Ted’s book is entitled “Conversations with a Billionaire.” His book is an amazing story on life and leadership (click here to read more about his book).
Till Kitchen has invited to come do a book signing at their beautiful coffee bar/restaurant. We’d love to meet you and sign a book for you and your children! PLUS, for every book you purchase, your name will go in a drawing to win a $40 gift card to this fabulous restaurant! (which is on my list of best places to eat in Colorado Springs!) Also, Till Kitchen has offered to give away a $50 gift card for “Tillivery” – their delicious meal delivery service!
Here are all the details:
What: Ted and Kathryn Egly’s book signing
When: Saturday, June 29th from 9-11AM
Where:The Roost Coffee Bar inside Till Kitchen – 9633 Prominent Point | Colorado Springs, CO 80924 | 719 282-8004
Why: Have a cup of hot coffee and a delicious pastry, meet your neighbors and local authors, purchase a book that we will sign with a personal message, and be entered to win a prize!
For each product you purchase, your name will go into a drawing for a $40 gift card to Till Kitchen OR a $50 gift card for Tillivery!
PS – If you mention the secret word “KathrynEgly.com,” you will get $2 off my book – making it only $8 for you! The is the best price you’ll find anywhere, ever!
Ted’s book is available for the low price of $12 – the best price you’ll see anywhere as well!
Hope to see you there!!!
UPDATE: Giveaway winners: Mary Kathryn S. ($40 gift card), Pam ($50 Tillivery)
If you know my husband, you know that he is a gifted communicator. He has so much wisdom and knowledge that spills out of him. He’s been working on this book for the last year, and one night while writing, he said, “Kathryn, you need to write a book too!” I tell more about that story here.
My husband’s not only the reason I wrote MY book, but he’s the reason I started this blog, too! He encourages me to write, even though I wouldn’t call myself a “writer.” Ted is actually the writer in this family! (Soon he will write a guest post on here. Leave me a comment and tell me what you want him to write about!)
In the meantime, let me tell you about my husband!
Ted was raised in an Air Force family.
He suffered a life-threatening illness in his teens and was miraculously healed.
He earned his Bachelors and then his Master’s (in Organizational Leadership and Human Resource Management) – all while working full time.
He loves adventure racing, fishing, and teaching.
He’s got this crazy “Spidey” sense where he just “knows” what’s going to happen – and he’s usually right!
Ted’s got a life FULL of interesting stories and some of them have been captured in his new book: Conversations with a Billionaire.
Don’t let the title fool you, this is not a book about money, or how to become a Billionaire.
The title comes from conversations that he had and lessons he learned from spending time with a Billionaire. This Billionaire is a name you’d probably know, but he doesn’t share his name in the book. Ted spent time in the Billionaire’s home, learning from him, watching him, and talking to him about life and leadership. Ted writes about things he learned from the Billionaire, as well as stories from his own life.
This book is incredibly inspiring and will benefit anyone – from a stay-at-home parent to a business person. There is something you will learn to spur you on in your journey. You’ll want to have a pen or highlighter with you when you read – there will be so many things you won’t want to forget, or will want to go back and re-read!
A peek inside, and if you pre-order a book, you’ll get PDFs of all the artwork/graphics inside the book!
I’d love for you to order a copy, CLICK HERE to do so!
When I was a teacher, I was blessed with some amazing students…. And some NOT so amazing gifts.
Let’s just say I received enough apple-themed mugs to open a cafe.
Here’s the deal: unless your child’s teacher specifically says they collect mugs or tiny porcelain objects, don’t assume that’s their love language. Teachers need either a practical gift or a some pampering – not one more dust collector.
As a former teacher, I’m here to help! I’ve rounded up ten teacher gift ideas that are useful, enjoyable, and won’t end up in the donation pile or this summer’s garage sale.
Here are some gift ideas that will make a teacher SMILE! 🙂
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1. A handwritten note of THANKS
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A heart-warming note from a student who struggled in school.
Cost: Nothing but a little time
My favorite gifts, and the ones I’ve saved after all these years, are the handwritten notes from parents and children. Teachers work hard all year and don’t always know if they’ve made a difference. Think about one positive thing your child’s teacher has done this year, and let them know. Have your child write a note too! This is a gift a teacher will treasure for years to come.
Why: Between glue, markers, sneezes, and mystery stickiness, their hands take a beating. A beautiful, great-smelling soap turns a basic task into a mini moment of self-care.
Buy a 3-pack – give one to the teacher, another to the school secretary, and the third one to principal too!
Pro-tip – attach a note that says “Hands down, Best Teacher”
Why: Between glue sticks, gym shoes, and mystery lunchbox smells, a quick spritz of lavender or eucalyptus can feel like a mini escape.
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5. Gift card for pedi/mani or massage
Cost: $3-12
Why: By the end of the school year, most teachers don’t just deserve pampering—they need it. A manicure gift card is a perfect way to say, “You survived… now go treat yourself!”
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6. Lunch from their favorite restaurant
Cost: $10-15
Why: Last year, I did a little detective work and found out where my son’s teacher loves to eat. I asked her what she wanted for lunch—and then surprised her with it the next day! It was such a simple gesture, but it made her day. And it was a fun way for George and me to show our appreciation in a personal (and delicious) way!
Why: Teachers are constantly writing notes—thank yous, reminders, gentle nudges home about missing homework. A personalized notepad says, ‘I care,’ while also helping them look classy while requesting a box of Kleenex… again.
Why: From grading papers to writing notes, labeling supplies, making anchor charts, or leaving sticky note encouragements—teachers go through pens fast. A great pen is like a teacher’s magic wand
Why: Instant Joy! A fresh bouquet or cute potted plant can brighten up any classroom or home space. It’s a little pop of beauty after a long day of wrangling kids, grading papers, and navigating the copier jam (again).
Why: Behind every great teacher is a desk drawer filled with coffee pods or tea bags—and a dream of sipping it while it’s still hot. Help them make that dream a reality.
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Pro-tip: Most schools now have a “teachers favorites” list (our school keeps these in the office). Each teacher makes a list of all their favorite things. ASK for that list and use – you’ll probably find some of my suggestions on each of their lists!
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At the end of the day, the best teacher gifts come from the heart—and a little thoughtfulness goes a long way. Whether it’s a handwritten note, a fancy pen, or a gift card to their favorite coffee shop, what really matters is the message: You’re seen. You’re appreciated. You made a difference.
So skip the “World’s Best Teacher” mug this year, and go for something that will make them smile, relax, or feel a little spoiled. They’ve earned it. A hundred times over.
Happy gifting—and high fives to all the amazing teachers out there!
Heads up! This post contains a few affiliate links—aka, if you click and buy something I recommended, I may earn enough to buy a teacher a half a latte. No pressure, just appreciation. Thanks in advance for supporting my love of recommending great gifts!
The town has great shops and delicious restaurants. It’s walkable and clean.
When my mom came to visit, we decided to spend a Day Downtown – enjoying the city, eating and getting pampered! I wanted to show her to all the best things to do downtown in one day.
We started the day at Loyal Coffee. This place is BEAUTIFUL and has GREAT coffee, and delicious food!! I loved the soft boiled egg on toast. (I now try to re-create this dish at home. Mine’s not as good)
Loyal Coffee – Beautiful inside!
Loyal coffee can get crowded, so you may have to take coffee to go.
After breakfast and coffee, we got pampered at the Beauty Bar. The beauty bar is incredible inside. Super CLEAN, industrial-feel, with a friendly staff. They do hair, makeup, manicures and pedicures. Mom and I got our nails done and enjoyed the complimentary fruit infused water. They also have a bartender on staff to make you any drink your heart desires!
Next: shopping.
One of my favorite store in town is Terra Verde. This shop has a little of everything. Beautiful clothes, unique decor, lovely jewelry, good books (including MINE!), and gift ideas for any person you can imagine. They do complimentary gift wrapping too!
My mom bought me some new earrings! Thank you Mom!!
After Terra Verde, we stopped by Poor Richards. This is such a unique place – it’s three stores in one! One part coffee shop/restaurant, one part bookstore, and one part toy store.
The bookstore is fun to browse because they have new and used books of all genres and for all ages. I purchased a copy Ferninand the Bull. My boys enjoyed the movie and I wanted them to have a copy of the book to read!
Found my book inside Poor Richards! (I’m not excited or anything)
Get a copy of my Colorado Springs Children’s book by clicking here!
Our next stop was Pikes Peak Lemonade. You must stop in and try a free sample of their delicious lemonade! We met the owner and bought some jalapeno lemonade to take home. It’s amazing!
Pikes Peak Lemonade
For lunch, we visited Rabbit Hole. I love that you walk into what looks like a phone booth in the middle of the street, go down a staircase, and enter into what really feels like a “rabbit hole.” They serve lots of yummy ‘rabbit food.’ It’s on my list of BEST restaurants in Colorado Springs.
After dinner, I’d recommend we sneak into Brooklyn’s on Boulder for the experience of visiting a “Speakeasy.” You have to enter an indiscreet door, stand inside what feels like a large closet, knock on another door with a small window. Someone peeks through to ask “what you want.” When you let him know you’d like to go inside, he asks you to show your ID and then quickly escorts you in.
Inside this place is a VERY cool vibe. Get a drink or order an appetizer and imagine what life was like during the Prohibition era.
Doesn’t my day Downtown sound fun?! Do you see why I love this place?
If you’ve spend time in Colorado Springs, what do you like about it?
Again, here are a couple of shops to visit on your day downtown:
2. Pamper her! A massage, facial, or manicure. Anything to make her feel pretty and relaxed!
Mom will love a SPA Day; a runner up would be a Spa Kit. I love bath bombs or a good bath scrub!
3. Hire someone to clean for her! This is such a treat for mom to get a break from cleaning. I have four boys and the messes never end. I LOVE having someone clean for me every once in a while!
4. Give Mom some time alone! Every Mother’s Day, my husband gives me a couple of hours just myself. To nap, read, slowly sip my coffee (while it’s still hot) and just relax. With four little boys, that is such a precious GIFT! Once my kids are older and out of the house, this one might change to “time with everyone together!” I get to enjoy that most days, so a quiet break is a gift to me.
5. Homemade gifts or cards. Sweet hand-made cards from my boys are some of my most treasured possessions!
Other options that mom should love:
A plant or fresh flowers:
A pressure cooker for a mom that likes to cook (I love mine):
A few months later I asked my sister if she would shop for me. I wanted to know how a “sister fix” would compare to a “stitch fix.” My sister enjoys shopping, knows my style, and I like that she knows how to find a bargain. She agreed to do it.
Below are my “Sister Fix” outfits that cost about the same as a box from Stitch Fix.
SISTER FIX PROS:
Sister buys things on sale – I get more for my money.
She knows my style.
She shopped, took pictures of outfits and mailed everything to me.
I loved nearly everything she purchased. I couple of items did not fit or didn’t look as good on me as they did on the hanger.
STITCH FIX PROS:
They ask lots of questions to understand your style.
They mail everything to you.
I spend NO time shopping or returning items.
I can try things on right in my own home and pair them with things I already own.
The box is fun to receive – it’s like Christmas morning.
They include a picture/style card of exactly how to wear each item.
They include an envelope to ship anything you want back at no additional cost.
If you refer people, you earn money towards free clothes!
$15 dollar credit towards your first FIX: http://stitchfix.com/referral/14898853 if you use that code to save yourself money and try Stitch Fix, I’ll earn money too!
SISTER FIX CONS:
Sister spent a lot of time picking out clothes for me – not convenient for her.
She took pictures, boxed and shipped everything – more of her time.
I had to go and return everything I didn’t like – my time doing stuff I don’t enjoy.
She sent me pictures of how to ‘style’ the items she sent, but I accidentally deleted it before the clothes arrived. (She resent them later!)
STITCH FIX CONS:
Items can be pricier than what I’d normally spend. I’m a TJ Maxx, Target and thrift store shopper!
I’ve heard it takes 2-3 shipments before they really start to understand what you want and like.
I only kept 1 item from my first “fix” – because I didn’t love the other items, and they were more than what I wanted to spend
DISCLAIMER:My sister was partially horrified and partially cracking up when she watched this video below. She does not want her name attached to it!
She said I did NOT follow her advice in how to WeAR/Style the items she sent! We LAUGHED together about this – we are so different. She is a perfectionist when it comes to STYLE, and I did not LAYER and STYLE the items correctly. Sorry Sis! I need you to come and “style” me … I guess sending me clothes is not the answer – you actually need to come to Colorado and show me HOW to wear my clothes!
Anyway … the pictures above show the styling, the video shows the individual pieces and the fit!
Leave me a comment and let me know what you think! What should I keep? What should I never wear again!
That’s what we had tonight and I just had to tell you about it!
Here’s how we spent so little on this dinner:
Pasta Sauce was on sale for $1 per jar
Spaghetti Noodles: $1
Turkey Meat: 1 Lb for only $1.50*
Loaf of bread: $0.50 **
Garlic Butter topping (See recipe below): Less than $1
Total: Dinner for 5 hungry men = Less than $5!!!
*When grocery shopping, look for meat that is on sale. King Soopers/Kroger was selling 1 pound packages of turkey for $1.50 because they were about to expire. I bought several packages and put them in my freezer.
**Did you know that Jimmy Johns sells day old bread only $.50 per loaf? We get these on a regular basis to make subs at home, or for garlic bread, egg casseroles, etc. They can be frozen too!
GARLIC BREAD:
1/2 stick butter
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1 TB garlic
1 TB Italian Seasoning
Thick slices from a loaf of bread
Soften butter, add other ingredients and mix.
Spread a thick layer on each slice of bread. Toast in oven for about 5 minutes. Enjoy!
As a mom with four young children and a Children’s Ministry Director, I love seeing children reading (and UNDERSTANDING) their Bibles. There are so many different shapes, sizes and translations, but here are a few of my favorites. With Easter right around the corner, I can’t think of a better gift to give a child than a Bible.
The Bible App Storybook Bible for Kids– A very simple version of the Bible with only a couple sentences per page and bright, happy, colorful illustrations. This would make a good Bible to read with the littlest of children. Recommended for ages 0-5
Jesus Storybook Bible – A Bible that really is a “story book!” I’ve been reading a chapter in the mornings to my kids. It’s an easy-to-read and easy-to-understand “story” of the entire Bible and helps children understand how the Bible is one fascinating narrative. For ages 2-8
Adventure Bible For Early Readers – Good first ‘Chapter and Verse’ Bible for kids. NIrV (New International READERS Version) is easier for kids to understand than some other translations. If kids aren’t able to understand what they are reading – they won’t want to read at all. For ages 5-9
The Action Bible – Comic strip style bible – great for boys and young readers. Recommended for ages 5-10
International Children’s Bible – Another great “chapter and verse” Bible for kids! This is a translation that is easy for kids to read and understand!
Recommended for ages 6-12
Do you have a different Bible recommendation? Leave me a comment!
Easter is just around the corner, and my kids are so excited! I’ve been slowly collecting little things for their Easter Baskets. If you’re interested in any of the items for your family, click on the picture and it will take you directly to that item on Amazon. If you decide to make a purchase, I will receive a small affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Do your kids go through socks as fast as mine do? This is why my kids are getting socks for Easter instead of candy. (I’m only halfway kidding) Thankfully, my boys still LIKE getting new socks, so this is FUN for them!
I like for my kids to have a BLANK pad of paper somewhere close by at all times. Whether you have a child who is 2 or 22 – they will DRAW and draw and color and draw if given blank paper and pencils. This set I’ve linked to below is a pack of four for only $7.99- perfect if you have more than one child’s basket to fill.
The erasable colored pencils below are something my son has asked for, and they are only $3.39 on Amazon right now – less than half of what they cost in the store. The twistable crayons are a great price too! I’m getting my bigger boys the pencils and the little guys the crayons.
This Devotional has amazing reviews Amazon and was written by a fantastic author and speaker: Louie Giglio. We just received ours in the mail and LOVE IT!!!! It’s got fascinating facts about Creation and such good insight into God’s word. It’s a book that my boys and I will enjoy together
If you haven’t yet purchased a copy of “Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore!” …. then NO basket will be complete without this book! Find it on amazon buy clicking here. This book has all 5 star reviews and is a fun Colorado adventure story for kids ages 1-10. You will enjoy this story and learn some fun facts about Colorado Wildlife!
Someone recently purchased “Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore!” and donated it to their child’s class! That sweet group of second graders sent us our first FAN MAIL that made our hearts (and faces) SMILE!!!
Here are some of the comments we received:
This is the BEST book I’ve ever read!
Please write more books!
I CRY when I don’t have a good book so thank you for giving me a good book. (LOL!)
Can you please visit our class?
Unfortunately, this classroom is in Illinois, so I probably won’t get to visit, but if you purchase and donate a book to your child’s classroom, I’d be happy to go in and read it to them (within 30 miles of where I live!)
If you aren’t familiar with the book, it’s a little Mountain Adventure! It takes you to the top of Pikes Peak and teaches you about the animals that live there. This book would be a nice little gift for your child’s Easter Basket!
You can get a SIGNED book, delivered for only $10!!! Click here or leave a comment.
If you want to purchase one on Amazon, click here.
If you are in Colorado Springs and want me to drop them off at your home or business, leave a comment or send an email. Only $10 each – but discounted if you buy 5 or more books!
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