Here are 9 of my favorite books from 2018, if you haven’t read them…add them to your MUST READ list of 2019!
The one book you should read this year!
One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voscamp – An incredibly well-written book that reminds the readers of how gratitude can positively change your life.
2. UnSuperMommy by Maggie Combs – This is a must read for moms with young children.
3. What’s God Really Like? by SJ Hill – Each page made me smile as I was reminded of how GOOD our God really is!
4. Conversations with a Billionaire by Ted W Egly – A truly inspirational book filled with tons of great stories. An easy-to-read book that will leave you feeling encouraged and challenged…get a glimpse into the book by clicking here.
5. Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver – An awesome book if you like food and are interested in finding out more about what you eat. This book is also inspiring for gardeners (or wannabe gardeners, like me).
6. Love Does by Bob Goff or his next books which was equally Awesome:
7. Everybody Always – I was nervous to read this book because I didn’t know if it would be as good as his first…but it was amazing!
8. Speak Life by Brady Boyd – Our words shape our life. This book contains great examples on how we can improve our communication and challenges us to speak life-giving words.
One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voscamp was truly a GIFT to me. It was the most beautifully written book I’ve ever read – and so full of truth and light. The book made me cry, laugh, think, and smile.
When I read a book, I underline all my favorite parts. If it’s a book that has stuff I that I don’t want to forget, I enter everything I’ve underlined into my computer. For this book, I had SIX TYPED pages of notes and quotes from the book! Six pages of words from the book that I didn’t want to forget. That’s a record!
This is a book I’ll come back to over and over. I’m also going to read the study guide that goes with this book:
The premise of One Thousand Gifts is about how to find gratitude in the mundane days of life. Finding gratitude leads to a full, joy-filled life.
Here are some quotes from the book:
It’s easy to speak the language of discontentment, self-condemnation, and dissatisfaction…but it’s worth learning how to speak a new language.
Why not let ALL life be penetrated by JOY and gratitude!?
Do yourself a favor and READ THIS BOOK!
Have you read One Thousand Gifts? If so…leave me a comment. Also, if you have a book I MUST read this year, let me know!
Have you read One Thousand Gifts? If so…leave me a comment. Also, if you have a book I MUST read this year, let me know!
Have you read One Thousand Gifts? If so…leave me a comment. Also, if you have a book I MUST read this year, let me know!
If you’d like to read reviews of all 40 books I read last year, click here.
Why does it seem like Christmas comes SO slowly when you are a child and as an adult, it comes WAY to quickly. I wish the Christmas season could last twice as long. I love the lights, the songs, the decorations, celebrations, traditions, extra time with friends and family, …and the anticipation and excitement in our children!
Our day started early … 3 AM early! Paul and Clark woke up, went into George’s room and woke him up and exclaimed: “It’s Christmas! Wake up!” Thankfully, George looked at the clock. He then came in, woke me up to let me know that his brothers were up and ready for Christmas and he thought it was too early.
Me: You are right, it’s too early! Go back to bed!
I went downstairs to bring the bad news to Paul and Clark that Christmas wouldn’t begin for 4 more hours.
CLARK: What will we do for FOUR hours?
ME: SLEEP!
CLARK AND PAUL: We are too excited to sleep!
ME: I’m sorry. (not sorry)
Thankfully, somehow, they did go back to sleep and so did I…and Christmas morning began around 7 AM.
Stop by Mi Casa if you are craving Mexican food! We loved the enchiladas, and the salsa was so good! Super quaint atmosphere inside and nice patio outside!
This place has fantastic sub sandwiches. It’s a hole in the wall, so don’t plan to eat inside. I recommend picking up subs, walking to the Gondola, taking the ride to the very top, and eating on the patio at Peak 8.
This restaurant is right in the middle of all the action with great seating in the front on Main Street or in the back, on the patio. The burgers are great!
Eric’s has good pizza, burgers and wings but I only recommend going if you are willing to drop some ‘dough’ on video games. Half of the place is food/half is a gaming area. My kids like coming here – not necessarily for the food, but because of the games!
We love this place because it’s so darn cute. It’s an old YELLOW house with such history inside. And if you want to know how to get your Starbucks for FREE, read this.
I thought I didn’t like crepes…until I tried one from Crepes a la Cart. This place ALWAYS has a line out the door! Our family devoured the cinnamon roll crepe in 3.5 seconds.
Kenosha is a great place to go with family and friends when the weather is nice. You can sit on the back patio and enjoy the backyard “games” while you wait for your food! My boys like the burgers and wings! I ordered the Bison burger – it was great! My husband enjoyed his Caesar salad. We also shared a plate of nachos with Bison Chili – one order is enough to feed the whole table.
This is a great place to get a hot bowl of soup on a cold day. It’s very small without much seating, though. I recommend ordering Pho to Go. Take it up the Gondola and eat at one of the tables at Peak 8.
Obviously, this isn’t a place you’d go for dinner unless you want a SUGAR RUSH, but it’s gotta go on my list because it’s my kids favorite spot for a treat in Breckenridge. They give you a little bag and you can add as much or as little of the 400+ options. My kids eat something right away and save some for the drive home.
There are so many quaint restaurants along Main Street. Please let me know in the comments where you love to eat in Breck!
For all my favorite FREE things to do in Breckenridge, CLICK HERE!
We are blessed to have a church that puts so much intentionality into what they do! My kids and I had a great week learning and laughing together at New Life Church Kid’s Camp. The theme this year was Supernova – discovering God’s Great Galaxy. The music was incredible, great teaching, fun games, engaging skits, and service projects.
George loves Legos. Occasionally when I find a great deal on a set of a legos, I’ll buy it for him. Clark and George recorded themselves building their Legos, then George edited the video and I uploaded it to their youtube channel: “The Free Range Eglys.” Here is one video George recorded and edited.
Saturday
Ted and I had our first Duel
Book-signing at a local (beautiful) coffee shop, The Roost! It was a great morning where we met some new neighbors, saw some familiar faces, and sold some of our books!
If you’d like a copy of Ted’s amazing book, click here!
Giveaway winners – Mary Kathryn S. ($40 Gift card) and Judy B. ($50 Tillivery)!
That’s a peek into our week! How was YOUR week? Leave me a comment!
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):
