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Nicole

Surprised by Oxford Movie Review & Giveaway

Many thanks to Evolve Studios for providing a sample of the following for review. My opinions are 100% my own.

Irish poet and playwright W.B. Yeats once said, “How many loved your moments of glad grace, And loved your beauty with love false or true; But one man loved the pilgrim soul in you, And loved the sorrows of your changing face.” with Yeats’ romantic spinning may sound that of a different time. As our present world ever-fixates on present the repetitive nature of swipes, emoticons, and the frenetic blurring of notifications. Creating within many the need for simpler norms, making this season the perfect cinematic release of Ryan Whitaker’s sophomore directorial feature, Surprised by Oxford.

Based on a true story, adapted from Carolyn Weber’s memoir of the same name, Surprised by Oxford follows Caro Drake (Rose Reid), an intellectual, yet lovingly sophomoric American student, who is granted a scholarship to the prestigious Oxford University, endeavoring to make peace of her turbulent childhood, while pushing forward in obtaining her post-graduate career in English literature-specifically, Romanticism. Our story’s heroine balances an insatiable desire for knowledge and discovery of reason.

Soon after arriving at the fictional Tirian College, our story’s heroine befriends both Hannah (Emma Naomi) and Linnea (Jordan Alexandra), while pretentiously tutoring academics as young people often do. While sharing with viewers the true dichotomy of the story. The blending of a young woman’s need for understanding and love. This moment comes by way of the story’s heartthrob, Kent (Ruairí O’Connor), a talented local student who provides the film’s necessary romantic push-and-pull dichotomy, which Reid offers in a relaxed, meet-cute presence. A necessity for any 90s-style film, like this.

The film’s main theme, attraction-between these two young lovers, and pf knowledge, and discovery itself, serves to anchor the film’s playfulness and dilemmas-bending ideals in one. With a clever blend of skepticism and self-discovery, for both Christian zealot, Kent, and that of the heart of the woman he adores, the film’s protagonist, Caro. Who, over time comes to reeducate Kent over the obstacles of romance, spirituality, and the ways of a woman’s heart. It’s in Whitaker’s navigation of said polarities that Surprised by Oxford, allows viewers to examine within the film’s emotional resonance-its holiday-esque feel-good rhetoric. The Evangelical considerations that sit snuggly between awe-inspiring autumnal and sno-ladden cityscapes- scenes as intrinsic to the plot’s theme, as the theme itself.

Overall, the film’s aesthetic design graces viewers with the coziest of self-discoveries. Something everyone seeing the film can take away from. That of the familiarity of modern-day agitations with that of familiar and romantic ingenuity and meet-cute scenarios.

All chaptered around to the school’s three annual terms — Michaelmas, Hilary, and Trinity. That which is filmed among the architectural spacing of Oxford’s prestigious surroundings. Everything from pubs, centuries-old classrooms, and period libraries and bookstores. Sharing the true loves of Caro’s life, and the film, the winding streets of Oxford, and young women strolling about, with noses buried in books.

Surprised by Oxford’s classicist style and bibliophile beauty is the sucrose mix of Hogwarts and Hallmark you need in your life this season. This film is one you’ll want to see Suprised by Oxford from the comfort of your own home. Rent or buy today. Buy or rent Surprised by Oxford this November! Having seen this movie several times, I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I have. Friends, be sure to check out the trailer, below.

Overall, this film, with its equal parts heroinism and that of holiday loveliness, is one to get excited over. This is why I’m excited to share that one Theladyprefers2save.com reader will have the awesome opportunity to view the Suprised by Oxford film yourself-United States winners only at this time, please. Plus, entering is as simple as leaving a comment on this post letting me know why you’d most want to see this film this season. Good luck!

Check out Suprised by Oxford online:

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Also, find other film reviews I’m loving this season, here. Now, do you want to see Suprised by Oxford? Leave your thoughts below.

Journey to Bethlehem Movie Review & Ticket Giveaway

Many thanks to AFFIRM Films, Inc. for providing a sample of the product for this review. My opinions are 100% my own.

With all the merriment the holiday season encapsulates comes the need to hear the true story of the Christian holiday season. Making it a natural choice for families to view the upcoming film, “Journey to Bethlehem.” The birth story of Jesus Christ is set to a family-friendly holiday musical—a heartwarming production of the true story of the Nativity set in a new and captivating way.

The story features Joseph, played by Milo Mannheim, from Disney’s “Zombies”, Mary, played by Fiona Paloma, King Herod played by Antonio Banderas, the angel played by Christian rapper, Lecrae, and Joel Smallbone as King Herod’s son.

With rich musical melodies that are as snazzy as they are jazzy, this film is perfect for young children and the young at heart. Featuring thoughtful songs that are as timeless as they are thought-provoking. Drawing considerable parallels between the classic Judeian Nativity with that of the modern world. Plus, well-executed choreography and an excellent blend of timely speeches help spin the gaps between each of the film’s musical numbers.

The Journey to Bethlehem Movie is approximately 2 hours in length, is rated PG for its given content, and features a musical score by Matt Sallee and Kevin Olusola from the musical group, “Pentatonic.” Set in picturesque Spain, this film is also beautiful in design. Giving audiences a true musical experience, not simply a documentary set to music. Full of dance and pop music, this production features something for every member of the family. Perfect for believers and non-believers throughout the season including a wonderful soundtrack is available for listening to on Spotify and Apple Music platforms, here, too.

This is a great movie inspired by the true word of God. It is a film that is sure to touch all viewers- young and old alike. A well-made Christmas movie musical for the entire family. And in our current social and economic climate, this is a story the world needs now. A film that will bring inspiration, joy, and hope to the currently dark world.

Journey to Bethlehem” offers families the awesome opportunity to celebrate the true spirit of Christmas while watching the birth of the Savior on the big screen in the jazziest of ways. A film that is sure to leave you feeling inspired. Sharing with audiences the true meaning of Christmas- the deep joy and hope that comes from this story. Having seen this movie several times, I’m sure my readers will love it as much as I have. Friends, get your tickets here and check out the trailer below!

Overall, this is a musical to get excited over. This is why I’m excited to share that one Theladyprefers2save.com reader will have the awesome opportunity to view the Journey to Bethlehem film themselves. Plus, entering is as simple as leaving a comment on this post letting me know why you’d most want to see this film in theatres this season. Good luck, all!

Tips for enhancing your garden

When it comes to the summer months, your garden will quickly become the focal point of your home. When the sun shines, there is nothing better than getting the BBQ out and hosting your friends and family members as part of a garden party. 

But before this, you want to ensure your garden looks and feels presentable. You want to get your landscape equipment out and prepare the lawn as well as enhance your garden with cool new gadgets, furniture, and equipment. You could install a cocktail bar as well as new decking, lighting is key to a stylish garden as well as ensuring all your paintwork is up to standards (during the winter months, fencing and sheds often get damaged). 

Below we look into three ways to enhance your garden. 

Consider Your Furniture 

When enhancing your garden, the furniture that features in your backyard plays a big part – when was the last time you bought new chairs? Do you need any new statement pieces of furniture? Take a moment to access your garden chairs and decide whether you need to replace them. You may want to consider adding new pieces of furniture, such as a cocktail bar. You can buy some really cool outside cocktail bars at affordable prices, alternatively, you could give making your own a go. When hosting guests, what better way to impress them than upgrading your cocktail game and serving them during a BBQ?

Consider Your Lighting 

Lighting has a big impact on many things when it comes to interior design. It can enhance your bedroom, add another dynamic to your kitchen as well as make improvements to your garden. Lighting can highlight key parts of your garden, such as a pond or a featured area. It can also be used to create pathways and light up your plant beds. A major benefit of adding lighting is that it’s very affordable and can easily be done. If you need some inspiration, Pinterest is a great place to look as well as Instagram

Ensure your paintwork is up to scratch 

During the winter months, your garden can get damaged by the rain and wind. Often you will find the paintwork on your shed and fences has faded, or looks scratched up, making your backyard look scrappy. When the sun starts shining, give yourself a day to go over your fences and shed and repaint them. When repainting, this gives you a chance to change colors if you fancy something new – bear in mind when changing colors, this is often more expensive as more paint is required. 

We hope our guide on tips for enhancing your garden has given you some insight into ways to improve your backyard before the summer months. Do you have any tips that you think we should include in our guide? Which of the above tips did you find most useful? Is there anything you would like to share that will benefit our readers? Let us know in the comment box below. 

Fighting For The Soul Of Your Child Review & Giveaway

A special thanks to XO Publishing for providing a sample of the product, Fighting for the Soul of Your Child, for this review. As always, all opinions stated are 100% my own and this post may contain affiliate links that I earn from qualifying purchases. Thank you.

As a global citizen and mother, I’m often on a mission to find new ways to help young children, my own and others, to be their best selves and be positive members of society. Instilling in youth, that young minds may be blessed and influenced by good behaviors, a strong work ethic, a steadfast moral compass, and the ability to offer kindness to themselves and others. This, for me, includes praying for their souls as empathetic members of society, global and otherwise. As a Christian, my top priority is to share the love of God with others-especially our communal village of children.

If this, too, sounds like your personal brand of kingdom aid, then you’ll want to pick up a copy of “Fighting For the Soul of Your Child,” today. Which, you can use code MIN25 for 25% off your book purchase at the XO Store. It is a must-read for every parent and grandparent this season at home.

Fighting for the Soul of Your Child” Book Review, Coupon Code, and Giveaway

Growing up, my own parents would quote the Bible to me. One favorite passage, of myself and my family, is that of Proverbs 22:6, which states “Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.” A great passage for every member of the family, as the Good Book teaches us at home each evening together. The ultimate in resourcing to aid mothers in helping our little ones face their own day-to-day spiritual battles.

Fighting for the Soul of Your Child: A Practical Guide to Biblical Parenting,” by Jimmy and Karen Evans, offers parents, teachers, counselors, grandparents, and adoptive parents the tools to help raise their child in today’s ever-evolving, tech-centered, empathy-deprived world. Today’s world is fast-paced and difficult-especially for empathetic souls. Making this rich text a must-have for parents and guardians of all kinds. This text is written to help equip parents with the tools needed to raise spiritually and emotionally healthy young men and women.

Inside, “Fighting for the Soul of Your Child: A Practical Guide to Biblical Parenting,” parents will find tools to aid you in your quest to empower your role as a parent in shaping your child’s future. With the time-tested wisdom of Jimmy and Karen Evans, respected marriage and parenting experts with over 40 years of experience comes their heart-protective learning strategies, effective communication strategies, and secrets to unlocking open and honest communication with your child, and fostering pathways to open dialogue and connection this season and beyond. While gaining powerful insights into handling common parenting challenges, including better listening strategies and skirting social and technological addictions.

With wisdom and thoughtful strategizing, “Fighting for the Soul of Your Child” is a seasonal resource that will provide decades-long resourcing to your little ones and teens alike at home. Raising thoughtful little ones is hard-this resource that helps make your child’s journey to thoughtfulness less difficult. Solid resourcing that will bless your child, and yourself, for years to come.

Discount Code

Ordering your own copy of the “Fighting for the Soul of Your Child” book, couldn’t be easier. You can now save 25% off your order with promotional code MIN25 at the XO Store online, here. You can also shop for this book on Amazon-get “Fighting for the Soul of Your Child,” on Amazon, here.

Connect With XO Publishing
Website / Facebook / Instagram/ Amazon

Plus, be sure to enter my “Soul of Your Child” Book Review Giveaway. One lucky Theladyprefers2save.com reader will win their very own copy of Fighting for the Soul of Your Child, valued at $21.99. Please note, that this giveaway is open to United States Residents only. To enter, simply leave a comment below, or on my social media channels, letting me know why you’d like to read this title with your little ones this season at home. Again, you may also comment on my social media accounts, too. Good luck!

Friends, do you plan to check out, “Fighting for the Soul of Your Child?” Leave your thoughts below.

Looking After Your Health Doesn’t Have To Be A Nightmare

Your health is one of the most important things in your life, which means that you cannot afford to ignore it. We know that a lot of people do, and have now come to the decision that they want to make some healthy changes. Well, that’s great. We’re happy that you have come to this conclusion and that you are willing to make some changes to be a healthier individual. But, what are these changes that you should be making? That’s what we’re going to be talking about today.

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Look At Your Diet

Your diet is one of the first places that you should look if you are going to be making some health changes. It’s important that you are eating a healthy, balanced diet and that you are filling your body with the nutrients that it needs. Some people like to follow diets that they have found on social media because they think that they will help them reach their health goals without much of a problem. The truth is that this is never going to happen, and you’re not going to be able to avoid hard work and dedication, changing up your diet to include healthier foods.

If you don’t know much about health and nutrition, then it’s time that this changed. You need to put some effort into learning about vitamins, nutrients and so much more.

Are You In Any Pain?

One question that you should be asking yourself is whether or not you are in any kind of pain. If the answer is yes, then you need to get this sorted as soon as possible. The normal amount of pain for any healthy individual to experience is 0, so if you’re in pain then something might be wrong. Keep an eye on it for a few days, and if it doesn’t fade, if it gets worse or it is impacting your daily life, then you are going to need to seek out help. There are professionals such as the best chiropractor in your area that you can seek out, to get the assistance that you need.


Treat Yourself To Something Nice

You really can enjoy yourself while putting your health first. It doesn’t have to be some strict and laborious set of tasks. You could get in touch with a spa service in order to make your body and mind feel a lot better every now and again. You could even head to REJUV Aesthetics & Wellness in order to get the best out of your current situation. The professionals there will be able to take a look at you and give you the best possible solutions. Achievable goals will be set and the entire process will be smooth.

General Lifestyle Changes

The final thing that we’re going to say is that you should be making some other, evidence-based lifestyle changes. This is going to include getting seven hours of sleep per night, drinking two liters of water per day, and cutting down on certain things like smoking and alcohol. While it might be difficult to make these changes in your life, you must do to live the healthiest life possible.

Looking after your health doesn’t have to be the nightmare that it is made out to be in the media and other places. As long as you are dedicated to seeing changes to your health, and as long as you are willing to do what it takes to achieve these changes, you should be fine. Just make sure that you don’t start going on some random fad diets, and ensure that the information that you have got is accurate before you jump into health changes.

Friends, how are you working towards a healthier you this season at home? Leave your thoughts below.

Curb Appeal: How To Make A Good First Impression

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Have you ever walked past someone’s home and loved the view immediately? That is what the right first impression should feel like. Your home’s curb appeal should be able to wow people from the onset, especially if you want to sell. Believe it or not, how people see your home from a distance will make or break their decision to schedule a showing. Your interior space may be top-level, but your curb appeal (or lack thereof) can easily turn heads away. If you want to sell your home or want an exterior space worth coming home to, use these tips to make an excellent first impression.

Add supplementary storage

Few people think about storage when boosting curb appeal since it has little to do with decor. However, adding a supplementary storage solution to your exterior space is a smart way to keep your outdoor area tidy and clutter-free. Remember that a messy yard is a huge turnoff for homebuyers. Toys, garden tools, hoses, lawnmowers, and other things can litter your space, making it look less appealing. Also, nobody wants to see the equipment you use to maintain your home lying around. And if your bins are exposed to the glare of the public, a simple outdoor storage solution will hide them perfectly, making your property look tidier and well-looked after. But only consider adding a supplementary storage solution if you have enough space in your home’s outdoor area.

Nail the front walkway

Your front walkway leads to your front door or main entrance. Note that this space is different from your driveway. Always ensure that it is neat, appealing, and well-maintained. Once done, do some decorating to spruce up the space. Consider two main things here – the pathway or walkway and the spaces on each side. For the pathway, you can use various materials, including gravel, bricks, stone, and concrete slabs. It can be straight or curved, depending on what you prefer. The spaces on each side are usually what matter the most. You can grow natural grass to cover the bare floor and elevate the look. But because natural grass is super hard to maintain, consider an artificial turf instead. You’ll get the same visual effect (even a better effect) with less maintenance. You can visit websites like https://www.northtexasluxurylawns.com/ if you want to use artificial grass to spruce your exterior. You can also plant different flowers along the edges of the walkway or install gentle-glow garden lights. Any of these are guaranteed to beautify your front walkway.

Address signs of mold and mildew

Clutter isn’t the only turnoff; signs of mold and mildew are a huge no-no if you want to wow people and make a good first impression with your curb appeal. Visible signs of mold are tell-tales that your building’s structural integrity has been compromised. That’s because they show a presence of excess moisture in the ground or your building’s walls. Experts say that excess moisture can cause dampness and weaken your walls, which may induce physical damage. Even worse, it can also manifest biological and chemical damages. 

In terms of aesthetics, mold can rear its ugly head, easily ‘crawl’ up your walls, and create an eyesore no one wants to see. So, look for signs of mold and mildew and take steps to eliminate them. Your best preventive option is to avoid moisture buildup and dampness. 

Get a second opinion

Sometimes, you may be so used to your home’s appearance that you don’t notice what others do. You may have done your best to create the best curb appeal, but others might think differently. So, get a second opinion. Please speak with a trusted neighbor or friend and let them share their honest opinion about what needs changing or what additions will make a better visual effect. Doing this is particularly important if you’re struggling to determine what needs fixing. Let someone tell you what they think or see when approaching your home from a distance. Whatever they notice will probably be noticed by a potential homebuyer. 

Camouflage unattractive utility features

Propane tanks, electrical boxes, air conditioning units, and exposed pipes can look unsightly with age. If any of these (and other utility features) are exposed to the public, inspect them to ensure they look presentable. Rusty, worn out, discolored, and mold-covered parts of these utility features will make them unattractive. Replace or upgrade them where possible to look better. But if that isn’t an option, consider concealing or camouflaging them. 

For example, you can use creative landscaping to hide them. Another option is to install purpose-built screens to cover them. 

Tips For Preparing A Career in Accounting

Accountants are responsible for helping businesses deal with financial data. Because it is a broad field, accountants work for different organizations and numerous fields that need their services. Accounting is also a lucrative career option depending on education, years of experience, location, and the industry. No matter the path you decide to take as an accountant, you should prepare for your first job.

Get an Internship Early

If you want a career in accounting and have not yet secured your first job, you should complete an accounting internship as soon as possible. By doing so, you will gain valuable experience, increase your opportunities, and build vital industry connections. 

Many universities provide resources for finding one, so take advantage of them to find an internship while still in school. If you have already graduated, use other tools like search engines and employment sites to find your first internship. Also, do not be afraid to talk to people you know who have connections in the industry to see if they can tell you of any opportunities that come up so you can apply.

Hone Your Soft Skills

You may have had acceptable classroom manners during college, but to make a positive impression in the workforce, you should develop a specific set of soft skills. Although there may be times when you feel like avoiding difficult conversations or tuning out, it’s important to master the art of making eye contact, delivering a firm handshake, and engaging in professional conversations, particularly for your first accounting job. 

Importantly, accountants should hone their communication skills. This is crucial because they will be talking to industry leaders all the time, and these people expect them to be eloquent, coherent, thoughtful, and understandable at all times.

If you are interested in this field, consider degrees that teach soft skills for accountants. This way, you will get the skills you need before you have to apply them in the field. Once you graduate, it might be helpful to schedule a mock interview at your campus career services and request feedback. You can then utilize this feedback to continue honing your skills for your first job and future positions.

Build Connections and Find a Mentor

Regardless of the size of the firm that gives you an internship or a job, try to get to know as many of your colleagues as possible. Building good relationships can lead to better collaborations and advancements in your career. 

As you approach your new position, think of different ways to introduce yourself to your colleagues and learn their names. If you’re not outgoing, try to step out of your comfort zone to start conversations. 

Also, finding a mentor can be valuable in your career. They can provide knowledge, connections, and insight, and help you develop crucial business and life skills. They can also act as a sounding board for new ideas and perspectives.

Once you have completed your degree, the next step is finding your first accounting job. Doing so requires being active and finding help wherever you will find it. Crucially, talk to those in the industry to show you the way, provide guidance, and let you know of any opportunities you can leverage in your new career.