0 In 2024

Six Steps to Self-Publish Your Book

You’ve decided to write a book – congratulations! You are entering a world where words are your sword, coffee is your shield, and editing will be the dragon you slay – continually.

The path to publishing is full of creativity, collaboration, and—let’s be real—a few headaches. Whether you’re aiming for the New York Times Best Seller List or just want to share your story with the world (or at least your mom – I love you mom), follow these steps and you’ll be well on your way to becoming the next great author. Or, at the very least, you’ll have a book.

I chose to self-publish for several reasons:

Self-publishing allowed me to tell the story exactly how I envisioned it, while maintaining control over the publishing timeline.
I wanted the flexibility to share the book with any school or bookstore and to manage my own schedule for events.
I felt confident in my ability to promote and distribute the book independently.

If those reasons resonate with you, or your tired of getting your manuscript ignored or denied by a traditional publisher, this might be the path for you.

Here are the steps I’ve used when publishing my children’s books:

Step 1: Write and Re-write:

Write a rough draft: Begin with a clear outline and write your first draft.
Read out loud: This helps in identifying awkward sentences, flow issues, and grammatical errors.
Edit and rewrite: Revise your manuscript for clarity, coherence, and consistency.

Step 2: Get Feedback

Hire an editor: Consider hiring a professional editor to review your manuscript.
Beta Readers: Find readers in your target audience and gather feedback.
Online writing communities: Share excerpts on writing platforms to get constructive feedback.

Step 3: Illustrations

An artistic friend or relative: Discuss your vision for the illustrations.
A high school or college student: Check their portfolio and ask for samples for your manuscript.
Hire someone online: Use platforms like Fiverr, Upwork, or consider hiring a professional illustrator.

Step 4: Graphic Design/Formatting

Collaborate with a designer who can integrate text and images.
Ensure the designer can format the book for various platforms, including Kindle Direct Publishing.

Step 5: Promote your book!

Author Website: Create a website to showcase your book, share your story, and engage with readers.
Crowdfunding campaign: Utilize platforms like Kickstarter or GoFundMe for pre-sales and marketing.
Social Media and Word of Mouth: Leverage social media platforms, engage with potential readers, and encourage word-of-mouth marketing.

Step 6: Sell your book

If selling on Amazon, every order will put money in your pocket.
- You decide the price.
- When someone places an order, Amazon will print on demand, and send you a percentage (around 30%).
- Ask those who’ve purchased your book to leave a review.
Purchase a bulk order of your books on Amazon to sell on your own.
- Create a website with an e-commerce platform.
- Host a “launch party!”
- Events: Attend book fairs, local events, and approach independent bookstores or schools for potential collaborations.
- Promote on instagram, Facebook, and any other outlet!
Book Stores – connect with book stores to sell your books!

Receive a signed copy of both books when you Venmo me $25:

https://venmo.com/u/Kathryn-Egly

Now that you’ve written, rewritten, gotten feedback, found an illustrator, and maybe cried into your keyboard a few times, you’re ready to promote and sell your masterpiece! From launching a website to charming people at your events, your author journey is just beginning. Sure, there will be moments where you wonder why you didn’t just take up knitting, but trust me, seeing your book in readers’ hands makes it all worth it. So, get out there, share your story, and don’t forget to celebrate.

Click here to purchase a copy of “The Great Lake Rescue” on Amazon

Click here for info on a Book Launch:

“The Great Lake Rescue” Book Launch Party Recap

Click here to purchase my first book.

Click here to purchase my husband’s book.

Thanks for reading and please consider subscribing!

November 1, 2024 By Kathryn

0 In 2024/ Family/ Memories/ Minnesota/ Peek into our Week/ Raising boys/ Things to do in Minnesota

Fall Break in the Twin Cities

When we moved to Minnesota I didn’t understand why people would go “up north” for vacation. Wouldn’t they want to go SOUTH and find sunshine and warm weather. Well, when I finally went “up north,” it all made sense. It’s magnificent.

As fall break approached, we thought about indulging in more of that ‘up north’ beauty. But instead, we decided to stay home, check out some local spots, and take a breather before sports and the holiday busy-ness have us running.

Here are some highlights:

Clark and Paul found recipes on TikTok. While I was working at the Artisan Home tour, they road their bikes to Aldi, bought groceries with their own money, and cooked chicken and pasta for the family! I could not have been more proud.

I took my first painting class and I loved it! I got to learn new techniques and meet some wonderful people

We made a trip to the Mall of America, where we explored the new Museum of Illusions—such a fun and mind-bending experience.

First college visit for George! We got a tour of the University of Minnesota. What a BEAUTIFUL campus.

The U of M has one of the largest campus bookstores in the county.

Beautiful historic buildings on the U of M campus!

We went to a Minnesota Timberwolves preseason game against the Denver Nuggets. Unfortunately, AntMan was not playing, but it was still a fun game to watch.

Clark was back on the court. He is playing on a ‘pre-seaon’ team before his first ‘high school’ try out. Here’s a quick video highlight:

Luke had one additional day off so we spent the day together playing pickle ball and going to The Wild Robot. It was a cute movie, but we like the book better.

We are loving this unusually warm fall in Minnesota. The tree outside my house is bringing me absolute delight!

Thanks for reading and happy fall, y’all!

October 23, 2024 By Kathryn

0 In 2024/ Saving money

Upside: An App that Puts Money in Your Pocket!

One small way to fight back against inflation are with some tried and true cash back apps like UPSIDE. For the next 3 days, you’ll get a $10 bonus for downloading the app and using KATHRYN39226. This is ON TOP of all the other savings you earn.

The process is so easy: whenever I need to fill up, I just redeem the offer, pay as usual, and get cash back within 24 hours! I cash out with PayPal, but you can also deposit the money into your bank account, or snag a gift card.

Upside earns money by recommending gas stations and restaurants (including the gas station I already frequent near my house):

I love apps that make my dollars go further, and that’s why I’m recommending it to you!

Only for the next 3 days, if you download the app, you and I will both get $10, on top of the regular cash back from gas and restaurants.

Use promo code KATHRYN39226 to get a $10 bonus on your first purchase. https://upside.app.link/KATHRYN39226

Click here for MORE Money-saving app recommendations!

Thanks for reading and please consider subscribing.

October 6, 2024 By Kathryn

0 In 2024/ Faith/ Friendship/ Inspiration

Staying Calm and Connected: How to Keep the Peace During Election Season

Buckle up, folks, it’s election season, and things are already getting… colorful. Whether we’re dodging attack ads on TV, wading through heated social media posts, or trying to survive that one neighbor who suddenly thinks they’re a political analyst, staying positive can feel like an Olympic sport.

So, how can we be part of the solution instead of fanning the flames? How do we make it through without torching relationships or our sanity? I can’t promise you won’t have moments where you feel like flinging your remote at the TV or using bad words in a Facebook debate, but these tips might just help you keep your cool (and your friendships) intact over the next few months.

1. Think Before You Speak (or Type)

If you have THOUGHTS in your head that you want to express (out loud or through your key board) …think for a minute before they come out of your mouth (or before you type them). Use a KINDNESS and EMPATHY filter!

The words you speak define you. Make sure to let the right kind of words out, even when you disagree.

The words we speak DEFINE us.

The Bible reminds us to love God, love our enemies, and love each other. In other words, there is NO PERSON we are exempt from loving.

2. Choose Your Battles Wisely

Bob Goff, a respected speaker and writer, never lost a legal case in his career as a lawyer. He attributed the success to his ability to choose cases wisely, not his legal prowess. We can apply this by picking our battles wisely and not engaging in disputes over trivial matters.

Use wisdom in what battles you choose to fight.

3. Step out of your comfort zone

I like my comfort zone. It’s nice when the people think like me and agree with me. However, I’m making steps to enlarge my comfort zone. I want to learn from people who don’t look like me, vote like me or think Iike me.

I heard someone say that he tries to have someone on his right he thinks is a little bit crazy and someone on his left who’s a little bit crazy. It’s good to hear from a variety of perspectives.

It doesn’t mean you’re going to change your mind about how you’re going to vote, but it gives context and understanding. It may actually help sharpen your arguments and shape the way you think about things.

Do some people’s viewpoints bother me? YES! After talking do we still disagree? Yes. And it’s okay to respectfully agree to disagree.

You may be misunderstood. That doesn’t make you a victim, it makes you a participant.

Bob Goff

4. Digital Detox

Let’s be real—doomscrolling never helped anyone. If you find yourself getting angry watching the news or reading social media posts – it might be time for a break. Call a friend and talk about anything but politics. Trust me, the news will still be there when you get back (unfortunately).

5. Be Curious, Not Judgmental

One practical way to foster understanding is to have a conversation with someone who holds a different opinion. Our differences can make us better! Invite someone to share a meal, and be willing to learn from their perspectives. You can still be kind to someone with whom you disagree. And remember, your neighbor/co-worker/fellow soccer mom is more than who they vote for, and so are you!

Questions/Comments to Foster Understanding

Here are some questions to ask and ways to respond when someone has a differing viewpoint and opinion:

Tell me more about that.
Can you help me understand why you feel that way?
How did you come to that conclusion?
I appreciate your experience with this.
I’m listening.
I hear what you are saying.
I care about your perspective.
I haven’t thought of it that way.
Let me think about that before I respond.
Thanks for your transparency.

My hope is that we can all strive for respect, amid our differences. John 16 guides us to aspire to be one, acknowledging that unity doesn’t mean uniformity, but rather a shared commitment to curiosity, empathy, and genuine interest in one another.

Let’s build bridges of understanding and kindness, one conversation at a time.

Those are my pro tips for surviving election season—because who doesn’t want to keep their sanity and their friendships intact? Got a tip of your own? Drop it in the comment box (you know, that tiny one up there by the title). I’d love to hear your wisdom—seriously, help me out!

Click here to join an “Election Season Kindness Challenge”

Click here to read 6 lessons I learned last year

September 22, 2024 By Kathryn

2 In 2024/ Product Recommendations/ Review

A Few More Favorites From Trader Joes

If there’s one store that never fails to surprise and delight me, it’s Trader Joe’s. From unique frozen foods to fresh plants that brighten up any space, this grocery store is a treasure trove of amazing products. Recently I wrote a blog post about a few of our favorite things from Trader Joes. Today, I’m adding a few more items to that list.

1. Plants – Flowers and Herbs
One of the best things about Trader Joe’s is their ever-changing selection of plants. Whether I’m looking for a seasonal bouquet to brighten up my home or an herb to use in my cooking, I can count on TJs to have a large selection that is affordable.

The Calla Lilies I picked up this summer have brought me so much joy—they were my wedding flower! And the potted basil I snagged for just $3.99 has been used all summer in my pasta dishes and favorite summer snack…

Burrata Cheese, Sliced Tomato, Reduced Balsamic, and Fresh Basil

2. Poffertjes
I’d passed right by these for years until a friend said these were her favorite thing at Trader Joe. Poffertjes are mini Dutch pancakes that are light, fluffy, and absolutely delightful. They come frozen and are easy to heat up for a quick breakfast or snack. A drizzle of syrup make them irresistible.

3. Spices
Trader Joe’s spice aisle is a hidden gem. I always stock up on their Everything But The Bagel Seasoning—it goes on everything from avocado toast to eggs. Another favorite is the 21 Seasoning Salute, a salt-free blend that’s perfect for adding flavor without overwhelming the dish. The spices are high quality and often more affordable than other stores.

4. Salsa
The salsa selection at Trader Joe’s is incredible. From the chunky Cowboy Caviar to the sweet and spicy Pineapple Salsa (mom’s fav), there’s something for every palate. I love using their salsas as a topping for tacos, a dip for chips, or even as a flavorful addition to grilled chicken.

5. Macarons
For a sweet treat, the French Macarons from the freezer section are a must-try. These delicate, colorful confections are just the right size for satisfying a sugar craving. The flavors range from classic vanilla to pistachio and raspberry, and each one is delicious. They are perfect right from the freezer into your mouth! Yum.

6-7. Frozen Pasta
Trader Joe’s has nailed the art of frozen pasta. My boys’ two favorites are the Pesto Linguine and the Penne Arrabbiata. These meals are perfect for a quick and delicious dinner. The flavors are authentic, the pasta is perfectly cooked, and the convenience is unbeatable.

8. Greeting cards – I didn’t even know Trader Joes sold greeting cards until after my last post, someone said these were one of their favorite things to buy at TJs. The greeting cards are only 99 cents!! I grabbed a few to have on hand for last minute events and parties.

Whether you’re a seasoned Trader Joes fan or a newcomer to their aisles, these products are definitely worth adding to your shopping list. Every trip to Trader Joes feels like a little adventure, and I can’t wait to discover more hidden gems on my next visit.

Let me know what your TJ favorites are by clicking on the little comment box next to the title of this post.

Click here to read my original Trader Joes post!

Click here for my Costco favs

Click here for Aldi favs

Amazon favorites here

Thanks for reading and happy shopping!

August 29, 2024 By Kathryn

0 In 2024/ Inspiration/ Joy/ Parent Tip

The ABCs of Gratitude

As the new school year begins, it’s the perfect time to help kids develop a positive mindset that will carry them through the year ahead. One fun and simple way to do this is by practicing mindfulness and gratitude together. These practices can help kids feel more grounded, calm, and ready to tackle whatever comes their way.

The ABCs of Gratitude—an activity designed to help kids focus on the good things in their lives. It’s an easy, creative exercise that encourages them to think about what they’re thankful for, one letter at a time.

How to do the ABCs of Gratitude:

Gather Supplies: Grab some paper, colorful markers or crayons, and find a comfortable spot to sit together.
Write the Alphabet: Write the alphabet on a sheet of paper. Then, work together (or have your child work independently) and think of things you are grateful for that starts with each letter. Encourage your child to think about their school, friends, family, or favorite activities.
Reflect and Share: As you go through each letter, ask your child why they’re grateful for that particular thing. This helps them connect more deeply with their feelings of gratitude. It’s also a great opportunity to share your own thoughts!
Decorate the List: Let your child decorate their ABCs of Gratitude list with drawings, stickers, or doodles. This makes the activity even more fun and gives them a keepsake to look back on during the school year.
Make this a tradition: Create a new list at the beginning of each school year to see how your child grows and develops in their writing and gratitude.

Here’s an example to get you started:

A: Art class
B: Best friends
C: Class pets
D: Dinner with family
E: Early mornings with mom

And so on…

This activity is a wonderful way to focus on the GOOD in your life. It encourages you to slow down, appreciate the little things, and find joy in the present moment.

Why This Activity Matters:

As kids head back to school, they can feel a mix of emotions—excitement, nervousness, or even a little anxiety. Practicing gratitude helps them focus on the positive aspects of their school experience and builds resilience. It’s a wonderful way to start the school year on a positive note, appreciating the little things that make life special.

This activity can also be a great conversation starter at the dinner table or a calming bedtime ritual. By regularly practicing the ABCs of Gratitude, kids can develop a habit of mindfulness that will serve them well throughout the school year.

The ABCs of Gratitude is a simple yet powerful way to set a positive tone for the year ahead!

Click here for the Thanksgiving version of the ABCs.

Click here for FIVE tips to Start the School Year Strong!

Thanks for reading and please consider subscribing.

August 23, 2024 By Kathryn

0 In 2024/ Faith/ Inspiration/ Motherhood/ My Journey/ Parent Tip

Meditation: An antidote for anxiety!

With so much happening in the world, it’s easy to get caught up in anxiety. We may worry about our health, our future, our leaders, our families … or if we remembered to lock the front door this morning (spoiler: you probably did). However, there’s a tool that can help alleviate these worries: meditation.

When you think of that word, what comes to mind? Monks in robes chanting “Om” in a temple? While that’s one image, did you know that Scripture also encourages meditation?

The definition of meditation is simply to think about something over and over. Guess what? Worrying is also thinking about something over and over! So, if you can worry, you can meditate. It’s like turning a negative superpower into a positive one. It’s thinking about something that brings life vs. something that takes life.

Scientific research has proven that meditation done regularly (both morning and night) has a multitude of benefits. Guess what? Scripture tells us the same thing. Joshua 1:9 says, “meditate on the Word day and night.” Science and Scripture are basically BFFs.

The Bible also says that those who meditate day and night are like trees planted by the water, producing fruit, with leaves that don’t wither—whatever they do prospers (Psalm 1). Clearly, we should all aspire to be more like well-watered trees.

Studies from Harvard Medical School, Yale, and other prestigious institutions have documented the benefits of regular meditation:

Benefits of Meditation:

Lowered Blood Pressure: Meditation can lower blood pressure so effectively that 16% of patients were able to stop their medication altogether. (Just imagine the savings on pharmacy bills!)
Better Sleep: People with insomnia who meditated 15-20 minutes twice daily for two months reported improved sleep, with most reducing or eliminating their need for sleeping pills. Hello, sweet dreams!
Pain Reduction: Individuals with chronic pain saw a 42% reduction in doctor visits, and open-heart surgery patients experienced fewer post-op complications. Apparently, pain gets bored and leaves when we meditate.
Increased Brain Power: Meditation slows brain deterioration. So if you want to keep your brain sharp, keep meditating.
Reduced Anxiety and Anger: During meditation, the part of the brain responsible for fight or flight takes a nap, while the part responsible for peace, compassion, and happiness gets a wake-up call.
Decreased Depression: Meditation helps alleviate depression. Who knew sitting quietly could pack such a punch?
Boosted Self-Esteem, Concentration, and Relaxation: Meditation is like a multi-vitamin for your mind and soul.

Often, when I’m praying, I’m on the go—asking, talking, and rushed. This research challenged me to add another dimension to my prayers. One that Scripture encourages: “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10).

I’ve started setting a timer on my phone for just one minute (a baby step!). I sit in silence and breathe. I listen instead of speak. As a Christ follower, when I meditate, I think of God, His Word, and His benefits. This increases my faith, strength, and peace.

Other words you could meditate on include:

Peace
Love
Strength
Wisdom
Health

Just get quiet, allow yourself to breathe deeply, and think about the Word over and over. It’s fascinating that worry and meditation are basically the same thing (thinking of something over and over), but with very different outcomes.

Worry increases anxiety. Meditation, on the other hand, has been scientifically proven to reduce anxiety. Meditation is so simple, yet has powerful benefits. So, in these turbulent times, when your mind starts to worry… STOP and MEDITATE!

Book Recommedations:

“Reclaim Your Brain” by Dr. Joseph A. Annibali. A science-based book filled with interesting stories, data, and research on how the mind works.
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry By John Mark Comer. A faith based book with simple strategies to reduce hurry and increase peace.

Additional Meditation Practices:

Sit outside and listen. Find at least ten DIFFERENT noises before you move on.
Close your eyes and imagine God’s arms wrapped around you. Rest in God’s love, be present to him, slow down to let Jesus set the pace and agenda of our day.
Ask God a question and listen. Here’s a few ideas of what to ask: Is there anything you want to say to me today? Is there anything you want me to do today? Is there anyone you want me to bless today? What would be pleasing to you today, Father? What lies am I believing? What is the truth you want to replace that lie with?
List 15 things you are grateful for.
Slowly read a passage of Scripture and reflect.
Take a quiet walk without your phone.
Breathe in and out. BREATHE OUT negativity, stress, anxiety. BREATHE IN peace, love, and strength.

A Few Verses to Start your Day (Morning Meditation):

Here are three of my favorite verses to meditate on in the morning and speak before getting out of bed:

1. This is the Day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

2. May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight. Psalm 19:14

3. I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Philippians 4:13

A Few Verses to End your Day (Evening Mediation):

Here are a few verses I say to myself or with my kids before bed:

1. God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7

2. In peace, I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. Psalm 4:8

3. May the peace that passes all understanding guard my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7

Click here for a beautiful evening meditation for a good night’s sleep.

Thank you for reading and happy meditating!

Click here to read how to find Joy with your 5 Senses

Click here for 7 tips for more JOY!

July 24, 2024 By Kathryn

0 In 2024/ Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Family/ Peek into our Week/ Things to do in Colorado/ Traveling

Rocky Mountain Memories: Our Colorado Family Adventure

First stop: Denver

We kicked off our Colorado adventure with a delightful lunch with family near Denver. We all enjoyed reconnecting with cousins!

Second Stop: Colorado Springs

Colorado Springs was our next destination. The breathtaking natural beauty and nostalgic experiences were wonderful. We visited Garden of the Gods and hiked Seven Bridges. The boys had a blast climbing and exploring the unique rock formations.

We also visited Manitou Springs Penny Arcade, a hidden gem that transported us back in time.. The boys loved the old-school pinball machines and racing games.

We got to spend some time with a handful of friends and visit our former church. It was heartwarming to reconnect with friends and relive fond memories from our time there. The church service was uplifting, and seeing familiar faces brought back a flood of emotions.

Our visit was too short to catch up with everyone we hoped to see, but I’m grateful for time we had with the friends we did meet. Those moments with friends were truly the highlight of our time in Colorado Springs.

Third Stop: Breckenridge

Breckenridge, the quaintest mountain town, was our third stop. We strolled down the historic Main Street, lined with colorful buildings, boutique shops, and cozy cafes. This was our first time staying downtown and I loved waking up early, getting coffee and sitting quietly by the river, overlooking the mountains.

We rode the gondola, hiked and found the Troll, ate good food, relaxed at the pool, and enjoyed the 4th of July parade.The crisp mountain air and stunning views of the surrounding peaks make Breckenridge one of our favorite places to visit!

Fourth Stop: A Visit to Boulder and Colorado University

Our final stop was Boulder, where we ate lunch on Pearl street, then drove over to the Colorado University campus. The boys played football in the open space and hoped to be discovered by Coach Prime (Deion Sanders), the new head coach of the Colorado Buffaloes football team. While we didn’t see him, just being in the same vicinity as the legendary athlete and coach was exciting for the boys.

Our Colorado vacation was a perfect blend of family time, natural beauty, and nostalgic visits. From the family lunch near Denver to the stunning landscapes of Colorado Springs, and the quaint charm of Breckenridge, the trip was filled with treasured memories. We returned home with hearts full of joy and minds full of beautiful images.

I’m grateful that we all agreed that as much as we LOVE Colorado, we are GRATEFUL to call MINNESOTA our HOME! Though our years in living in Colorado will always be treasured, Minnesota is where we belong!

Click here for a Colorado Springs Bucket List

Click here for a free things to do in Breckenridge

Click here to read my heart-wrenching post of about leaving Colorado and moving to Minnesota.

July 13, 2024 By Kathryn

0 In 2024/ Book Review

5 More Great Book Recommendations

I’ve read five outstanding books recently, and can’t wait to tell you about them.

1. Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara

Rating 10/10

Review: Are you curious about how a struggling two-star restaurant in NYC became the world’s best restaurant? In “Unreasonable Hospitality,” Will Guidara shares his secret recipe, and spoiler alert—it’s not just about the food!

Guidara takes us on a journey behind the scenes of Eleven Madison Park, revealing how he and his team went from good to extraordinary by embracing a culture of over-the-top hospitality. Imagine being treated like a VIP every time you walk into a place—sounds amazing, right?

The book is packed with fun and inspiring stories, showing how little acts of kindness and attention to detail can make a huge difference and make guests feel truly special. The author (and restaurant owner) proves that care and hospitality can elevate any business.

What’s cool about this book is that it’s not just for people in the restaurant business. Whether you are a small business or manage a team in ANY industry, the principles of unreasonable hospitality can apply to you. It’s all about creating memorable experiences and building a culture where everyone feels valued.

If you are a person who wants to turn your business into a place where customers rave and employees thrive, this book is for you. It’s a delightful mix of practical tips and heartwarming stories that will leave you inspired to spread a little more kindness in your corner of the world.

2. The Splendid and The Vile by Erik Larson

Rating: 10/10

Review: Erik Larson’s “The Splendid and the Vile” brings to life one of the most challenging and heroic periods in history. The book focuses on Winston Churchill’s first year as Prime Minister, a time marked by relentless bombing raids by Nazi Germany during World War II. Larson’s storytelling makes history feel like a gripping novel.

Through diaries, letters, and documents, Larson paints a vivid picture of Churchill, his family and close friends, making the story feel personal and relatable. Larson does a fantastic job of showing Churchill’s larger-than-life personality and his extraordinary leadership.

This is a fantastic book that combines great storytelling with real history. I recommend it to anyone who considers themselves a history buff, or someone just looking for a good read!

3. George Washington Carver by Janet Benge

Rating: 10/10

Review: “George Washington Carver” is a captivating and inspiring biography that shares the remarkable story of one of America’s greatest scientists and inventor. (PEANUT BUTTER was one of his inventions) The book is filled with inspiring stories that highlight Carver’s curiosity, perseverance and kindness. It’s not just a tale of scientific achievement, but also a story of overcoming adversity through faith and hard work.

The book chronicles the life of George Washington Carver, from his humble beginnings as the son of enslaved parents, to his rise as a renowned agricultural scientist and inventor. The author writes about Carver’s struggles, his determination to get an education, and his groundbreaking work in agriculture, particularly his innovations with peanuts and crop rotation that revolutionized farming in the South.

I loved one story in particular: Carver encouraged local farmers to grow peanuts because it was easy to grow and would replenish their soil with needed nutrients. At harvest time, the farmers complained to Carver that they had TOO MANY peanuts and people weren’t buying them. Carver took a walk in the woods and prayed about this problem. He asked God for help. He needed to know what to do about the peanut problem. On this quiet walk through the woods, Carver felt God tell him to ‘break the peanut apart.’ He went back to his lab and got to work. In breaking the peanut apart, Carver found over 100 uses for the peanut! Let me say this again: with God’s help, Carver found over ONE HUNDRED ways to use a simple peanut. Isn’t that like our God? He’s so good and ready to INSPIRE and help us if we just ask. We may think we are at a DEAD END but with God guiding us, He can show us a hundred different paths to take! Now back to the review…

Despite facing significant obstacles, including racial discrimination and poverty, he remained dedicated to his goals and made substantial contributions to science and farming. His story is a powerful reminder that determination, faith, and a strong sense of purpose can lead to extraordinary achievements.

This book is an excellent read for anyone interested in history, science, or just an uplifting story about a fascinating man.

4. Peace Like a River by Leif Enger

Rating 10/10

Review: After reading and enjoying, “I Cheerfully Refuse” by Leif Enger, I purchased this book to read and have the author sign at a recent event.

This is a beautifully written, heartfelt novel that blends adventure, faith, and family into an unforgettable story.

At its heart, “Peace Like a River” is about the power of family and faith. It explores how these forces can guide us through the darkest times and bring hope and healing. The Land family’s love for each other and belief in miracles, provide a touching and uplifting message. The characters are richly developed and relatable, each with their own quirks and strengths.

Leif Enger’s storytelling is powerful. I recommend this book to anyone who appreciates a touching and inspiring story.

5. The Adventures of Robin Hood by John Burrows

Rating 8/10

Review: When author Leif Enger mentioned how much he loved “The Adventures of Robin Hood” as a young boy, I checked it out from the library to read to my two youngest sons. And just like Lief, they loved it.

The story follows Robin Hood, the outlaw who steals from the rich to give to the poor, along with his band of Merry Men. Set in Sherwood Forest, the book is filled with daring adventures, clever tricks, and the timeless battle between good and evil. I recommend this book for younger boys ages 8-14.

Thanks for reading my reviews! Please share this post and/or leave a comment with YOUR recommendations!

Click here to discover the best 4 books I read last year.

These are affiliate links, which means if you click on one of them and choose to make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra charge to you!

July 6, 2024 By Kathryn

0 In 2024/ Food

Trader Joes: A Few of our Favorite things

Happy June friends!

I am a part of my first ever book club and we were talking about what we always buy from Trader Joes. I enjoyed hearing what others love from this store and thought I’d share some of my favorites with you. Please leave a comment with YOUR favorite things. You can comment by clicking on that little text box next to the TITLE of this post.

Today I only share 8 things, but there are many more than 8 things we love, and I’ll share a few others in a future post!

By the way, our book club is reading The Covenant of Water and it’s a VERY good, VERY LONG book. Click here to read my review.

Here are 8 of our Trader Joe’s favorites:

1. Orange Chicken

This is one of my boys’ most FAVORITE foods, so I love to have this in the freezer for an easy dinner night. I make some jasmine rice and edamame and dinner is done.

2. Kung Pau Chicken

Since I’m not an orange chicken fan, I also buy this and make it on ‘orange chicken night.’ This is what Ted and I eat, and the boys usually have a little too, though they prefer the orange chicken.

3. Green Curry

This is my absolute favorite frozen lunch meal. It’s SPICY – which I LOVE. If you are a green curry fan, you’ve got to try this!

4. Tandori Naan

My boys LOVE this Naan bread. It’s so good toasted with butter. You can also use it to make pizzas!

5. Hot & Sweet Peppers

These are DELICIOUS on nachos or pizza. I recently chopped them up and mixed them in while I was making deviled eggs and wow, it was SO good!

6. Vegetable Chips

If you are a chip lover, but want to feel better about your chip habit, this is your ticket.

7. Unexpected Cheddar

TJ’s is the place to go if you want to make a meat and cheese board because they’ve got such a big variety. Unexpected Cheddar is the cheese I try to keep on hand. It’s a nice sharp cheddar that is loved by everyone in our house. We just slice it and eat it with grapes or apples, but we also enjoy it in grilled cheese sandwiches and on hamburgers.

8. Grass Fed Sirloin Steak

With a bunch of males in my house, I can’t seem to make enough protein, so it’s great to have this as a quick lunch or dinner option. It’s a delicious seasoned steak, sliced and ready to warm and eat as is, or put in sandwiches with some dijoinase.

Based on the recommendations from my book club, and this recent post, I found a few more favorites that I’ll share soon! Thanks for reading and please let me know what you love to buy at Trader Joe’s by clicking on the comment box.

Thanks for reading!

Click here for a few of my favorites from Amazon.

Favorites from Costco – click here!

Favorites from Aldi

June 21, 2024 By Kathryn

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