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The best Secret Santa gift? A Pop-Tart heating pad.

For the friend who loves cozy comfort and a touch of nostalgia, the Happy Helpers Pop-Tart Heating Pad is a sweet standout on any holiday gift list. Designed to look just like the iconic Strawberry Frosted Pop-Tart, this microwaveable cutie delivers warm, soothing relief for period cramps, sore muscles, or chilly winter days.

Perfect for your bestie, parent, sibling, or anyone who could use a little extra warmth this season. Equal parts comforting and charming, this Pop-Tart is guaranteed to be the most delightfully unexpected hit of your Secret Santa exchange!

COS Town Tidings #25-344

Gmail will truncate so ๐Ÿ“– READ ONLINE

๐Ÿคฃ Todayโ€™s Chuckle

๐ŸŒŸLocal Feature: ๐Ÿ›‘ Stop Posing. ๐Ÿ’ƒ Start Living. โœจ Your Real Story Awaits.

๐Ÿ“ฐ Water Main Repairs Slow Traffic ๐Ÿšง

๐Ÿ“ฐ Holiday Hope for ALICE Families ๐ŸŽ

๐Ÿ“ฐ Share Joy with Local Foster Kids ๐ŸŽ„

๐Ÿ“† Local Events + Concerts & ๐Ÿคถ Holiday Fairs/Festivals

๐ŸŒค COS Weather - Partly cloudy, breezy and cool

๐ŸŒŸ Letโ€™s Feature YOUR business!

Why were photographers so depressed before digital cameras were invented?

๐Ÿ‘‰They spent too long processing the negatives ๐Ÿคฃ

๐Ÿฅฐ Why We Spotlight Local Businesses

Every Wednesday, we shine a light on the local entrepreneurs who make Colorado Springs vibrant and unique. When you support these featured businesses, you're investing in our neighbors' dreams and helping build a stronger community by creating jobs and keeping our city thriving. ๐Ÿค—

๐Ÿ›‘ Stop Posing. ๐Ÿ’ƒ Start Living. โœจ Your Real Story Awaits.

๐Ÿ“ธ Discover the difference with Sarai Neff

Remember that feeling? The joy so perfect, you wish you could capture it forever. We all yearn to preserve those fleeting smiles, the genuine laughter, the tender embraces. Yet, professional photographs often feel out of reach, burdened by high costs, rigid poses, or fear the "real you" won't shine through. What if capturing your family's authentic story could be as magical and accessible as a cherished dream?

Meet Sarai Neff, the visionary behind Sarai Neff Photography. Her lens doesn't just take pictures, it weaves stories, inspired by a decade immersed in the world of Disney magic. There, amidst the world's greatest storytellers, she learned the profound art of seeing magic, understanding character, and crafting narratives that resonate deeply.

This unparalleled experience taught her that true beauty lies not in rigid perfection, but in genuine, unscripted moments โ€“ heartfelt laughs, playful glances, quiet connections. It's this Disney-inspired philosophy she brings to every session, transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary, timeless treasures, often set against Coloradoโ€™s breathtaking landscapes.

Sarai creates an atmosphere of fun and minimal stress. She connects with children, turning sessions into playful adventures, and skillfully captures the genuine connections of couples, the milestones of graduations, and the warmth of extended families. Her inclusive approach also extends to boudoir photography, celebrating every woman's unique beauty with warmth and respect, empowering them to see themselves in a new light.

Beyond her camera, Sarai actively supports our community, volunteering for organizations like A Big Table.

Offering more than just pictures; she builds connections, delivering cherished art that tells your story for generations.

๐ŸŽ For Colorado Springs Town Tidings subscribers, Sarai offers an exclusive gift: the complete collection of professionally edited images from your session, at no extra charge. Just mention this article when you book your session.

Discover the magic of authentic memories. Connect with Sarai Neff Photography on Facebook to learn more and begin planning your session.

๐ŸŽ‰ Let's celebrate and support our local businesses!

๐Ÿ› Bargain Box: This Week's Hot Deals! (Through Sat Dec 13)

A new week means new treasures! We're giving you a first look at the incredible finds and amazing sales hitting the floor through Dec 13 (big blowout sale). Watch now to see what's waiting for you!

Located at 405 S Nevada Ave, Open Tues - Sat 10am-2pm, (719) 475-1029

๐Ÿšง Water Main Repairs Slow Traffic

Colorado Springs Utilities closed all three southbound lanes of Union Blvd between Montebello and Academy to repair a large water main. Drivers were being rerouted through Montebello to Academy. Crews hoped to complete most repairs last night, with a partial reopening expected today, though full access will depend on warmer weather since repaving canโ€™t occur below 40 degrees. Despite the closure, nearby businesses remain fully open and accessible.

๐Ÿž Fresh Baked Sourdough breads, pastries
๐Ÿ“3312 Austin Bluffs (Inside The Cupcake Doctor):
M-Sat, 9am-6pm
*Seasonal Items & Sourdough Baking Classes Added

๐ŸŽ Holiday Hope for ALICE Families

Pikes Peak United Way is extending much-needed support to ALICE families, households that are employed but still unable to consistently meet basic expenses, through its Holiday Hope initiative. This year, volunteers and community partners โ€œadoptedโ€ 11 families from the Boys & Girls Club and five from Atlas Preparatory School, offering gifts and essential items to help ease financial stress during the holidays.

United Way emphasizes that these working families are vital to our region, and this program is designed to bring both joy and stability to those who often fall between the cracks of traditional assistance. Full Story

โ˜•ย Rico's Cafรฉ and Wine Bar

๐ŸŽŸ Colorado Springs Just Got More Rewarding

Colorado Springs Town Tidings VIP PASS, a FREE digital wallet pass you can easily add to your Apple or Google Wallet. (Click image below to find out WHY I created this for you!)

Be the FIRST to unlock EXCLUSIVE offers, special savings, and the latest announcements from businesses and events in our areaโ€”all delivered straight to your phone.

๐Ÿ™‹โ€โ™€๏ธ Yes, I want my VIP Pass

๐ŸŒก Pendleton Heating & Cooling
Brandyโ€™s Warning

๐ŸŽ„ Share Joy with Local Foster Kids

Kids Crossing has officially launched its Christmas Toy Drive, hoping to make the season brighter for foster kids right here in the Colorado Springs area. The nonprofit has served families for more than 30 years, and this year the need is especially high as more kinship foster families are now able to register as licensed foster homes.

Staff spent this week wrapping gifts, but theyโ€™re hoping the community will help meet the growing wish lists. If youโ€™d like to make a difference, Kids Crossing has shared an online wish list and simple ways to donate.

Will you do us a favor and spread the word? We need YOUR HELP! Please share Colorado Springs Town Tidings

๐Ÿ‘‰Are you on Nextdoor?! Share our newsletter there too!

Donโ€™t want to be up to date on the latest Colorado Springs news, events, and more with our daily newsletters? Reply to this email with โ€œ2-3 Times/Weekโ€ and weโ€™ll only send you Wed, Sun or special issue.

PLEASE DONโ€™T MARK US AS SPAM! This negatively impacts those who DO want to receive this newsletter. Remember, YOU signed up, thereโ€™s a link at the bottom to unsubscribe or just reply with โ€œplease unsubscribe.โ€

๐ŸŽ‰ Events Calendar! (More events including FREE, click here)

Have an event to share? Click on calendar above and add it

๐Ÿ“† Sample Local Events

*Weather permitted

๐ŸŽถ Concerts - Weather permitting

๐Ÿคถ Holiday Festivals, Fairs & Activities

Volunteers still needed!

FREE AI For Everyone Community - ๐Ÿ’ก The AI Shortcut That Saved Me Hours

Click Image to Access Our Spotify Podcast

OWN a local business and would like to be featured? ๐Ÿ‘‡Click below:

๐Ÿ‘‹ Colorado Springs Town Tidings is for you, our readers. We encourage you to share your news, local hero stories, events, and more with us! Email us at [email protected]

Disclaimers: All content deemed accurate at publishing. Independent of local entities. Aims to inform, connect, entertain. Updates on website version.

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