Military Life News

Military Life News, Commissary Rewards and Military Discounts

Waste Management: How Do Military Commissaries Fare?

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by guest contributor Lucy Wyndham

Whether we like it or not, garbage and its disposal is everyone’s business. Every year, the world churns out 1.3 billion tons of municipal solid waste and this figure is expected to reach 2.2 billion tons annually (World Bank). In the US, we produced 254 million tons of garbage, recycled and composted about 87 million tons or a recycling rate of 34.3% in 2013 according to the EPA. The military economy alone is responsible for 2.8 % of GDP according to the DoD Office of Economic Adjustment. It also produces waste but works diligently to reduce waste production.

Efforts of the Military Commissaries at Waste Reduction

The Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) of the DoD operates over 245 commissaries across the globe. Its environmental management system (EMS) ensures protection of the environment by reducing and recycling waste. Last year, DeCA recycled nearly 1.12 million pounds of paper, roughly 421,000 pounds of metal and more than 3.7 million pounds of plastic.

DeCA announced that their commissaries achieved an 83 percent recycling efficiency rate in 2015.

Food recycling is also an important part of its efforts with 1.5 million pounds of bones/fats and nearly 30,000 pounds of (kitchen) grease recycled. It donated 2.7 million pounds of edible but unsalable food through its food bank donation program in 2016. This year or as of March 2017, DeCA had already given nearly 2 million pounds of food to the program. Treatment and diverting waste are not the only activities the agency promotes. It also sells organic foods and green products that are considered environmentally-friendly such as reusable shopping bags. DeCA continues to achieve and even surpass its waste management targets.

How Families and Personnel Can Help

Whether living on or off the base or shopping at commissaries, there are several ways that individuals and families can help reduce carbon footprint and solid waste disposal. As waste disposal units are popular and installed in over 50% of American homes (US Census Bureau, 2009), food waste is treated in the sewage system diverting much of it from landfills.  

The mantra of waste management is to reduce, reuse and recycle.  Go for reusable shopping bags and buy products with the least packaging. Where it is not possible to avoid waste residuals, segregate as much as possible. Educating yourself and others around you helps increase waste management awareness and prevent a lot of trash from ending up in landfills.

Waste management is key to this planet’s survival. Unless we want to be buried by our own garbage, everyone is encouraged to make proper trash disposal their business. The concerted efforts of military commissaries and surrounding communities can have a significant impact on the wellbeing of the environment.

*this article was submitted by guest contributor Lucy Wyndham

 

How I Feel When Someone Thanks Me for My Service

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“Thank you for your service!”

I’m never quite sure how to reply to this. I know it’s meant with great sincerity. My friends, family and casual acquaintances do truly mean it from the bottom of their hearts. Deep down I know that they are trying to convey appreciation for all that I have sacrificed to be with the person I love most.

After all, I’ve pretty much walked away from a promising teaching career. We pull up stakes every few years and move to yet another far away location. While my children have only known the shortest of TDY separations, I’ve gutted it out for the full 12-month experience. All of this is a lot to ask and to accomplish with (hopefully) grace and selflessness.

I know that this is what is meant when I am thanked for my service. The person is acknowledging that I, too, am giving of myself and of our family in service to our country. Small pieces of me have been chipped away with each “see you later.”

How I Feel When Someone Thanks Me for My Service © LoloStock/Adobe Stock[/caption]

Other times, I know I am standing in for my absent spouse. Without him by my side, sharing gratitude for his service feels awkward. Especially when it is then incumbent upon me to pass that gratitude along. I mean, if I actually did that, I could be thanking him morning, noon and night some days!

Instead of expressing thanks to him alone, I am included. “Thank you both for your service and sacrifice.” Our sacrifice is collective.

However, it also rings untrue to me. My service? I didn’t even sacrifice a quarter of what my spouse and others have voluntarily given of themselves.

I endured a lengthy deployment, but I wasn’t in a foxhole or FOB. I wasn’t even in the barracks. Instead, I was on my very comfortable couch at home in SoCal, snuggling my pup. I didn’t need to wipe gritty sand from my eyes or check my boots for creepy desert critters. The worst I had to suffer through was a tough bout of strep throat and hogging the whole bed.

My career isn’t what it could be, should be or would be. But I have lived all over the country and even overseas. I get to explore other professional passion projects.

My sacrifice was simply going without the physical presence of my spouse. My service is to go where the military takes us, to grin and bear it. I volunteered to live life Semper Gumby.

“Thank you for your service.”

I know the intentions behind this statement are sincere. The person is showing their gratitude for my spouse’s service to me and through me. They are honoring the dedication of our whole family to a greater purpose. And I respect that. I want my spouse to be thanked and honored for his willingness to serve our nation.

While I have chosen a different path in life, one that has required me to “give up” opportunities and expectations I once held dear, I do not serve. I have never sworn the oath of allegiance to protect our great nation against “enemies foreign and domestic.” There is no proverbial blank check, with my signature, encompassing my willingness to put my life and limbs in the line of fire.

How should I respond when I am thanked for a service I have not completed? Usually, I simply say “Thank you” and move on.

Sometimes I reply with wit:

“Oh, you should thank my husband. I can’t do that many pull-ups!”

I do not serve. I simply love a person who made the commitment to do so.

Have you had a civilian thank you for your service as a military spouse? How did you respond?

Spend Less on Your Family’s Must-Have Gifts with These Military Discounts

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‘Tis the season to give gifts. Showing your love and appreciation to friends and family with thoughtful presents is wonderful. Unfortunately, holiday giving can create a serious dent in your wallet.

Spend Less on Your Family's Must-Have Gifts with These Military Discounts

For many retailers, membership in either ID.me or Veterans Advantage is required to use discounts.

To save yourself a little money, grab your must-have gifts from stores that offer military discounts!

Stores Offering Military Discounts on the Must-Have Gifts This Holiday Season

Enroll in Military Discount Websites

Asking about a military discount at every store can take time. Scouring every online retailer’s website for military specials is overwhelming. Instead of wasting your time and gas on endless searches, enroll in ID.me. This is an all-in-one service for service members, first responders, teachers and students. With one log-in, you’ll have access to tons of great online discount opportunities. Best of all, ID.me is free.

Another one-stop-shop for military discounts is Veterans Advantage. This site has partnerships with many retailers and offers exclusive benefits for their members. It is free to join, but using many of the discounts requires a paid membership.

Note: For many retailers, membership in either ID.me or Veterans Advantage is required to use discounts.

Food and Flowers

Omaha Steaks: use your ID.me membership to verify your military status, then send steaks and tasty food to your friends at 10% off.

Hickory Farms: shipping to APO and FPO addresses is free, making it easier to send summer sausage to your family OCONUS.

1-800-Flowers: get your holiday bouquets at 20% off when you verify through ID.me.

1st in Flowers: claim 15% off your next floral arrangement when using the code USMILITARY

Godiva: gift luxury chocolate at 30% off through Veterans Advantage.

Clothes and Shoes

Nike: get your kids the must-have kicks for 10% off at official Nike stores, like Niketown and Nike outlets, when you show your military ID.

Old Navy: show your ID in store and save 10% off on cozy sweaters, fun PJs and brand new jeans when you shop in-store.

Professional Sports Shops: the MLB, NFL, NHL and NBA offer 10% to 15% off to military troops and veterans through ID.me.

Kohls: not every location offers a military discount, but it can pay to check with the on-duty manager just in case.

Babies and Kids

Disney: from holiday jammies to official merchandise, ID.me has several discount deals on sweet Disney merch.

Buy Buy Baby: splurge on the new baby in your life at a discount through ID.me.

The Children’s Place: stock up on essentials with a variety of discounts and deals when you verify online.

Crazy 8: let older kids show their personal style with discounts when you use ID.me.

HearthSong: use ID.me to get fun, classic toys for children for less.

Pottery Barn Kids: keep your child’s room functional and fashionable with 15% off in-store purchases.

DIY Gifts

Lowe’s: your resident fixer can get 10% off at Lowe’s when you also enroll in the MyLowe’s program.

Home Depot: from bathrooms to backyards, your home improvement projects can cost 10% less when you show ID at check-out.

Michaels: get art supplies and crafty things at a 15% discount when you show your ID in-store.

iRobot: using ID.me can help you save up to 15% on your next Roomba!

Jewelry

Helzberg Diamonds: put a little sparkle in your holiday season with 10% off jewelry.

Harris Jewelry: there are several tiers of specials and discounts when you purchase your special something through Harris.

Kranich’s: for those in the PA region, Kranich’s offers an unspecified military discount and promises exceptional customer service.

Zoara: military members can save 5% when you have an active U.S. military email address and use code USMILDISC.

Robbins Brothers: are you ready to pop the question? Save up to $400 when you purchase your engagement ring here.

Tiffany: don’t forget the croissants when you head to a U.S. store to pick out engagement or wedding bands at a 10% discount.

Tech and TV

Apple: Veterans Advantage members can take advantage of a 20% discount on select products.

Pro Sports Networks: get discount access to every game when use ID.me to sign-up for MLB, NFL, and NHL sports packages.

Travel and Experiences

Military Shoppers Travel & Rewards: this travel club is a free exclusive program designed to show appreciation to active duty, retired, Guard and Reserve. Military Shoppers Travel & Rewards lists special discounts that have been arranged exclusively for MilitaryShoppers members.

Sandals and Beaches: go all inclusive for winter break with a 10% discount at each of these sister resort chains. Bring the kids to Beaches or have an adults-only getaway at Sandals, all food, drink and many activities included.

Disney World and Disneyland: visit your favorite mouse at a discount when you use the Military Salute tickets. You can even score discounts on your hotel when you stay at Shades of Green or some on-property resorts.

Air Travel: members of Veterans Advantage can get deals on Southwest, United and JetBlue flights. For non-members or other airlines, it always pays to call a representative and ask about military discounts or perks. Often, military members or dependents will be allowed free checked bags and occasionally seat upgrades!

Cruises: hit the high seas with Carnival or Princess cruises at a discount! Other cruise lines, like Norwegian and Royal Caribbean, offer discounts through ID.me and Veterans Advantage. You can also call a travel agent or cruise line representative to find out more details and offers on any trip.

Bush Gardens and Sea World: get your thrills and say hello to a turtle for free when you use the Waves of Honor program at Bush Gardens, Sea World and other parks.

Never miss a military discount by signing up for the Military Shoppers newsletter. Click here to sign up today!

Tips for Veterans Who Want to Be Franchise Owners

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Veterans and service members are looking into ownership of franchises like never before.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, roughly a quarter of all veterans are interested in starting their own businesses. Franchises are a very popular route to go for many of them. With the business framework already in place, opening a franchise is an easy way to enter the market.

Franchises are so popular that the International Franchise Association reported that 1 of every 7 franchises in America is owned by a veteran.

The number of veterans owning franchises may be so large because of all the help available to make business ownership possible. There are many tools veterans and their spouses can use to help make the decision to buy one of the numerous franchises.

Also hundreds of companies offer incentives for veterans to become a franchise owner. Here are a few things you need to consider if you are interested in franchises.

Tips for Veterans Who Want to Be Franchise Owners

Veterans are buying into franchises at a record pace. Here are a few things to consider if you are interested in owning one.

Is buying into a franchise a good decision for my military family?

Many veterans and military spouses dream of owning their own business. My husband wants to own a small bar when he retires. He has talked about it casually for years. I have always wanted to own a coffee shop. While we both dream of these things, I have to wonder if either of them will ever become a reality.

Do you dream of owning a business? Would it be one of the thousands of franchises in America?

The first things you need to do when considering opening a business is to decide if owning a franchise is the right thing for you and your family.

Ask yourself the following 4 questions:

  1. Are you passionate about the industry you are considering?
  2. Is this merely a hobby you enjoy or will you actually like to take this on as a business?
  3. Is there room in the market for this business?
  4. Is this the right time in your life to open a business?

Think about your family’s circumstances, financial stability and viability of franchise ownership. If your family decides that owning one of the franchises available is the right move, then you need to look into how to choose one of the franchises.

How do I become a franchisee?

Start your research with the U.S. Small Business Administration. They have a veterans business outreach center (VBOC) program. They offer services to help veterans with business training, counseling and referrals. This includes workshops on business development for issues such as being self-employed. There are business counselors available to help on a one-on-one instance as well.

The VBOC program also offers a feasibility analysis to help veterans determine if a business will be successful. They will review your business plan in doing so.

There are 8 things to do to own one of the franchises available in the United States. First, decide which type of franchise you would like to own. Next you should look to see what franchises are available in that industry. You will want to take into consideration the requirements to own a particular franchise in that segment. You should also research the market in the place you wish to open your business.

If all looks well, then you can send an inquiry to the franchise. You’ll need to fill out an application for the franchisor. They will want to see if you are a good candidate to own one of their franchises. When you get a reply, if it is positive you will need to think of the next steps. This will start with finances. You need to decide how you will fund purchasing a franchise.

What incentives are available to veterans for starting a franchise?

Most businesses require a buy in and you might not have the startup money for it. Luckily, many businesses offer incentives and discounts for veterans to open one of their franchises.

There are 650 franchises listed with the International Franchise Association that offer these incentives and discounts for veterans and their spouses.

The Veterans Transition Franchise Initiative, VetFran has helped 2,089 veterans become small-business owners with their financial incentives.

Politicians are getting into the spirit of veteran-owned businesses as well. The Veteran Entrepreneurs Act of 2017 was introduced at the beginning of the year. Its purpose is to provide entrepreneurship training to veterans and their spouses. The bill would amend the Small Business Act to include a female veterans business training program as well as one for disabled veterans. An outreach center will provide financial assistance including financial management, marketing advice, training and technical help.

While that bill is lingering in Congress, you can look into the incentives the franchise you are interested in purchasing to see if they are big enough to make ownership a reality.

What questions do you have about franchises?

Community: A Dying Military Tradition That Needs to Make a Serious Comeback

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One of the things I remember most about growing up a military brat was the overwhelming sense of community that surrounded us, no matter where we lived.

If someone went TDY or was lucky enough to take leave to go home, we always made sure to keep an eye on their house or even mow their lawn if necessary.

If I got home from school and couldn’t find my key, there was always a neighbor willing to let me use their phone or hang out until my parents got home.

When I headed out into the world on my own, it was that very same sense of community I found lacking in the civilian world. It is one of the reasons why I eventually decided to join the military. But I have to say, things have changed a lot since I was a military kid.

With the rare exception, gone are the days of the welcome wagon. You know, that group of people, usually military spouses, who stopped by your house after you had a few days to settle in. They’d bring a plate of cookies or a pie and introduce themselves so you would know at least one person on your street. Then they’d share all the insider info you needed, like the best days to shop at the commissary or which primary care doctor to ask for.

Community is the best part of military life. How can we work together to bring it back?

But nowadays, we’ve given up extending a hand to those who might need a little help because it’s too much of a hassle.

We swear off spouses groups because we swear we just can’t handle all the drama.

It seems like we have given up the idea of actually meeting our neighbors and instead just focusing on how many friends we have on Facebook or how many times we get retweeted. And while I wouldn’t give up my social media accounts for anything, I really wish we could, as a community, remember that face-to-face conversations are as important, maybe more so than a text or instant message.

Community: A Dying Military Tradition That Needs to Make a Serious Comeback

Laughter shared over a cup of coffee will always be better than tweeting.

We need to make developing a sense of community and service to each other a priority.

Military unit success often depends on being tuned in, not only to an assigned task, but to the well-being of those around you. It creates a sense of team and comradely that binds a unit together.

It is an idea that I wish permeated beyond the boundaries of the FOB and into the greater military community.

It is all too easy to stay focused on your own lane, keep blinders on and just trudge forward.

But when one member of our community struggles, it creates ripples that impact us all.

A “hi” on Facebook or a follow on Instagram is a great way to break the ice, but when emergencies arise, we need to know that there is someone we can reach out to and lean on.

Over the course of my husband’s career, I can think of only one deployment where anyone from my military community, other than my husband, ever called or stopped by to check on me. And I know I’m not the only one.

There are no regulations that require this kind of community awareness, but we should take it upon ourselves to make sure that no matter the unit or location, no member of our community ever feels isolated or alone.

I say bring back the welcome wagon and the dinner brigade. Go out and meet your neighbors, organize a neighborhood potluck or cul-de-sac barbecue. Start caring about the well-being of those you pass on the street everyday. Be the kind face they need when the challenges of this life get to be too much. Be the resource they need when they don’t know who else to turn to.

Be as engaged and involved as you can be because a hug can never be replaced by a “like.”

Laughter shared over a cup of coffee will always be better than tweeting.

Make time and be open to cultivating relationships with the flesh and blood people in your community.

You may be just the friend they need to get through a tough time. And they end up doing the same for you.

Is the military community dead? Do people ever come out from behind their screens and talk to each other?

13 Military-Themed DIY Gifts for Friends and Family

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Before there were shopping malls, Amazon, Etsy or warehouse stores, the holidays were filled with homemade gifts designed to show those you cared about how much they meant to you.

13 Military-Themed DIY Gifts for Friends and Family

Do you make homemade gifts for your friends and family?

In that spirit and in the fact that many DIY gifts are much easier on the wallet than a midnight run to a big box store, here are 13 ideas to inspire you to get your holiday craft on – military style.

13 Military-Themed DIY Gifts for Friends and Family

Ornaments

The ideas are practically endless when it comes to ornaments. One of the cutest and easiest I have seen uses Scrabble tiles to create military service acronyms.

Top with a unit insignia or pin on rank or wings and you’ve got a great ornament for your own tree or the perfect new addition for your extended family and friends.

You can order letters in bulk from Amazon and other craft retailers. Make sure you use wood glue and don’t forget to add a note of holiday cheer and the year to the back.

Oh The Places We Have Gone – Map Art

Travel and relocation are just part of the military lifestyle. And they can make for a great gift too! If you’ve got a friend who is missing home, try mounting a cut out of their home city or state and having it framed.

A reminder of home can make being so far away feel a little less lonely.

Or try taking small cut-outs of places you know a friend has been stationed or maybe all the places you’ve been stationed together and glue them to flat glass marbles for magnets. This is the kind of gift that will let them think of you with every shopping list or school calendar they tack to the fridge.

Money Origami

Okay, so money isn’t the most personal of gifts, but if you’re gonna give it, try a little origami to make it more memorable. You can make it look like anything from an F-18 to a tank.

Stencil Anything

Military-style stencils are readily available and with a good brush, paint and a background, you can create gifts that are one of a kind. Try using the military alphabet to spell out a favorite word or someone’s last name on canvas or some reclaimed wood.

Love becomes Lima Oscar Victor Echo and a fun piece of art to hang on the wall.

Related: 9 Military Discounts for Those Who Love to Craft

Use Old Uniforms

If you’re good with a sewing machine, try turning old uniforms into teddy bears for your favorite military kid or repurpose them into an apron for a military spouse.  You could also make a tote, a quilt, a wreath or even a stocking!

Cookies

Cookies aren’t strictly military, but giving cookies is a long-standing holiday tradition. Give them a twist using fun military-themed cookie cutters like these.

If baking isn’t your thing or you are strapped for time, consider putting together some cookies-in-a-jar gifts and attaching a fun camo gift tag and tying on a military-themed cookie cutter.

Coasters

This is a great idea if you are looking to make gifts for a whole bunch of people.

Plus the process is really easy. All you need is a print-out of your unit patch or insignia, some modge podge, a sponge brush and a ceramic tile. Make sure you let them dry completely, then add a holiday note and the date to the back.

Here’s an example of how great they look when you are finished. Here are instructions on how to do it. You can also glue 4 flat glass marbles to the back and your coaster becomes a trivet for the kitchen.

Do you make homemade gifts for your friends and family members? Share your best DIY gifts in the  comments section.

The Myth of the Perfect Military Spouse

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It was one of those days.

You know, the days when nothing seemed to go right? My oldest had dumped a gigantic bag of beads in the middle of the living room floor for the second time that day. My youngest was way past nap time. I was dressed in my usual jeans and seen-better-days T-shirt, my hair was a mess, and I had less than 30 minutes until my husband was due to walk in the door.

My plan to be dressed, pressed, and waiting to sit down to a delicious home-cooked meal had gone out the door hours ago.

And it wasn’t the first time my list of to-dos or taking care of my children had eaten up my entire day.

I so wanted to be that military spouse who had the house cleaned and dinner neatly prepared when my soldier walked through the door.

The same daydream had me perfectly coiffed and dressed to impress. And every time I didn’t hit that goal of “perfect” spouse, I felt like a failure.

The Myth of the Perfect Military Spouse

If I couldn’t do it all when he was able to come home every night, what did that say about my abilities when he was deployed?

After all, he was doing all the hard work, putting on the uniform and training to be of service to our country. He needed a spouse capable of taking care of everything at home. If I couldn’t do it all when he was able to come home every night, what did that say about my abilities when he was deployed?

After a particularly stressful afternoon that had all of my kids recovering from temper tantrums and me in tears, a close friend stopped by for coffee. She was everything I wanted to be. She always looked great. Her house was always immaculate. And I’d never seen her stress about anything.

After confessing my feelings of inadequacy, she changed my entire world with just one sentence.

There is no such thing as a perfect military spouse.

What? How could that be? There were those, just like her, who always had it together. The spouse next door who always had his kids ready and at the bus stop on time. The commander’s wife who always made hosting company events look easy.

She repeated herself.

There’s no such thing as a perfect military spouse.

The look on my face must have confessed my disbelief. Over the next few minutes she confessed to a few cracks in what I thought was her perfect façade. I felt a little better, but I still wasn’t wholly convinced.

I begged her to share her secrets with me. How did she make it all look so easy? She just laughed and challenged me to change my way of thinking.

“So what if your house isn’t perfect? So what if macaroni and cheese is the best dinner you can muster? Those things are not required to make you worthy of love and respect. We each have our strengths. Be your best you and that’s good enough.”

I sat quietly and tried to take those words in. Was it possible to be the best me without being perfect? Could I be the strong, capable military spouse my soldier needed and not be good at everything?

The answer is yes.

My belief in that idea didn’t happen overnight. It took a lot of work and introspection. It took time to learn to quiet that inner voice that told me I was a failure and give the stage to the part of me that got up every day and did my best.

I am incredibly thankful I had a friend to intervene and set me straight.

And I hope, should you ever find yourself in a similar mindset that you remember:

There is no such thing as a perfect military spouse.

No matter who you are, where you are from or what you are struggling with, you are worthy of love and respect.

Even if it means that the dusting or vacuuming should have been done yesterday.

Even if it means that PB&J is what’s on the menu tonight.

Live every day with the intent to be the best possible you that you can.  The best you is more than good enough.

Are you trying to be the perfect military spouse?

Spread Some Cheer with These Holiday Card Alternatives

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If desperation is the mother of invention, I’m pretty sure procrastination is a second cousin. And I’m suffering from both.

It’s already the end of November and I still haven’t made up my mind if I’m going to send holiday cards or not.

You know, with 3 teenagers vying for their gotta-have-it gifts and plans to travel out of town, our budget is already stretched a little thin. And can we talk about how few hours there seems to be in the day at this time of year?

To make this holiday card thing happen I’ll need to:

  1. Coordinate clothes and beg/threaten/bribe my better half and kiddos to smile for a photo.
  2. Spend hours selecting the perfect holiday greeting, font and layout.
  3. Compile a list of all those who must and should receive a holiday card.
  4. Get the right number of cards printed, plus extras, because I’ll always remember a handful of extra should-be-on-my-list-ers after I print my cards.
  5. Buy stamps.
  6. Sign and stuff ‘em.
  7. Drop them off at the post office and hope that I haven’t forgotten anyone, I got the postage right and that they all get there in time to express my sincere holiday sentiments.

I know it’s not a particularly hard list, but the cost and time alone just adds another layer of stress to an already strapped-for-time season. There has to be an easier way! This year, try spreading a little cheer that is both budget-conscious and time-friendly.

7 Holiday Cards and Creative Alternatives

Do you send holiday cards? Why or why not?

7 Holiday Cards and Creative Alternatives

Use a Mailing Service

Many online photo companies offer mailing services at a price that can save you both time and money.  This option doesn’t allow you to hand-sign or include a personal note, so if you chose this option, consider following up with a quick phone call during the holidays or after the first of the year.

Send Post Cards

If including a handwritten note is more your style, and you’ve got a lengthy list, consider sending post cards instead of the traditional holiday cards.

Postage for postcards is a full 15 cents cheaper than a holiday card sent first-class mail. Sites like Vistaprint offer 50 full-color glossy postcards for $10!

Make a Video

Instead of holiday cards, consider recording a video of your family wishing those you love a happy holiday season. Sing a favorite Christmas carol, read a story, tell jokes or just express your heart-felt sentiment. So much more personal than a card and fun to make too!

You could make one video and share it with everyone or create shorter personalized messages for your close family and friends.

Make a Donation

This time of year is a great time to give back to your community or pay it forward.

Instead of spending money on holiday cards and postage, consider making a donation to a good cause on behalf of each person on your list.

Some nonprofits will even send out a thank you to those for whom you have donated. But if you chose this option, consider following up with a quick email to let those on your list know how much they mean to you. Be sure to include a link to the cause.

Just Call Them!

I like getting things in the mail, but honestly, a phone call and the opportunity to catch up and laugh with those I love is so much better.

Skip the stamps and spend a few minutes being present and in the moment with each person on your list.

Wait Until After the New Year

Often we all find we have more time (and money) after the first of the year. And there is nothing that says a holiday card must come in December! Give yourself some time,  shop the great late-season sales for some beautiful winter cards and use your cards to extend your good wishes for the New Year!

Next Year…Start Early!

Some of the best sales on pre-made cards and online photo cards often come at the beginning of fall. Put a reminder in your phone or on your calendar to start earlier next year.

It won’t necessarily help us out this year, but it might make next year a little less stressful!

Do you send holiday cards? Why or why not?

5 Tips for Shopping at the Commissary During the Holidays

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The holidays are upon us and that means it’s time to shop. Not only do you have gifts to buy, but you also have meals to plan.

It isn’t just retail stores that will be crowded; the commissary will be too. Follow these 5 tips to keep your cool while shopping at the commissary for your holiday needs.

5 Tips for Shopping at the Commissary During the Holidays

Plan Your Meals

Instead of browsing the aisles of the commissary, make a plan. Before heading to the commissary you should make a menu and from there create your grocery list.

Get a head count of how many friends and family members will be at your house for each meal. Make sure to include snacks as well.

Also consider how many holiday parties you will be attending and what you want to make for each one. Don’t forget to include cookie swaps in your planning.

When planning your meals, take into consideration the ingredients you’ll need. Will there be excess product unused? If you only need a cup of chicken stock but you buy a 16-ounce container, you’ll have some left over.

Don’t waste it if you don’t have to. Look at your menu. Is there anything else you can use the leftover item for? You’ll save money at the commissary if you can use a product fully.

Also, consider if there will be leftovers. Will anyone want to eat them at the next meal? If there is a substantial amount leftover, you might not need to plan for the next meal.

Load Your Commissary Rewards Card with Coupons

Have you heard of the commissary rewards card? Do you have one? If you don’t have one, now is the time to get one and if you already have a commissary rewards card, it’s time to load it with great savings.

What is a commissary rewards card and how do you get one? A commissary rewards card is available at the checkout at any commissary.

This card is a money-saving tool. Once you get this free card, you simply register it online and it’s activated.

You won’t need to clip coupons once you have the commissary rewards card. You can look through a list of digital coupons and check the ones you want to use. You can do this on your PC or through the mobile app.

When you check out at the commissary, simply show the barcode to the cashier and with one simple scan your coupons will be applied.

Why spend time searching for coupons through the newspaper or online when you can get them in one spot?

Eat Before You Go to the Commissary

While this sounds mundane, it is important.

You shouldn’t shop on an empty stomach.

If you go grocery shopping while you are hungry, you’ll likely end up buying more than you need. You are also more likely to buy junk food if you are hungry as well.

Have a good meal before heading to the commissary and perhaps bring a snack with you.

Shop Kid Free, if Possible

Are you a parent? You’re probably laughing at this. Taking your children shopping is an adventure.

If you can get someone to watch them, your shopping trip will likely be much faster and hassle-free.

If however, you are unable to secure help with child care, be prepared to shop with the kids. Keep children content with snacks and entertainment so they are not asking for junk food or unneeded items. Make sure they eat a filling meal before heading to the commissary as well.

If you can’t keep them entertained or if you simply want them to participate in the shopping experience, getting kids involved can be helpful. You can have them be in charge of the grocery list, you can give them specific items to go get or you can let them choose some items.

Shop Early

Start your holiday shopping early. Once you have your meals planned and your shopping list made, have a look at what is nonperishable. Purchase those items early to save you the time looking for them when it is closer to the holidays.

The commissary will get crowded as the day goes on as well as near payday and in the days leading up to the holidays.

Look at what time your commissary opens and plan to be there as close to that time as possible. The commissary usually has less people in the mornings. Less people means quicker shopping and speedier checkout.

Make sure you pay attention to the date as well. The commissary is busy on and near payday, which is the 1st and 15th for service members.

Finally, don’t wait until the last minute. Shop as early as you can to avoid stress.

What tips do you have to add to this list?

21 Delicious Recipes to Try This Thanksgiving

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Thanksgiving is quickly approaching. Are you prepared?

Soon friends and family will be gathered around your table ready to feast on delicious food, chat with loved ones and make holiday memories.

For those of us in the kitchen, Thanksgiving can be a time of stress. There are so many wonderful items that make up a Thanksgiving dinner. You simply have to choose which ones you want to make.

We gathered 21 of our favorite Thanksgiving recipes to help you make your holiday meal decisions this year.

Some of these great recipes come from readers and can be found on MilitaryShoppers.com. Did you know MilitaryShoppers has a monthly recipe contest? You can add your favorite recipes and be entered to win a $50 gift card.

21 Delicious Recipes to Try This Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving guests are usually divided between pumpkin and pecan pie. Which one is your favorite?

Our Favorite Thanksgiving Recipes From MilitaryShoppers

Appetizers

Start your Thanksgiving off right with some delicious appetizers. The holiday salsa will spice up your evening for sure. If you’re looking for a more traditional start though, go for the deviled eggs. I wouldn’t pass up a chance to try the mouth-watering stuffed mushrooms or slow cooker cranberry BBQ meatballs.

All 4 of these dishes are sure to please a hungry crowd while your Thanksgiving meal is being prepared.

Deviled Eggs

Mouth-Watering Stuffed Mushrooms

Slow Cooker Cranberry BBQ Meatballs

Holiday Salsa 

Main Dishes

The center of every Thanksgiving dinner is the turkey and for some, it is also a juicy ham. My family serves both, although we have a cold ham.

This recipe below for a juicy Thanksgiving turkey is a no fail way to get everyone at the table asking for more.

If your family also enjoys a ham, this old-fashioned holiday glazed ham is well worth a try. The sweetness of pineapple is offset by cloves to make a perfect pairing.

Juicy Thanksgiving Turkey

Old-Fashioned Holiday Glazed Ham

Related: How to Host a Friendsgiving

Side Dishes

There are some sides that you just can’t have a Thanksgiving meal without. For me, it’s the stuffing. A good moist stuffing really makes a difference. My in-laws however are all about a Thanksgiving dressing.

The cranberry, sausage and apple stuffing recipe below sounds wonderful. I will be trying it this year. Which recipes below would you like to try?

Cornbread

Sweet Potato Casserole

Creamy Crock Pot Mac n Cheese

Cranraisin Croissant Stuffing

Orange Cranberry Sauce

Related: More than Turkey Sandwiches: 5 Recipes for Thanksgiving Leftovers

Cranberry Wobble Gobble

Cranberry, Sausage and Apple Stuffing

Green Bean Casserole

Unbelievable Rolls

Simple is the Best Dressing

Desserts

No Thanksgiving meal is complete without a wonderful dessert. The table is usually divided between pumpkin and pecan pie. Which way do you lean? I’m a pumpkin pie person hands down. Our readers submitted some fantastic dessert recipes that you should try.

This year I am going to attempt the pumpkin roll recipe listed below.

Dee Dee Pecan Pie Recipe

Pecan Pie Cupcakes

Pumpkin Cheesecake Pie

Pumpkin Roll

Libby’s Famous Pumpkin Pie

Do you have a favorite Thanksgiving recipe? Enter it in MilitaryShoppers recipe contest and you may be this month’s winner. Click here for more details.