Frugal Family Fun

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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

Do you have someone special in your life who loves spending time outdoors and appreciates the beauty of nature? If so, you may be wondering what kind of gift would delight them. From outdoor gear to nature-inspired home décor, jewelry, and more, there are many unique and thoughtful gift ideas that any nature lover would appreciate. Keep reading for some beautiful gift suggestions for the nature enthusiast within your life. 

Experiences in Nature

One of the best gifts you can give a nature lover is the gift of a shared experience outdoors. Plan a hiking, camping, or kayaking trip together in a beautiful natural area. Look for locations that offer stunning scenery, great wildlife viewing, or interesting ecological features. For a simpler idea, purchase passes to a local botanical garden or tickets for a nature tour or whale-watching cruise. Experiencing nature together will create wonderful memories.

Nature-Themed Jewellery

Jewellery featuring natural motifs is a lovely gift idea for nature lovers. Nature-themed earrings, pendants, and bracelets remind the wearer of the beauty of the outdoors. Opt for pieces featuring trees, leaves, flowers, feathers, dragonflies, shells, or gems and minerals. Handcrafted bee jewelry, like necklaces and earrings featuring bee and honeycomb designs, is particularly popular. There is something unique and quirky about bee jewelry that the recipient is sure to love.

Field Guides and Nature Books

For the nature lover who enjoys learning about the natural world, books make wonderful gifts. Field guides that aid in identifying trees, flowers, mushrooms, animal tracks, constellations, and more allow nature enthusiasts to deepen their knowledge. Options like national park guides, natural history books, nature poetry anthologies, and books on gardening, herbalism, and foraging are also lovely choices. Find books with beautiful illustrations and covers to delight any nature devotee.

Gardening Gifts

If your special someone has a green thumb, give them gifts to nurture their love of gardening. High-quality gardening tools like pruning shears, shovels, and watering cans are always useful. You could also build them a custom potting bench or window box planter. For apartment dwellers, consider an indoor hydroponic or aeroponic herb garden kit. Gift sets that include seeds and gardening accessories are available on many gardening sites. A gift certificate to a local nursery or greenhouse will allow them to select their own plants and supplies.

Eco-Friendly and Upcycled Gifts

Nature lovers tend to care deeply about the environment. Giving them a gift that aligns with eco-friendly values by choosing products made from natural, recycled, or upcycled materials. Search for gifts like solar chargers, reusable water bottles, bracelets made from recycled paper or glass, coasters from upcycled rubber tires, or stationery crafted from tree-free paper. Supporting sustainable brands and artists keeps gift-giving green.

Nature Photography and Artwork

Give the gift of natural beauty by choosing a stunning photograph, print, or artwork depicting a landscape, animal, plant, or natural scene that you know they’ll appreciate. Search for pieces featuring their favorite outdoor places, national parks, or wildlife. Opt for framed photos or stretched canvas prints that can be displayed in their home or office. Local nature photographers, artists at outdoor art festivals, and museum gift shops are great sources for unique nature-themed art.

With so many options, you’re sure to find the perfect gift that celebrates the nature lover in your life. A thoughtful gift reflecting their passion for the outdoors and natural world will absolutely delight them.

Friends, what gifts do you give nature enthusiasts in your life? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.

Many thanks to Angel Studios for providing a sample of the product for this review. Opinions are 100% my own.

Having attended parochial school as a child, I often found myself fascinated by the lives of post-modern saints. Individiuals, like you, and me, that helped to make this country, this brave, beautiful world a better place. Through simple, deliberate actions, brave souls bettered their communities, created peace, feed the impoverished, and improved communities the world over. It is in this same spirit, I was draw to view the film, from the directors and producers of Sound of Freedom, Alejandro Monteverde’s newest work, Cabrini. The powerful lifestory of Francesca Cabrini, an Italian immigrant arriving in New York City in 1889, and later becoming the Patron Saint of Immigrants of North America.

Set in the disease, crime, and impoverishment-riddled Post-Reconstructionist America, a time when Italian immigrants to America lived in poverty and were denied basic rights to affordable housing and hospital care-deplorible conditions still seen in many of America’s cities, today. Called, “dago” and “Guinea pigs,” names emcompassing the deplorible conditions faced by the average Italian American Immigrant of the late nineteenth century, it is here our story’s heroine, played by Italian actress Cristiana Dell’Anna, begins a daring mission to convince popal authority, and later the hostile American politicans and sexist religious institutions. Along with the greed-stricken residents of Guilded Age New York City to help secure housing and healthcare for society’s most vulnerable.

Despite her poor English, and even poorer health, having overcome a near-childhood drowning, one that left Cabrini with severe lung damage, she invested her strengths into creating better communities for her fellow fledgling new world homecomers. Through her genrous spirit, she inspired the ambitious gallies of New York’s elite to give in ways unlike anything the world had seen. Aiding in the creation of sixty-seven hospitals, orphanages, and schools. Leading to her canonization in 1946 by Pope Pius XII, Cabrini become the first American citizen to be canonized-four years later titled as, the “Patroness of Immigrants.“

This first-ever biopic dedicated to the life of Mother Cabrini premieres in theaters on March 8, coinciding with International Women’s Day. Making it a great time to take the amazing women in your life to see this film, this spring, too. Buy tickets today to see Cabrini in theaters starting March 8th! You can purchase tickets, here.

As the movie allows audiences to understand Cabrini’s ultimate theme-to “aim for the impossible. For, as she tells Pope Leo XIII, played by Giancarlo Giannini, “The world is too small for what I intend to do.” Showing audiences that if a mere woman, not duppose to leave the confines of her bed for the rest of her life, can make the miraculous manageable, you can, too.

With its hopeful messaging and prestine cinemography, Cabrini invites audiences to do something odd-to rejoice in our own shortcomings, and, perhaps, sign-on for making our communities better places to live-to be our own “social saint.”

In the words of Saint Cabrini, herself, to women, like you, and me:

“Let all your affections, O daughters, be concentrated in this beautiful Heart, and you will always, and truly, be happy;”

Now, friends, also be sure to enter to win a $10.00 Amazon gift card from Momentum Publishing. To enter, please let me know why you’d most want to see Cabrini in theatres starting March 8th, 2024. Please note: this giveaway closes March 3, 2024 at 11:59 P.M. CST. Giveaway winners are verified and cannot have won the same giveaway from a fellow, participating vlogger of blogger. Giveaway prizes will be provided directly to winners from Momentum Publishing. Good luck, everyone!

The United Kingdom boasts a rich tapestry of history, with numerous cities that have played pivotal roles in shaping the nation’s narrative. From ancient Roman settlements to medieval strongholds and bustling modern metropolises, the UK offers a wealth of destinations that captivate visitors with their storied pasts. In this article, we’ll explore the top five most historic cities to visit in the UK, each offering a unique glimpse into the country’s fascinating heritage. 

1. London

As the capital and largest city in the UK, London’s historical significance is unparalleled. From the remnants of Roman occupation to the iconic landmarks that dot its skyline, London is a true living museum. Explore the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that served as a fortress, palace, and prison. Admire the grandeur of Buckingham Palace, the official London residence of the British monarch. Stroll along the River Thames, once a vital artery for trade and commerce, and witness the architectural masterpieces that line its banks, including the Palace of Westminster, home to the iconic Big Ben. Depending on where you fly in from, you may need to apply for a United Kingdom visa online before visiting London and the rest of the UK.

2. Bath

Step into the Roman era with a visit to Bath, a city renowned for its well-preserved Roman baths and Georgian architecture. The Roman Baths, built around 70 AD, offer a glimpse into ancient bathing rituals and the engineering marvels of the era. Explore the Circus and the Royal Crescent, two of Bath’s most iconic examples of Georgian architecture, showcasing the elegance and sophistication of the 18th century. Bath’s rich history also includes connections to Jane Austen, who lived and wrote in the city during the Regency period.

3. Edinburgh

Scotland’s capital, Edinburgh, is a city steeped in history and culture. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a maze of medieval streets and alleys, dominated by the imposing Edinburgh Castle, which has stood watch over the city for centuries. Wander along the Royal Mile, a succession of streets linking the castle with the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the official Scottish residence of the British monarch. Explore the Gothic splendor of St. Giles’ Cathedral, a focal point of the city’s religious history, and immerse yourself in the rich literary heritage of Edinburgh, home to renowned writers like Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson.

4. York

York’s history stretches back to the Roman era, making it one of the most historically significant cities in northern England. The city’s medieval legacy is evident in its well-preserved architecture, including the iconic York Minster, a magnificent Gothic cathedral that dominates the skyline. Explore the Shambles, a picturesque street lined with overhanging timber-framed buildings that date back to the 14th century. Visit the Jorvik Viking Centre to learn about the city’s Viking history and the archaeological discoveries that shed light on this fascinating period.

5. Oxford

Oxford, a city renowned for its world-famous university, has a rich history that extends far beyond its academic legacy. Wander through the charming medieval streets and admire the centuries-old colleges that have nurtured some of the world’s greatest minds. Visit the Bodleian Library, one of the oldest libraries in Europe, and marvel at its vast collection of books and manuscripts. Explore the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, a stunning example of Victorian neo-Gothic architecture, and delve into the city’s scientific and cultural heritage.

From the bustling streets of London to the Roman baths of Bath and the medieval charm of York, the UK’s historic cities offer an unparalleled opportunity to step into the past and experience the rich tapestry of British history.

Friends, where would you want to most travel within the UK? Or have you traveled within the UK? What were your favorite spots of itnerest? Leave your comments below.