Things To Keep In Mind While Getting In Shape

You've decided to take the steps to getting in shape. That's great! Here's a few things  to keep in mind while doing so.

1.) Change is gradual. Stick to it. 

You've been working out for two weeks now and you .only see a little, if any, change. This is normal. Don't get frustrated. It takes time to see a difference. But stick to it! You'll be so glad you did.

2.) Diet is part of getting in shape. 

No you don't have to go out and buy diet pills, in fact I recommend you don't. Just change your eating habits. Cut out the sugary foods and drinks, like soda and cookies, drink plenty of water, and eat healthier. There are tons of websites out there that give you recipes for healthy meals that are super delicious!

3.) It's easier to work out with someone else.

Having someone at the gym to work out with you makes it a million times easier. They will motivate you to push yourself and also help keep your mind off the workout at hand.

4.) Working out can be fun. 

Working out doesn't have to consist of going to the gym and lifting weights. It can actually be fun! There are so many other options out there. You can try Zumba or play basketball. Anything that can keep you active is a good place to start when getting in shape.

5.) The more you stick to it, the more working out will become part of your daily routine. 

Often when a person starts working out, it feels like a chore. But the more you stick to your workout plan, the more it will become a habit of sorts. The days that you don't work out will feel strange. So stick to it!

6.) Don't focus on weight. 

People tend to focus on the number on the scale when they start to work out. DON'T do that. One thing people fail to realize is that, yes at first you will lose weight. But they soon notice they're gaining weight. They then feel like their workout is for nothing, and stop. This increase in weight is muscle being built, which is a good thing. So the number you see when you weight yourself, can be deceiving. So just focus on getting healthy.

7.) STAY POSITIVE.

This is the most important  thing. If you don't stay positive and say that you can't do it, you won't. You'll stop yourself from reaching your full potential. Believe that you can get in better shape, push yourself and you'll see amazing changes.

8.) Music is a motivator. 

Make an epic playlist just for working out. It'll not only motivate you, but take your mind on the burn of the work out!

Time To Prepare for D Day: Deployment Day

Deployment is just around the corner and there is so much to do to prepare for it. Whether it's your first or thirtieth deployment, it can all be overwhelming. It's very easy to forget some of the most important things. So I've compiled a list of what I feel are the most important things to do before your spouse deploys.

1.) Prepare important documents.

Be sure that you get your spouses Power Of Attorney (POA) and will updated. I know it may be difficult to think about something happening to your spouse, but it's very important that these are up to date. If something were to happen to you while your spouse was away, who would take care of your children and pets? Who else would you like to be able to pick up your children from school or take them to the doctor, in the event that you are unable to? POAs can be for specific things or a general POA. Be sure you have a POA that allows you to do things for your husband and that someone you TRUST has a POA to do things for you.

2.) Get a passport. 

It's super important that you have a valid passport. In the event that something happens to your spouse, chances are they will first be flown to an overseas hospital. So having a passport will allow you to join them.

3.) Discuss finances.

Deployment brings in extra, untaxed money. So it's important to discuss what will be done with the extra money. Will you use it to pay off debts? Or will it be saved up for a trip when your spouse gets back? Or maybe you'll use the extra money to  buy a new car? Be sure to discuss this with your spouse and come to an agreement, before he or she ever leaves.

4.) Get Red Cross information.

I, personally, feel this is the most important thing to do. You need to get your spouses Red Cross information. This is the information that is given to families of those deploying, that allows contact in case of an emergency. Most of the time, the military will NOT allow a your spouse to return home under any circumstance, without being contacted by Red Cross. Keep this someplace where you ALWAYS know where it is. I like to keep a copy on the fridge, in my purse, and on my phone. That way it's always around.

5.) Stay in the know.

Figure out who your spouses chain of command is and become familiar with the FRG. These are your two best sources of information. The FRG will keep you updated on what's going on throughout deployment and they will also give you the homecoming date, time and location.

6.) Build your support system. 

Deployment will have it's ups and downs. It's always hard to be away from your spouse, especially for an extended period of time. So it's important to build your support system. The FRG will give you a support system of others who are going through the same thing as you. Keep your family and friends close. Who else can make you smile and laugh when you feel like crying, better than those who have known you the longest?

7.) Keep everyone updated. 

Your spouses friends and family will want to know what;s going on during the deployment. They may ask what your spouse needs or what they can contribute to a care package. Be sure to keep them updated. But remember OPSEC! You don't want to endanger your spouse or those he or she is with by giving out exact locations and troop movements.

7 Habits You Need To Break Before Getting Married

So many people are getting married young these days. I, myself, was one of them. Throughout the journey I've learned some very important things from mistakes I've made and those around me as well. Often times, people are too immature to get married and have many many habits that need to be broken. So here's a list of what I feel are the most important habits to break before tying the knot.

1.) Facebook Posting

This could start out innocent enough. Posting pictures of you and your spouse being happy together. But this can change with arguments. Many people tend to turn to social media while fighting with a spouse and they blow it out of proportion. This can cause later issues after the initial argument has been resolved.

Also, don't be the couple who feels the desire to constantly update every detail of your life. Don't feel as though it has to be posted on Facebook for your relationship to be legitimate.

2.) Laziness

Doing your part and stepping up and doing something is a very important part to any relationship. You can't show her how much you appreciate her, by making her do everything herself.

3.) Depending on Mommy and Daddy

Once you get married, you need to realize that your parents no longer have to take care of you. You can't expect your parents to always give you everything. Learn to take care of yourself. If you're old enough to get married, you're old enough to not depend on your parents.

4.) Self- Importance

Once you finally realize that you're not the only person on earth, it'll help you comprise on things. Marriage is about putting someone's needs before your own.

5.) Get Over Your Ex

How do you expect to devote yourself completely to one person if you are unable to let go of your ex? Quit worrying about every little thing he or she is doing. Pay attention to your fiance'.

6.) Snooping.

STOP. Seriously. Marriage should be built on trust. If you have to snoop through his phone or emails, you obviously don't trust him and you probably shouldn't be getting married. Jealousy just causes more problems. So whatever has happened to you in past relationships, let it go.

7.) Lying

People lie becuase they want to hide something or "stay out of trouble." But the reality of the matter is, lying causes so many more problems and fixes absolutely nothing. Honesty is very important in a marriage, so why would you want to build it on nothing but lies? Eventually the truth does come out.

Fall Bucket List

Fall is just around the corner and I don't know about you all, but my Autumn is my favorite season! There's just something about the leaves changing colors and the cool, crispness of the wind. So here's a bucket list of things to do this fall!

1. Make a leaf pile and jump in it! 
2. Make hot cider and cuddle under a blanket.
3. Go to a pumpkin patch and find the perfect pumpkin.
4. Pick apples at an orchard.
5. Carve silly (or scary) faces on pumpkins. 
6. Make s'mores. 
7. Make and eat caramel apples.
8. Have a scary movie marathon!
9. Find the perfect Halloween costume.
10. Go to a haunted house.
11. Take a nature walk or go hiking (bring a camera!)
12. Go on a hay ride.
13. Drink pumpkin coffee. 
14. Make pumpkin bread.
15. Make pumpkin pie.
16. Make pumpkin cookies. 
17. Go to a fall festival/fair. 
18. Have or attend a Halloween costume party. 
19. Go to a corn maze.
20. Tailgating! 
21. Attend a local football game. 
22. Family Pictures! 
23. Buy fall scented candles. 
24. Watch Hocus Pocus. 
25. Make Halloween Cookies. 
26. Go to Six Flag's Fright Fest. 
27. Have a bonfire! 
28. Play flag football.
29. Decorate for Halloween.
30. Decorate for Thanksgiving. 
31. Leaf crafts!
32. Roast and eat pumpkin seeds. 
33. Visit a sculpture park. 
34. Grab a blanket and cider and cuddle under the stars. 
35. Trick-or-Treat
36. Tell ghost stories. 
37. Take a drive along back roads and enjoy the fall scenery.

Advantages Of Shopping At The Commissary

Many of you  know the advantages of shopping at the commissary, but many of you may not, especially if you live off post. So I thought I'd compile a list of the advantages of shopping at your local military commissary!

1.) Cheaper Prices 

I'm sure most of you know that the commissary offers cheaper prices than most local grocery stores.

2.) A Wide Variety Of Products. 

The commissary sells many international foods and other products. There are shampoos, drinks and soaps from all over the world such as Germany, Korea and Japan. This offers a great opportunity to try new foods (especially if you'll be moving to one of those countries) or have food from a place that you once lived.

3.) Coupons!! 

I'm an avid couponer so this is great for me! Not only do you get  low prices, but you also have military only coupons that can only be uses at the PX and Commissary. The Commissary also has a rewards card. This allows you to save coupons right to the card for check out. The card will be scanned and the coupons will automatically be taken off.

4.) Priority Check Out Lines

These lines give uniformed personnel priority during lunch time. This gives them plenty of time  to return to work from their lunch break.

I hope these have given you some reason to give the commissary a try!

Easy Ways To Save Money

With today's economy we're all looking for ways to save money. Sometimes things are obvious, like don't go out to eat all the time or don't buy things you don't need. But sometimes things that you don't think about, is what will save you the most. So here's a list of ways to help save you money.

1.) Cut out cable or satellite. 

This can cost you anywhere from $50-$100 a month. So you can get rid of it and stick to Netflix and Hulu.

2.) Turn out lights when you aren't using them. 

During the day, open the curtains up and let the sunlight be your lighting. It's not only good for you, but it cuts down on energy costs as well. Replace light bulbs in your house, with energy efficient ones.

3.) Hang up a clothesline or use a drying rack. 

Your dryer is one of the most energy sucking things in your household. So put up a clothesline, indoors or out, and let your clothes air dry. Let use of the dryer, means more money in your pocket.

4.) Hand wash your dishes. 

The dishwasher also uses a lot of electric to run, so cut down on using it. Hand wash your dishes as you go, not only will you have more dishes in your cabinet throughout the week, but your electric bill will also go down.

5.) Plan out your meals in advance. 

Believe it or not, this will cut down how much money you spend at  the grocery store. Make a list of everything you need for each meal and buy only those items when you go to the store. No more clearing the shelves because you went grocery shopping while hungry.

6.) Get rid of land line phones if you have cell phones. 

Why pay extra to have a phone you barely use anyway.

7.) Budget your money and stick to it. 

8.) Save 10% of your pay and leave it alone. 

Put it in a savings account that you won't touch. It's always good to have money to fall back on in case of an emergency.

9.) Pay off your credit card each month. 

Don't just pay the minimal payment, pay it off if you can, if not, pay as much as you're able to. The interest rate is ridiculously high on credit cards.

10.) Use cash to pay for everything.

This keeps you from running up your credit card bill or over drafting your bank account.

11.) Buy fruit and veggies instead of junk food. 

If you go to the store and buy bananas, they are about 4 times cheaper than buying a bag of chips. Not only will this help you save money, but it'll help you be healthy too!

12 Things Not To Say To A Military Spouse

We've all been there. You're spouse is deployed and those around you just don't understand what this time entails. We've all had the stupidest things said to us. So I've compiled a list of 12 things that should NEVER be said to any military spouse.

12.) Now you can do whatever you want.

First of all, my husband doesn't keep me from doing anything I want to do. If there's something that he doesn't like me doing, there's probably a reason and I shouldn't do it when he's not here either.

11.) Quit whining, it's only 9 months. 

This absolutely grinds my gears. It's only nine months? When you go nine months without your husband, with limited communication and the fear he may not make it home, then we can talk.

10.) He'll be back before you know it. 

This has been said to me on the day my husband has left. Yeah... Nine months is before I know it... not. Even if you keep busy, it's still a long time to be apart.

9.) Where exactly is he?

I can't tell you that. It's called OPSEC. I'd rather my husband and those he's with, make it home safe and sound. Not hinder that in order to feed your curiosity.

8.) I totally understand how you feel. I hate when my husband leaves for the weekend. 

No. Just no. A weekend? That's 2-3 days apart that your husband will be staying in a safe hotel or house. My husband leaves for 9 months at a time, staying in a war zone. That's roughly 270 days apart. That's not even remotely close to the same thing. So you don't understand, so please don't say you do.

7.) At least he's making a ton of money!

First of all, yes he's making more money but it's not a ton of money. No amount of money could replace how I'd feel to have my husband at home, safe and sound.

6.) At least you can Skype! You'll be fine. 

I don't think people understand that the internet our troops have while deployed absolutely sucks. So most of the time you stare at a pixelated picture of your spouse. And Skype doesn't come close to actual physical contact.

5.) Aren't you afraid he'll cheat? 

No! Absolutely not! My marriage is built on trust. If you don't trust your spouse to be away from you, maybe you shouldn't be together.

4.) Is it hard to be faithful? I couldn't go without sex for that long.

If that's all you're thinking about, maybe your marriage relies on the wrong things. It's not difficult whatsoever. I love my husband way too much to do that to him.

3.) Don't you miss him? 

YES! Of course I do. What kind of question is that?

2.) Aren't you afraid he'll die?

This is probably the dumbest question I've ever been asked. That is the biggest fear of any military spouse. We don't need to reminded of it.

1.) I don't see how you do it. I never could.

And that's why you never will. It takes a strong person to do what I do. To stay faithful and unconditionally love someone who has to leave for months on end. But you will also never understand how rewarding it is and how strong my marriage is because of it.