My Military Lifestyle

HOME & FAMILY

We had the best summer visiting several beaches this summer that weren't too far from Washington D.C. Picture the heart of summer...I'm talking about being immediately as sticky as the devil's armpit, and melting the moment you step outside! The kids are climbing the walls, they're hungry for the nineteenth time today, the phone won't stop buzzing, the laundry seems to pile up fast, and don't get ...

My Military Lifestyle

CAREER & POST-CAREER

This month I’m going to cover a benefit many veterans and their families have never heard of: Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (CAFC). With this program, the VA pays qualified family members for the time and effort they put into providing Personal Care Services for their disabled veteran spouse, parent, etc. Personal Care Services are services a Veteran needs help with from another p...

My Military Lifestyle

HOME & FAMILY

The hottest part of the Summer is over, so it’s time to look at a more full-bodied beer for cooler afternoons and evenings. An excellent example of an Autumn brew is the Belgian Saison. It has a slightly hazy, golden body with a very dense head. The aroma is light floral with a strong spice note. The flavor combines soft malt with mild hops. For the texture or feel on the tongue, there is a little...

My Military Lifestyle

Fall is upon us, and that means cooler temperatures, fall foliage, a new season of The Great British Bake Off, and lots and lots of pumpkins. That also means it’s baking season! If you’re anything like me, you scour every source you can to find fun and new pumpkin recipes. Apple cider donuts? Yes, please. Cinnamon rolls? I’ll take two. Coffee cake? You had me at struesel. This is the time of year ...

My Military Lifestyle

When most military families hear about VA survivor benefits, they think about life insurance or a one-time death gratuity. That makes sense, but it overlooks an important benefit: a monthly, tax-free payment that some surviving spouses and family members may receive for years, and potentially for life.It's called Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC), and for an eligible family, it can make ...

My Military Lifestyle

CAREER & POST-CAREER

When people hear “part-time military,” they often picture one weekend a month and two weeks in the summer. Most National Guard members know that’s rarely reality. You’re balancing a civilian career, military obligations, family responsibilities, and the possibility that your schedule could change overnight. Whether it's a state activation, a deployment, additional schools, or a natural disaster re...

My Military Lifestyle

HOME & FAMILY

When the crisp autumn air has arrived and leaves begin to fall, we as humans aren’t the only ones looking to get a little extra cozy. Our feline friends are natural-born heat seekers, and fall is the perfect time for them to master the art of lounging in a cozy and snug corner! Chasing the Autumn Sun:The angle of the sunlight changes when fall arrives, those bright spots on the floor shift making ...

My Military Lifestyle

HOME & FAMILY

Halloween night is filled with spooky costumes, tasty treats, and neighborhood cheer. The air is crisp, leaves are falling, the neighborhood is decorated, and the bowl of candy is ready. Though, for our furry family members a constantly ringing doorbell, glowing costumes, and continuous strangers knocking can feel like a full blown home invasion. The unexpected noises and door repeatedly opening c...

My Military Lifestyle

HOME & FAMILY

You step through the front door, and there they are. You walk into the bathroom, only to turn around and see a tiny familiar paw sliding under the door. For a lot of cat owners, having that distinct feeling that you’re being stalked is a normal part of daily life. Whether you’re sipping coffee, folding laundry, or walking to the fridge you can often find your cat right at your heels. Despite our f...

My Military Lifestyle

CAREER & POST-CAREER

This month I’m going to cover a benefit many veterans and their families have never heard of: Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (CAFC). With this program, the VA pays qualified family members for the time and effort they put into providing Personal Care Services for their disabled veteran spouse, parent, etc. Personal Care Services are services a Veteran needs help with from another p...

My Military Lifestyle

HOME & FAMILY

The hottest part of the Summer is over, so it’s time to look at a more full-bodied beer for cooler afternoons and evenings. An excellent example of an Autumn brew is the Belgian Saison. It has a slightly hazy, golden body with a very dense head. The aroma is light floral with a strong spice note. The flavor combines soft malt with mild hops. For the texture or feel on the tongue, there is a little...

My Military Lifestyle

HOME & FAMILY

National Pizza Month celebrates pizza’s popularity and its cultural and culinary significance. The idea was first suggested in 1984 by Gerry Durnell, the publisher of Pizza Today Magazine. He intended to praise the pizza business and show some love to the millions of people nationwide who enjoy it every year. The suggestion is that pizza lovers explore new flavors and appreciate the craftsmanship ...