Frugal Family Fun

Thanks to Robert Craig Films for providing a sample of the product for this review. My opinions are my own.

Winter. This is the time of year when watching new films and series is nearly a national pastime. Making now the right time to watch the new documentary, “Americans With No Address: The Documentary.” An inspirational new documentary film from The Americans With No Address team, a non-profit group working to raise awareness and offer community-based solutions to homelessness in America. Through a five-production approach, focusing on both documentaries, including “Americans With No Address,” on Prime Video, aiming to break the cycle of homelessness in the United States.

Both feature films provide an easy-to-follow, comprehensive plan and educational format that brings together a broader effort to build empathy and compassion for those experiencing homelessness. In addition to these powerful films, these documentaries offer viewers action-based solutions to homelessness in everyday American communities.

Focusing on increases in homelessness in recent years, filmmakers interview dozens of people, including experts, government officials, homeless people, doctors, and charity workers to hypothesize methods to house America’s unhoused communities, the millions of Americans lacking basic needs including medical care, housing, educational opportunities, and workplace initiatives. Exploring the homelessness epidemic across twenty domestic towns and cities, across eighteen American states. Focusing on the disconnect between government officials, law enforcement, physicians, social workers, educators, nonprofit groups, the clergy, and the unhoused themselves.

According to filmmakers, homelessness rose 12% in 2023, to 653,104 people. With one-third of the domestic population knowing a family member or a friend who became homeless in the last year. The film offers targeted governmental blame with little to no concern made of non-profit agencies collecting community funding that has not made it to its intended need.

Despite the film’s disturbing content dealing with crime, poverty, substance abuse, and mental illness, a film that may not be suitable for pre-teen children, this is a documentary with an uplifting perspective based on inherent dignity, “Americans With No Address,” offers viewers the opportunity to find non-profits in their communities to help become part of the solution. The GOP-sponsored IMD Exclusion Act of 1965, left the problem of homelessness to the states. Taking away the Federal government’s ability to offer assistance to homeless persons between the ages of 21 and 65.

Measures that despite the GOP gutting of the 2013 plan to bolster federal funding to HUD housing for homeless persons without requiring treatment for substance addiction recovery and mental health illnesses domestically. Believing that private programs such as the Salvation Army can offer more balanced, beneficial help. Despite the non-profit’s agreement to pay more than $1.87 million to resolve claims, it failed to comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) when procuring job applicant background checks, and many of its housing charities and thrift stores were closed nationally.

“Americans With No Address: The Documentary,” is a well-meaning film that speaks to the need to revamp both bureaucratic agencies and non-profit organizations aiding the unhoused within the United States. Sharing stories of those involved on both sides of this issue, the unhoused communities and the various charity workers, through myopic optimism.

Watch “Americans With No Address: The Documentary,” streaming now on Prime Video. To find out more about this organization and how you can help end the cycle of homelessness for the unhoused in America at: www.AmericansWithNoAddress.com.

Our friends at Momentum Influencers are also giving one Theladyprefers2save.com reader their own $10.00 Amazon Gift Card. To enter, please leave a comment on this page letting me know your takeaway from “Americans With No Address: A Documentary,” available now on Prime Video. This giveaway ends on January 28, 2025, at 11:59 PM CST. All duplicate entries across participating platforms will be disqualified. Gift cards will be sent electronically from Momentum Influencers to giveaway winners. Good luck!

Friends, will you be seeing “Americans With No Address: The Documentary,” on Prime Video? Please leave your thoughts below.

In this world, very few things are more rewarding than seeing your child develop a genuine love of learning. Their natural curiosity transforms into a lifelong passion for gaining knowledge, understanding the world around them, and reaching their full potential. While some children take more naturally to learning than others, there are many ways you can encourage this love of learning from an early age, regardless of your child’s disposition. Read on for tips on how to nurture a love of learning that will benefit your child throughout their life.

1. Provide an Encouraging Environment

Whether you’re a parent or a foster carer with a fostering agency like Active Care Solutions eager to see your child thrive, it all starts with providing a nurturing environment. Make sure your home is rich with age-appropriate books, toys, learning materials and activities to spark their interest. Display their artwork and schoolwork proudly. Ask open-ended questions that allow them to think critically. Most importantly, offer plenty of encouragement and positive reinforcement when they show curiosity or accomplish a new skill or task. 

2. Make Learning Fun with Games and Activities

Young minds learn best through play and fun activities. Take everyday tasks and make them into learning games. Count stairs as you walk up them or sing songs that teach numbers and letters during bath time. On car rides, ask them to spot objects of certain colours or shapes. Use household chores as opportunities for lessons, like baking, to teach math skills.  Making learning hands-on and enjoyable will make your child eager to discover more.

3. Expose Them to New Experiences

Exposing your child to new places, people and activities pique their curiosity about the world around them. Bring them to museums, libraries, concerts and sporting events in your community. Introduce them to people from a variety of backgrounds, cultures and professions to broaden their horizons. Try new recipes from diverse cuisines or listen to music genres outside of your norm. The more you open their eyes to new experiences, the more enthusiastic they will be about exploring and learning.

4. Set a Good Example as a Lifelong Learner

Children are naturally great mimics and will follow the examples set by the adults in their lives. Demonstrate that learning never stops, no matter your age. Let them see you reading books, newspapers and magazines on a regular basis. Discuss interesting articles or documentaries you’ve come across. Share what you learned from trying a new hobby or taking a class. When you model being an inquisitive, eager learner yourself, you will inspire the same attitude and love of discovery in your child.

5. Make Screen Time Educational

Rather than trying to avoid screen time completely, use technology to promote learning. Choose educational shows, apps, videos and games. Watch documentaries as a family and discuss them afterwards. Download apps that teach reading, maths, science and more through interactive games. Screens shouldn’t completely replace human-guided learning, but if used judiciously, they can be powerful educational tools to spark a love of learning.

Nurturing a genuine enjoyment of learning in your child is a gift that will keep giving throughout their lifetime. While their natural temperament plays a role, there are many ways you can nurture their curiosity and love of discovery from a young age, including those listed above. With the right approach, you can instil a passion for learning that will benefit them far beyond just school.

Friends, how do you nurture a love for learning in your child or students? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Many thanks to Kingdom Faith Marketing Services for providing a sample of the product for this review. My opinions are 100% my own.

A decade ago, Christian film director and producer, Dallas Jenkins, gained notoriety for his work in the faith-based series, “The Chosen.” Seeking to blaze a path from television to film, Jenkins’ latest film, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” a Lionsgate and Kingdom Story Company’s film adaption of the beloved holiday literary classic, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” by Barbara Robinson, is the new must-watch film adaptation this holiday season.

Telling the story of the Herdmans, a group of misfit youngsters, who send their small community into a tizzy when they land coveted roles in a beloved annual community-sponsored Christmas pageant. The film, based on a popular book of the same name, ingeniously weaves an inspiring, holiday-esque tale with gospel-centric missives, including family-friendly comedy, festive scenery, and delightful messaging in a must-see holiday tale.

Many Americans have fallen in love with this classic holiday tale, myself included, loving the Herdman’s unique style of holiday charm. From their antics to artistic narratives, these delightful group of youngsters will warm your hearts with their seasonal-minded personal change. That despite a few stolen moments for goodies and hijinks, was discovered along the way. The film’s plot turns when Imogene Herdman, the family’s eldest child, auditions for the church’s Christmas pageant, coveting the role of Mary of Nazareth, and the adoration it brings. Her remaining siblings, five precocious tykes, audition for roles, too. Who, also, not surprisingly, win their respective roles, after threatening barborousness against anyone seeking their respective roles.

The Herdmans’ particular brand of lawlessness places the pageant’s new director, Mrs. Grace, in a proverbial bind. As snooty, local townspeople want her to cannonade the entire Herman clan from the annual production. Yet, a softhearted and amiable, Mrs. Grace, repudiates their demands, believing the pageant’s message will change hearts and minds throughout the parish.

Leaving parishioners, and audiences, to wonder if the Herdmans will ruin the Christmas pageant, perhaps not. Spoiler alert: The Herdmans don’t ruin the pageant. Instead, they, the parish, and the community at large are themselves, transformed by the youngsters’ stirring performance. Along with stirring performances by Lauren Graham (“Gilmore Girls”) as the narrator, Judy Greer (“Ant-Man”) as Grace, Elizabeth Tabish (“The Chosen”) as one of the uppity townspeople, and with Kirk B.R. Woller (“The Chosen”) as the parson, this is a movie overflowing with inspiring messaging, mischievous action comedy, and warm, holiday cheer.

Rated PG for thematic material, a brief portrayal of underage smoking, and unassuming lingo, “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” is a film you’ll want to take your friends and family to see in theatres on November 8, 2024. Buy tickets today to see “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” in theaters starting November 8th!

Moreover, readers of this site, Theladyprefers2save.com, can enter to win a $10.00 Amazon gift card from Momentum Influencers. To enter, please leave a comment on this post letting me know why you’d most want to see this film in theatres this season starting November 1, 2024. Please note, that multiple entries from single entrants across multiple bloggers and influencers will be disqualified. This giveaway ends on November 8, 2024, at 11:59 PM CST. Gift cards will be sent electronically directly from Momentum Influencers this holiday season.

Now I want to ask, why do you most want to see “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever” in theatres on November 8, 2024? Did you read “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever,” book one, of three, by Barbara Robinson? Please leave your thoughts below. Good luck!

Many thanks to Three Coin Productions for providing a sample of the product for this review. My opinions are 100% my own.

The Fall. A time of compelling sights, scenes, and sounds, especially at the movies, and a great time to see “The Carpenter,” an action film exploring Nazareth in 29 A.D. Along with music and fight sequencing, sharing the life of a fighter, through the modern depiction of an ancient story tale, sharing modern morality tales of the life and times of a champion fighter, befriended by a benevolent carpenter from Nazareth, “The Carpenter,” set during a biblical timescape showcasing the journey of becoming a carpenter’s apprentice to Jesus Christ. Through a skillset of carpentry, a Viking‘s redemptive is created and shared.

With a compelling landscape shot in Ancient Israel during the First Century, “The Carpenter” shares the story of Oren, the Viking carpenter, and prodigy boxer, whose life changes after he begins a carpentry apprenticeship under Jesus of Nazareth, later rising to the upper eshcilans of the boxing community within the ancient world. Later, rising in the local commercial and sporting ranks, to become an apprentice to a local carpenter, whose mentorship changes his life, becoming a pillar of his greater community.

“The Carpenter” is an inspiring movie perfect for the fall season ahead. Combining sports, ethical debate, and personal redemption, this is a tale combining biblical worldview and athleticism, along with lessons of humanity and the necessity of caring for society’s least, the poor and the needy, this movie guides viewers towards a simple idea- becoming a light in a dangerous world. Leading viewers to view the seasonal messaging of loving our neighbors, trusting God, redemption, and the importance of family in simple, effective means.

“The Carpenter” is a touching sports drama that shares the love of fighting for what truly matters most. Despite the film’s blatant historical inaccuracies and time-spanning liberties, Christ did not teach a boxing school, train apprentices, live adjacent to a boxing school, or live out the entirety of this script, this is an entertaining movie combining a great sports story with the life of Jesus Christ. Despite this, the story is well scripted, teaching important moral, and seasonal messages.

Be sure to buy tickets to see “The Carpenter” in theaters starting November 1st, here. Plus, readers of Theladyprefers2save.com can also enter to win a $10.00 Amazon.com gift card this season, too. To enter, please leave a comment on this post letting me know why you’d most want to see this film in theatres this season starting November 1, 2024. Please note, that multiple entries from single entrants will be disqualified. This giveaway ends on November 8, 2024, at 11:59 PM CST. Gift cards will be sent electronically from Momentum Influencers. Good luck!

Friends, why do you most want to see “The Carpenter” in theatres starting November 1, 2024? Please leave your thoughts below.

Photo Source

Board games have been a source of entertainment for centuries, engaging players of all ages in various challenges. Beyond their entertainment value, board games also offer significant educational benefits. They foster cognitive development, enhance critical thinking, and promote social skills. Among these games, chess stands out as a potent educational tool.

Cognitive Development

Board games are excellent for cognitive development, especially in children. They often require players to memorize rules, recall past moves, and plan future strategies, all of which engage and strengthen the brain. Games like “Memory” and “Scrabble” are designed to boost memory and language skills. Memory games improve a player’s ability to recognize patterns and recall details, while word games expand vocabulary and spelling abilities.

Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving

Many board games are built around the concept of strategy, requiring players to think critically and solve problems. Games such as “Risk” and “Catan” challenge players to think several steps ahead, weighing the potential outcomes of different actions. This kind of strategic thinking is invaluable in real-world situations, where planning and foresight are essential.

Chess, one of the oldest and most revered board games, is a prime example of a game that fosters critical thinking. Each move in chess must be carefully considered, as it affects not only the current state of the game but also future possibilities. Players must anticipate their opponent’s moves and develop a flexible strategy to adapt to the changing board. This level of deep thinking and analysis can significantly enhance cognitive abilities and improve decision-making skills.

Social Skills and Teamwork

Board games are inherently social activities that often require players to interact, communicate, and collaborate. Games like “Pandemic” and “Ticket to Ride” require players to work together toward a common goal, promoting teamwork and cooperation. These interactions help players develop important social skills such as communication, negotiation, and empathy.

Playing board games also teaches players how to handle winning and losing gracefully. The competitive nature of these games often leads to a range of emotions, and players learn to manage these feelings healthily. This emotional regulation is a crucial skill that extends far beyond the gaming table.

Educational Benefits of Chess

Chess, in particular, has been extensively studied for its educational benefits. It is not just a game of kings and queens but also a powerful tool for developing a range of cognitive and social skills. Schools around the world have integrated chess into their curricula, recognizing its potential to enhance student learning.

1. Improving Concentration and Focus: Chess requires intense concentration and focus. Players must pay attention to every move and anticipate their opponent’s strategies. This sustained focus can translate to better concentration in academic settings, improving students’ ability to stay on task and absorb information.
2. Enhancing Memory: Chess players must remember a vast array of moves, strategies, and counter-strategies. This constant exercise of memory can lead to improved recall and retention of information, benefiting students in subjects that require memorization, such as history and science.
3. Developing Critical Thinking: Chess is often referred to as the “game of kings” because it involves strategic thinking, planning, and foresight. Players learn to think multiple steps ahead, evaluate different scenarios, and make decisions based on logic and reasoning. These skills are directly applicable to problem-solving in academic and real-world situations.
4. Encouraging Patience and Discipline: Chess is a game of patience and discipline. Players must wait for the right moment to execute their strategies and avoid impulsive moves. This patience and discipline can help students approach their studies and other tasks with a more measured and thoughtful mindset.

Photo Source

Lifelong Learning and Enjoyment

Board games are not just for children; they offer educational benefits for adults as well. Games that involve complex strategies and deep thinking can help keep the adult brain sharp and engaged. Additionally, the social aspect of board games provides a fun and interactive way for adults to connect with others and develop their social skills.

For families, playing board games together can create bonding opportunities and promote a love of learning. Parents can use games as a tool to teach valuable life skills, from basic math and reading to more complex strategic thinking.

There You Go

Board games are more than just a source of entertainment. They are powerful educational tools that can enhance cognitive development, critical thinking, and social skills. Chess, in particular, stands out for its ability to improve concentration, memory, and strategic thinking. Whether played by children or adults, board games offer a unique and enjoyable way to learn and grow, making them an invaluable addition to any educational toolkit.

Friends, what are your favorite games to play? Please leave your thoughts in the comments below.

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

“Something to Stand For,” the new documentary, hosted by Mike Rowe, television host, actor, historic narrator, and former opera singer best known for his work hosting, Discovery Channel’s Dirty Jobs, is a movie worth investing time into this summer. Featuring American patriots, extraordinary citizens, the collective desire to advance America’s positive strides forward, civics, and humanitarianism, while overcoming their unique circumstances to become legendary figures.

Rowe gives audiences key insight into America’s humanitarian-centered past by visiting local eateries, connecting with everyday Americans, and examining our nation’s current trajectory of change, all while driving in a quintessentially American vehicle, a vintage pick-up truck. Embarking on a road trip, including a pit stop to our nation’s capital, Washington D.C., and narrating stories detailing little-known facts of American history. Narratives adapted from his popular podcast, The Way I Heard It, With Mike Rowe, include historical anecdotes and about vital moments in our collective American history. 

Often appearing in historic theaters, Rowe shares a mind’s view of our nation’s past. Giving viewers a unique American perspective of historic scenes and re-enactments, while discussing events, before and after, that the audience is truly seeing on screen. Giving director Jonathan Coussens visions, and Rowe’s insight, new and dynamic vantage points. Framing people’s perspectives in such a way as to force the viewer to reexamine their take on the microcosms of everyday American life in a modernistic way.

During our current season of intense political scrutiny, Rowe reminds audiences to examine our collective misgivings and shared communal fabric, through shared American experiences, and eventualities we’re likely to face, again. Focusing on well-known historical tales retold and woven into personalized ways. More than well-known narratives and anecdotes, Rowe’s storytelling is a rich, vibrant tale of betterment and historical sojourning.

With its 96-minute run time, there’s much to be seen in this film for history buffs and casual movie viewers alike, with a focus on common tales and new takes on lesser-known tales, it’s hard to not feel patriotic in viewing this historic piece on the big screen.

Join America’s favorite storyteller, Mike Rowe, on an epic journey to the heart of America, our nation’s capital this summer season. From the frontlines of the American Revolution to the epic battles of World War II, into the internal struggles of the Civil Rights Era, and more in theatres starting June 27, 2024.

Be sure to watch the Momentum Influencer Network’s Jean Thomason’s interview with the film’s director, Jonathan Coussens, here, as well as catch the film’s theatrical trailer, here. Then, be sure to enter for your chance to win a $10.00 Amazon gift card, courtesy of Momentum Publishing. To enter, please leave a reply in the comments as to why you’d most want to see this film in theatres nationwide starting June 27, 2024, through July 4, 2024. Please note, this giveaway is limited to United States winners. Only entries are counted and entrants winning on multiple platforms will be disqualified. Good luck!

Friends, will you be viewing Something to Stand For, with Mike Rowe, in theatres starting June 27, 2024? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Image Source

Nowadays, the world is just so hyper-connected; while sure, even a decade ago, the world was super connected thanks to the internet being wider within the world, and even with smartphones being more common now than ever before, it’s really easy to see why. Sure, there are plenty of benefits, but the thing is, there are more than enough disadvantages, too. Actually, it’s easy to get sucked into the digital vortex of endless information. 

Of course, while staying informed is important, there’s a darker side to our online habits that can sneak up on us—doomscrolling. This term might sound ominous (and it is), but it’s all for a good reason. It’s coming up on the news and in articles more on how this is bad for your overall mental health (something that’ll be covered here). But it still goes beyond that, too. So, with that said, here’s the impact on productivity and what you can do to kick the habit.

What Is Doomscrolling?

So again, this has come up in the media a lot, but what exactly is this? It’s just scrolling on your phone, right? Well, doomscrolling refers to the act of continuously scrolling through negative news stories and social media feeds, often without realizing how much time has passed.

This habit can be especially prevalent during times of crisis (like what was happening during the pandemic) or uncertainty, like during a global pandemic (COVID or beyond), political unrest (like elections), or natural disasters. The constant flood of bad news can be overwhelming, yet we cannot look away. 

Sometimes, it just might be hard, too, because algorithms keep feeding you content —things you might not even want to engage with in the first place. It’s like watching a car crash in slow motion—horrifying, yet we can’t seem to turn our eyes away.

But it’s not just doom-scrolling, either. Constantly having the news on, like CNN (something that a lot of elderly people do), tends to have a bad impact as well. 

How Doom Scrolling Affects Mental Health

Before brushing up on how it affects productivity, it’s best to first go over how it affects mental health because they’re so intertwined. 

Anxiety Will Increase

Now, you have to understand that reading about negative events continuously can heighten feelings of anxiety and stress. Our brains are wired to respond to threats, and consuming alarming news can trigger a stress response, leaving us in a constant state of unease.

You’ll Feel Hopeless

When you’re bombarded with negative news, it’s easy to feel like the world is spiraling out of control. Honestly, it’s all really scary too! This can lead to a sense of helplessness and hopelessness. It’s really a shame because it makes you feel like there’s nothing we can do to make a difference.

How Can This Directly Impact Productivity? 

So, like what was said just right about, if something affects your mental health, it’s going to immediately affect your productivity as well. 

It Diverts Attention

A lot of people are guilty of being addicted to their phones; after all, you get a small release of dopamine from those notifications. But is that all? Well, you have to keep in mind that constantly checking news and social media can be incredibly distracting. Every time you pick up your phone to check the latest headlines, you’re diverting your focus away from tasks that need your attention. This constant switching can make it hard to concentrate on your work.

It Reduces Motivation

Do you know how it was mentioned that you’d feel hopeless because the world is crumbling, or do you feel like you’re not enough? Well, this is going to kill motivation, which in turn kills productivity. When you’re feeling down about the state of the world, it’s challenging to muster the energy and enthusiasm needed to tackle your tasks. 

It Might Be Harder to Make Decisions

So this is one that surprises a lot of people, but high levels of stress and anxiety can impair our cognitive functions, including decision-making. When our minds are clouded with worry, it’s harder to think clearly and make sound decisions, which can affect both personal and professional aspects of life. Honestly, it’s the furthest thing from ideal since your whole judgment gets clouded. 

What Can You Do to Stop Doomscrolling

Again, this is really bad, and the last thing you want to do is destroy your productivity. It doesn’t matter if this productivity involves your career, academic career, or even unpaid labor around the house. It needs to be taken seriously. 

You Need to Set Boundaries for Screen Time

It’s going to be a really good idea to just go ahead and establish specific times for checking news and social media and stick to them. Now, this might be a mental challenge at first, but it’s going to be a really good idea to go ahead and start avoiding looking at your phone first thing in the morning or right before bed. But if the temptation is just way too strong, then it’s best just to use apps or built-in features on your phone to limit screen time and set reminders to take breaks.

You Need to Engage in Positive Activities

It’s totally fine to use your phone during your free time, like your breaks. But the problem is scrolling. So, you’re better off looking into other apps and websites to use on your phone instead. For example, why not start doing crossword puzzles on your phone? 

How about playing video games on your phone? You’d be surprised about some of the long RPG games that phones can now play. You can even read books or chit-chat with people. But just trying to avoid news, social media, and even websites like Reddit should be ideally avoided, too.

Focus On What You Can Control

This goes back to that helplessness feeling. While yes, we can’t control the world, none of us can, but you don’t have to think all hope is loss. So, instead of dwelling on negative news, focus on actions you can take to improve your situation. Whether it’s volunteering, advocating for a cause, or simply being kind to others, taking positive actions can help you feel more empowered and less helpless. You might not be able to change the world, but you can change the world of one person, and that alone is incredible.