• Celebrating 50 Years of Family with Rizuto's Ice Cream: A Heartfelt Thank You,Natalie Olmsted

    Celebrating 50 Years of Family with Rizuto's Ice Cream: A Heartfelt Thank You

    Celebrating 50 Years of Family with Rizuto's Ice Cream: A Heartfelt Thank You This blog is a personal note to express my heartfelt gratitude to a special local ice cream business in Colorado Springs. Every two years, my family comes together for a week of camping at our family reunion, a tradition known as STEICAMP that my parent’s generation started back in 1973. This year marked our 50 years of family gatherings, which we celebrated at Cutty’s Resort in Coaldale, Colorado. We rented all the camping cabins, many camper sites, and several tent sites, hosting 151 family members from states such as Arizona, California, Colorado, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Texas, and Washington. This STEICAMP was particularly poignant as we remembered a beloved family member who had recently passed away. His nephew, entrusted with his estate, decided the best way to honor his memory was to treat our STEICAMPers to an ice cream social, a final gift from our uncle. Our cousin from Texas took on the task of organizing this sweet surprise, contacting seven different ice cream shops and trucks in Colorado Springs. Some didn’t respond, and others deemed Coaldale too far. But then he reached Chip Rizuto, owner of Rizuto’s Ice Cream & Sweet Shop. Chip listened to our story, loved the idea, and without hesitation said, "When and where?" Chip, along with his long-time employee and family friend Christine, made the two-hour drive from Colorado Springs to Coaldale. They set up their ice cream truck and served 151 excited family members an unlimited supply of ice cream cones and cups for two glorious hours. The selection was fantastic, featuring flavors like mint chocolate chip, butter pecan, rainbow pop, coffee, bunny tracks, and chocolate chip, all available in big waffle cones or cups. Before heading back on their two-hour journey home, Chip shared that when he heard it was for a family reunion, he didn’t think twice. He’d previously provided his truck for another family reunion but was amazed by our week-long celebration. This event gave Chip and Christine the opportunity to extend their love of ice cream far beyond their usual reach and become honorary members of our Steichen family, sharing in our 50 years of family celebration.           If you’re in the Colorado Springs area and need a great local business to enhance your event, build community, or create lasting memories, I wholeheartedly recommend Chip and his team at Rizuto’s Ice Cream & Sweet Shop. They’ll treat you like family! Rizuto's Ice Cream & Sweet Shop 4785 Barnes Road, # 5 Colorado Springs, CO 80917 (719) 596-7191     Colorado Springs Real Estate Professionals – TEAL Pro Team backed by EXIT Realty Mountain View   Natalie Olmsted is a motivated REALTOR® specializing with Future First Time Home Buyers and Last Time Home Sellers located in the following areas; Colorado Springs, Monument, Peyton, Fountain, Woodland Park, and surrounding areas. Natalie and her team strive to provide you the very best service to make your real estate experience stress free. Call Natalie Olmsted at 719.287.8067.  

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  • Buying a Home During Summer,Natalie Olmsted

    Buying a Home During Summer

    Top Tips for Buying a Home During the Summer Summer is a popular season for buying a home. The warmer weather and longer days make it an ideal time to explore neighborhoods and attend open houses. Here are some top tips to make your summer home buying experience a success:    Start Early in the Day  With temperatures rising, it’s best to schedule home viewings early in the morning. This way, you can avoid the midday heat and have more energy to thoroughly inspect each property. Plus, you're more likely to avoid the Colorado Springs afternoon rain showers! Be Prepared for Competition Summer is a busy time in the real estate market, so be ready for competition. Get pre-approved for a mortgage to show sellers you’re a serious buyer. Having your financing in order can give you an edge over other buyers. Check the Air Conditioning Don’t overlook the importance of a good air conditioning system, especially during the hot summer months. Make sure the AC is in good working condition and consider the cost of any necessary repairs or upgrades. Consider Future Cooling Costs Think about how much it will cost to keep the home cool. Look for energy-efficient windows, proper insulation, and shaded outdoor areas. These features can help reduce cooling costs and make the home more comfortable year-round. Explore the Neighborhood Take advantage of the longer days to explore the neighborhood. Visit local parks, restaurants, and other amenities to get a feel for the community. It’s also a good idea to visit at different times of the day to see what the area is like in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Use the Season to Your Advantage Summer is a great time to see a home in its best light. Gardens are in bloom, and outdoor spaces can be fully appreciated. Pay attention to how the home and yard look and imagine how you would use these spaces. Be Ready to Move Quickly Homes can sell fast in the summer, so be prepared to make an offer quickly if you find a property you love. Work closely with your real estate professional to stay on top of new listings and act fast when the right opportunity arises.   By following these tips, you can navigate the summer real estate market with confidence and find the perfect home for you and your family.       Colorado Springs Real Estate Professionals – TEAL Pro Team backed by EXIT Realty Mountain View   Natalie Olmsted is a motivated REALTOR® specializing with Future First Time Home Buyers and Last Time Home Sellers located in the following areas; Colorado Springs, Monument, Peyton, Fountain, Woodland Park, and surrounding areas. Natalie and her team strive to provide you the very best service to make your real estate experience stress free. Call Natalie Olmsted at 719.287.8067.  

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  • Gamer's Haven Sponsors Cookies with Santa,Natalie Olmsted

    Gamer's Haven Sponsors Cookies with Santa

    Gamer's Haven: A Community Oasis for Tabletop Enthusiasts – Sponsors of the 7th Annual Cookies with Santa Event!   Nestled in the heart of Colorado Springs, Gamer's Haven isn't just a game store; it's a sanctuary for tabletop gaming enthusiasts. Whether you're a newcomer navigating the vast realms of tabletop gaming or a seasoned pro seeking a welcoming community, Gamer's Haven offers an immersive gaming experience unlike any other. Gamer's Haven prides itself on its extensive range of products, catering to a variety of gaming interests. From roleplaying and hobby supplies to board games, miniatures, collectible card games, and trade paperbacks, the store provides a curated selection that elevates the gaming enjoyment of enthusiasts. The shelves are thoughtfully stocked with a diverse array of games and accessories, ensuring every gamer discovers something tailored to their preferences. Central to the Gamer's Haven experience is the dedicated and knowledgeable staff, all of whom share a genuine passion for tabletop gaming. Whether you seek recommendations for a new game, advice on miniature painting, or simply want to engage in a conversation with like-minded individuals, the friendly staff is ever-ready to assist. Emphasizing a sense of community, their staff plays a crucial role in creating memorable experiences for every visitor. More than just a store, Gamer's Haven serves as a safe space for gamers to come together and indulge in their favorite hobby. The establishment features dedicated tables for miniatures gaming, as well as spaces for board and card games—a thoughtful touch that fosters a sense of camaraderie among players. Gamer's Haven values its community and actively seeks to stay connected. Whether you prefer reaching out through phone or email, the doors are always open for inquiries or sharing your gaming experiences. Located at 5681 Academy Blvd N, Colorado Springs, CO 80918, the store offers flexible hours from Monday to Sunday, accommodating the diverse schedules of every gamer. In a delightful show of community spirit, Gamer's Haven proudly announces its sponsorship of the 7th Annual Cookies with Santa event on Saturday, December 16, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Immerse yourself in the festive celebration filled with joy and excitement, and don't miss their activity table. Here, kids can try out and sample a variety of fun games—a heartfelt gesture to give back to the community and spread the joy of gaming during the holiday season. Gamer's Haven stands out as a true sanctuary for tabletop gaming enthusiasts. With a diverse product range, knowledgeable staff, and a commitment to providing a safe and welcoming space, Gamer's Haven invites you to join their community of passionate gamers. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned dungeon master, immerse yourself in the magic of tabletop gaming at Gamer's Haven—your haven away from home. Join them for the Cookies with Santa event, where gaming and festive cheer come together for a day of joy and community celebration!     Colorado Springs Real Estate Professionals – TEAL Pro Team backed by EXIT Realty Mountain View   Natalie Olmsted is a motivated REALTOR® specializing with Future First Time Home Buyers and Last Time Home Sellers located in the following areas; Colorado Springs, Monument, Peyton, Fountain, Woodland Park, and surrounding areas. Natalie and her team strive to provide you the very best service to make your real estate experience stress free. Call Natalie Olmsted at 719.287.8067.        

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