Military Life News

Military Life News, Commissary Rewards and Military Discounts

Alternative Thanksgiving Meal Options for Troops and Veterans

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Our troops and veterans are scattered far and wide around the country, often far from family to boot. All that distance can make the holidays awfully lonely.

There are several great out-of-the-box options for active duty troops and veterans to celebrate this Thanksgiving!

Alternative Thanksgiving Meal Options for Troops and Veterans

Your military family is ready to support you this Thanksgiving with fellowship and feasting.

On-Base Thanksgiving Banquets

Around the US and across the globe, military installations host Thanksgiving meals for thousands of service members, veterans, and their families.

If you’re in the barracks or forward deployed, head to your neighborhood chow hall. The talented chefs and dedicated personnel help to make the holidays feel more home-like with feasts fit for kings (and queens). You’ll be able to enjoy turkey, all the fixings, dessert, and camaraderie with your fellow service members.

Not deployed or in the barracks? Military installations have Thanksgiving handled for you, too!

MCCS, FSS, and MWR run restaurant facilities on installations worldwide generally prepare a Thanksgiving meal that is open to anyone with base access or on-base privileges. There is usually a very reasonable fee associated with on-base restaurant-hosted. Many are served family-style or as a giant buffet full of appetizers, entrees, sides, and desserts.

Each base might have a slightly different twist on Thanksgiving, both at the chow hall and at the family buffet. Look out for regional specialties alongside your traditional favorites! In Okinawa, you might find soba soup sitting next to the stuffing. Perhaps your SoCal feast will feature some Southwestern flavors, like enchiladas or fajitas. Down in the Carolinas, smokey barbeque could be the guest of honor alongside the big turkey.

Veterans’ Group Feasts

VFW and American Legion posts often host Thanksgiving celebrations for free. You may need to be a member or a guest of a member to join the feast.

This is a great opportunity to connect with your fellow veterans and build community.

Volunteers and donations, of food or money, are welcome for these events. The general community is encouraged to support our military veterans during the holidays, even if you are not a VFW or AL member.

For information, contact your local VFW or AL post.

Other veterans’ groups near you may also offer Thanksgiving meal opportunities. Contact your local veteran service organization chapters for more information. You can find general contact information on this VSO approved list from the VA.

Host or Join a Friendsgiving

Military families have been doing Friendsgiving since before it was something cool or even called Friendsgiving.

Basically, get together with a whole bunch of your nearest and dearest friends. Divvy up the food responsibilities between all the guests. Make sure that someone is tasked with bringing plates, silverware, and drinks.

On Thanksgiving, gather together and enjoy excellent food plus great company!

It helps to be really organized when planning a Friendsgiving. Keep a running list going that details who is bringing what. Ask which dishes need a space in the oven, which can be reheated in the microwave, and which are okay as-is.

Teaming up with a neighbor or hosting at a larger community space can be crucial. You’ll get more oven space, plus extra room to enjoy throughout the day.

Have a plan for Thanksgiving events, like crafts for the kids and maybe watching the big game for the adults. It will help to keep peace and provide activities outside of the kitchen.

Adopt-a-Single Service Member

There’s always room for one more at the Thanksgiving table! Your family can help make the holidays feel more cozy and loving by extending an invitation to single troops on your local military base.

If you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year, save space at your table for a few single service members or veterans.

Reach out to your local military base and connect with their morale program office. Or contact a specific unit and speak to the family readiness leader. These folks can help you spread the word.

Share your event date and location. Be sure to include how many seats you have available and a little about your family dynamics. As guests RSVP, ask them about their food allergies or aversions. You’d hate to dish up a dairy-filled meal to someone who honestly can’t eat it!

Stay in contact as Thanksgiving approaches. You could even invite your new friends to join other turkey day events. Plan to get together for a local turkey trot before you eat. Setting up video chats with their families back home might also be a nice way to help them feel at home. Play board games or go outside for a game of touch football.

Troops and Veterans: how have you celebrated the holidays far from home? Share your favorite tips, tricks, and memories!

Thanksgiving Meal Assistance for Service Members & Military Families

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Thanksgiving is traditionally a day of plenty. However, putting all that food on the table can be a struggle on tight military budgets.

Many military families may qualify for Thanksgiving meal assistance from military support organizations.

Thanksgiving Meal Assistance for Service Members & Military Families

If your family could use a boost this holiday season, check out these great opportunities to build your festive feast.

Operation We Are Here

Enjoy a turkey and all the fixings with Holidays Meals for Military from Operation We Are Here! Registration is still available for many 2018 events.

In 2010, Ken Ruff witnessed a young military family struggle to pay for their Thanksgiving meal. They had run into unexpected expenses after their soldier returned from deployment. Ken stepped in to pay for their groceries — under $20 total.

It bothered him that military families were unable to celebrate Thanksgiving with a good meal. That year, he pledged to help military families put food on the table during the holidays.

Currently, Holiday Meals for Military helps over 10,000 families in over 40 locations around the US. Meal kids include turkey, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and veggies to feed a family of four.

Thanksgiving events end on November 17, but Operation We Are Here plans to host Christmas events in December. For more information, check out their Facebook page.

Sheep Dog Impact Assistance

Sheep Dog Impact Assistance offers a Thanksgiving meal program for the “sheep dogs” in our country. If you are currently serving, or have served, in the US military, with EMS, law enforcement, or fire and rescue, SDIA could help you have a happy holiday season.

The deadline to apply for SDIA’s Thanksgiving meal program is November 15.

The application requires proof of service, like a DD214 or other official document. SDIA also takes into account the number of people in your household, plus any dietary restrictions.

The goal is to provide families in need with complete Thanksgiving feasts on Turkey Day.

Armed Services YMCA

Each year, ASYMCA locations donate over 25,000 baskets of food to junior enlisted families in need during the holiday season.

Baskets may vary, but will likely include traditional Thanksgiving feast fixings.

To register for a basket, please visit your local ASYMCA.

Spirit of Sharing (S.O.S.)

Through their Adopt-a-Military-Family program, S.O.S. helps connect military families in need with resources to make the holiday season merry.

For families in need of assistance, S.O.S. accepts nominations of deserving families throughout the year into the Adopt-a-Military-Family program. Provide information about your family’s needs and military service through the online application to be considered for assistance in 2018.

Soldier’s Angels

Holding a festive holiday celebration when someone is deployed, missing, or your family is dealing with struggles can be hard. Soldiers’ Angels is here to help with their Adopt-a-Family holiday program.

Families must meet certain qualifying criteria to register. Once accepted, families are “adopted” by volunteers who aim to help them host a holiday to remember through donations and other assistance.

Other Local Organizations

For military families who will have trouble holding a Thanksgiving feast, there is also local help available.

Please reach out to the local branch of these organizations and services:

  • United Way: many branches offer community Thanksgiving meals and/or Thanksgiving baskets to low-income families
  • YMCA: some branches may offer Thanksgiving food assistance to families in need
  • Food Banks: many local and regional food bank groups offer additional food and assistance to families during the holiday season
  • Salvation Army: Salvation Army posts may offer community meals and/or holiday food assistance baskets to families in need
  • USO: some locations may host meals for military families or troops or use the USO to help get connected with other organizations that offer Thanksgiving food assistance programs
  • Veterans’ Service Organizations: your local VFW, American Legion, or similar groups may offer Thanksgiving assistance for families locally
  • Banks and Credit Unions: many local branches may offer, or know about, a program in your area that provides assistance
  • Grocery stores: many run food drives that are either independent from or connected with local food assistance organizations; contact a manager to learn more

Other Options for Food Assistance

For some families, that holiday budget might be tight but you might not quite qualify for food assistance programs. This holiday season, try these tips to bring things in under budget.

  • Coupons: Be extra savvy with your coupon clipping and look out for deals that give you bonus offers. The Commissary is currently running a coupon deal that nets you money off of a turkey when purchasing participating products with a particular coupon. Look for the circular in your mailbox or your local Commissary!
  • Potluck: Cut costs when you team up with other families for holiday feasts. Plan to split the costs of the turkey or another main course, then provide family-style sides and dessert to share.
  • Keep it small: Turkey might be traditional, but chicken can be a whole lot cheaper. Switch out your feast items for similar, but less costly, items. Use chicken instead of turkey, make homemade gravy, and consider reducing the number of sides to keep costs in check.

How do you keep your holiday meal budget in check? Share your cost cutting ideas, or places to seek assistance near your military base, in the comments!

 

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.

How to Survive Black Friday Shopping

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Black Friday shopping can be exciting and terrifying at the same time. The crowds are huge and so is the pressure. You may feel compelled to go shopping even if you don’t need anything in particular.

For me, Black Friday shopping has been more of a tradition than a necessity.

I’ve always enjoyed the fun with my mom. Here are my top 5 shopping strategies we use to have fun while getting great deals.

How to Survive Black Friday Shopping

What tips do you have for shopping on Black Friday?

5 Tips for Shopping on Black Friday

Make a List

Black Friday is not the time to browse. The stores will be overly crowded with less than friendly patrons. People can be very competitive pushing their way through the store to grab what they came for.

Know what you want to get in and out of each store quickly.

In order to do that, you should make a list.

I always start with a list of who I want to buy Christmas gifts for. I shop throughout the year as I notice things a friend or family member would like and just put it away.

On this list I write what I have already bought so that I don’t overbuy for one person or not buy as many things for another.

I write next to their names a few gift ideas I have for each person. Once I have completed the list, I consider what gifts are the most important to buy on Black Friday to save money. I put those on a separate list.

Compare Sale Ads

Now that I have a list of what I’m interested in buying, I start to look through the ads.  

Black Friday is the only time of the year I buy the newspaper.

I look through the ads and cut out the ones I’m interested in as well as any coupons. Then I look online to see the sales listed for stores in my area and compare prices. I also note items that are listed as minimum quantity in the fine print, that way I know if it’s likely I will be able to buy that item or if it’s even worth trying for.

In some cases it isn’t worth fighting the crowds for on Black Friday. Cyber Monday may have the same or similar products for better prices or the same. Previews for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales are available early on online.

Reading the fine print of the sales is important. I read those and note what the best option is for getting the product I want.

Create a Shopping Strategy

The next step is to create your shopping strategy. Plan the order in which you want to go to the stores.

I also think about what time I should get there to beat the crowd.

You should also consider how you will tackle the crowd to get to what you want.

It is helpful to have a shopping buddy. You can split up to find what you came for. It’s also easier to have someone with you to help carry your purchases. My shopping buddy is my mom. We make a great team.

Fuel Up

Don’t let hunger get in your way on Black Friday. I prefer to go shopping after having a meal so that I am full and not thinking about food. I also bring a snack and water with me.

Keeping fueled up on Black Friday is important. I treat myself to a latte that day. My mom and I have a tradition of going out to eat after our fun shopping trip.

Consider Logistics

Don’t get so carried away with shopping that you don’t have room in your vehicle to get it all back home.

If you know that what you’re going shopping for on Black Friday is a large item such as a TV, make sure you can fit it in your vehicle. This is not the time to drive your compact car if your spouse or shopping buddy has a larger one.

We always take the SUV on Black Friday.

Along the same lines, make sure you know where you are going to store these gifts until Christmas.

Last year I stored a giant teddy bear, which was taller than my 6 foot husband, for a friend. She certainly had nowhere to hide such a large item from her daughter. Make sure you know where you’ll be taking your purchases to once you’re done shopping.

What tips do you have for shopping on Black Friday?

Military Discounts on Everything You Need for Your Holiday Season

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but those bills sure do pile up fast! Instead of pinching pennies, use a military discount to keep your budget in check.

Military Discounts on Everything You Need for Your Holiday Season

Here’s a list of military deals and discounts available to service members, veterans and military families.

Note: many deals require that service members, veterans and their family members verify their military affiliation through a third-party site, like ID.me or Veterans Advantage.

Food for Your Table

Omaha Steaks: use ID.me to save 10% on great steaks, along with other meats and sides.

Shari’s Berries: add something sweet to the table, near or far, with a variety of discount deals.

Peapod: save a little on the essentials and get everything delivered to your door. Holiday shopping never went so smoothly!

Cracker Barrel: no discounts are advertised, but several sources do note that a discount may be offered at the manager’s discretion. It never hurts to flash your military ID.

Boston Market: if you are enrolled in Veterans Advantage, you are eligible for a 20% military discount. Show your membership card to claim your discount and add a rotisserie chicken to your holiday menu.

Local restaurants: check with local restaurants in your area to see whether they offer any special deals or discounts to active duty troops, veterans or their families.

Stock Up on Socks (and Other Things)

Old Navy: known for jeans, tees and cozy sweaters, Old Navy offers a 10% military discount. Now your family will look super sharp for the holidays.

Aeropostale: get 10% off your purchase in store. Your teens and tweens will love the casual and cool styles.

Carters: get free shipping automatically on orders over $50, including to APO/FPO addresses.

Columbia Sportswear: snag your favorite sports gear at a 10% discount when you verify with ID.me.

Kohls: some locations offer a 15% discount to service members, veterans and families when you present your valid ID. Not all stores are participating, but it always pays to check.

Nike: get 10% off at Nike-owned stores, like NikeTown and factory stores, when you present a valid military ID. Now you can get those new shoes a little bit cheaper.

Under Armour: whether you purchase online or in person, snag a 10% discount. If you are ordering online, verify your military status with ID.me.

Sperry: get a 15% discount on their classic boat shoes and other quality gear when you verify with ID.me.

Send Your Love

1-800-Flowers: if you’re far from home, show you care with flowers. Save 20% when you verify your military status through ID.me.

1st in Flowers: get 15% off flowers when you use the code USMilitary at checkout.

Hickory Farms: families living OCONUS should share this deal with their family back home. Shipping to APO/FPO addresses is free!

Make Holiday Magic

Michaels: if you like to DIY, do it for 15% less every day when you show your military ID at checkout.

Joann Fabrics: when you need to redo your curtains or craft a cute tree skirt, get 10% off at checkout when you show your ID.

Take a Trip

Beaches and Sandals: if you’d like to escape to somewhere warm and sunny, where everything is included, look at this resort company. Beaches is perfect for families with children while Sandals caters to adults-only. Make sure you get your 10% discount by calling an agent to book.

Amtrak: skip the drive and save 10% on train travel. With routes all over the United States there may be a train station close to your holiday destination.

Carnival Cruise: get special rates on select cruises in the Caribbean. Check the calendar to find the best prices on a variety of staterooms.

Princess Cruise: you’ll have a little extra money to spend on board when you use the Military Cruise Benefit Program. Contact the cruise line or your travel agent to learn more.

Disney Parks: save on multi-day park passes to Disneyland and Disney World with Disney’s Military Salute.

Hotel discounts: most major hotel chains offer discounted rates for military troops and veterans based on per diem. Not all hotels will offer discounted rates or the same discount percentage. Be sure to inquire at your preferred hotel for discounted rates and availability.

This list is just a small sampling of possible military deals and discounts available to troops, veterans and their families.

You can access more benefits by joining Veterans Advantage, although there is a fee associated with membership. There are many Veterans Advantage exclusive discounts and deals, which could help your membership fee pay for itself.

ID.me is a free program that helps retailers verify your military affiliation.

Are you a person who loves a military discount? Sign up for the Military Shoppers newsletter to have deals and savings delivered to your inbox.

 

Why I Don’t Travel Home for the Holidays

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If things were perfect, I would be the first one to raise my hand for a family-filled holiday season. I grew up in a large family filled with aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents. Every holiday was an excellent reason to spend time together, enjoying delicious food and creating memories.

Things aren’t perfect, however. As much as I would love to have those same gut-busting, house-filled-to-the-brim holidays for my children, it’s not our reality.

Why I Don’t Travel Home for the Holidays

Children are not great travel buddies.

Did I mention I have a toddler and an infant right now? If you’ve ever tried to take young children anywhere, you know it can be a recipe for disaster. Everything can go up in smoke at any second and it stresses me out.

First, there are the planning logistics. We need to figure out how many seats to buy for that long-haul flight home. There is so much math involved to figure out if buying the baby a seat makes sense that my head hurts.

Then there are the car seats. We could buy a spare set to keep in our hometown, but then we have to figure out seating on the plane. There’s always the gamble of bringing the baby’s seat on the plane hoping against hope for an empty spot in our row. However, we could end up gate checking it at the last minute.

Checking the kids’ car seats is a whole other situation. We’ve been burned before by car seats that were damaged in cargo.

If we drive, there are the endless hours in the car. Our oldest is potty trained but often needs a bathroom on short notice. Both kids have limited attention spans, so movies are not going to cut it for the whole trip. There are only so many times I can listen to the “Moana” soundtrack.

Doing this with children is, clearly, not ideal. But if this were the only roadblock or the distance were shorter, it could be doable.

We’re not exactly next door.

The closest we have ever been stationed to our home state was an 8- to 10-hour drive under ideal road, weather and traffic conditions. Mess with any of those factors and that drive is looking much longer.

Have you ever tried to cross the George Washington Bridge in the snow the day before Thanksgiving? It is not fun. Inevitably, someone would need to use a bathroom while we were stuck in the middle of the bridge.

We made it before children arrived and when we had just one in diapers. With two, making that drive with literally every other person in the region would be terrible. There is very little anyone could say that would entice me to spend so long in a car, in traffic, listening to a 3 year old scream about needing a potty right now. Sorry, kid, we’re on a bridge and the next rest stop is 2 hours away.

Right now, we live half a world away. Driving home for the holidays isn’t an option. Our flights would make that car ride seem like a trip to Disney. And the prices would make our credit cards shrink with fear.

Even at non-holiday times, round trips top $1,500 per person. We would need at least 3 seats. I’ve never done more than a quick look at the holiday season pricing. It terrifies me. There would be no presents for anyone for Christmas. Not even Santa’s magic would be able to make that work.

Financially, we would not be able to swing traveling home for the holidays unless we were within driving distance. Even then, I would emerge from that car looking like the bride of Frankenstein with the temper of a junkyard dog.

No room at the inn.

Or in this case, the house. We both have families that would gladly put us up, but we run into complications.

There is the endless rearranging of bedrooms and sleeping spaces. So much so that I feel a little guilty about visiting and kicking someone out of their cozy bed! Neither of our families has palatial homes, but everyone who lives there permanently makes it work well.

When we roll up, adding 4 more bodies, things get tight very quickly. Of course, everyone says it’s no big deal and that they love to have us stay. Having hosted large family visits, I know the sigh of exhausted relief when you finally collapse into your own bed again. I know.

Then there is the childproofing. Not everyone in our extended families has child safe homes. Again, their homes work for them, and not everyone has curious children getting into the fine china.

Instead of being able to kick back, sing carols and enjoy dessert, I’m stuck chasing down Junior and preventing another tree accident.

Having so much togetherness, especially in the winter, can be challenging. There is no outside to escape to where we are from unless you enjoy freezing temperatures. So everyone is stuck inside. That’s a lot of together time in tight quarters. Luckily, we love our family, but I’m not sure they would feel as kindly toward us after the visit.

We won’t be traveling home for the holidays this year.

It might not even happen anytime soon, depending on where we move next. This year, our families haven’t even asked. I think they just know it’s not going to happen.

In the past, we’ve always explained about the cost and stress of traveling at such a busy time with such little people.

So far, they have all been understanding. We also try to visit during the non-holiday season and invite family to visit our home as well.

For family or friends looking to escape their usual holiday routine, our door is open and the guest bed is ready. Although we understand if you don’t want to brave the rigors of holiday travel either.

Do you have times when you don’t want to travel or visit your family?

How to Host a Friendsgiving

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Celebrating Thanksgiving with friends (in lieu of or in addition to family) has become a modern tradition. And while it hardly seems like a new idea for those of us who have spent countless holidays away from home, Friendsgiving is fast becoming a tradition in its own right.

In the same way the Pilgrims gave thanks for the community and feast shared by their Native American neighbors, so should we continue that tradition with those who act as our support system when we find ourselves far from home on Thanksgiving Day.

And in the same way our relationships with friends differ from those with family, Friendsgiving isn’t bound to just one way of doing things.

How to Host a Friendsgiving

Friendsgiving is about enjoying the bounty of friendship.

Here are 6 tips for hosting your own Friendsgiving.

Pick a Date that Works for You and Your Friends

Traditionally, Thanksgiving is the fourth Thursday in November, but feel free to adjust that date if it makes sense for you and your guests. If it’s too hard to make it happen during the week, consider the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Or if some of your besties are headed home for the holiday, consider the weekend before.

This celebration is about giving thanks for those in your life who help to lift you up and support you. And if gathering all those folks together can only happen on a Sunday afternoon, then so be it.

Decide on a Dinner Theme

When most of us think of Thanksgiving, we envision roasted turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. And honestly, you can’t go wrong with this time-tested menu.

But if turkey is not your thing, then feel free to get creative.

Want to do a take-out only dinner?

Want everything to be bite-sized or finger foods?

Want to fire up the fondue pot?

Friendsgiving should include a good meal, but what that meal entails is up to you.

Invite Your Friends

Try to give your guests as much notice as possible so they can plan ahead.

One of the best parts of Friendsgiving is that everyone brings a dish to share, much like those who attended the first Thanksgiving.

Be sure your invitation includes the date, time and location. Be clear about what you want everyone to bring to this meal. Online invites like Evite can make it easier to keep track of who is bringing what. Lest you end up with a turkey, 10 bowls of mashed potatoes and no gravy.

If You’re the the Host, Work to Minimize Your Stress

As the host of a Friendsgiving, your goal is to make sure everyone feels welcomed and is well fed. Depending on the size of your invite list, you may need to buy or borrow extra place settings, serving plates and utensils, or even chairs. Try to think ahead to make sure you have everything you’ll need on the day of the event. You’ll minimize your stress and be able to relax and enjoy the day.

You should also plan to provide the main course for the meal. If you’re going the traditional route, that means the turkey. If roasting an entire bird scares you, consider just a turkey breast or two. You may want to order it from the deli at your local grocery store.

Friendsgiving is about enjoying the bounty of friendship, not about slaving in the kitchen.

If basting the bird until it’s golden brown is your thing, then have at it. If you’re better at eating turkey than cooking it, then do what works for you.

Oh, and make sure you have extra foil, plastic wrap, paper plates, and storage/bags containers so you can send folks home with leftovers when the meal is done.

If You’re the Guest, Offer to Help

As an invited guest at a Friendsgiving celebration, make sure you take the time to RSVP. Even if you can’t attend, let your host know so they don’t plan for 10 only to have 2 show up.

If you do plan on attending, make sure you check with the host to find out what you can bring or how you can help. A bottle of wine  is also a great host/hostess gift. Plus, a little bit of wine or a good craft beer never goes unappreciated among friends.

When the meal is done, don’t be a lump. Help your host clean up so they can enjoy the post-turkey celebration with you.

Count Your Blessings

Eat, drink, be merry, and take a moment to really appreciate the amazing friends you have in your life. Pictures are a given, so consider tasking someone with capturing photos of the day.

The tradition of sharing what you are thankful is a wonderful idea for dinner conversation starters. And no Friendsgiving meal would be complete without a toast to your friendship and the blessings those connections give you.

Have you ever hosted a Friendsgiving for Thanksgiving? Share your story on the MilitaryShoppers Facebook page.

More than Turkey Sandwiches: 5 Recipes for Thanksgiving Leftovers

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

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

So, nix the sandwich and try something new!

More than Turkey Sandwiches: 5 Recipes for Thanksgiving Leftovers

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

Turkey Chili

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

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

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

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

Thanksgiving Pizza

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

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

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

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

More than Turkey Sandwiches: 5 Recipes for Thanksgiving Leftovers

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

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

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

More Than a Sauce: Why You Should Eat Cranberries Daily

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Cranberries Are a Superfood Yearround

When choosing cranberries, look for plump ones that are deep red and firm to the touch.

Many Americans consider cranberry sauce one of the key components to a fantastic Thanksgiving dinner. Whether you serve it whole berry or jellied, made from grandma’s secret recipe or simply opened from a can, it is sure to grace your table this holiday season.

For some, this is the only time of the year they eat cranberries. Why? This superfood doesn’t get the praise and attention that it should. It is more than just a delicious side dish. Cranberries are loaded with health-promoting antioxidants.

Numerous studies have shown the benefits of eating cranberries. These include protection against UTIs, anti-inflammatory benefits, immune support, cardiovascular benefits, antioxidant protection, anti-cancer benefits and digestive tract benefits. The key to getting as much nutrients as possible is eating the entire berry.

The most common reason Americans eat cranberries and drink cranberry juice is to fight and prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs), but did you know the anti-inflammatory properties of cranberries can help lower your risk of periodontal disease? If you are the type of person that hates going to the dentist then you might want to consider adding cranberries to your diet to help lower your risk of periodontal disease and those dreaded dental procedures.

The benefits of cranberries don’t stop there. Antioxidant components of cranberries also hold the key to cardiovascular benefits. This includes a decreased risk of high blood pressure and the lowering of LDL-cholesterol while increasing the levels of HDL-cholesterol.

The biggest studies in the last 10 years show cancer-preventive benefits of cranberries in breast, colon, lung and prostate cancer. It is the phytochemicals in the berries that inhibit the growth and proliferation of several types of tumors.

Fresh cranberries have the highest levels of nutrients. They are harvested in September and October and can mainly be found in grocery stores between October and December. This is perfect timing to add nutrients to holiday meals in a delicious fashion. November 23 is National Eat a Cranberry Day which gives you the perfect opportunity to try out new cranberry recipes before Thanksgiving.

Cranberries are a superfood

Numerous studies have shown the benefits of eating cranberries.

For some great cranberry recipes including Cranberry Delight, Sherried Acorn Squash & Cranberries and Sweet and Salty Cranberry Clusters, visit MilitaryShoppers Recipes page. Or try this cranberry pound cake with orange glaze by jen miller here.

When choosing the perfect cranberries for these recipes, make sure to look for plump ones that are deep red and firm to the touch. These optimal berries are more highly concentrated with anthocyanin compounds which give you the most benefits. While many fresh fruits and vegetables have a short shelf life, cranberries can be stored in the refrigerator for around 3 weeks. If you want to try out a few more recipes before the big family dinner, the long shelf life will allow you to keep batches longer.

Cranberry season is very short so you may want to stock up and freeze them in groups. You can find dried and frozen cranberries year-round as well as cranberry juice. Remember that most benefits come from eating the whole berry so while drinking cranberry juice will provide nutrients, you won’t be getting all the benefits of this superfood.

Try a new cranberry recipe and leave the jelly in the can this year.

Try a new cranberry recipe and leave the jelly in the can this Thanksgiving.

Make the most of this season and eat fresh cranberries while they are at their peak. You can simply pop a few on top of your morning oatmeal or pack a small bag with your children’s lunch to add a few more into your diet. If you’ve always been the “open a can of cranberry sauce” kind of person, hopefully this information on cranberry health benefits will motivate you to try a new recipe or at least add a few more cranberries to your day.

The George Mateljan Foundation’s website says it best: adding cranberries to your diet can “help make every day throughout the year a holiday from disease.”

How do you plan on adding cranberries to your diet? Share your favorite recipes with MilitaryShoppers.