Browsing Category

Saving money

2 In Book Review/ Saving money

These are a few of my Favorite Books!

Though December 18th, Amazon is giving you $5 off any book purchase of $15! Use code BOOKGIFT17

Here are a few of my favorite books:

(Note: The links in this post are affiliate links, and we will be compensated when you make a purchase by clicking through our links.)

Left to Tell

One of my favorite biographies of all time. This book tells the fascinating story of how one woman survived the Rwandan Genocide and how she was able to forgive those who caused her family and country so much harm.

Led by Faith

The follow up story to Left to Tell. How God provided miracle after miracle of provision. Wept with Joy through this book.

The Blind Side

There was a period of probably 3 years where I stopped reading. I had little children and was sleep-deprived and only wanted to use my free moments to catch up on household chores or REST (with my eyes closed). Then, I watched (and LOVED) The Blind Side and wanted to know more. I checked this book out from my Library and started devouring books again. This book reminded me why I love reading! SUCH a GOOD story!!!

I

A follow up – An autobiography by Michael Oher – his side of the story:

I Beat the Odds: From Homelessness, to the Blind Side, and Beyond

The Hiding Place

Knights in Training

My favorite parenting book of all time. If you have sons, I would HIGHLY recommend it. Click on this sentence for my review of the book.

Bread & Wine or Bittersweet –

Two of my favorite books by Shauna Niequist. Stories of her life and how she sees God show up through the good and the bad.

  

 

Creating Magic

One of my favorite books on Leadership. The author worked for Disney and tells some incredible stories. I’ve read this book twice and going to read it again in the next month!

Bonhoeffer –

The Biography of Fredrich Bonhoeffer. This is such an incredible book that I now want to read the other biographies by Eric Metaxas.

Passion and Purity

The Love Story of Jim and Elizabeth Elliot. Excellent story for girls ages 12 and up!

 

For Kids:

Climb, Soar, Swim, Explore!

My book – perfect time to buy if you haven’t already! With the $5 coupon, you can get it for $10!

It tells the story of the Magnificent Four who love to explore climbing Pike’s Peak and encounter the animals who live on this mountain. You and your child will enjoy this story of adventure and learn some fun facts about Colorado Wildlife!

Jesus Storybook Bible

This is a Bible in storybook form. It’s a GREAT way for parents and kids to see how the Bible is ONE story that all points to Jesus.

Christmas Lizard

A sweet story that shares the true meaning of Christmas.

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

One of my favorite ‘chapter books’ for kids ages 8 and up. A heart-warming story about how some challenging children learn the story of Jesus and how it transforms them.

Bob books –

Great for beginning and struggling readers.

Have you read any of these? What are your thoughts? What are your favorite books for adults or kids?

December 13, 2017 By
Share Tweet Pin it +1
10 In Motherhood/ Product Recommendations/ Saving money

Homemade All-Natural Household Spray Cleaner

I’ve fallen in love with some DIY spray cleaner, and wanted to share the recipe with you!

It could make a great Christmas gift for someone who is challenging to buy for or who has everything.

Homemade Spray Cleaner:

  • A few drops of essential oil (orange, lemon, Tea Tree)

  • 1 part white vinegar (about a cup)

  • 1 part water (about a cup)

  • 1 Tbsp Borax (optional)

 

Mix the vinegar, essential oils and water before adding borax in a clean spray bottle (glass is best). Gently shake to mix ingredients.

You can buy the bottles on amazon (they come with labels!):

Choose an Essential oil (I like the scent of orange or lemon)

https://www.doterra.com/US/en/site/michellehammers

White Vinegar

Borax


and Water!

 

So easy! Natural! No chemicals! And with the added oil, your spray will smell like lemon or orange, it completely masks the strong smell of the vinegar and smells like fresh, clean citrus instead!

 

 

December 1, 2017 By
Share Tweet Pin it +1
5 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.
  • 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
Share Tweet Pin it +1
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
Share Tweet Pin it +1
2 In Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Food/ Free stuff/ Saving money

Don’t cook dinner! 8 places to Eat for cheap (or free) on Halloween!

APPLEBEE’S

Head to Applebee’s with your Halloween costume and your kids eat free. (You may want to give your local restaurant a call to make sure they’re participating.)

BASKIN-ROBBINS

In case you’re looking for something sweet before the real Halloween sugar rush, hit up Baskin-Robbins, where all regular and kids-sized scoops are $1.50 on the 31st. If you don’t want sugar with your sugar tomorrow, mark your calendar for the next 31st – every 31st day of the month, get ice cream for $1.50!

CHIPOTLE

As part of their annual Boorito offer, anyone who comes by in costume from 3pm to close gets a $3 burrito, bowl, salad or order of tacos.

IHOP

Not only is IHOP offering free food on Halloween — they’re making it totally okay for kids to play with their food. From 7am through 10pm, kids ages 12 and under can get a free Scary Face Pancake and design their own pancake using toppings like strawberries, whipped cream, Mini Oreos and candy corn.

SONIC DRIVE-IN

Swing by Sonic to grab 50-cent corn dogs all day on Halloween.

LARKBURGER

One FREE kid’s meal from open to close on Halloween with an adult purchase of $9. Each additional kids meal is only $3. If you visit Larkburger during their “happy hour” between 3-5pm (every day of the year!) small burgers are only $3.

ON THE BORDER

Get 12 mini, individually wrapped Chicken or Beef burritos for $12.99 (chips and salsa are usually thrown in for free!)

KRISPY KREME

I don’t have one around me (boo-hoo) but if you have a Krispy Kreme in your area – stop by for a free donut on Halloween!

What have you decided? Where will I find YOU eating tomorrow? Leave me a comment! (small box beside title)

Don’t forget to subscribe (on the right) so you don’t miss a post!

October 30, 2017 By
Share Tweet Pin it +1
2 In Colorado/ Colorado Springs/ Family/ Food/ Raising boys/ Saving money

How to Eat for FREE at Carabba’s, Flemings, Bonefish Grille and Outback!

I am raising FOUR boys.

Four constantly hungry boys.

I am ALWAYS looking for ways to save money on FOOD!

And honestly, who doesn’t like free and delicious food?

I’ve found a few ways to save money on food and wanted to share those with my readers.

If you like the following restaurants:

  • Outback Steakhouse,
  • Carrabba’s Italian Grill,
  • Bonefish Grill or
  • Fleming’s Steakhouse.

Then you should sign up for Dine Rewards!

With Dine Rewards, you earn $20-40 worth of FREE FOOD after every 3rd visit to any of those 4 restaurants!

All you do is sign up, then give the person your PHONE NUMBER at check out! After 3 visits, you earn FREE FOOD!

Have you tried the chicken dishes at Carrabba’s?  They are incredible! In fact, Ted and I love to share the Chicken Trio. Three different and equally delicious pieces of chicken. Yum.

https://www.dine-rewards.com/referral/ejMcambfcAdkHHBpEMMdDBjLLECfBNLBa

This is not yet a NATION-WIDE program, but I know it’s valid in the Chicago area and Colorado Springs. Click on the link above to see if they do this awesome program in your area!

Don’t forget to subscribe so that you don’t miss the other FREE FOOD opportunities I’ll be posting about soon!

October 14, 2017 By
Share Tweet Pin it +1
5 In Saving money

Top 10 things to buy at the Dollar Tree

Here are my favorite things to buy at the Dollar Tree!

Spiral bound notebooks

I love to use these to collect memory verses. My kids use them to practice letters, math, spelling, etc.

Tuna kits

These taste great and are an easy snack to take on the go.

Baskets

I use these to organize my pantry, cabinets and closets.

Cards

Great cards for all occasions 50¢ or $1.

Balloons and party supplies

 

 

Gift bags and tissue paper

Where else can you find nice gift bags for $1?! They are 2-4 times as much everywhere else!

Toothpaste/Soap

The Dollar Tree accepts coupons – so you can get these items for 25-50¢ (and sometimes free, so bring your coupons!)

Super Glue

Have you seen these? It’s 6 single use Super Glue tubes for $1! In the past, I’ve spent $2-3 on one tube, and when I go to use it again – it’s super-glued itself closed!

Batteries

8 batteries for $1! And they work great!

Awesome Cleaning Spray

This is a cleaning product I’ve only seen at the Dollar Tree and it really is awesome! I’ve seen it get RED wine out of WHITE carpet! Thats a good use of a dollar!

Cleaning Gloves

I have four boys. We go through lots of dishes, lots of spills and messes. I can’t have enough gloves. Especially the kind that are thick and lined. Everywhere else, they are $2-3 dollars, so I always buy them at the Dollar Store.

 

Kitchen Shears

I’m not sure why, but I never have enough scissors. One child is opening a go-gurt, one child is using a pair to do homework, I’m using another pair to cut chicken, pizza, or sandwiches. I currently have 3 pairs but I’m buying more next time.

What do you like to buy at the dollar store? Leave a comment!

Don’t forget to subscribe so that you don’t miss a post!

October 10, 2017 By
Share Tweet Pin it +1
6 In Free stuff/ Motherhood/ Saving money

FIVE ways to get FREE Starbucks!

If you are like me, you love DRINKING Starbucks more than you love PAYING for Starbucks. It’s hard to justify spending $5+ on a latte when I can make a decent cup of coffee at home for just a few cents.

Well, here are a few ways to get your Starbucks for FREE!

Shopkick App:

I love this app because I earn a free Starbucks gift card at least once a month! It’s an app that gives you “Kicks” when you walk into stores and when you scan or buy products. We’ll both get points toward a free gift card when you try it. Use code SHOP348890 or download http://getsk.co/shop348890

Shopkick

Swagbucks.com:

This is a website that has about 1000 ways to earn points, and all those points can be used towards GIFT CARDS! Check it out here: http://www.swagbucks.com/refer/CMEnthusiast

A snapshot of gift cards I’ve earned through Swagbucks!

Starbucks App:

You get a free drink on your birthday and also after you get 125 “Stars.” The app also runs promotions to earn free drinks. You also get free refills. If you purchase a coffee while shopping at Target, Safeway, or any other location that has Starbucks – don’t leave without getting a free refill on your hot or iced coffee!

Cartwheel App:

Target regularly offer discounted drinks at Starbucks if you use the Cartwheel app.

Buy Gift cards on sale:

Groupon occasionally sells $10 Starbucks cards for $5. If you have a Chase or Visa card, they have promotions for free Starbucks too!

September 17, 2017 By
Share Tweet Pin it +1