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!

April 17, 2018 By Kathryn

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!

April 7, 2018 By Kathryn

1 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!

March 20, 2018 By Kathryn

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.

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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!

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Continue Reading →

March 15, 2018 By Kathryn

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!

March 3, 2018 By Kathryn

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

February 23, 2018 By Kathryn

4 In Book Review/ Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Family/ Giveaway/ Product Recommendations

Book Blitz – Signed copies Only $10 (shipped!), plus a GIVEAWAY

Hey Friends! To celebrate the fact that you can buy Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore directly from my blog – I am holding a BOOK BLITZ!!!!

You can order as many books as you’d like for only $10 each – I will cover the shipping fees and taxes! This deal with last for 14 days or until the 200 I have in stock are gone!

Buy it now for:

friends,
teachers,
your office,
nieces and nephews,
your child’s school library,
your public library,
grandchildren, or
CLIENTS!

I will personally sign each book, ship them to wherever you’d like (within the US) and let the receiver know that the gift is from YOU!

Just click BUY MY BOOK

(at the top of this page)!

When ordering, leave a comment to let me know who I should sign the book to. Locals can pay upon delivery.

Click HERE to read a recent article about the book!

GIVEAWAY!

I will be GIVING away a signed copies! How do you enter? Just SHARE this post (via the social icons below), then leave me a comment letting me know where you shared it (twitter, facebook, email – one entry for every platform)! I will have the Magnificent Four choose names on Sunday, February 4th. One name will be drawn for every 10 shares!

WINNER is KRISTALL W! Congrats Kristall!

Happy Shopping and Sharing! And thank you so very much for your support!

Kathryn

January 21, 2018 By Kathryn

4 In Family/ Motherhood/ Product Recommendations/ Raising boys

For the Mom Who Wonders If She’s Enough

Mama, are you tired?

Do you ever lie awake wondering if you’re failing?
Do you feel like you’re falling short in this whole mom thing? Like you’re just not enough?

Jesus understands exactly what you’re going through. He had 12 disciples and I imagine it felt to Jesus like having 12 children. Now granted, they were all potty trained and dressed themselves but still…

They didn’t always listen.
They argued over who was His favorite.
They fell asleep when He desperately needed their support.
And one ultimately betrayed Him.

Jesus gets it.

He understands your exhaustion and your frustration, and He wants to help.

Here are a few simple ways to partner with Him throughout your day.

MORNING

Start the day with one word: Help.

“Help me be the mom You want me to be.
Speak through me.
Love through me.
Help me be present and engaged.
Holy Spirit, fill me.”
(The Holy Spirit is God living within us.)

If you can, try to wake up a few minutes before your kids. And if that feels impossible, ask God for help. He meets us in our weakness and will give you the strength to rise, even briefly, so your tank can be filled before you pour out all day long.

AFTERNOON

Just like we reach for a mid-day cup of coffee, don’t forget your mid-day cry for help.

God is available all day long.
When you’re weary, He gives strength.
When you need wisdom, ask. He delights in answering.
The Holy Spirit gently reveals what your children need, often before you even know to ask.

NIGHT

End the day the same way you began it: Help.

Evenings can be so hard. By the time I put my four boys to bed, I am completely spent. But bedtime matters. Kids are often most vulnerable then. They suddenly open up, sharing things they held in all day.

I climb into bed with each of my boys – to listen, to sing, to pray.

My mom did the same for us, and those moments still feel like a warm hug in my memory.

Mama, you are not alone.
And you don’t have to do this on your own.

Let me share a sweet story about how our nightly prayer time made a real impact on one of my boys.

Each night when I prayed with George, I prayed what we called the “5 L’s.” I asked God to help him be:

a strong LEADER
a good LISTENER
a fast LEARNER
and to know God’s LOVE and show God’s LOVE

When his report card came home, I read a note from his teacher that stopped me in my tracks. She wrote that George has “enthusiasm for learning, is a superstar listener, and is kind to his classmates.”

My heart overflowed. I could see God answering our prayers in real, tangible ways.

Prayer doesn’t just move heaven on our behalf, it also shapes our children’s hearts and lives. When we pray over them, we remind them of who God created them to be.

Through our nightly prayers, my boys are reminded that they are leaders, listeners, and learners, boys who know God’s love and show God’s love.

What not to pray: shaming prayers

“Lord, forgive my son for being a bad boy.”

Please don’t do this. Shaming prayers can plant guilt and discourage children from turning to God when they mess up.

What to pray instead

Pray words that inspire and encourage – prayers that give your children something beautiful to live up to.

“Thank You, Lord, for making my son strong and courageous, kind and bold.”

Pray Scripture with them and over them:

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

One of my favorite resources is The Power of a Praying Parent. My sister Kara gave it to me when I was pregnant with my first son in 2007, and I’ve read it over and over since. It offers powerful, specific prayers and gently teaches you how to pray intentionally for your children.

I can’t recommend it enough.

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Remember this: God chose you to be the mom your children need. Not by accident. Not as a backup plan. He sees you, and He wants to help you become the very best mama you can be.

If today was hard, that’s okay. We all have tough days. God’s mercy meets us fresh each morning, and tomorrow is a brand-new start.

You are deeply loved by your Heavenly Father.
You are chosen.
You are equipped.

You have what it takes, and you don’t have to do it alone.

Please feel free to leave me your prayer request in the comments section (the little box to the right of the title) and I will pray for you!

Don’t forget to subscribe (in the column on the right) so that my posts come directly to you via email!

Love,

Kathryn

January 15, 2018 By Kathryn

16 In Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Food/ Product Recommendations/ Things to do in Colorado

Best places to eat in Colorado Springs

My favorite date nights with Ted include discovering new restaurants!

When we become empty nesters and have more time on our hands, I would love to visit every single restaurant in Colorado Springs (and beyond!).

I could be like Julie in Julie and Julia (I love this movie!)

Julie took a year and cooked her way through Julia Child’s cookbook and wrote about the recipes in her blog.

I could eat my way through Colorado Springs and write about it. And will someone remind me of this in about 15 years when our littlest one is out of the house? Who would like to join me in this future endeavor?!

Also – the year after I try all of the restaurants…

… I will be trying all of the gyms …

… to lose all of the weight!

Anyway …. I haven’t yet tried every restaurant in The Springs. (Not Yet!) But of all the ones we’ve tried so far, here are the ones that keep us coming back.

Cork and Cask – This is an amazing place to come for an appetizer and a drink. The decor is fabulous.

– If you want to do a “Progressive Dinner” – Dos Santos Mexican and Frozen Gold are next door.

2. Hacienda – Great tex-mex with a fabulous view (if you sit on the top floor).

3. Rabbit Hole – This is an EXPERIENCE! You go down a little staircase in the middle of downtown – and find a delightful restaurant underground!

Dinner with friends at the Rabbit Hole

4. King Chefs Diner – Come wearing your baggy pants because you will be served a BIG breakfast!

This place has two locations. I recommend the original – it’s a tiny castle with only about 20 seats inside. It’s a fun EXPERIENCE! My oldest son loves their burgers (I had a bite and they were amazing!) Another son loves their french toast – it’s delicious too! My favorite thing, though, are their HUGE breakfast burritos smothered in green chili. Food Network called this meal the best breakfast in Colorado and I’d have to agree! (Note – they only accept cash!) Oh, and the coffee is great too!

5. Viewhouse – Great happy hour with a fantastic view!

6. Modern Market – I wrote 7 things I love about this place here.

7. Ivywild – A historic school that has been transformed into several restaurants.

They have a whiskey bar with live music in one section, coffee bar and baked goods in another section, then a full restaurant and brewery in a third section. This place is worth a visit! My seven year old disappeared the last time I was there. I found him sitting at the whiskey bar, chatting with the bartender, snacking on maraschino cherries.

8. Pepper Tree Restaurant -This restaurant served the best steaks I’ve ever tasted in my entire life.

I had one of their signature steaks, and my husband had the filet. They were both amazing. It’s the PERFECT spot for a birthday or anniversary. Dinner for two will cost around $100 (not including appetizers, drinks or dessert), but it is OH so good! You should make a reservation because the dining room is small. The restaurant is unassuming from the outside, but once you get inside, the view is beautiful! I love that they cook your steak right next to your table. I honestly can’t wait to go back. How many more days til my Birthday?

9. Restaurant 1858 (Seven Falls) – Dining at this restaurant is a memorable experience.

Park at the Broadmoor (near The Golden Bee). The shuttle will take you to Seven Falls. Enjoy a beautiful walk up to the restaurant. Some of the delicious food at 1858 is Broadmoor is served in a cast iron skillet like they would have used in 1858! I recommend the Chili Con Queso nachos! They were incredible and made from scratch (homemade wild boar chili, chips, cheese and pickled jalapeños … yum!) Loved our experience there!

10. Shuga’s-This is a fun little date place. You MUST try the Spicy Brazilian Shrimp soup.

11. Carrabbas Italian Grill – I love trying local, authentic restaurants but I keep coming back to this place.

I love the warm bread with the oil (and that special seasoning). I love their house salad. And the chicken marsala just melts in your mouth and has SO much flavor. I’ve ordered the marsala dishes at so many other places and it’s never the same. I’m getting hungry just typing this. Something handy we occasionally use is their carside carryout. I order online, drive up, they bring it out to my car! If you eat here, sign up for the Dine Rewards Program. You get 50% off every fourth visit.

12. The Broadmoor Hotel – There are many places to visit at this Historic Hotel.. and each is special for different reasons.

1. The Broadmoor Brunch is an EVENT and so delicious! The Sunday brunch is about 50 dollars per person, but there’s a similar brunch on Saturday for half the price.
2. The Golden Bee – Come for the good Irish food, stay for the “sing-a-long” – lyrics provided!

Continue Reading →

January 10, 2018 By Kathryn

5 In Colorado Springs/ Family/ Motherhood/ Product Recommendations/ Raising boys/ Saving money/ Things to do in Colorado

Best Inexpensive Christmas stocking ideas!

If you are like me, stockings are an afterthought. I put the presents under the tree and then those stockings are hanging there…staring back at me…begging me to stuff them. I’ve usually already spent my Christmas budget on REAL gifts, so I don’t want to spend much on the stocking stuffers. So, I decided to make a trip to the Dollar Tree to see what I could find. Would you believe that I found enough to fill all of my kid’s stockings – for under $10 each!! Here are things I found!

My #1 favorite idea EVER for Christmas stockings:

JOURNAL

Put a journal in your child’s stocking with the following questions (one question per page):

What was your favorite book or movie this year?
What is one happy memory from this year?
What is one thing you learned?
What did God do in your life this year?
What are you looking forward to in 2018?

After everyone answers the questions, do two things: FIRST: Have each person share their answers and SECOND: Put the journal back in their stocking for the next year.

Not only will we get to reflect on good memories from THIS year as we talk about our answers, but we will also get to look back on all that we’ve learned, relive the happiest memories, and remember what God has done YEAR AFTER YEAR!!!!!

(Can you see why this is my favorite stocking stuffer idea EVER!!!!????)

There are LOTS of options for journals at the Dollar Store – I found a unique one for each person in our house!

2. CHAPSTICK OR LIP BALM

It doesn’t seem like we can ever have enough of these. Especially in the winter or dry climate of Colorado!

3. PAINT WITH WATER BOOKS

I LOVED these as a little kid and was so pleased to find them at the dollar store for my youngest boys!

4. DRAWING BOOKS

My kids enjoy drawing and I was so happy to see that the dollar store had books that will teach us how to draw animals and sea life!

5. BOOKS TO READ

There are tons of books for all reading levels.

6. ACTIVITY BOOKS

These are handy for holiday road trips. My kids also keep them beside their beds to work on puzzles when they can’t sleep.

7. LEARNING GAMES AND BOOKS!

These are perfect for 3-8 year olds who are just beginning to learn letters and numbers, or who are learning to read and write.

8. PUZZLES

Honestly, the puzzles at the dollar store aren’t my favorite, but they do make a simple and inexpensive stocking stuffer. Your kids can do this once, and you don’t have to feel guilty about throwing it away.

9. PLAY MONEY

My kids love to ‘set up shop’ in our house and sell their toys to each other. This gift idea a little too wide for our stockings, but I still wanted to add it to the list because it’s an expensive gift you can put in a gift bag!

10. GAMES

There are so many to choose from – Checkers, Mini Jenga, TicTacToe, Card Games, Ball Games and more!

11. LEGOS

I can’t say what the quality of these are, but I went ahead and put one of these in each of my kid’s stockings so we could try them out.

12. CANDY or SNACKS

They have a ton of snacks from which to choose.

13. CUP OR WATER BOTTLE

Encourage your children to drink more water by adding a special cup to their stocking.

14. HAIR ACCESSORIES

I have four boys, so the only one in our house that uses most of this stuff is ME. However, I grew up with FOUR sisters, and I know how handy it was to have extra bands, bows, clips, combs and brushes!

15. CRAFTS

Lots of items to put in the stocking for the child who loves to draw, paint and color!

BONUS – If you are filling a stocking for your family pet – they have stocking stuffers treats for dogs and cats too!

Do you have a favorite item that you add to the stockings in your house? Comment and let me know!

December 16, 2017 By Kathryn

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