4 In Family/ Free stuff/ Making money/ Saving money

Our Goodwill Christmas – How to make and save money this holiday season

Christmas does NOT have to break the bank!

I grew up in a blended family of ten and one of my favorite holiday memories includes the year my dad took us to Goodwill to choose our Christmas gifts. We laughed at the hilarious choices our dad chose, and were overjoyed at some of the incredible treasures we uncovered. I honestly can’t remember most of the Christmas gifts I’ve received over the years, but I do remember the vintage Ralph Lauren cardigan I found at Goodwill that day.

Christmas can be special on any budget!

Christmas is NOT about how much you spend, it’s about spending time together.

Playing a game or crafting together can mean more than spending $100 on a present your child may not remember next year.

Another inexpensive idea is to give each person in your house a dollar (plus tax) and choose a gift for each other at the dollar store.

Want some creative and simple ways to put money BACK in your wallet?

Here are seven suggestions for you:

RAKUTEN– If you do ANY online shopping, you should use Rakuten. You earn cash back for shopping at nearly every online store!
You will earn an automatic $10 for the first $25 online purchase you make...and hello, who can shop at Amazon without spending $25!

SHOPKICK – I earn free gift cards every month just by opening up this app when I walk into a store and scanning a few products. You can use your earned gift cards to purchase gifts.

SWAGBUCKS – I make about $25 each month by printing coupons, taking surveys, and use their search engine. This extra money is perfect for Holiday shopping!

OFFERUP/LET GO/Facebook Marketplace
- Buy Gently USED items
  - I’ve purchased lots of gently used items for my boys over the years – scooters, toys, clothes and bikes.
  - You don’t have to pay FULL PRICE for Christmas gifts! A nice used scooter for $10 brings just as much JOY as a $50 new scooter.
  - Before you pay full price for an item, see if you can find it second-hand for a fraction of the cost.
  - For example – Legos, a basketball hoop, a wagon or outdoor play table are great gifts to buy second hand!
- Sell items you know longer need. I read an article that said we all have about $2,000 worth of stuff in our homes that we could sell! Two thousand dollars would provide a very nice Christmas, with plenty leftover!

My mother-in-law has been clearing out her attic and making around $100 a week on items she no longer wants or needs with the Let Go and Offer Up apps!

BradsDeals.com – If you are in the market to buy a big ticket item that you don’t want to buy second hand (like a mattress), search Brad’s Deals to see where to find that item for the best price.

MONEYSAVINGMOM.com – A website filled with ideas on how to save money.

HIP2SAVE – Sign up to receive a daily email that will include all the best deals around town and online.

CLICK HERE for a post on a very simple and inexpensive Stocking Stuff Idea!

Thanks for reading, please subscribe so you don’t miss a post!

November 18, 2017 By Kathryn

6 In Friendship/ Marriage/ Memories/ My Journey

The Story of Us – Where it all began

In 1999, I had just moved to Tulsa. My sister, Haili, invited me to a friend’s graduation. She heard there would be a great speaker. That evening, I found myself sitting next to a kind woman named Shirley Egly. We chatted, and I asked if she knew anything about the speaker. She smiled and said, “Yes, that’s my son Ted.”

When Ted stepped up to speak, my heart skipped a beatI I immediately noticed not only his gift for communication, but also his presence. He was confident, genuine, and extremely handsome.

Over the next few months, Ted and I would see each other at different events. The more time I spent around him, the more I liked him. But there was one problem. I had a “list” of qualities someone had to have before I would consider dating them. On that list was: Must be older than me. Ted was two years younger, and at the time, it felt like a deal-breaker.

I decided to set him up with my sister, Haili, who was also two years younger than me. For some reason, she thought of him as a brother and he saw her as a little sister, and they weren’t interested in dating. I thought Haili was CRAZY! “He’s PERFECT!” I told her.

“Then you date him,” she replied.

Hmmm…maybe I should consider breaking this one rule on my “list.”

One afternoon, Ted invited Haili and I and some other friends to his house to play games. Haili couldn’t go, but I wouldn’t have missed it. That day I met Ted’s dad, sister, and mom (again). I later learned that Ted’s sister pulled his mom aside and said:

“Mom, I think that girl Kathryn is the one Ted is going to marry!”

Ted and I continued to bump into each other or hang out on different occasions with a group of friends. In the fall of 2000, we were both at the gym at the same time. I was working out with my sister, he was with his dad. He started running laps on the track, and I decided to join him. That night, right there on the track, he asked me to join him for a run at La Fortune Park in Tulsa.

How do you dress when your first date is to go RUNNING?

Do you wear makeup? (I wore a little.)

We met at the park and ran 6 miles together. I don’t run six miles. In fact, I’m not sure I had ever run 6 miles before that day or if I’ve run 6 miles since, but it was that “first date” adrenaline and I mostly floated through the run. After that, we got some Mexican food and talked for hours.

By the end of the night, I knew. This was it. This was the guy I wanted to spend the rest of my life with.

Thankfully, he felt the same way. On Valentine’s Day, 3 months later, he told me he loved me and wanted to talk about our future together. In June, we were engaged.

Click here to read the story of our engagement!

Subscribe (in the right hand column) so you don’t miss a post!

November 16, 2017 By Kathryn

7 In Family/ Product Recommendations

Our Favorite Family Christmas Movies

What is it about a Christmas tree that makes us smile?

It’s that time of year! We put our tree up and have our music Christmas playing!

As you take some time off next week, you may be looking for a good family movie to watch.

Here are our top Holiday Movies. You can check them out from your library, find some of them on Netflix, or Amazon Prime – or click on the titles below to purchase them. They’d make a nice Christmas gift for your kids or spouse – or as a special surprise from your “Elf on the Shelf!“

Here are our favorites, in no particular order:

Boys so engaged in Elf they wouldn’t sit down.

Elf

If you want to laugh, this is the one you choose!

Christmas Vacation

Another movie that will make you laugh!

Home Alone 1 and Home Alone 2 (and this Home Alone children’s book would make a fun gift)

Home Alone is a timeless favorite. My kids love it as much as Ted and I do.

The Santa Clause

Arthur Christmas

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Prep and Landing

A super cute Christmas cartoon for kids

Mickey’s Christmas Carol

A Christmas Story

You either love this or hate it. Ted and George love it.

White Christmas

This classic is one of my favorites – my husband and boys, not so much.

.

It’s a Wonderful Life

You are never too young or too old to enjoy this movie.

Klaus

A Netflix movie with a good message

.

Christmas Chronicles 1 and 2

.

The Grinch

(And the book is a CLASSIC)

Favorites for Grown ups:

Family Man

.

The Holiday

What’s your favorite Christmas movie? Leave me a comment!

Click here for the potpourri recipe that will make your home smell like Christmas!

Want some holiday craft ideas? Click here for salt dough ornaments.

Click here for a delicious holiday appetizer!

Click here for a great stocking stuffer idea

Some of the items listed above are affiliate links. If you choose to purchase one, I may earn a small commission.

November 14, 2017 By Kathryn

0 In Book Review/ Colorado Springs/ Giveaway

Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore! Go Fund Me Update

Thank you to each of you who have pre-ordered and given to my first ever GO FUND ME campaign to publish my first children’s book entitled: Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore! I can’t wait to send a first edition, signed copy to each of you who pre-order this book!

Here are some campaign stats as of Saturday, November 11 at 10 pm, five days into the campaign:

26 people have contributed from $15-$150 – thank you!
66 people have shared the campaign on Facebook – thank you!
$1,155 toward to goal of $1,500 has been raised!! THANK YOU!!
We are more than 2/3 of the way there – thank you!
10 signed copies will be given to local foster children with a message of love and encouragement written inside the cover from each person who gave $30 or more. Thank you!
5 names will go into a drawing today. One person will win a custom art piece from the book’s illustrator – Cedric Taylor – because they contributed $100 or more towards the campaign. THANK YOU!! Watch for a video on Facebook of the winner’s name being chosen!
5 people will get their names listed in the back of the book under “Special Thanks!” for giving $150! Thank you!
Each person who’s contributed so far has been given a free copy of the Holiday Gift Guide!

It’s NOT too late to support this campaign! You can give as little as $5 and receive the Holiday Gift Guide — all the way up to $150 and receive a whole lot more!

Go to gofundme.com/kathrynegly to pre-order your copy and help pay for the publication costs!

For more info on the book, GO HERE.

Please click on the tiny comment box beside the title of this post to ask a question about the book or the campaign and I will respond within 24 hours!

I love your comments, suggestions, feedback, and questions!

November 12, 2017 By Kathryn

0 In Colorado Springs/ Food

We Love our Veterans! 50 options for free food and drinks!

I’ve been trying to teach my boys that we value and respect our military – both those who are serving and those who have served.

A couple of SIMPLE ways to do that:

THANK those we see in uniform.
Stop what we are doing when we hear the national anthem, put our hands on our hearts and face the flag. During this time we reflect on our gratitude for our country and for the men and women who serve to protect it.

This summer my kids were outside playing when suddenly, the national anthem starting at Air Force Academy and we could hear it from our driveway. My son, Clark – age 7 at the time, stopped all of his friends from playing and showed them what to do when the national anthem is played. Afterwards, he explained why we do this.

I had to quickly take a picture as I stood with them because I didn’t want to forget this precious moment. Thank you to each of you who serve or have served!

One person I’m especially grateful for is my father-in-law, Kevin, who retired from the Air Force. Here he a man of honor and I’m glad to have him as my father-in-law and a Papa to my four sons. Here they last week, stopping once again to show honor during the National Anthem.

Not only does our family appreciate our veterans, but so do each of the following FIFTY stores and restaurants who are offering free food and drinks to our Veterans this weekend!

Applebee’s
Veterans and Active Duty Military can select a free meal from a limited menu on Veteran’s Day. Provide proof of service required.

Back Yard Burgers
Military veterans with valid ID, and active duty servicemembers in uniform, can enjoy a free ‘Classic Burger’ on Veterans Day.

Baker’s Square Free Breakfast
Veterans and active duty get a complimentary breakfast on Veterans Day at participating locations. Choose between Buttermilk Pancakes, three slices of French Toast or a Belgian Waffle.

Bar Louie

Free burger or Flatbread on Veterans Day.

Bob Evans
Bob Evans Restaurants are offering free select menu items to Veterans and Active Duty Military on Veterans Day.

Bonanza Steakhouse
On Veterans Day, all former and current military service men and women enjoy a free buffet (beverage not included), at all participating Bonanza Steakhouses. Contact your local Bonanza for more details.

Bruegger’s Bagels
U.S. Military Veterans and active military members who show ID and proof of service can receive a Free Small Drip Coffee. No purchase necessary.

Buffalo Wild Wings Free Wings
Veterans and active duty military who dine-in at their local B-Dubs can receive a free one small order of traditional or boneless wings and a side of fries. At participating U.S. locations

California Pizza Kitchen
On Veterans Day, all veterans or active duty military personnel will be able to select a free entree from a special Veterans Day menu including pizza, salads and pasta. Please come in uniform or bring your military ID or other proof of service.

Chevys Fresh Mex
On Veterans Day from 11am to 10pm, Chevys Fresh Mex will offer a complimentary Fresh Mex 3-Item combo to all active and veteran military personnel.

Chili’s

Free meal for Veteran’s on Veterans Day.

Chuck E. Cheese
To thank service members past and present, on Veteran’s Day on Nov. 11, Chuck E. Cheese’s will be offering one free personal pizza to all active and retired military members at participating stores nationwide. Promo code #5500.

Cici’s Pizza
Free pizza buffet if you show a valid Military ID.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store
Veterans receive a complimentary Double Chocolate Fudge Coca-Cola® Cake dessert to veterans and an opportunity for guests to make purchases that support Operation Homefront. Veterans Day only.

Denny’s

Free Grand Slam on Monday.

Dunkin’ Donuts
On November 11, Veterans and active duty military can enjoy a free donut at Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants nationwide, no purchase necessary.

Famous Dave’s
On Nov. 11, in honor of Veteran’s Day all former and current military personnel will receive a free two meat Combo.

Granite City Food & Brewery
Veterans and active military can stop in for a complimentary lunch on Veterans Day from 11am – 3pm.

Houlihan’s
Receive a free entree from a select menu on Veteran’s Day 11/11 with proof of veteran status or active service in the military.

IKEA Free Entree
Veterans can enjoy a free entree at IKEA. Please show some form of military ID.

Joe’s Crab Shack
On November 11th, all veterans will receive a free appetizer. Present or display the coupon.

Logan’s Roadhouse
This Veterans Day, veterans and active duty drop on in for an American Roadhouse Meal on the house. Not valid in CA, NC, SC or Augusta, GA, locations. Veterans year round receive a 10% discount to guests who present a military or veterans’ ID.

Little Caesars Pizza
On Saturday, November 11, from 11am to 2pm, veterans and active military members can receive a free $5 HOT-N-READY® Lunch Combo.

LongHorn Steakhouse
This Veterans Day LongHorn Steakhouse will offer a free appetizer or dessert (no purchase required, no restrictions) to anyone showing proof of military service.

Macaroni Grill
Free Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs & Spaghetti entrée this Veteran’s Day, Saturday, November 11th to all veterans and active military.

Margaritas Mexican Restaurant
Margaritas is offering complimentary entrees to all veterans and active members of the military, as well as their significant others this Veterans Day.

Max & Erma’s Free Cheeseburger Combo Meal with Dessert
On Veterans Day, participating Max & Erma’s locations are celebrating veterans and active military personnel with a free cheeseburger, endless fries and a fountain drink.

Mimi’s Cafe
U.S. Veterans or active duty military personnel can select food items from a special menu on Veteran’s Day for free. Drink purchase is required. Please show proof of military service.

O’Charley’s
O’Charley’s will honor our military on Veterans Day by offering veterans and active duty service members a free $9.99 entree at any location on November 11th. Additionally, O’Charley’s offers a 10 percent military discount all year long.

Olive Garden Free Meal
On Veterans Day, Olive Garden restaurants will offer a free entrée from a special menu to active-duty military and veterans. The special menu features six of Olive Garden’s most popular items. Entrées are served with unlimited soup, salad and garlic bread sticks.

On The Border Free Entree
This Veterans Day, all veterans and active duty military will receive a free combo meal at OTB’s. The meal is from the”Create Your Own Combo menu,” which is a “choose 2” or “choose 3” menu.

Outback Steakhouse Free Bloomin’ Onion® and a beverage
All active, retired military and veterans get a free Bloomin’ Onion® and a beverage on Veterans Day. Must have valid identification. Additionally, November 8 through November 10, military members will receive 20% off their check and, Military, Fire and Police heroes will receive 10% off their check.

Petro Stopping Centers
All active duty military, veterans and reservists with proof of service can enjoy a complimentary meal from a select menu that includes a beverage on Veterans Day Nov. 11 at any participating Country Pride or Iron Skillet restaurant nationwide.

Ponderosa Steakhouses
From 4pm-close on Veterans Day, all former and current military service men and women enjoy a free buffet (beverage not included) from participating Ponderosa locations. Contact your local Ponderosa for more details.

Red Lobster
To thank Veterans, active duty military and reservists, Red Lobster will offer a free appetizer or dessert from their select Veterans Day menu. To receive offer, show a valid military ID on November 11th.

Red Robin

All Veterans and Active Duty Military get a free dine-in Red’s Tavern Double Burger and Bottomless Steak Fries on Veterans Day 11/11.

Rib Crib

Veterans and active military service members can choose a free meal from RibCrib’s Menu of Honor that includes a choice of two meats and two sides, including their slow-smoked meats and award-winning St. Louis spare ribs.

Rock & Brews

Rock & Brews is offering all active duty military, veterans, and first responders a complimentary meal on Veteran’s Day at any Rock & Brews location nationwide.

Rock Bottom Restaurants & Breweries

Participating locations will offer a free entrée on Veterans Day, November 11th, to veterans and active duty military. Vets can select from any entrée on the menu including Rock Bottom Signature Items.

Ruby Tuesday

This Veterans Day, all former and active duty service members of the military can enjoy a free appetizer.

Shoney’s Offers Free All You Care to Eat Breakfast

Shoney’s says ‘Thank You’ to America’s heroes by offering a free All You Care To Eat breakfast, to all Veterans and Active Duty Military members on Veterans Day from 6am – 11 am.

Sizzler Free Lunch

Sizzler is proud to honor and celebrate United States veterans and active-duty military personnel with a free lunch and beverage before 4 p.m. on Veterans Day, November 11.

Starbucks

On Veterans Day, active duty service members, reservists, veterans and military spouses are invited to enjoy a free Tall Brewed Coffee.

Tap House Grill

On Veterans Day, all active, inactive and retired military personnel can get a complimentary meal (dine in only).

Texas de Brazil

50% off for up to 2 veterans and 20% off for up to 6 additional guests at the table during dinner this Veterans Day.

Texas Roadhouse

Select from a free special veterans lunch menu including a beverage and sides.

TGI Fridays Free Lunch

Guests who show valid military ID can enjoy a free lunch menu item up to $12 on November 11th and 12th.

Village Inn Free Breakfast

All who have served get a free Inn-Credible V.I.B. breakfast on Veterans Day.

Happy Veterans Day!!

November 10, 2017 By Kathryn

0 In Book Review/ Family/ Free stuff/ Raising boys/ Saving money/ Things to do in Colorado

Holiday Gift Guide – Best Gifts for children and teachers!

As a former teacher, children’s ministry director, child enthusiast and mother to 4 Adventurous Boys – I have spent the majority of my life ……….. PLAYING!!

I love finding EXCELLENT Toys and Gifts to stimulate and grow CHILDREN….plus… I do not like wasting money on toys that end up sitting on the shelf!

Using all of my experience, I’ve compiled a guide of the top 10 CHILD and PARENT approved gifts for Children ages 1-10. PLUS – a bonus TEACHER GIFT GUIDE!

Coolest idea ever RIGHT? …Ok well, one of the coolest ideas ever.

This guide will be your BEST FRIEND ( ok COFFEE is your best friend ) during the holidays!!!

We can all use LESS STRESS during the holidays RIGHT … It will Cost YOU ONLY 3 bucks!! … that’s less than a Starbucks latte ( NO BIG DEAL …) A 3 dollar DE-STRESSOR …YESSSS PLEASE!!

Think of the TIME and HASSLE this book will save you during the holidays …and it will be in your hand about 90 seconds after you:

A. Find 3 DOLLARS … Dang that’s cheap … should I raise the price?

B. Click on this LINK …https://gum.co/NMeTH

OR when you PRE-ORDER my Children’s Book – Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore! You get a copy for FREE!!!!

https://www.gofundme.com/kathrynegly

Thanks for letting me de-stress your holidays!! Buy the Book Now! … Make a cup of coffee …. sit back and Get that Shopping DONE ….BOOM.
PS…. Hey My 4 Boys ( George Clark Paul and Luke ) say thanks for spending the 3 BUCKS! They a get a cut and purchase and purchase one of the toys from this handy guide!!!

The Gift Guide Unwrapped:

November 8, 2017 By Kathryn

2 In Uncategorized

Go Fund Me Book Launch!

Hey Friends! I’ve written my first children’s book and I would LOVE for you to be a part of the launch! You can give as little as $5 to help this campaign I have gifts for every donation! gofundme.com/kathrynegly

As a former teacher, I love seeing kids do two things – ENJOY a good book and GET OUTSIDE and play. This book encourages both. It will make an excellent Christmas gift for any child age 1 to 10. You will enjoy this engaging story, love the illustrations, (painted by a local artist) and learn fun facts about Colorado Spring’s animals. Thanks in advance for supporting this campaign and helping me publish my first children’s book entitled: ‘Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore!’

I’m including a promo video with the characters in my book and a LINK to the CAMPAIGN is below:

kathrynegly

November 6, 2017 By Kathryn

2 In Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Food/ Free stuff/ Review/ Things to do in Colorado

7 reasons to LOVE Modern Market

We LOVE Modern Market and here are seven reasons why!

1 – Sunday and Monday you can buy one adult meal, and get one kid’s meal free!

Their kid’s meals are awesome – my boys love their grilled chicken and vegetables. (How can I say no to that?)

2 – With the Modern Market app I have on my phone, I earn points towards free food at every visit!
https://www.thelevelup.com/c/HWGVEF0MBC

3 – If you save your receipt and present it at your next visit (within seven days), you will get 10% off your order!

4 – The food is delicious and HEALTHY (farm to table)!

5 – $2 glasses of wine

6 – Free meal for your birthday!

7 – The more you spend, the bigger your bonuses get!

Visit Modern Market soon – but first download this app – $3 off your first order just for signing up! And the rewards keep adding up after that!
https://www.thelevelup.com/c/HWGVEF0MBC

SUBSCRIBE so you don’t miss future posts on how to save a little $!

Do you have a Modern Market near you? What do you like to order?

November 4, 2017 By Kathryn

3 In Family/ Food/ Recipe

World’s Best Kale Salad

My mom offered to make a Kale salad while staying at my house a couple of years ago.

“Oh…kay,” I said hesitantly. I didn’t like Kale. I had already tried it in salad and baked as chips and just couldn’t eat it. That is, UNTIL I tried THIS salad. This salad made me totally changed my mind about Kale. This is seriously the WORLD’S BEST KALE SALAD! Created by my mom, Rebecca Bornman! Thanks mom!

Kale salad recipe:

1 bag Kale from (elephant or rougher Kale, not soft, baby Kale)

1-2 chopped Green onion – optional

½ cup cranberry

½ cup chopped almond

½ cup blue cheese (or gorgonzola)

Dressing:

½ cup of OLIVE OIL

lime juice from one lime

½ cup parm cheese

2 Tb honey

Chop the Kale and take out any stems.

Mix the dressing.

Throw all the ingredients on top of the Kale.

Pour the dressing on top, throw on a little salt/pepper or whatever seasoning you have on hand, mix well and enjoy!

Subscribe so that you don’t miss the other delicious recipes!

November 3, 2017 By Kathryn

40 In Book Review/ Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Raising boys

I’ve written a children’s book – and I need your feedback!

The Magnificent Four who love to explore!

I’ve written a book about my boys climbing Pike’s Peak and encountering the animals that actually live on this mountain but I need your help with the title!

I want something easy to read and catchy. Here are my top picks – they are all similar – but which wording do you like best? They allude to ADVENTURE and ANIMALS! Let me know your favorite!

1. CLIMB, EXPLORE!

SWIM, SOAR!

2. CLIMB, SOAR!

SWIM, EXPLORE!

3. CLIMB, SWIM,

SLITHER SOAR!

4. Climb, Explore, Splash, slither, soar!

(subtitle – A Pike’s Peak Mountain Adventure)

PLEASE leave me a comment (Little box in the top right corner beside the title) and tell me – what’s your favorite title?

October 31, 2017 By Kathryn

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