Order Your Artificial Christmas Tree Early. Supplies May be Limited.

A few years ago, on December 23rd, my sister noticed her live Christmas tree was dead. Dead as a door knob. Dead like the legs of a table. Dead as a tree stump, (sorry, I couldn't resist). Literally ... dead. It had died a slow, agonizing, untimely death sometime between Thanksgiving and the biggest party of the year for our family! It was almost completely brown and the needles fell off if a slight breeze hit it. With about a dozen kids expected the next day for the big family holiday party, there would be a virtual whirlwind in the house ... forget a slight breeze! My sister knew she had to do something. So, she told mom.

"Mom, the tree is dead!" she yelled upstairs as mom was getting her pajamas on in preparation for bed. And of course mom, always practical, yelled down the stairs, "Well, we'll have to get another one."

So at 7pm, they trekked to the local Discount stores and Home Improvement Centers, in search of the perfect live tree. All that was left, of course, were Charlie Brown trees! So they went into one of stores to buy an artificial Christmas tree. Or so they thought. Inside, they found 3 or 4 trees strewn around in various stages of dismemberment, their limbs thrown willy nilly as if a hurricane had torn through the store. Pieces, nothing more. So they hunted around for enough pieces to make a whole tree, and ended up with a pretty decent 9 foot Artificial Tree. They took a chance that the lights would work, but the branches matched (more or less). While it wasn't the style they wanted, it would work in a pinch. So at about 9pm that night, they completely unloaded the ornaments from the dead tree and re-decorated the new artificial tree. By the way, the lights didn't work. Nothing stopped mom: an unlit tree just wouldn't do, so she draped it with the lights she'd taken off the live/dead tree. Needless to say, it was a long night. For my mom and sister. Not for me. I was home wearing my Mrs. Santa apron, making pumpkin bread and listening to Christmas carols, happily unaware of what they were doing at that very moment.

My husband and I bought an artificial Christmas tree about three years ago, and now I decorate the tree within a few days of Thanksgiving (sometimes just after Halloween if you want to know the truth), and never worry about it drying out or having to water it.

The lesson from this: Buy your artificial Christmas tree early. Like NOW! If you think about it, by the time late November or early December comes around, money is always tight. If you buy it now, your wallet will thank you when you're trying to find Christmas presents and baking supplies. And of course, so will we! Plus, like big box stores, supplies may be limited. Ordering online also has another major benefit: you can choose the style and size you want from literally hundreds of trees (unlike a big box store you walk into that might have five or six different styles).

Shop a huge selection of Artificial Christmas trees now at www.OdysseyHomestore.com. Or call our Christmas Tree Specialists at 888-564-4744.

If you have a funny story about your Christmas Tree, we would love to hear about it, and share it with our bloggers!

Although this won't be the last Blog for the year, we hope you enjoy the coming months. Spend more time with friends and family, and less money on meaningless gifts. They'll appreciate it so much more!

Happy Holidays!

from,

Odd Blogger

Now That's a Patio Heater

Lava Heat Italia provides attractive and radiant outdoor heaters that help illuminate an inviting ambiance. Industry Leading 61,000 BTUs!

Electroplated Heritage Bronze Lava Patio Heater: Lava Heat Italia supplies new age outdoor heaters that are as stylish as they are efficient. Designed in Europe, our Lava Heaters are one of the mainstays at fashionable outdoor patios, restaurant - cafes and trendy social spots all across the continent. We even cater to home residences as well. For the first time ever, Lava Heat Italia is proud to introduce our beautiful products to the long awaited United States. Lava Heaters are much more than just outdoor heating devices. Touch the remote control button and you'll see why. They quickly become the centerpiece for people gathering together, be it for lively conversation, quiet reflection, companionship or camaraderie. Lava Heaters will transcend your outdoor experiences forever. Size is 24" x 24" x 96". Professional installation recommended.

** Put a Logo on it! Call (888) 564 - 4744 for details **

** Advertise! Put your own full blown ad on all three panels or lease out the space to generate income to pay for the heater! **

Choice of 5 Finishes: Metallic Grey - $1399 Platinum White - $1399 Satin Black - $1399 Heritage BronzeBronze - $1599 Stainless Steel - $1599 Any Color Powder Coating - call for details Portable and stationary outdoor heaters Can be used all year round - for warmth in thecooler months or as an ambient gas flare for the warmer months Radiates 360° degrees of satisfying warm heat Two options to ignite Lava Heater: 1. Hand held Infra-red remote control - electronic igniter (battery operated) 2. “Easy Start” - Manual push button ignition located on device Lava Heaters are energy efficient yet provide powerful output Adjustable flame and heat level control -with 5 settings (ON/OFF, Low, Med, & Max) Exceptionally durable & weather resistant all year round Constructed of all metal parts and components, including aluminum, powder coated metal & stainless steel Diameter of Lava Heater heat reflection hood (Top of Lava Heater): 33.5" Lava Heater height from top to bottom: 8' Ft Greatest width at the base of Lava Heater: 2’ Ft Lava Heater Weight: 70 Lbs Operated by propane gas, with the tank being safely concealed within the inside of the Lava Heater’s base Flame is contained in a specially designed glass tube made from Borosilicate Glass that can produce an astounding 61,000 BTU (Hot Stuff!). This unique type of glass is incredibly strong and shatter resistant Hand held Infra-red remote control - electronic igniter (battery operated), which offers the option of igniting multiple Lava Heaters in unison through the use of one single remote control Shatter resistant glass Fits 20 lb. propane gas tanks (not included) Average useage 12 - 14 hours which is 30% more efficient than a standard propane heater Costs approximately $ .30 an hour to run

Lava Heat = Safety First Our client’s well being is of the utmost importance to us. Below please find an essential list of Safety Features for your attention: A safety "tip-over" switch that will disconnect the gas supply to the flame in the event that Lava Heat is knocked over accidentally "Flame Failure" protection is standard with all Lava Heaters, meaning that if the gas flame is blown out or extinguished, the gas supply is automatically disconnected “Safe to Touch” powder-coated steel safety grill provides protection against glass tube and flame Each device is individually tested & gas certified to meet the highest industry standards Lava Heaters are fully CSA-approved

Lava Heat - Background A few years back the founders of Lava Heat Italia realized that outdoor heating needed a fresh start. The industry was producing unattractive and undervalued heating products and it needed to change. These companies were and still are overcharging and under delivering their products and services to customers in need of quality outdoor heating products. People deserved a superior product. We saw an opening to create something new and attractive that would help this fading industry reignite the spark for all outdoor heating devices. After years of creative research, hard work, and dedication Lava Heat Italia was formed to introduce its world renowned Lava Heaters. Their goal was to create attractive and radiant outdoor heating devices that would help illuminate an inviting ambiance. Lava Heat Italia went to great lengths to build a brilliant outdoor heating device that looked and worked like a million dollar machine but was still affordable for all to purchase. Lava Heat also comes with an unprecedented 10 Year Limited Warranty.

Why Lava Heat Lava Heat is constructed and manufactured with the highest quality parts and by some of the world’s most brilliant engineers. We wanted to beat the competition flat-out, by providing our loyal clientele a magnificent outdoor heater that is intelligently functional, beautifully designed, and affordably priced for all. Using real-flame technology, Lava Heat Italia provides radiant heating that is significantly stronger than the coverage given by typical and outdated "old mushroom style" heaters. Its unique and innovative architecture creates an attractive visual style that brightens and enriches any setting, at any time of the day, all year round. Lava Heaters were built to produce and project positive energy by creating added value within the locations it dwells in. Finally, you’ll be able to enjoy your outdoor living and dining all year long with the new portable outdoor Lava Heater. While other old-fashioned outdoor heaters can be gathering dust in storage (Wasting valuable dollars) for up to 9 months of the year, the Lava Heater is ready and able to serve you all year round. Lava Heaters are great for use during the cold winter as gas heaters for warmth; in autumn, spring and summer, use Lava Heat for warmth on those occasional chilly evenings, or use the gas flare to attract a beautiful fire-lit ambience and atmosphere. Lava Heaters are energy efficient and feature an optional infra-red electronic remote control (Battery operated) with three (3) separate heating and flame settings. When creating the remote control, the engineers behind Lava Heat Italia wanted to introduce a new feature that would help save people valuable time and serve as a more convenient method when igniting the Lava Heaters. As a result, multiple Lava Heaters can be controlled through the use of a single remote control, thus significantly reducing the time and headache it would normally take to ignite several heaters spread through a wide area. For example, rather than wasting time by individually engaging and igniting more than a dozen heaters on a large rooftop patio, a single push of a Lava Heater’s remote control button can do the same job instantaneously. Moreover, the beautiful dancing flame, which is wind-proof, serves as a unique and attractive visual display to any area. It provides just the right light in the dark, emits 360° degrees of heat, and is perfect for any terrace or patio. Lava Heaters can conveniently fit between a couple of tables or stand proudly at the front entrance to any establishment or home. The Lava Heater was born to do it all.

Click Here for Lava Heat Manufacturer Limited Warranty Information. Click Here for Lava Heat Product and Installation Information.

How to Buy an Artificial Christmas Tree

Real Christmas Trees have gotten so expensive! Not to mention the fact that, in order to have a real Christmas tree, you have to cut down a living tree. Really!?

It’s way past time to consider buying an artificial Christmas tree, isn’t it! Think about this:
Artificial Christmas trees come in every size and shape imaginable. From tall and thin, to short and fat and everything in between. In our home, we have only one space for a slim Christmas tree (unless we want to move a bunch of furniture to the garage). Our space requires something thin, but I love a big tree. So I looked for a tall, thin Christmas tree with plenty of branches from which to hang my many ornaments.

Listed below are a few things for you to think about when buying an artificial Christmas tree. You probably already know all of this but these are reminders:

• First, decide on a budget for the tree. Add up the money you would spend on a real Christmas tree and multiply that times 5 – the average lifespan of a pre-lit artificial Christmas tree. Now you have your budget
• Next, think about the kind of Christmas tree you usually buy. Everyone has a favorite: cypress, spruce, grand fir, noble fir, balsam fir. My favorite type of tree is a Noble Fir, which isn’t all that easy to find a tall, think Douglas Fir tree. It took a while, but I found it online here
• Find a retailer that sells artificial trees. You can find them at many big box stores, but at most you’ll find 12 – 18 different kinds, and we knew we wanted a larger selection. That’s why we decided to carry them on our store. We knew we wanted one that looked real, so we found these “Feel Real” trees here.
• Think about the number of branches you like. Do you like a tree with room between branches so you can see each and every one of your ornaments, or one with branches that are fuller than normal? Some artificial trees that are “affordable” in big box stores actually have very sparse branches, so it’s important to know how many branches and tips your tree has when making the decision
• Check the quality of the needles. PE and PVC tips are the highest quality needles for artificial trees. Stay away from plastic. One great tree is made with "Feel Real" technology, which not only looks real, but feels real too. Click here to see a Tiffany Fir "Feel Real" Christmas tree that's amazing!
• Make sure the cord is UL listed for maximum safety
• The number of lights a tree has affects the price. Buy a tree with as many lights as you can afford to create a warm, homey feel. You’ll enjoy it so much more with tons of lights! Think also about whether you want clear or colored lights. Clear lights definitely give off a more traditional look while colored lights add festivity and a modern touch
• You have a few other options as well. You can purchase artificial Flocked Christmas Trees which have become very popular again in recent years, especially in those of us who enjoy a white Christmas but live in an area where little, if any, snow ever falls. Also available are Fiber Optic Christmas Trees which add fun to any room!
• Look for coordinating Wreathes, Swags, Decorations and Centerpieces. Buying on line allows you to find just the right Christmas decoration, as well as storage and accessories
• Finally, measure the space! This is the most important component you need to think about. If you have one, leave yourself enough room at the top of the tree for your favorite tree topper. Measure the width of the space you have and be sure the tree you buy will fit
• Check the return policy. Make sure that if you get the tree and you’re not happy with it you know ahead of time what the return policy will be
• Last, have fun decorating and feel free to send us a picture of your beautiful Christmas tree. We would love to post them!

If you have any further questions, please call one of our Christmas Tree specialists at (888) 564-4744 to help you find just the right tree. We offer “Legendary” products and services that you just won't find anywhere else. We also offer a low price guarantee, so if you find it anywhere else for less, call us and we'll match the price, plus send you 15% of the difference in a gift certificate for future use.