Designs By Alfreda

A Tribute to My Mother

On December 3, 2018, my Mother left this present world. It was hard saying goodbye. She was a great mother. She wasn’t perfect, but no one is, yet she did the best she could with what she had and knew. I cherish her memories. She lived on this earth for 91 years. She lived to see her children grow up, to see her grandchildren even up to her great great grandchildren. For this I’m truly grateful.

There are so many memories to cherish of her. She will forever be in my heart. Her legacy lives on in me. It lives in the lessons she taught me and the kindness she showed to others. It lives in her zest for life–enjoying good food and good company, laughter, the joy of travel, the joy of volunteering and helping others. I’m forever thankful to God for giving me her as a mom. Thank you God for the years she was here. Thank you for letting me see her and spend time with her before she left this world. You are an awesome God and I thank you for my mother.

Now I only have memories and pictures to share. I will no longer be able to hear her voice except from a voicemail or two that is still on my phone. I will miss her smile and sense of humor. There will no longer be meals that we will sit down together to share. Yet dear Jesus help me to have time for and show love to my family that I can still see and hear. Let me be grateful and to remember to give them their flowers while they are able to see and smell them. Please God. Thank you.

The Love of a Mother

As I write this evening, I’m writing thinking of my Mother. My Mother was blessed to turn 91 this past September. We had an awesome celebration for her. Her birthday was celebrated with many family and friends. My mother is much loved. I’m thanking God for her. Whenever I talk to her I always end the conversation by saying I love you. I appreciate my Mother. I appreciate the food she cooked for me, her encouragement and how she took care of my hair as I was growing up. If you are fortunate enough to still have your Mother with you, please do not fail to let her know you love her and you care. Give her the flowers while she can smell them so to speak. Have a Good Night!

Coffee Coffee Coffee

Most people like their morning Joe. I personally drink a cup every morning. Of course, it needs to have hazelnut creamer for me to really enjoy it.

These days and time we have so many choices for coffee. Different flavors and different temperature. Hot coffee and now you can get ice coffee. I guess if there is hot tea we can have cold coffee.

Some people drink black coffee, while others prefer flavored coffee. Or you can start with plain coffee and add flavored creamer to it. There are coffee shops all over the place. Occasionally I venture to a coffee shop but my MO is usually a cup at home and I’m good to go.

It is said that coffee has some health benefits. However, the health benefits are found mostly in the plain coffee. When we add creamer and sugar, we’re adding calories which probablay isn’t so healthy. Plain coffee I do not do. I like a little flavor with my coffee. Coffee to me smells great, coffee without flavored creamer or sugar is literally not my cup of tea.

Whichever way you like your coffee–hot or cold, flavored or black, take the time to smell your coffee and enjoy your life.

Make it a great day!!!

Nothing Like Sunday Mornings

Sunday mornings can be so relaxing. You’re not bothered by having to get out of the door early morning. You sit and relax. Have a cup of coffee and likely read the news on the internet. Back in the day it was the Sunday morning newspaper you held in your hand. People lived for that cup of coffee and Sunday morning newspaper.

I know first hand about that Sunday morning newspaper. Not necessarily reading it, but having a paperboy in my home. My oldest son delivered newspaper as a teenager. His route was in our neighborhood. Wow! If some people’s newspaper was two minutes late getting to them, the Ann Arbor News was calling our house. For the most part, he got them out on time but occasionally ran behind.

Sunday mornings for us are relaxing. My husband and I get up and have our quiet time. Then on to breakfast with a nice cup of coffee and tea. I drink coffee and my husband drinks tea. However, we both like our hazlenut creamer added to our hot cup of liquids. After preparation we head for church. We attend church with a very lovely congregation. Church service is always something we look forward to and is a jump start to our week.

What does your Sunday mornings consist us? Do you try to relax? Do you like getting the news first thing on Sundays? Is attending church part of your Sundays? However you use your Sundays, let it be a time to refresh and relax. Take good care of yourself and make it a great day!

Baby Oh Baby!!!

Creating baby gift baskets are one of my favorite gifts to design. In creating them you can add so many items a mom will need for her new little one. If you are a mom, what are some of the items you received as gifts for your baby that were beneficial or were very helpful and needful for you? What kinds of baby gifts have you given to other new moms?

Baby gift registries from various department stores are nice and helpful. However, gift baskets are special because not only do they come filled with practical gifts they make a spectacular presentation. The gift basket or container the items come in can be used for storage.

Baby gift baskets are unique. There’s an array of containers that are used Some come in the shape of bassinets while other containers are themed gift boxes.

The next time you have the opportunity to get a baby gift, consider a gift basket. Even if you buy from the baby registry, consider packaging it in a gift basket or gift box and make it a special presentation.

Baby Girl
Baby Boy
Baby Girl
Baby Boy
Baby Girl
Baby Boy

For the Love of Chocolate

Chocolate is one of the most popular sweets in America. I really like chocolate and I’ve never met anyone who didn’t like chocolate. That is, not until I met my husband. He does not like chocolate. He likes nothing that is chocolate–no chocolate ice cream, chocolate chip cookies, not even chocolate cake.

Do you have a favorite chocolate? There’s white chocolate, milk chocolate, dark chocolate, chocolate with raspberry, chocolate with nuts, and just an array of flavors and combinations of chocolate treats. One chocolate we can indulge in guilt free is dark chocolate. Because it is said dark chocolate offers health benefits.

Dark chocolate actually taste very good in my opinion. I’m guessing, because it taste good and has health benefits it’s a win win. Some of those health benefits are: 1) It’s nutritious; 2) Could improve brain functions; 3) Has powerful source of antioxidants; 4) May improve blood flow and lower blood pressure; 5) Raises HDL and protects LDL from oxidation; 6) May reduce heart disease risk; and 7) May protect your skin from the sun. These are benefits we could all use. So feel free to eat up on chocolate, dark chocolate specifically. Of course, I’m one to say, all things in moderation.

Gifts From the Heart

When buying a gift for someone, it’s so important to buy something for them based on their personality. How well you know them helps in this way. Because the more you know the person, makes it that much easier.

Knowing them well, you can consider their hobbies, favorite color, or maybe a sentimental item. It’s all about getting something you know they will enjoy.

What if you do not know them well? How do you buy for someone you know very little about? Maybe consider taking them to lunch. If you know of someone who knows them better, seek their advice. Considering a homemade hostess gift could be an excellent ideal too.

I’m a gift basket designer. I love making them and I love receiving them as gifts. I think they make awesome gifts because they can be made for any gender and any age. You can include items that they like and practical ones. You can even include fun items.

Do a little research or web surfing for gift ideas for helpful hints. Make a list of possible ideas. The most important thing in gift giving is giving from the heart. If you love the gift, it’s likely they will like it and love it too.

**This Basket is filled with a lot of Goodies. Snacks, movies, puzzles and other treats.**

Age Discrimination

Age just a number. Having recently celebrated my 60th birthday got me to thinking about what it means to get older. As you get older, when certain situations occur, it makes you wonder does it have to do with age. A position is created, various people of different ages apply. Guess who gets the job? The youngest to apply of course! Is this fair? Does this happen? Has it happen to you? What do you do about it?

You are valuable regardless of your age. As we age in life, we gain a certain amount of wisdom. That depends really on how you’ve lived your life and availed yourself to life’s lessons.

Humans have the ability to learn and keep learning. We have different personalities, talents, and gifts. Some of us are great cooks, some know how to put colors and outfits together, while others are good teachers, and some hold the ability to make a bad situation better.

Whatever your age, know your worth. Know your strengths as well as your weaknesses. As I’m aging gracefully I encourage myself that age is just a number. I’m valuable, I love learning, being creative, and I love encouraging others.

If you are focusing too much on the past. Stop it! Look ahead and see the good you can do and the difference you can make in the world.

So teach us to number our days that we apply our hearts to wisdom. Psalms 90:12

Greetings!

Welcome to Designs by Alfreda where we do gift baskets for every occasion! Spa, New Born, For Him, Weddings, and much much more. We service businesses, consumers, and participate on a limited basis to various shows. We create an array of gifts–always designing and creating.

Feel free to call 734-434-6663 or 734-756-6692, or email info@designsbyalfreda.com.

Thanks. Have a great day! Alfreda Onimo