief Cream to use then review.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Big Book of Christmas Fun!

Are you having lots of little ones coming over for Christmas? Keep them entertained this holiday with FREE activity sheets designed just for them (thanks to grandparents.com)! 


Free Christmas Activity Sheets

Click here for a .pdf of printable games,coloring pages, recipes and more!


The little ones at your home will have hours of fun with activities like:

  • 4 coloring pages: Christmas Tree, Gingerbread House, Snowflake, and Snowman
  • 4 activities: word search, maze, find the match, and spot the differences
  • Holiday jokes for kids
  • The ultimate Christmas cookie recipe
  • 3 festive Christmas crafts

Christmas Tree Coloring Sheet - Free

Friday, December 13, 2013

Reef and Belle Visit Santa

Cousin Belle and Reef Find Santa at the Mall!
Cousin Belle and Reef find Santa at the Mall!

The American version of St. Nicholas, or Santa Claus originally came from the Dutch version called Sint Nikolaas or Sinterklaas. The Dutch settlers in New Amsterdam (New York) brought this fun and lively tradition to America.

Santa Claus appears in the weeks before Christmas in department stores or shopping malls. The practice of this has been credited to James Edgar, as he started doing this in 1890 in his Brockton, Massachusetts department store!

Edgar was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1843. In 1878 he arrived in Brockton, and he eventually set up a dry goods store on Main Street.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

A special message for
One Direction

Update - Lets make this happen!



A business friend, Rich asked me for help this morning:
"There is a girl in our town, 15 years old, that was diagnosed with cancer a few years back along with a boy that unfortunately passed away last year. They were in the same grade. Her cancer was gone, but unfortunately she has relapsed. She now needs a bone marrow transplant. While I know it is a long shot, she is hoping to be able to meet One Direction at her Philadelphia Hospital before she needs her bone marrow transplant. She made a video and I was hoping you could share it anywhere you can!”

 

Rich has affirmed that this is “100% on the up and up.”

So here is what Oma is asking.
  1. First please simply watch the video and leave a supportive comment if possible.
  2. Secondly, please share with your friends, family, co-workers etc.
It would be wonderful if we could band together and have this video go viral for this deserving child! This video only has 2,382 views and 81 thumbs up at the moment. Let’s get more for Brittany Santana!

Please help – it will only take a second yet mean so much.

One Direction – Boys are you paying attention?
One Direction – Boys are you paying attention?

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Oma and Opa’s Venetian
Las Vegas Adventure

Last month, Opa and Oma were lucky enough to attend a business “meeting” in Las Vegas! We were excited to learn that our group would be staying at the prestigious Venetian Hotel.

Oma and Opa’s View from their Venetian Las Vegas Suite.
Oma and Opa’s View from their Venetian Las Vegas Suite.

“The Venetian sets the standard for luxury in Las Vegas throughout this legendary all-suite Las Vegas resort, with careful attention paid to every detail of our lavish suites. With suites up to 1500 square feet, featuring a sunken living room, marble bathroom, two LCD flat-screen TVs, and so much more. Experience the comforts of this elegant home away from home and you may never want to leave your room; though, there’s plenty at our award-winning Las Vegas resort to entice you out to shop, dine, and play.” From the Venetian website

While the hotel lived up to its claim – their room was very luxurious – we did encounter negative issues during our stay.

1 – When Oma and Opa arrived at the Venetian, we informed the valet that we were going to put our bags in our room and then immediately leave to pick up our son (Uncle Moses) from the airport. We asked them not to park the car. However, when we return our car was gone and we had to wait for them to retrieve it. Oma was disappointed that such a simple request had been acknowledged yet ignored.

2 – At check-in, Oma and Opa presented a credit card for incidentals. We were asked if we wanted the credit line to stay open so that we could charge purchases to our room. We did so and there were no issues during the first day. However, during our second day, my husband attempted to pay for a bag of M&Ms. We were told that our credit was not allowed. I mentioned that we were able to charge entire meals to the room just the day before; the cart attendant responded, “well your credit is not good today.” It was very embarrassing.

Oma telephoned the front desk. First they tried to convince Oma that we did not give them a credit card at check-in. When I informed them that not only did I do so, I had been charging meals and such for over 24 hours; they changed their theme. Subsequently they claimed that my credit card company had denied my credit. That was also not correct. Bottom line is that I had to return to the lobby, stand in a huge check-in line again, and re-present my credit card. Guess what – the credit card when through no problem – it would have been edifying if they would just have let me know why they need me to redo the credit card.

3 – On the second day, Oma and Opa left the room to have breakfast around 8:00 am. We spoke to the housekeeping supervisor, who was checking on rooms in the hallway. We asked that the room be serviced ASAP. She agreed to the request.

Unfortunately, when Oma and Opa returned to the room at 2:00 pm; the room was as we left it. Oma telephoned the front desk. The front desk lady said she was sorry but I should have spoken to them not housekeeping. The front desk lady stated that she would send a housekeeping supervisor to the room to speak with us. We received a telephone call from housekeeping. I asked the caller if she was a supervisor and she responded in the negative. I explained our issue. The lady said that she was sorry but that I need to call the front desk!

This runaround was definitely unsatisfactory. I expected much more from a “high dollar” hotel such as the Venetian.


4 – Oma needed to print out some show tickets; so I found the fact that we had a printer in the room very convenient. However, when the printer was turned on the “out of ink” warning illuminated. Oma telephoned the front desk again. After a half an hour a technician arrived. He looked at the printer and agreed that it was out of ink. Unfortunately, they no longer stocked that type of ink. They would have to install an entire new printer. The nice man did so – however, it would have been much less hassle if I had just run to the business center and printed the tickets there.

5 – Oma would have loved a way to make hot water in the room. A cup of tea before showering in the morning is highly desirable. Since there was not one in the room, Oma requested a coffee maker, but was told the Venetian did not have any.

6 - Also it was very irritating to have a refrigerator in the room but not the ability to use it. It was stocked with food and drink items that were placed on a pressure pad. If you pick the items up and/or move them; you are charged for the product. However the most exasperating nuisance was the tray of snacks placed in front of the flat screen TV. It obscured part of the screen. I telephoned the front desk and ask that they remove the food and beverages in the room since we would not be purchasing any. They informed me that it would cost $50 to do so! Sorry but that is ridiculous!

The Venetian Casino was tight with skimpy “Jackpots.”
The Venetian Casino was tight.
Oma found the slot games in the Venetian were very tight. Not very many "jackpots or bonuses." when we did get a "bonus" it paid very little. One "bonus" paid me .56 on a .90 bet - not much of a bonus. It was really difficult for Oma to get a drink while gambling. Interestingly, I received great beverage service when the casino was packed - not so good service when the casino was quiet.

If anyone from the Venetian is reading this, “Please ask your attendants not to clean slot games that people are playing. As a person allergic to dust - this makes me take my money and run!”


Oma and Opa used our Grazie card the three days we were there. Unfortunately, when we left, at 8 am - the Grazie desk was closed so we could not redeem any points.

Oma And Opa’s Dining Experiences

Café Presse - Shoppes at The Palazzo

This bistro is open nice and early (6 am); perfect for Oma’s cup of tea (since there is no way to make hot water in the room). They also have awesome Apple Fritters. However, stay away from the smoothies -very yucky.

Oma’s Grand Lux Café Smoked Salmon Platter
Grand Lux Café Smoked Salmon Platter

Grand Lux Café - Venetian Casino Level

This has to be the Venetian’s best keep secret. Wonderful atmosphere; yummy food and great service at a good price. My vegetarian husband had his special order breakfast cooked just as he ordered it. Oma’s “Smoked Salmon Platter With Tomato, Onion, Cream Cheese And A Toasted Bagel” was perfect in both presentation and palate.

Oma and Opa enjoyed Grimaldi's Pizzeria.
Oma and Opa enjoyed Grimaldi's Pizzeria

 

Grimaldi's

Grimaldi's Pizzeria serves award-winning, hand-tossed, coal-fired brick oven pizzas, house made salads and desserts. With Frank Sinatra crooning in the background, Grimaldi’s was a nice setting for the company gathering. The food was good - the service fast and friendly.

 

Noodle Asia

The menu features large portions of noodle dishes, vegetarian specialties, rice and congee dishes and soups. This establishment was the perfect place for our party to eat before going to our show. The food was good and the service passable. Oma’s order did not arrive with the rest of the food. In fact, I had to get up and ask for it.

Opa relaxing in the Venetian Las Vegas Suite.
Opa relaxing in the Venetian Las Vegas Suite.

Reading over my review, a summary emerges that Oma and Opa enjoyed the cuisine at the Venetian Las Vegas, but not much else. That is not the case. The Venetian Hotel does offer nice, clean and comfortable suites. The hotel offered many beautiful shops and the Canyon Ranch SpaClub was the perfect place to relax, renew, and re-energize.  Our view was also very enjoyable.

Oma and Opa had a wonderful Las Vegas adventure with friends, family, and co-workers. However, Oma anticipated a higher quality of customer service and was therefore a tad disappointed in the Venetian. 

If you have stayed at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas, please left me a comment to let me know how you liked it!