Military Life News

Military Life News, Commissary Rewards and Military Discounts

Deployed Spouse Causes Distraction, Worry

By

Untitled-2Dear MilitaryShoppers,

My husband is currently deployed. I feel lucky to have a job that keeps me busy, but honestly I‘m distracted at work. I am constantly checking my phone to see if my husband called and I’m not sleeping well at night. I feel like I might quit my job. What should I do?

Signed,

Distracted Milso in Virginia Beach

 

Dear Distracted Milso,

I can totally understand always wanting to check your phone to see if you missed a call. I also know how hard it can be to not be able to sleep at night.

One thing that might help is writing your husband letters as well as writing in a journal every night. By writing him letters you will feel like he is more connected to you and you can write them at anytime. You don’t have to wait for him to be online or call you. By writing in a journal each night you will be able to fall asleep a little easier. If you can get all your worry out on paper, it will make you feel a little better and more likely to sleep.

How to Keep Busy When Your Husband is Deployed

Try to keep your phone in a drawer while you are at work.

As for if you should quit your job or not, I think it depends. What would you do to fill the time that you would normally be at work? You want to stay as busy as possible so if you know you would be bored without a job, it is not a good idea to quit. You might want to make a list of pros and cons about your job to see what would be the best decisions for you.

If you feel comfortable enough you could talk to your boss about what is going on and see if he or she has any suggestions to help make work a little easier for you. You could also try to keep your phone in a drawer or out of sight while you are at work.

Good luck to you. Remember that as hard as deployments are, they don’t last forever. It is just about figuring out the best way to make it through them.

Do you have a military community question? We want to hear from you. Submit your question today.

Lonely? Find Friendships at Every Duty Station

By

Tips for Military Spouses to Make Friends at a New Duty Station

Let your children take the lead when it comes to finding new friends.

With military life comes a lot of moving. That means saying goodbye to friends and making new ones. This is a hard part of the military lifestyle. Finding new friends when you are the new one in town can be quite difficult.

If you have just moved into your new neighborhood, you might get lucky and have new neighbors come to your house and say hello. New neighbors can make the best friends. It is great when you are able to meet and click with them right away. But what happens if …

No one comes to your house to say hello?

Every one in your circle of friends, except you, gets orders to new duty station?

You are feeling lonely in your new home?

I have met friends at all types of places. From swim lessons for my kids to Bible studies. Sometimes it is just a matter of being brave and reaching out. Other times it is just a matter of being in the right place at the right time.

Here are the top 4 places to find friendships at your new duty station.

Local Playground

If you have kids, take them to the park. You will most likely run into other parents and children who live near there. Be brave and strike up a conversation. If your kids hit it off, make plans to get together again. If you don’t meet anyone new at the park, at least your kids had a good time.

Facebook Group

Another option is to join a local Facebook group and go to one of the events. It might feel weird to go some place new when you don’t know anyone but it will be worth it.

Simply Say Hi: Tips for MilSpouses to Find Friendships in New Neighborhoods

Feeling lonely? Be brave and leave your house to meet new friends.

 

Your Neighborhood

If you are feeling brave, you can always go up to your new neighbors and say hello. One idea is to ask them a question about your new city. Something like, “Can you tell me the best place to get Chinese food?” can be a way to break the ice and strike up a conversation.

Sometimes it is just a matter of being brave. Other times it is just a matter of being in the right place at the right time.

Photography Class, Bunco or CrossFit

When you are new to a duty station, the best way to find friends is to do is find events or classes that look fun and go to them. You are bound to make friends if you do that.

Where do you find friends when you are the new one in town?

3 Steps to Battle Social Anxiety

By

3 Steps for Military Spouses to Battle Social Anxiety

Summer parties shouldn’t make you anxious.

The summer months for military families means PCSing, farewell parties, barbecues, beach gatherings, pool parties, family vacations and meeting new neighbors. In short, it’s a busy, busy time of the year.

For me, summer often brings a bit of social anxiety– so many events and parties, so little time. As an introvert, it’s draining to spend a lot of time with other people and an extremely packed schedule makes me anxious.

Sometimes the anxiety comes from the idea of meeting new people or putting on “airs”, pretending to be happy when I don’t feel happy. Sometimes it’s the idea of having so much scheduled that I don’t have time for myself.

Here are 3 steps that helped me overcome the uneasiness of a full social calendar.

  1. Know that it’s OK to say “no”. You can politely decline an invitation. If it’s someone you know well, be honest and tell them you have too much going on (or that you’re not comfortable with a crowd). Offer to get together with them at another date without other people around.
  2. Know that you don’t have to stay the entire time. Give yourself a time limit of an hour or two. This worked well for me during the past Memorial Day weekend. My guy and I went to each party for an hour or two and then headed home to get back to our own work. We attended a different party each day. The events were a welcomed distraction from a mountain of schoolwork and our friends and family were happy to see us.
  3. Reward yourself with alone time. If you must attend a lot of events or have a busy schedule, plan downtime afterward. Plan a day to read a book or watch a movie. Do something that builds you up and renews you.

Introverts sometimes feel like we’re missing out on life when we don’t attend events. But remember that you need to take care of YOU. If that means taking time to recharge, do it. There’s nothing wrong with taking care of you. On the flip side, definitely enjoy the summer social events. You’ll be glad you did.

How do you handle the uneasiness of a full social calendar?

Why You Should Make a Duty Station Bucket List

By

Why Military Spouses Should Make a Bucket List

Military spouses should make duty station bucket lists.

It is time to PCS. You just found out where you will be stationed next. How exciting!

You tell your family and friends. You make plans to start packing. You research schools and housing options. What else should you do to get ready for the big change?

Why not make a duty station bucket list?

As a military spouse, you have a whole new area to explore. Every duty station has something to offer. Find out what there is to do in your new area and what you and your family must see during your time there. It will be a fun activity and you can even involve your kids with it.

Before we went to Germany I knew I had to visit Salzburg. I am a huge Sound of Music fan. Once we were settled, that was the first trip we planned. I am so glad I put that tour on my list and made it important.

It seems like 3 or 4 years somewhere is a long time, but sometimes life gets in the way. This is why it is such a good idea to make your bucket list before you move or right after. Then you will be able to plan where you want to go and not miss anything.

Make a Duty Station Bucket List

From fairs to museums, every military installation is an opportunity for new experiences.

The best way to find things to do or places to visit is to search online. You can also ask your friends who have lived where you are moving for their recommendations. Try new and exciting things you might not have heard of before.

Looking at your next duty station as a place to explore will make your experience there much more enjoyable. From museums to fairs to natural landmarks, every duty station is worth exploring.

What’s on your duty station bucket list?

 

 

10 Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe This Summer

By

I never had a pet growing up and while I adopted my cats nearly 10 years ago, this is my first rodeo with a dog.

10 tips for keeping dogs safe in summer

Keeping your dog safe this summer is easy.

I couldn’t be more like a nervous first-time mom if I tried. I’ve spent a lot of time on Google reading about various canine topics. I should have bought a Dogs for Dummies book.

Summer came quickly here in eastern North Carolina and since the pup likes to run with me, I’ve been brushing up on my summer safety tips for dogs.

While many of these tips may be common knowledge, here are 10 reminders to keep your dog safe:

  1. Never leave an animal in a parked car. The interior temperature can reach more than 100 degrees in less than 5 minutes. In this video, a veterinarian shows how quickly it can reach deadly temperatures:
  2. If pets must be left outdoors during the day, provide them with a shady spot and lots of fresh water. Avoid using a doghouse for shade as it can trap heat and become just as hot as a closed vehicle. Consider filling a child’s pool with water for your pets to use to cool themselves.
  3. Taking your pet to the beach? Keep in mind that dogs can sunburn too. Apply a pet-safe sunscreen to their nose and ears every 30 minutes or limit their sun exposure.
  4. Exercise in early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler and don’t forget that hot asphalt can burn paw pads.

    Tips to keep your dog safe during the summer months.

    Walk your dog during the cooler times of the day.

  5. Carry ice packs to cool your dog when traveling. The ice packs double as drinking water once thawed.
  6. Summer thunderstorms and fireworks can scare some animals. Be sure they have a safe place to go if they are frightened.
  7. Keep pets off freshly fertilized or chemically-treated lawns. Citronella candles should be kept out of reach of pets too. Call Animal Poison Control if you think your pet has ingested any chemicals.
  8. Like children, keep your eye on animals near the water. Some dogs love the water, while others dislike it. Never throw a dog into the water.
  9. Bugs aren’t just annoyances to people. Be sure your pet is up-to-date with any flea and tick protection.
  10. Rinse dogs after they’ve been in the pool or ocean. Chlorine and saltwater can damage their coats and give them an upset stomach if ingested. A quick rinse in fresh water will do the trick.
10 summer safety tips for your dog

Does your dog enjoy the water?

In the summer excitement, don’t forget to enter to win some amazing products from Purina during National Pet Month!

 

Special Needs Children Benefit from Pets

By

My family got our first pet, a dog, 3 weeks ago. She is a sweetheart. We always knew we would get a dog someday and it just felt like the right time. I was a bit nervous about bringing a dog into the house with our son, Drew. He has Asperger’s and you never know what will bother him until it is in front of him. Even though he said he wanted a dog, I wasn’t sure if it would be a good choice.

Benefits of dogs for special needs children

Dogs can be great companions for children with autism.

I did a little bit of reading and found that a pet can be a wonderful companion for a child with autism or Asperger’s. One of the benefits that stood out to me was how kids with autism enjoy having a pet because dogs and cats do not use words to express their emotions. My son has a hard time talking about how he is feeling and by bonding with a dog, they both can express their feelings in other ways.

In some cases a dog can be trained to work with a child with autism. This is especially wonderful for more severe cases. It is great that dogs can help kids with special needs. If a child with autism tends to wonder off, a dog can keep them where they need to be.

Benefits of pets for autistic children.

My son quickly grew attached to the newest member of our family.

Since having the dog my son has shown her a lot of love by petting her or giving her hugs. He also tells me that he misses her if we have been out for a few hours. Although he isn’t like his brothers who wants to run and jump around with her, I can tell he already has a soft spot in his heart for her.

I want to say that she has brought out a side of him that we humans can’t. He is sweet with her, even on his rough days. I enjoy seeing them together and it confirms that getting her was the right decision for our family.

Are you a pet lover?

May is National Pet Month and Purina is giving away up to $100,000 in fun prizes to those of us with an affinity for our furry friends. For every person that plays their instant win game, Purina will donate $0.10 to Adopt-a-Pet.com. Check out Paw It Forward to win. Good luck!

How does a pet bring enjoyment to your special needs child?

 

 

5 Ways to Keep Your Cat Healthy

By

Woman with sleeping Cat

Spend 5 minutes cuddling your cat daily.

Cats are well known for being the extra cushion on the couch. The sedentary lifestyle of a pet cat can be cute to look at, but not very good for their health. Cats need to be more active to attain a longer lifespan.

Here are 5 ways to keep your cat healthy in less than 15 minutes.

Reduce Stress

Even your cat can get stressed. For most felines, stress is created when there is a drastic change within the home, like moving, rearranging furniture, a new family member, or even losing a family member. When I deployed, my husband noticed a very big change in my cat’s behavior. His mom was missing for several months, and he had trouble eating, playing and keeping on weight. You can alleviate this by paying a little more attention to your pet. Set aside part of each day for cuddling and one-on-one time.

Exercise in the Evenings

Cats are nocturnal animals and thrive in the early evening, which is technically morning for them. Create a play routine for them: break out the cat toys after supper and play with your furry baby for at least 15 minutes. They will enjoy the attention and will essentially have their “morning workout” at the same time. Just like humans, an exercise routine will reap great benefits when it comes to the health of your pet.

What’s your cat’s play routine?

Room to Roam

While cats are great apartment pets, they still need ample room to sprint when the feeling hits them. Like felines in the savanna, the more room your cat has to roam, the better it will feel. Keep clutter to a minimum within the household, and keep your furniture as minimal as possible as well. If you would like to take it another step, place thick, reinforced shelves on walls near your windows. Cats love to climb and perch. What’s good for the cat is good for the owner; an uncluttered house will boost your health and demeanor.

Groom Daily

We take grooming for granted when it comes to cats. They seem to love to clean and groom themselves multiple times a day. But all of that grooming can produce hairballs, which can cause sickness, vomiting, and problems with their immune system. Give your cat a brush or combing session each day. Try to do this after dinner, but before playtime. A reluctant cat will associate grooming with play and will be more willing to let you brush him. Want to go the extra mile? Brush their teeth with kitty toothpaste as well. Dental hygiene is very important for cats of all ages.

healthycat

Groom your cat daily to keep her healthy.

Pick the Right Food and Ration

This is the key to keeping your pet as healthy as possible. Invest in quality cat food, like Purina and be sure to read the ingredients list. Cats are predators and carnivores, so protein should be one of the top ingredients listed. Also, check the recommended serving size of the food for either dry or wet. Ration these servings to help your cat stay at a healthy weight. Always keep fresh water available for them to have at any time.

Are you a pet lover?

May is National Pet Month and Purina is giving away up to $100,000 in fun prizes to those of us with an affinity for our furry friends. For every person that plays their instant win game, Purina will donate $0.10 to Adopt-a-Pet.com. Check out Paw It Forward to win. Good luck!

3 Superfoods You Should Eat Today

By

Most of us don’t eat as healthy as we should (yeah, you know who you are), and that means we need to be looking for the items that will give us the biggest bang for our buck.

Enter superfoods. Fresh produce that packs a HUGE nutritional punch.

Now, these won’t get you healthy instantly–though I know we wish they would–but if you’re eating them on a regular basis, you’ll be doing your body a GIANT favor.

The key to superfoods is buying and eating them in season.

Here are 3 superfoods that are in season this month in the United States.

Apricots are in season from May - August in the US.

Apricots are in season from May to August in the United States.

Apricots

This small orange fruit is a relative of the peach and taste like a cross between it and a plum. These bad boys are super low in calories (only 17 per piece) and high in heart-healthy beta-carotene. They’re also high in vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant that helps battle free radicals. Try adding apricots to a hot or cold cereal or to a green salad.

Fun Fact: Both apricots and peaches are members of the rose family.

What’s your favorite apricots recipe? Share it with MilitaryShoppers.com for a chance to win a $50 commissary shopping spree. Winners are awarded each month on the MilitaryShoppers Facebook page.

Boysenberries are similar to blackberries and pack a nutritional punch.

Boysenberries pack a nutritional punch.

Boysenberries

These little berries look like like blackberries but they are actually a cross between raspberries and blackberries. Boysenberries are high in vitamin C and fiber and a great source of antioxidants to keep your brain healthy. Best part about these berries: They contain ellagic acid. What’s that? Oh, it’s just a little phytonutrient that has been found to kill cancer cells in a lab. Needless to say, they certainly won’t hurt your diet.

Fun Fact: Boysenberries were developed by a horticulturist who then turned them over to farmer Walter Knott of Knott’s Berry Farm amusement park in California.

Morels are difficult to find, but high in iron and vitamin D.

Morels are difficult to find, but high in iron and vitamin D.

Morel Mushrooms

Morels, with their honeycomb-like top, are a unique fungi. They’re one of the few foods that contains a high-concentration of vitamin D, which helps your body absorb calcium and helps regulate blood pressure. Morels are also packed full of iron– containing 100% of the daily recommendation for men and 44% for women in 1 cup. A word of caution: morels can cause allergic reactions to some, so if you’ve never had them before, try a small amount the first time around.

Fun Fact: Since morels require very specific conditions to grow, they can be difficult to find in the wild. For some people, hunting morels is a sport. But you must be careful. “False morels” look like morel mushrooms, but are poisonous.

Which superfood will you eat this month?

 

 

Don’t Forget Military Moms

By

Military moms are amazing women. They stand by their sons and daughters as they volunteer for the military and then eventually head off to war.

We need to celebrate military moms and recognize their role in the military this month.

karen

Military moms are not often thanked for their service and sacrifice.

My mother-in-law is one of those amazing military moms. She has always stood by her son. She has always been there to pray for my husband and I and to help us when we needed it. Even though she lives far away from us, I know she is always there if we need to talk or need extra encouragement.

As a mom of three children, I often wonder if one of my sons will join the military. Thinking about that right now is hard. I can only imagine the emotions moms feel when they have to say goodbye to a child knowing that they were headed to a war zone. In her mind, her son will always be her baby. But seeing him in uniform shows her that he has become a young man. I worry when my son walks alone to the bus stop. For military mothers, they watch as their children go so much farther than that.

When you are the military mom, you usually don’t get as much interaction with your service member as the spouse does. If they can only call home sporadically, they will call their husband or wife. It makes sense. Military moms understand that this is the way it is. In a lot of cases the service member has already moved away from home. So while the mom is still missing them and feeling the distance, it is slightly different than what the spouse feels as she is missing his day-to-day presence.

karen3

Moms are the backbone of our military.

So while May is the month of the military spouse, we need to remember military moms. They are the ones who pray hard, who stay up late with worry, and who still see a 5-year-old walk away in their ACUs. These women are the backbone of our service members. They are the ones that raised these men and women to decide to fight for their country. We owe them so very much.

[button link=”https://www.facebook.com/MilitaryShoppers” size=”xl” color=”silver”]Like us on Facebook[/button]

Take time this month to thank your own mom or mother-in-law for their service. What they go through is not easy and being recognized for it will warm their hearts. Let them know you are thinking of them. Tell them they are loved and appreciated. It is a small way of supporting those who have always supported our military.

militarymoms

Take time to thank a military mom this month.

How can you thank a military mom this month?

 

10 Reasons Military Spouses Deserve Massages

By

Military spouses never raise their right hand and take an oath. Instead they slip on a wedding band and dream about living happily ever after. That fairy tale of military life usually comes to a crashing halt when the couple faces their first separation. Yet the military spouse endures, experiences, and learns to love the military lifestyle.massage

Here are the top 10 reasons military spouses should indulge in a well-deserved massage this month.

  1. Unpacking hundreds of moving boxes
  2. Remaining calm when the Skype connection is terrible and the sound routinely cuts out
  3. Quietly smiling and nodding when a grumpy old man jokes “if the Army wanted him to have a wife, they would have issued him one.”
  4. Sitting at FRG meetings that last more than 3 hours
  5. Flying Space A from Guam with 3 children
  6. Waking up in the middle of the night to answer a phone call from their deployed spouse
  7. Reciting a Social Security number that isn’t your own
  8. Shopping at the military commissary on payday
  9. Creative and thoughtful care packages
  10. They never expect someone to tell them “thank you for your service.”

MilitaryShoppers.com wants to honor military spouses this May by giving away a $100 gift card to SpaFinder.com. The entry process will take less than 3 minutes. Simply send your name, contact email, military installation, and branch of service to bschmalz@militarymedia.com before May 31, 2014. A winner – 1 lucky military spouse– will be selected at random on June 2.  

Print

Rules:
Email must be submitted to bschmalz@militarymedia.com by May 31, 2014.
Email address submitted will be added to MilitaryShoppers.com registration email list and receive coupons and special offers exclusively for military families via email.
Winner will be selected at random on June 2, 2014. Winner will be posted to MilitaryShoppers Facebook page, MilitaryShoppers Blog and MilitaryShoppers.com.
Multiple entrants will not be accepted.
Email must be submitted by entrant who possesses a valid military ID card (Active Duty, Veteran, Retiree, Reserve, Guard or family member of the aforementioned categories).
Entrant must be 18 years of age or older.
Winner will be notified by e-mail.
No purchase necessary to win.

Why do you think military spouses deserve a massage?