Rachel Tringali Marston MilitaryShoppers Page 6

5 Things Not to Do if You Want to Lose Weight

01/30/2015 By Rachel Tringali Marston

I was overweight.

During a doctor’s visit years ago, I stepped onto a scale to discover shocking numbers. It was my first time seeing my then doctor, so after we recorded my vital signs we talked about my health and goals. She was trying to be kind, but when you tell someone that they’re overweight, it’s not something to take lightly.

I was a very active child and enjoyed sports and different outdoor activities. I would say my struggle really started after high school and left home. My weight would fluctuate a lot, but I noticed my clothing size get bigger and bigger. Honestly, I must have been in denial and dismissed everything entirely.

That doctor’s visit gave me the push I needed because someone was brave enough to tell me the truth. My health habits haven’t been the best.

I left the office determined to be healthy and took it on myself to change my lifestyle. Finally, I had the means and drive to map out a plan.

Here are my 5 major “don’t’s” that helped me lose 60 pounds in 2 years:

Don’t weigh yourself. I know I probably sound nuts, but I didn’t weigh myself once in the two years I lost weight. Well, besides the two times I visited my doctor for an annual visit and that’s when I actually learned how much weight I lost. My goal wasn’t to lose weight…it was to be and FEEL healthy. At least for myself, if I start fixating on a number, I might drive myself crazy. So, losing weight is the result of being healthy, I quickly found that out.
Don’t stay inside. I would say this is the most important step I took in my journey. Instead of going straight home after work, I would go to the gym four days out of the week for 30 minutes. I utilized a New Year’s discounted gym membership plan, but there are lots of different ways to make the gym affordable for you. I also used groupon, livingsocial and lifebooker deals on cardio dance classes to add variety to my workouts. Check out your installation’s gym facility, they might even have that available like mine does here at Fort Belvoir. If you live near or on an installation, there are also gym facilities that you can use for free. The elliptical was my go-to machine and I would listen to my favorite music to pump me up. It really was hard for me not to go straight home after ten hours of working and commuting every day. No excuses became my motto.
Don’t diet. I would never stop eating the foods I loved. Are you kidding me? My favorite dessert is cake and I don’t think punishment is the way to go. Instead, reward yourself after a good workout. Motivate and encourage yourself that at the end of an hour of Zumba, there is a delicious cupcake waiting for you. It doesn’t go without saying though that I changed my eating habits overall. I made sure I stopped eating when I was full and actually stopped drinking soda regularly. Water became me source of hydration and it made me feel better, so I naturally stopped craving soda. Eat what makes you happy, but be mindful of moderation and nutrition. I never counted calories either, only practice recipes that were “more healthy.”
Don’t expect a change overnight. It really took a lot of self motivating to get through each year, but a lifestyle change doesn’t come quickly. That’s why I never did so well with dieting because if I did, I would see immediate results, but then, it would be twice as easy to gain it all back and then some. I had to constantly keep telling myself that as long as I maintain my goals, it will pay off eventually.
Don’t do this alone. It’s a rough journey and having a good support system is key. Before my husband came along, my roommates and friends helped keep me on track and went to workouts with me. There were still there even after my husband and when he’s away! I wouldn’t be where I’m at now without them all. Now, my husband and I keep active by hiking, biking and going to the gym together. We keep each other in check and I’m happy to say enjoy exploring new places, while working out.

After lots of practice, it starts to become second nature. I’ve maintained my weight and activity level for two years after I lost it. Remember the goal is to be and feel healthy!

Find Affordable International Cuisine at Your Commissary

01/26/2015 By Rachel Tringali Marston

Whether you’re stationed at a CONUS or OCONUS location, there is no denying that the commissary is a wonderful resource for military families. MilitaryShoppers recently shared 10 great reasons why your family should be shopping in the commissary mentioning the amazing international food aisle.

The international food aisle has a special place in my heart because it offers a little taste of home for me.

I absolutely love it! My Filipino mother met my father while he was stationed overseas. During my father’s 20+ years in service, we were lucky to be stationed in the Philippines and some other Pacific locations. When we arrived stateside, the commissary provided the supplies needed for my family to recreate the sentimental meals that pretty much summed up my childhood from anywhere we were stationed.

It’s actually a challenge to find certain ingredients at your traditional grocery store, for example, pancit noodles, Sky Flakes or lumpia wrapper wouldn’t be accessible to us otherwise. While we were located in South Carolina, Utah, Texas, among other places, there would be Asian markets that might (only might) have what we need or something comparable, but there was no beating the commissary. It’s always the right price and seemed to more convenient for us. My mom would be able to get her fix on her favorite snacks and we would stock up on rice for months.

The specialty foods might also be spread out throughout the commissary, so keep a lookout. My favorite Filipino sweets are in the bakery section. I noticed them when I was getting dinner rolls, so I was delightfully surprised to see that the commissary distributed them. Also, if I’m not feeling up to making the popular appetizer, lumpia, there are actually pre-rolled frozen, ready-to-cook lumpia in the freezer section. I know they are also there in the commissaries I’ve encountered in the past. Be sure to patrol the freezer section.

In addition to sharing our culture and favorite foods, we were so lucky to come across others from all over the world! The military allows for all families to take a piece of their duty station with them when they PCS and the Asian selection is just a fraction of what’s on hand. In my experience, I am truly amazed and proud of how open the military community is to other cultures– and their food!

Even if you haven’t actually been to an OCONUS location yet, the international foods available gives you an opportunity to try out new flavors or recipes that you’ve been itching to put together. Also, if you received overseas orders, your family can get a head start on the cultural food.

What’s your favorite specialty food item sold at your military commissary?

Feed Hungry Football Fans with These Super Bowl Party Favorites

01/23/2015 By Rachel Tringali Marston

Super Bowl Sunday is about a week away!

For Patriots and Seahawks fans, it’s a very exciting time to represent their teams and for the general public, the Super Bowl can be a way to celebrate this all-American sport and watch the two best teams of the football season play one another. If you’re not big on the Big Game, it’s still a great opportunity to get together and watch the commercials, but my absolute favorite part of Super Bowl Sunday is the tasty array of food that usually accompanies a party.

A delicious spread of finger foods and snacks are typically on the menu. Is it your turn to host the Super Bowl party in your neighborhood?

The commissary has some amazing deals going on in January, so don’t forget to stock up on dipable staples like Tostitos Tortilla Chips, Lay’s and Ruffles Potato Chips. Need something quick to use as a flavorful dip? You can grab some Tostitos Queso Dip and PACE Chunky Salsa or Picante Sauce.

Want to make your own queso and salsa? Check out this easy queso recipe that only requires two ingredients! And here’s a yummy salsa recipe that I’ve been serving in my house.

4 (14.4 ounce) cans of diced petite tomatoes
2 jalapeno, diced (keep some seeds if you like it spicy, otherwise deseed it)
1 small red onion, diced
½ bunch cilantro, chopped
2 tablespoons lime juice

Mix all the ingredients and let it sit for at least an hour. I like to make it the night before and let it marinade in the fridge. If you like your salsa smooth, you can use a blender or food processor and slowly pulsate to your desired consistency.

My husband loves Buffalo Chicken Dip. It’s great to eat with any kind of chips, breads or even by itself! Instead of dip, you can make Buffalo Chicken Wings. This recipe will have you licking the sauce right off your fingers.

2 pounds chicken wings, cut-off wing tips and separate
3 tablespoons hot sauce
2 tablespoons cooking oil
½ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon white vinegar
2 tablespoons honey

Preheat oven to 425°F. Prepare a baking sheet that is at least 1 inch deep by lining the bottom with foil. Spray the foil with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl, mix hot sauce, oil, ketchup, vinegar and honey. Coat chicken and place on baking sheet. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes and turn the wings at least once.

Not interested in spicy wings? Give this Coca-Cola Chicken Wings recipe a try. Another great finger food that’s not as messy is Pigs in a Blanket.

Can’t end a party without something sweet! Here are some delicious bite-sized desserts that are easy to put together: Strawberry Yogurt Bites, Frozen Fantastic Banana Bites or Chocolate Brownie Cupcakes.

What finger food do you serve for Super Bowl Sunday? Share your favorite party recipes with MilitaryShoppers.

Expect the Unexpected and More Valuable Advice for Soon-to-Be Military Spouses

01/14/2015 By Rachel Tringali Marston

The holidays bring a lot of joy and excitement, including engagements and marriages. My husband and I got married in a courtroom 3 days before Christmas and a week before overseas orders in 2012.

Months before our wedding, my husband PCSed from Fort Drum and I tagged along for the almost cross-country move from New York to Arizona. I had a feeling that he would propose sometime during our trip (spoiler alert, he did propose at the end of the trip and I said “yes”).

Now, 3 years after saying “I do,” I’ve learned a whole lot, and I admit, I still have a whole lot to learn. In my father’s 20+ year career, I’ve witnessed the challenges of my rock star mother and she would always tell me to live day by day. I take that advice to heart and look to her for guidance and strength. The most important lesson I’ve learned so far is that despite all the trials and/or difficulties military life could bring, its community is the most loving, understanding and powerful asset for military spouses. We’re all in this crazy life together!

Here is a sampling of important advice I’ve learned as a military spouse:

Question Everything. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and really, you should be asking a lot of questions. There are a lot of moving parts with the military (ie., PCS, Tricare, retirement), so asking a lot of questions will ensure you understand this lifestyle better.
Open Your Mind. There will be days when you scratch your head at the military, but don’t lose sight of the bigger picture. For example, things can change at a moment’s notice or there might be some rules that don’t make any sense to you. Be sure you keep an open mind.
Expect the Unexpected. Nothing is set in stone. Orders can change and TDYs pop-up whenever.
Expect Stereotypes. People may judge you inside and outside the military community. When I started dating my husband, people wondered why. There is a stigma with people that decide to join the military. There is also a stigma with newbie spouses. Don’t let anything or anyone get you down as you continue to grow within the military community because that isn’t a reflection of everyone. There are so many people out there that are kind and helpful. I’ve never experienced any negativity, but it’s out there.
Find the Compromise. When the military threw the curveball of an overseas assignment at my husband before our nuptials, I really wanted the “dream” wedding– nothing big, just something with my dad walking me down the aisle and my family and friends there. So, we arranged for a courthouse ceremony first and the traditional church wedding at my childhood church when his assignment was over. It ended up being perfect for us. Compromise is your mantra.
Keep Your Sense of Self Worth. No matter what, don’t lose sight of yourself! Take the time to do things that make you special and happy.

Are you engaged to a service member? What questions do you have about military life?

Warm Up with Super Soups for the Winter

12/31/2014 By Rachel Tringali Marston

As the weather drops, we look for ways to heat us up. Whether we bundle up in a cozy sweater or wrap ourselves with a soft scarf, there are tons of ways to keep warm in the winter. My absolute favorite way to warm up is from the inside with a tasty soup.

Soups are wonderful because they are so versatile. Every cuisine has different soups that are special from one another and offer a completely different taste. It’s also very easy to put together. The broth allows for all the ingredients to mix together and create an awesome flavor. The best part is you can add or take away anything that doesn’t appeal to you or your family.

A lot of soup recipes call for a mirepoix (aka the soup trifecta), which is sauteed onion, celery and carrots. Cooked together in butter, it releases a wonderful aroma. Traditional chicken noodle soup uses a mirepoix and so does my all-time go-to soup recipe. Instead of using plain noodles, I opt for cheese-filled tortellini.

Tortellini Soup

1 tablespoon butter
2 garlic cloves
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 celery stalk, chopped
2 medium carrots
1 small yellow onion, chopped
1 carton chicken broth (32 oz)
2 cups water
1 package dried cheese tortellini
salt/pepper to taste
grated Parmesan cheese

Heat large pot on medium-low heat. Add butter, garlic, onion, celery, carrots and cook for about 10 minutes. Add broth, water and dried parsley to boil, then reduce heat. Add tortellini and cover to simmer for about 10 minutes, until tortellini is cooked.

Serve in a bowl and top off with grated Parmesan cheese. I like to add a side of garlic bread. Jazz it up more by adding cooked chicken with the tortellini and cook for a couple of minutes more.

A more hearty soup is good ol’ Beef Stew. Cook through cubed beef in a couple tablespoons of cooking oil in a large pot. Mix together 4 cubes of beef bouillon, broken up and 4 cups of water in a separate container. After everything is dissolved, transfer it to the large pot. Then add, 1 teaspoon of dried rosemary, 1 teaspoon of dried parsley and ½ teaspoon of black pepper. Bring to a boil and simmer for an hour (allowing the meat to tenderize). Then, stir in 3 potatoes, 4 celery stalks, 4 carrots (all chopped to 1 inch pieces) and 1 large onion chopped. Separately, dissolve 2 teaspoons of cornstarch in 2 teaspoons of cold water and pour into stew. Cover and simmer for another hour.

For a more south-of-the-border flavor, Ground Beef Taco Soup would be ideal. It’s an easy recipe that requires you to throw a bunch of ingredients in a pot. First, you need to cook 1 pound of ground beef. Then, add 1 taco seasoning packet, 1 can kidney beans undrained, 1 can corn drained and 1 cup of water.

I like to add a can of diced tomatoes in my taco soup and make a cheese quesadilla to serve with it. Top off your soup with some cheese and dollop of sour cream. Yum!

I’m a huge fan of cheese too, so a tasty cheese soup is always on the menu for my family. Another great option for a cheesy soup is this adaptation of a baked potato soup.

If you’re looking for soup that’s a bit more zesty, try out this Minestrone recipe. You’ll need the soup trifecta again with a packet of Italian dressing mix, diced tomatoes and kidney beans.

This is only a very small sampling of soup recipes that are out there. MilitaryShoppers has a great inventory, so check it out for more ideas.

What’s your favorite soup recipe? Share it with MilitaryShoppers!

Commissary Congestion: 5 Faux Pas That Disrupt Grocery Shopping Harmony

12/10/2014 By Rachel Tringali Marston

My husband and I do our grocery shopping at the commissary. We’re close enough to the post and we see a lot of benefits to shopping there, especially as newlyweds.

Now at the height of the holiday season, the commissary has been getting noticeably chaotic. With all the craziness, it’s easier for people to get short tempered and frustrated. But, let’s not forget what the holiday season means to us. It’s a time to be giving and kind.

As we shop in the commissary there are a handful of unwritten rules that keeps our shopping experience in line.

Instead of dismissing the shoppers that are committing commissary faux pas, refer to the spirit of the holidays and shop in harmony. There are ways to make sure your commissary experience doesn’t turn into a battle.

Faux Pas #1: Wearing Pajamas, Spandex. There is a dress code for shopping on base or post. My husband shared it with me early on when I suggested that we swing by the commissary right after a workout. It’s frowned upon to show up wearing work-out gear as well as pajamas or other risque clothing. Because there are rules, doesn’t mean everyone will abide by them. I always find someone wearing sweatpants or pajamas at the commissary. Well, I have no right to snicker at them or turn my nose. I have no idea how their day went. We’re all in the commissary on a mission. No need to get judgemental. We’ve all had rough days.

Faux Pas #2: Weaving Around the Aisle. When you decide to shop at the commissary, it’s a given that it will take time. My husband and I plan our trips, so we can make the best use of our time and I always walk in with a list. There is always somebody rushing back and forth between the aisles. As a result, that person is making it a bit harder for others to navigate. I practice the rule of the road and leave my cart and drive to the very right. If I need something to the left, I leave it there and just move myself to grab the item.

When we all stay right, it gives the speedracers some room and we all benefit.

Faux Pas #3: Hovering over the Ground Beef. Meat at the commissary is cheaper than other groceries stores and there is always a good amount of people in the meat section. After my father separated from the military, my parents would still make the trip to drive on-base to stock up on meat (weird, I know). The worst is when people would just stand at the same spot for what seems like forever. Instead of getting heated, take a deep breath and kindly ask to reach over or if they seem like they need help, open your mouth and see if there is anything you can do. A little goes a long way, so pay it forward.

Faux Pas #4: Ordering Countless Pounds of Deli Meat. There is always someone in line at the deli counter. My husband dreads going, but he loves his turkey and ham sandwiches for lunch. It’s really a struggle to get him to wait because he gets so impatient when there someone ordering 10 different kinds of deli product and having them slice pounds and pounds of it. Well, you gotta do what you gotta do. If he wants his sandwiches, he’ll have to wait. So, we tag team to make sure we get the most out of our visit. I continue checking off the items on our list, while he’s there. Also, our commissary pre-slices certain meats and cheeses for smaller families, so we’ll opt to do that sometimes.

Faux Pas #5: Shopping with Your Troupe of Kiddos. My husband and I don’t have children yet so, I can’t really relate with the moms and dads that have to bring their kids to the commissary. From my experience, I’ve had to dodge running toddlers and weary parents as they try to do their grocery shopping with kids. I take things with a grain of salt and understanding. I can’t imagine how difficult it may be to arrange childcare and then have to be responsible for groceries for your family. I’m sure the parents of the world get it and us disgruntled newlyweds have to exercise our patience.

How do you handle the longer lines and congestion at the commissary during the holiday season?

How to Amp up the Holiday Spirit When Your Spouse Is Deployed

12/08/2014 By Rachel Tringali Marston

I love the holiday season. It’s my absolute favorite time of year because it brings families together to celebrate the wonderful things in our lives. When I was single and lived away from my parents, I always made my way back to my childhood home. It meant everything to be able to spend Christmas with them.

Then, I married my husband and for the first 2 years of our relationship, we were lucky to spend it together with my parents. It felt amazing that the most important things that I loved were together.

But, what if you have a loved one that can’t be home for Christmas because of military duty?

Military families are not strangers to separation. Last year, my husband couldn’t be home. I was bummed and seriously didn’t know how I was going to get through a holiday that was typically joyous for me. It’s easy to dismiss the holidays when your spouse is away, so I turned into a bonafide Grinch.

It’s not fair to yourself and the family members that can actually spend time with you this holiday season. Don’t forget the true spirit of the holidays and enjoy yourself and remember all the special moments outside the holiday season that makes it worth it.

Here are my top 6 ways to amp up the holiday spirit, when your spouse is deployed.

Stay with family. I exercise this rule a lot. I find that family is a wonderful backbone. Whenever I feel alone, I reach out to them. It’s understandable that sometimes flying or driving to family might be hard, but along your military journey, you’ve most likely made lifelong friends that are a part of your military family. The most important thing is to not be alone. Even with your beloved away, there are so many other people that care about you. Remember that.
Trim the tree and hang the stockings. Keep your family traditions alive and still do everything that you’ve done with your spouse around. Seriously, no cheating when decorating and if you do need help with anything heavy or new ideas, enlist your friends to help you.
Treat yourself to an unexpected gift. As you’re Christmas shopping for others in your family, throw in some items that you’ve been wanting yourself. Last year, I bought a pair of awesome black knee high boots. Yes, it was a little impractical, but I wear these boots every other day during the winter months. When I wear them this year, it’s a nice reminder of the things that I managed to do while he was away. Make sure you plan some “me” time.
Attend a holiday-related show. A friend took me to see the Radio City Christmas Spectacular. Wow. Talk about getting into the holiday spirit! I loved it. There are tons of other shows out there that are holiday-themed. Local ballet companies perform The Nutcracker, so that’s a nice option. Take a look at your local theaters for any other shows or maybe plan a trip to a nearby city that is putting on a good show. Ask around for recommendations.
Plan (if you can) holiday Skype dates with your spouse. When my husband was away, I looked forward to the moments I could see his face. During the holiday season, it was extra special to see him because I was able to share with him everything going on. It meant so much to be able to have any time to talk face-to-face. Every Skype date helped me charge through the holiday season to our inevitable reunion.
Document the holiday season for your spouse. Although your spouse isn’t there in person, they are there in spirit. I’m sure they would appreciate anything that helps them imagine that they are home. The beauty of modern technology is that we have phones that can take pictures and video at any time. When you’re out and experiencing a fun festive activity, grab your phone and snap a few shots. At the end of the season, it’s fun to print everything or create an electronic album to share, so when your spouse comes back, you can relive the memories as if he was there.

What tips do you have for military spouses to enjoy the holiday season when their husbands are deployed? Please share them in the comments section.

10 Ways to Pay It Forward

12/05/2014 By Rachel Tringali Marston

As we say hello to December and full steam ahead to Christmas, we can’t help but get caught up with the shopping craze. I’m guilty. I have an internal clock that is counting down my shopping days.

Sometimes we can forget the underlying meaning of the season and miss out on great opportunities to give back to the community. These little acts make a big difference in people’s lives and it all adds up for a positive and promising future. The best part of random acts of kindness are that they are relatively easy to do and can give you a sense of fulfillment.

Want to feel good this holiday season? Pay it forward with these 10 simple ideas:

Help your neighbor. Does the couple across the street desperately need a date night? Or is your neighbor going through a deployment? Offer to watch the kids or head over for a chat. We’ve all been there and need that support.
Donate to Toys For Tots or any other charitable organization. It’s easy enough to piggyback another toy in your Christmas shopping and share with families in-need. Keep the love going after the holidays by volunteering with a local charity.
Pitch in for the next person’s coffee. If you’re like me, then you understand the need for coffee. It’s my fuel for the day. When you’re at your favorite coffee shop, let the barista know that you would love to buy a coffee for the next person in line, especially if you notice they are struggling a bit more than you are on that particular morning.
Double your typical tip to commissary baggers. I tend to start conversations with my commissary baggers, especially because I park far away to avoid the congestion closer to the entrance. On one of my first solo commissary adventures, I was particularly moved by a young teen’s determination to save money before he started college. He was the son of a soldier on post and starting his first semester away from home. His story stuck with me because I knew how it felt to be in his shoes. After that, I make it an effort to go the extra mile when I can. It’s just a few more dollars after all.
Sacrifice your parking or line spot to another person. Sometimes we have a sixth sense when it comes down to gauging if a person is in need. When you’re behind the wheel and see someone else that might need that closer spot, motion for them to take it and the same goes for a struggling mom or dad in line at the commissary or exchange.
Raid your closet. Donate items that you haven’t wore in about a year or so because let’s be honest, you probably won’t wear them again anyway. It’s a pre-PCS purge that feels good and helps others.
Host a get-together for a friend. Did you find out about a recent promotion or have another reason to celebrate? Take the time to put together a party in honor of someone else in your life.
Visit your local VA hospital or elderly care facility. Because of the military lifestyle, we may end up setting roots far from our immediate family, especially in our later years. My parents and grandparents live in completely different states– and here I am more than a thousand miles away from both. Try sharing a meal with an elderly couple or just having a conversation. You could learn so much from them and it could make you appreciate the bonds you have within your own family.
Give an unsolicited compliment. If I see another person with cute shoes or purse, I chime in and let them know. It’s a great way to keep the positivity going.
Smile when you can. When you’re having a particularly good day, smile at strangers while running your errands. Your small gesture could help another person get through their not-so-good day. Smiling is infectious!

How are you kind to neighbors and strangers this holiday season? Tell us in the comments section.

5 Tips for Hosting an Ugly Sweater Party This Holiday Season

12/03/2014 By Rachel Tringali Marston

‘Tis the season for holiday cheer, gift giving, hot cocoa, cozy fires, tasty cookies, festive parties…and ugly sweaters.

Yes, you read right, ugly sweaters.

Ugly holiday sweater parties have been springing up everywhere! In my opinion, the ugly sweater trend heated up as early millennials looked back at their amazingly tacky winter outfits of the ’80s. I know there are lots of gems in my family albums of 10-year-old Rachel wearing some intense snowman sweaters. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately for me), all the pictures are at my parents’ house. Otherwise, I would have shared them here.

Naturally, the craze caught on real quick because it’s too much fun to relive the decade of bedazzled Christmas trees, stitching of reindeer– or better yet iron-on appliques. It’s a blast attending an ugly sweater holiday party, but a complete riot when you host your own knitted gala. Plan the perfect party with these 5 simple tips.

5 Tips for Hosting a Delightfully Ugly Christmas Sweater Party This Holiday Season

Award Prizes. Encourage your friends to go all out by creating a competition. It’s easy to print award certificates at home and head to the dollar store for budget-friendly frames or if you want to hand-make or personalize a gift for each category, go for it! Here are some category suggestions: “Best Thrift Store Find,” “Best DIY Sweater” and “Best Couple’s Sweater.”
Tacky Holiday Decorations. Everywhere. Add awesomely tacky decorations around your home. I’ve used construction paper cut-outs of sweater patterns to place on my furniture and appliances around the house (don’t forget the glitter). You could also use the same shapes and add them on the walls or make a Santa hat and put it on your framed pictures hanging on the walls. If you have extra ugly sweaters (maybe try raiding another family member or close friend’s closet), dress your dining room chairs or any other chairs around the house. I’m sure a trip to your local thrift store would give you more decor inspiration too.
Feed Your Ugly Sweater Attendees. Remember to be specific in your invitation regarding the food situation. That seems pretty obvious, but it could sometimes get confused with an ugly sweater party because there isn’t a set protocol. It’s OK to have a potluck and if you decide to go that route, let your guests know. If you’re planning on feeding attendees, let people know too, so they can arrive hungry.
Say Cheese! Create a photo booth. I absolutely love the photo booth idea because it gives a legitimate reason to document the event. Print out fun captions to put in those extra dollar store frames for people to hold up and grab some headband antlers and other headgear. A wonderful touch would be adding accessories from the ’80s like the big goggle eyeglasses (borrow your spouse’s issued BCGs and snap out the lenses) or dig out your grade school scrunchies. The more you have to include the merrier.
Rock Your Ugly Sweater with Pride. Aim to have the most ridiculous one at the party. With that said, don’t count yourself in the competition. It wouldn’t be fair now, would it?

Have you attended an ugly Christmas sweater party? Submit a photo of you wearing your ugly sweater to the monthly MilitaryShoppers photo contest. You could win a $50 shopping spree. The winner will be announced on December 31.

More than Turkey Sandwiches: 5 Recipes for Thanksgiving Leftovers

11/24/2014 By Rachel Tringali Marston

Hosting Thanksgiving is no easy feat. You spread days (maybe weeks!) of meal planning and preparing with the Thanksgiving turkey as your centerpiece. At the Tringali house, we’re notorious for baking a bird that’s way too big for our small family of three. My mother would receive a 15 (or more)-pound turkey from her employer as a gift. It was tradition for the company to give their employees a little something for Thanksgiving. Needless to say, we always had leftover turkey.

Lots of families opt make turkey sandwiches and there are so many different sandwich recipes out there too. But, how many turkey sandwiches can you eat before you get tired of it?

So, nix the sandwich and try something new!

Even after leaving my parent’s house, I had a habit of putting together large meals, which still meant tons of leftovers. I took it upon myself to create and adapt tasty recipes to use up our turkey and have a couple to share with you below.

Turkey Chili

I’m originally from Texas and Texans LOVE chili. Spice things up a bit with my turkey chili recipe that will also warm you up as the weather cools down.

2-3 cups of shredded and chopped up turkey
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 can (15.5 oz) black beans, drained
1 can (15.5 oz) pinto beans, drained
1 can (15.5 oz) corn, drained
1 Tbsp. chili powder
½ Tbsp. cumin
½ Tbsp. cayenne pepper (more if you want it spicier)
Cheddar cheese (optional)
Sour cream (optional)

First, drizzle a little olive oil in a large sauce pot. Mix together all the ingredients except the turkey and simmer for 5-10 minutes or till it’s all heated through on medium heat. Then, add the turkey and turn to low for another 10 minutes or till it’s at the right temperature for you.

If desired, top with cheese and sour cream. I’m a huge fan of corn bread with my chili, so if you have any leftovers from Thanksgiving add it to this meal. Or try out this corn bread recipe.

Thanksgiving Pizza

Who doesn’t love pizza? I thought I was the only crazy person that thought this up, but go figure that there are actually some other recipes floating around. Take some creative liberties with this one depending on what you have available.

1 Tube of Refrigerated Pizza Dough like Pillsbury
Couple of cups of chopped up turkey
About a cup of stuffing
About a cup of cranberry sauce
Some turkey gravy
Some mashed potatoes
Cheddar cheese to top
And whatever else

Roll out the pizza dough on a greased baking sheet and cook a little less than half way through. Take out the baking sheet and now top with your desired ingredients to cook for the rest of the desired time or till the cheese melts through on the top.

Don’t forget to check out our arsenal of delicious recipes on MilitaryShoppers.com too. There are some great adaptable meals for your leftover turkey like Turkey Noodle Soup. Use this traditional Chicken Noodle Soup recipe and switch out the chicken for turkey.

It’s also easy to make Turkey Ala King. In a large pot, saute butter and green peppers for a couple of minutes then add flour and milk. When the mixture is a thick consistency, add turkey and other veggies. Serve this with warm buttermilk biscuits.

Turkey Casserole is a great one dish meal. All you need to do is mix turkey, macaroni, cream of chicken soup, cheese and milk in a large casserole dish and bake for an hour. Add curry powder for an extra kick.

How do you use your Thanksgiving leftovers? Share your recipe with the MilitaryShoppers recipe contest.

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