Military Life News

Military Life News, Commissary Rewards and Military Discounts

Applications for Commissary Scholarship Now Open

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The Scholarships for Military Children Program, now in its 15th year, provides college scholarships to military dependents. Applications for the 2015-2016 school year awards are now available at each commissary as well as online. This scholarship was “created in recognition of the contributions of military families to the readiness of the fighting force and to celebrate the role of the commissary in the military family community. It is the intent of the program that a scholarship funded through contributions be awarded annually for each commissary operated by the Defense Commissary Agency worldwide.” Every commissary will award at least one $2,000 scholarship and more may be possible based on funding and eligible applicants.

Who is Eligible for the Scholarships for Military Children Program?

The scholarship is only open to dependent unmarried children under age 23 of active duty, reserve/guard and retired military members or survivors of service members who died while on active duty. Dependents whose sponsor died while receiving retired pay from the military are also eligible. Applicants must be enrolled in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS) database and have a current military ID as well.

Each person submitting an application must be enrolling in a full-time undergraduate degree program at an accredited U.S. college or university for the fall term of 2015. Those who have already attained an undergraduate degree are not eligible.

The scholarship is based in part on academic achievement.  All high school applicants must have a minimum unweighted GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 basis. The requirement for college students however is a minimum unweighted GPA of 2.5, also based on a 4.0 scale. Those currently studying at a community or junior college must be enrolled in a program that transfers into a four-year program.

How to Apply

Applications are available at your local commissary or you can download one . All application packets must be turned in at a commissary or mailed to one. You can look up the contact information for each commissary and contact them to determine who the application should be turned into specifically. The packet should contain the two-page application, school transcript with a cumulative unweighted GPA and a short essay.

This year the essay is:

Choose a woman who during WWII significantly influenced military decisions for either the Allied or Axis forces. Discuss what she did and why, how her actions impacted the war effort, and any unique challenges she may have faced. What lessons can be learned from her actions? Please choose an actual person (i.e., not a representation such as “Rosie the Riveter”). You may choose someone who served in the armed services, a civilian who acted “behind the scenes” or an intelligence spy.

While this subject could be quite lengthy, the essay must be 500 words or less. It needs to be typed, double spaced, and no longer than 2 pages.

The Notification Process

Letters will be mailed to recipients on or about May 15th. Those who applied but were not chosen will not be notified.

While it is a onetime award, it is a great opportunity to receive money for college. The $2,000 scholarship can be put toward any qualified expenses, such as tuition, fees, lab fees and books. The check is issued directly to the college so any other education-related costs, including class equipment or supplies are also allowed.

This is a great scholarship so don’t delay. Apply for a college scholarship through your military commissary today.

10 Delicious Dessert Recipes for December

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It’s December. Christmas is coming. You have probably been invited to potlucks, cookie exchanges and holiday parties. You have planned some baking time with your kids. You have a New Year’s Eve party to bake for.

What are you going to make for these holiday parties and gatherings?

You have a lot of choices and sometimes it is hard to decide what would be the best dessert to bring.10 Delicious Dessert Recipes for December

Here are 10 ideas to help you figure out what treats you should bring to your holiday parties.

  1. Chocolate Chip cookies. You can’t go wrong here and the great thing about them is you can make them in so many different ways with slightly different textures and flavors. Here is a great recipe for The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie ever. You can also freeze some of the dough to make more cookies later.
  2. Cheesecake cookies. Want to bring a different kind of cookie? Try these Cheesecake cookies for something without chocolate. These cookies have a great cheesecake topping.
  3. Sugar cookies. These are very popular. You can create them in any shape you can find a cookie cutter for. For Christmas, go with trees, Santa and candy cames. Here is a good recipe to try. You can also involve your kids in helping to make these cookies.  You can add icing to them or just bring them plain. Either way they are sure to be a hit.
  4. PB Brownie cookies. Are you a fan of peanut butter? Try these PB Brownie cookies. Be careful that if you are bringing these somewhere that it is OK to bring items with peanuts. Some places don’t want you to bring anything with peanuts because of allergies.
  5. Fudge. Love fudge? Make some for that holiday party. Here is a great 10-minute fudge to try. Make enough for your own family and experiment with different flavors. You can add different flavors such as peppermint to create different types of fudge.
  6. Cherry Chocolate Brownies. Need a good brownie recipe? Try these Cherry Chocolate Brownies for a yummy treat. You can also make brownies without the cherries too if you want a more chocolate flavor.
  7. Cake Mix brownies. Want something a little different? You can’t go wrong with Cake Mix brownies. They are fun to make as well. You can make them chewy or bake them a little longer for a drier texture.
  8. Cupcakes. If you have a little more time, you could make some cupcakes. You can go with a Classic Red Velvet recipe or try these Sweetheart Cupcakes. Remember to make a good icing to go with them and add some sprinkles.
  9. Fruit Salad Dessert. Want to stick to something more on the healthy side? Try this Fruit Salad Dessert that includes a lot of great and yummy ingredients. It’s a good food to bring to change up what is normally brought to holiday functions.
  10. Cranberry Mouse. For something really festive, try the Quick and Easy Cranberry Mouse and wow your friends. This dessert includes cranberry juice and sauce. It would go well after a turkey dinner.10 Delicious Dessert Recipes for December

What do you like to make for holiday parties? Share it with the MilitaryShoppers monthly recipe contest for a chance to win. Winners are selected each month!

Tips for Traveling with Children During the Hectic Holidays

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Traveling with children during the holidays can be an adventure. The key to a stress free trip (oh how we wish) is preparation. You’ve spent countless hours making sure every detail is taken care of for your family these holidays. Something is, of course, going to go wrong however. Flights get delayed or worse, canceled. Cars get flat tires and holiday traffic can slow down your travel time.

To keep your sanity while driving or flying with your children this holiday season, use these travel tips to find peace and joy.

Tips for Holiday Travel with Children

Expect delays when traveling this holiday season.

  1. Mentally prepare yourself that something might go wrong. The holidays are stressful enough; don’t add to it by expecting travel to be perfect.
  2. Prepare early. There’s nothing like the stress that comes with the last minute to-do list.
  3. Make a list of what needs to be packed and check items off as they go into the suitcase. Keep the list on top of the suitcase until you leave so you don’t question yourself 50 times whether you packed your daughter’s favorite pajamas or your own toothbrush.
  4. Buy small new toys to entertain your children. We all wish our kids would sit patiently but what really happens is they get bored. You don’t need to dip into your Hanukkah or Christmas fund; pick up a few things at the Dollar Store. A new coloring book with Jake and the Never Land Pirates crayons can buy you some extra quiet time.
  5. Pack snacks and drinks. There is nothing worse than a “hangry” child (angry because they are hungry). Choose sippy cups that don’t spill and snacks that aren’t messy. Have wipes and a plastic bag for the trash.

    Tips for Holiday Travel with Children

    What do you pack to keep your children busy?

Driving Tips

  • Make sure the car is clean and extra items are removed. Children will make a mess and you will accumulate things throughout the road trip.
  • Stock the car with supplies. Pack toys, snacks, paper towels and plastic bags for the inevitable mess and extra bags in case your child gets motion sickness.
  • Place things strategically in the car so that they are easy to reach. You don’t want to listen to your daughter beg for something she can’t reach for the next 50 miles. Make sure you can reach things too so you can keep your eyes on the road.
  • Consider your child’s sleep schedule. If it is a short drive, consider waiting closer to nap time so that they may sleep longer. If it is a long drive consider leaving early in the morning so they sleep the first few hours.
  • Dress in layers so that they can be removed in the car. We’ve all heard the whine of “I’m hot” or “I’m cold.” Everyone isn’t going to be comfortable at the same temperature so layers will help even that out.
  • Have directions in more than one area. If your toddler is playing on your phone and your car’s GPS suddenly says “recalculating,” one of you might have a meltdown. He is not going to want to give it up and you need directions. You could do a crazy thing…print out directions.
  • Incorporate bathroom breaks and stretching stops. Make each child “try” to go to the bathroom so you don’t have another one asking to stop 5 minutes later. Provide the opportunity to get out of the car and stretch. Let the kids run around at a rest stop. They’ll wear themselves out and you’ll have some time of peace back in the car again.
  • If your children fall asleep, utilize this as “me time.” Listen to an audio book or grownup music. Turning the radio off and just having a moment of quiet can help you relax as well.

    Tips for Holiday Travel with Children

    Do you prefer to board first or board the airplane last with your kids?

Plane Tips

  • Completely empty your diaper bag or purse and restock it with only the items you need for the flight. When your baby is crying, digging through your bag for his pacifier while trying to board the plane will stress you out.
  • Get to the airport early. Make sure you have enough time to find parking, check your bag, get through the extra-long security line and still reach your gate with plenty of time.
  • Prepare as if your flight might get delayed. Have extra diapers, formula, snacks and toys.
  • Only pack quiet toys that won’t roll away. This will keep you from being annoyed by a noisy toy or continuously picking up your child’s toy.
  • Board the plane early or last. Families are called to board the plane before the rest of the group. If you need to pop down a stroller or settle your children in their seats this is a great time. If you have a fussing baby or an anxious child, wait until the last person boards to give you time to calm them.

No matter how you travel this holiday season, there are many ways to plan ahead and limit stress. You can’t prevent everything from going wrong, but if you take these steps you might just find the Merry in your Christmas.

Want more tips for traveling with small children? Visit the MilitaryShoppers’ Pinterest page.

Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Your Family Pet

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Have you gotten all of your Christmas shopping done yet? We added a dog to our family this past year and I have been excited to shop for her as well. There are a lot of great items out there to put in your pets stocking. So when you are out shopping this year, don’t forget about your furry friends.

Here are some great ideas for stocking stuffers for your favorite family pet.gifts for dogs

If you have a dog in your home, you want them to be a part of your Christmas celebration. Put some of these items in their stocking and they will thank you forever.

  • Purina Beggin’ Strips Dog Snacks. These are a great treat you can put in your dog’s stocking. You might be buying treats anyway but having a little something extra can be a lot of fun. These snacks come in bacon, bacon and cheese, bacon and beef and applewood smoked.
  • A brand new collar. Let’s face it, a dog’s collar gets worn and it is nice to be able to replace it. It is perfect for a stocking stuffer.
  • Chew toys. Our little girl is getting a few of these. You can find them for any size dog and some you can even put treats in. Our girl is getting one that looks like a dinosaur but you can find them in a lot of different shapes.
  • A new stuffed animal- If you have ever been to a pet store you know about all the different types of stuffed animals you can get for your dog. Pick out one or two new ones for the stocking. These toys are a lot of fun and you can get them in different sizes too depending on how big your dog is.

If you have a cat in your home, you might want to pick up some of these fun items to spoil your furry little friend.

  • Purina Friskies Party Mix. These are like a party in a box for your kitty cat. You can find them in three different types, party mix crunch, party mix puffs and party mix naturals.stocking stuffers for cats
  • Catnip filled toys. When I was younger I had a cat and I remember getting him catnip filled toys for Christmas. Most cats love these and you can find them in many different types and styles.
  • Cat danglers. Cats love these and you can find some great ones that will entertain them for hours. You can roll them up and stick them in the stocking. Get a couple of different ones for different types of entertainment.
  • A kitty garden. This is a pretty neat gift for a cat. You can grow your own tiny garden for your cat. They can nibble on this grass instead of something else. It is just a small patch of grass your cats will go nuts after.

As you can see there are a lot of great toys and treats you can get for your pet. Whether you go with something from Purina, a fun new toy or something more practical. Don’t forget your family pet when you are out Christmas shopping. They will love you for it.

 

SCOUT Military Discounts App Makes Finding Discounts Easy

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SCOUT Military Discounts App Makes Finding Discounts EasySCOUT Military Discounts is a fantastic app available for both iOS and Android devices. With more than 125,000 military discounts SCOUT Military Discounts will be your go-to app for all military discounts. Googling military discounts and asking business owners if they offer a military discount will instantly be a thing of the past once you download this app.

The mission of SCOUT is simple: to make every military discount easily accessible to those who deserve it (including your favorite “mom & pop” shops without websites). Our goal is to have this valuable information at the fingertips of the entire military community.

The app is user-friendly, even the least tech savvy user will be able to navigate through it quickly and easily. There is a search feature that lets you find local discounts listed in proximity to your location. You can type in a specific company to see if they offer a discount or browse individual categories. It isn’t limited to retail shops and restaurants; it also includes hotels and travel-related discounts such as rental cars. Auto shops, pet services, photo discounts and more are listed as well.

If you come across a discount, whether online or in-store, you can add the discount to the app. There is a link at the bottom of the home page. Each discount added is verified before being added to the database. This ensures all discounts are properly listed so that they may be utilized fully and accurately. You can also add businesses through SCOUT’s website.

The app has a map view to make finding local discounts easier. Each red flag is a business offering a military discount. Simply tap on the flag to reveal the discount and business information. Tapping once again will take you to a business contact page. From there you can contact the company or get directions to it. This is such a timesaver as it opens in Maps and gives you instant directions.

Another great feature of SCOUT is its USO location finder. Type in a city and it will give you directions to that USO center. There are over 160 locations in 27 states so you are sure to find one near your military instillation. Finding military discounts is fantastic and finding a USO to rest and rejuvenate while getting connected with family is wonderful.

If finding an unbelievable amount of military discounts and USO locations isn’t enough, make sure to keep SCOUT in mind for Veterans Day each year. The app boasts a large list of military freebies offered by businesses that day. This will be great to have at your fingertips, especially since there were hundreds of free meal deals listed last Veterans Day.

With all of these great features, this app is sure to become your go-to app for military discounts, freebies and USO information. When searching for it in the app store type in SCOUT military and it is the first option.

Want to know more about SCOUT Military Discounts? Visit their webpage.

 

Commissary Congestion: 5 Faux Pas That Disrupt Grocery Shopping Harmony

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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

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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.

6 Tips to Keep the Holiday Spirit When Your Spouse Is Deployed

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.

6 Tips to Keep the Holiday Spirit When Your Spouse Is Deployed

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

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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:

  1. 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. 10 Ways to Pay It Forward and Feel Good This Season
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. 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! 10 Ways to Pay It Forward and Feel Good This Season

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

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‘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

5 Tips for Hosting an Ugly Sweater Party

  1. 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.”
  2. 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.5 Tips for Hosting an Ugly Sweater Party
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

10 Strategies to Avoid Holiday Weight Gain

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‘Tis the season to add a few extra pounds. This time of year is the hardest to stick to your diet and exercise routines. From the yummy foods and pies to the cookie exchanges and parties; from military spouse socials to mom’s home cooking, it is so hard to resist. There is always something to eat and most of the time the foods that are most appealing have the most calories.

Here are 10 strategies for not gaining holiday weight between now and New Year’s Day.

10 Strategies to Avoid the Holiday Weight Gain

1) Start walking. This is a great way to keep moving. If you can’t exercise in any other way, walking is the way to go. You can also do this with family and friends and make it a group event. Even a simple 15 minute walk around your neighborhood each day will help.

2) Keep your workout routine. If you work out Monday, Wednesday and Friday, keep at that. It might be harder to do if you are traveling but you can adjust. If you don’t have access to a gym, go for a run or find a workout video. There is always something you can do. Make this a priority during the holidays.

3) Stick to 1 serving. On Christmas you will see a lot of food in front of you. You should stick to only 1 serving of everything. That means not going back for seconds or thirds even if other people are. Tell yourself ahead of time that you are only going to fill your plate once.

4) Stay away from the cookies. This is a hard one. Holiday sweets add up and that is definitely my own downfall. Try to stick to only eating them on occasion and not every single day. If you bake, try to give away a lot of your goodies before you have a chance to eat them.10 Strategies to Avoid the Holiday Weight Gain

5) Stay active. Plan events that get you moving. Go to a museum or even a mall. Anywhere you can walk around will work. You can even plan a lot of outside events if you live in a warmer climate.

6) Stay away from fast food. It is always a good idea to eat fast food in moderation but staying away from it all together during the holidays is a great way to stay healthy. You want to save the calories you will be eating for Grandma’s homemade pie instead of a burger and fries.

7) Know your calories. If you know you will be going to a lot of potlucks, do some research about common holiday foods and how many calories are in each dish. Know what would be the better choices before you get there. That will make it easier for you to pick the healthy choices.

8) Eat before you go. If you have plans to go to a potluck and you know there will only be foods there you shouldn’t eat, make a healthy meal beforehand and go to the party to socialize. Make sure you are full and won’t want to eat too much.

9) Watch the alcohol. Alcoholic drinks can have a lot of calories. Limit yourself and remember that every drink you have will add to your calorie intake.

10) Don’t beat yourself up. It can be hard to stick to a strict diet this time of year. Do the best that you can with each day.

What are your tips for eating healthy and sticking with your fitness routine during the holiday season?