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3 In Book Review/ Family/ Product Recommendations

My husband’s first book: Conversations with a Billionaire

 

George enjoying his Daddy’s first book!

I’m so excited to tell you about my husband’s first book, Conversations with a Billionaire!

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!

Here’s a little video from Ted:

1 In Product Recommendations

Top Ten Teacher Gifts – Give THIS, NOT that!!

When I was a teacher, I was blessed with some amazing students…. And some NOT so amazing gifts.

I received so many little trinkets that I couldn’t or didn’t use. Unless your child’s teacher lets you know that they REALLY ENJOY collecting a specific trinket, don’t buy them one more thing to set on their shelves. Teachers need either practical gifts or pampering gifts – not one more dust collector.

As a former teacher, I’ve created a list of things that would make your child’s teacher feel appreciated – things they will USE and ENJOY! Teachers work so hard, give them something that would make them SMILE!

Here are some general gift ideas that most teachers will enjoy!

  1. A handwritten note of thanks

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. I know that I do!

A heart-warming note from a student who struggled in school.

 

2. High quality Hand soap

Cost: $3-12Why: Because washing your hands is the BEST way to stave off germs and sickness!  
Buy a 3-pack for only $10.47 – give one to the teacher, another to the school secretary, and the third one to principal too!

 

3. Gift card

Cost: $10+

Why:  Who doesn’t love gift cards? Most teachers drinks tea or
coffee. If not, I’m sure they would enjoys picking up dinner on the way home! And you can’t go wrong with a Target gift Card.

4. High-quality Room Spray

Cost: $6-12

Why: Teachers will appreciate this for home or school.

 

5.  Gift card for pedi/mani or massage

Cost: $3-12

Why: Most teachers could benefit from a little pampering by the end of the year!

 

6. Lunch from their favorite restaurant

Cost: $5-15

Why: Last year I found out where my son’s teacher loves to eat, asked
what she wanted for lunch, and brought it to her the next day. It was a
nice treat for her, and fun for me and George to thank her in this way!

7. Pretty stationary 

Cost: $10 for a set of 44 beautiful cards!

Why: Teachers write cards throughout the year, so it’s always fun to have new stationery!

8. New pens/marker

Cost: $10-12

The pens I’ve pictured above are MY FAVORITE!!!

 

9. A plant or beautiful bouquet of flowers

Cost: $5-30

Ask your child’s teacher if they have a favorite flower. I love having fresh flowers or plants in my home (and classroom). Plants take in the bad air and create fresh air for your child’s teacher and her classroom.

10. Coffee or tea

Cost: $12-25

Why: Find out what your child’s teacher loves to drink and provide him
or her with their favorite beverage!

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!

If you have an idea that I haven’t listed, leave a comment!

4 In Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Product Recommendations/ Things to do in Colorado

Top things to do in Downtown Colorado Springs

I love Colorado Springs!

It’s not too big, not too small.

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.

Some other options for a delicious breakfast and coffee are OverEasy, King Chefs Diner, and Wild Goose Meeting House.

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 lunch, we took time to visit the Pioneer Museum. I love this place and wrote more about it here.

Pioneer Museum – Fabulous and Free

We didn’t get to stay for dinner, because I had to get home to my boys, but if we did, I would have asked mom what she feels like eating.

If she said Mexican, I would have taken her to Sonterra Grill.

In the mood for Italian? Red Gravy

Burgers? Skirted Heifer

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:

TERRA VERDE

208 N. Tejon

REDOUX CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE

119 E. Bijou

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4 In Colorado Springs/ Family/ Free stuff/ Motherhood/ Product Recommendations/ Raising boys

Top Five Gifts for Mom on Mother’s day!

Here are some very practical, very simple ideas that are guaranteed to make your mom or wife smile on Mother’s day!
  1. Make or buy Mom dinner or lunch. Give mom a break from the kitchen!

If you live in Colorado Springs: Click here for my recommendations of WHERE TO EAT!

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 great book – I want this one:

 

What is something YOU like to give or receive for Mother’s Day?

5 In Colorado Springs/ Family/ Making money/ Motherhood/ My Journey/ Product Recommendations/ Review

Stitch Fix vs Sister Fix Disclaimer: Sister is HORRIFIED

Two of my friends were wearing the cutest outfits recently and I asked where they shopped. “Stitch Fix!” They both responded.

I decided to check this thing out.

I have four boys and shopping for clothes is not an easy or enjoyable thing for me – Stitch Fix is what I needed. No shopping required!

I got my first box of clothes and it felt like Christmas. I posted about it here.

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

Have you tried Stitch Fix yet? If you’d like to try it, click here for $15 off your first fix! 

Below is the video of me trying everything on.

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!

 

4 In Product Recommendations/ Raising boys/ Recipe

$5 Dinner for 5! (Plus: Delicious Garlic Butter Bread Recipe)

FIVE DOLLAR DINNER!

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!

0 In Book Review/ Motherhood/ Product Recommendations

Five Favorite Bibles for Kids 0-12

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!

 

 

 

3 In Family/ Motherhood/ Product Recommendations/ Raising boys

Five FUN Easter Basket Fillers!

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.

  1. Socks

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!

2. Drawing pad/sketchbook

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. 

 

3. New markers or crayons, or colored pencils

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.


4. LEGO Holiday Easter Egg Hunt Building Kit

For your son or daughter who loves to build – this is an Easter Lego set! My son George told me all he wants for any occasion are Legos.

5. Devotional for kids

In this post, I will recommend the best Bibles for different age groups. However, if your son, daughter or grandchild already has a Bible – perhaps you could add a devotional to their Easter Basket. Here are some recommendations:

Indescribable: A Bible Devotional for kids about God and Science:

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

3 minute devotional for boys (ONLY $3.56!!)

I just bought this for my son’s Easter Basket. 3 minutes sounds about right for my active boys!

3 minute Devotional for girls:

Purpose Driven Life Devotional for kids – Based on the Best Selling Devotional for Adults, this children’s devotional has tons of positive reviews!

And one final suggestion:

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!

 

Or get a signed copy for only $10 delivered by clicking here.

 

Do you have other suggestions? Leave me a comment to let me know what your child is getting for Easter this year!

2 In Book Review/ Colorado Springs/ Funny/ Product Recommendations

My first fan mail and Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore prevented a break down!

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!

Thanks for your support!

4 In Product Recommendations/ Saving money

Earning a little extra money through Swagbucks

I joined swagbucks a couple of years ago to earn a little extra income – it’s not income that will pay the mortgage, but every dollar helps our bottom line! I consistently earn about $50 a month with only a few minutes of my time each day.

Here’s how to earn some easy “swagbucks” that convert into ‘real’ bucks:

  • I use swagbucks as my search engine – every few searches earns you 5-30 swagbucks
  • Take an occasional survey
  • Answer the daily poll
  • Invite friends to join. When you invite friends, you both get swagbucks and you can keep earning swagbucks. You earn 10% of everything they earn!

Those are a couple ideas but there are SO many other ways to earn extra “bucks.’ If you are interested in earning a little extra money, go here: http://www.swagbucks.com