Tag: Summer eats
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Heat Up Your Summer with a Hot Pocket (or Two!)
When the summer heat is blazing, the last thing anyone wants to do is fire up the oven. Between pool days, PCS prep, and all the back-to-school buzz, convenience is key—and Hot Pockets are here to del...
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My Military Lifestyle
Travel with pets in cars and trains can be nerve-wracking...flying with pets, even more so. However, like any other mode of transportation to get to your vacation site, next assignment, or other destination, a decent amount of preparation can go a long way toward making this a positive experience for you and your furry family members. Air travel, with or without pets, is governed by the Department...
My Military Lifestyle
Most veterans with a service-connected disability focus on getting their rating right. That makes sense because your rating plays a major role in determining your monthly disability compensation.But your rating doesn't necessarily cover every expense or limitation caused by your condition.Certain service-connected disabilities may also qualify you for additional monthly compensation, vehicle assis...
My Military Lifestyle
If you have dogs, you already know they somehow become part of literally every part of your routine. You wake up and they’re there. You’re making breakfast and they’re staring at you. You try to leave the house and suddenly everyone needs attention right now. Quite frankly I wouldn’t have it any other way.I feel like there are so many conversations around being a “good dog parent” that make it see...
My Military Lifestyle
Getting approved for VA disability compensation can feel like the finish line, especially if you've spent months waiting for a decision.Then you hear about back pay, and suddenly there's another question: How much money should you actually receive?VA calls it retroactive benefits. It's compensation owed for eligible months before your regular payments begin. Depending on your disability rating and...
My Military Lifestyle
Veterans Day 2026 Free Meals, Deals and Discounts
Veterans Day 2026 is Wednesday, Nov. 11, and dozens of national chains are thanking veterans and active-duty service members with free meals, discounts, and free admission. We checked every offer below against the VA's official 2026 list, and we'll keep updating this page through Veterans Day.A few things to know before you go:Bring proof of service. A military ID, VA health ID card, Veteran ID Ca...
My Military Lifestyle
Gratitude in a Life That Balances Service and Motherhood
Gratitude can look different when your life is split between military service and motherhood. Sometimes it looks like standing in formation before sunrise, knowing your children are still asleep at home. Sometimes it looks like coming back from drill and being greeted at the door by little arms that do not care what rank is on your chest. Other times, it looks like realizing that the hardest parts...
My Military Lifestyle
Get Your Brew On: Pairing Beer and Food: More than just Pretzels and Nuts!
This month, we'll explore beer styles and pair them with foods that make the experience more memorable. No matter your favorite beer, there are always a few appetizers, main courses, and even desserts that will complement your choice of brews. Cooling Temperatures need a Stout BeerStout beers pair very well with rich, roasted, savory foods, and snacks. They also complement, and are complemented by...
My Military Lifestyle
Make a Simple Pumpkin Spice Latte at Home and Save Money This Fall
October is here; the air has that first real brisk bite to it, and the pumpkin spice fervor is in full swing. You can practically taste that first pumpkin spice latte of the season.Last October, I actually did the math on my habit and nearly choked on my latte. Three coffee runs a week at $7 each meant I was spending about $84 a month on lattes. That was the moment I put down the drive-through cup...
My Military Lifestyle
TRICARE and FEDVIP 2027: Costs, Coverage Changes, and Open Season Deadlines
Most military families and retirees assume their health coverage rolls over from year to year without much changing. And in many cases, it does.But that doesn't mean your costs stay the same.TRICARE enrollment fees, copays, and deductibles can change annually. FEDVIP dental and vision premiums also change, and the plan that worked for your family in 2026 might not be your best option for 2027.The ...
My Military Lifestyle
Being a Woman Leader in the National Guard
If you ask me what it’s like to be a woman in the National Guard, my answer probably isn’t what you’d expect. I usually laugh and say it’s the Hannah Montana of military service. Stay with me. As a member of the National Guard, I get to build a civilian career I’m passionate about while continuing to serve my state and country. One day, I'm leading communications strategies, collaborating with cli...
My Military Lifestyle
Flying with Pets
Travel with pets in cars and trains can be nerve-wracking...flying with pets, even more so. However, like any other mode of transportation to get to your vacation site, next assignment, or other destination, a decent amount of preparation can go a long way toward making this a positive experience for you and your furry family members. Air travel, with or without pets, is governed by the Department...
My Military Lifestyle
8 VA Special Claims and Benefits Veterans May Qualify For Beyond Disability Pay
Most veterans with a service-connected disability focus on getting their rating right. That makes sense because your rating plays a major role in determining your monthly disability compensation.But your rating doesn't necessarily cover every expense or limitation caused by your condition.Certain service-connected disabilities may also qualify you for additional monthly compensation, vehicle assis...
My Military Lifestyle
My Dog Mom Non-Negotiables
If you have dogs, you already know they somehow become part of literally every part of your routine. You wake up and they’re there. You’re making breakfast and they’re staring at you. You try to leave the house and suddenly everyone needs attention right now. Quite frankly I wouldn’t have it any other way.I feel like there are so many conversations around being a “good dog parent” that make it see...
My Military Lifestyle
VA Disability Back Pay Explained: Effective Dates, Payments, and Deadlines
Getting approved for VA disability compensation can feel like the finish line, especially if you've spent months waiting for a decision.Then you hear about back pay, and suddenly there's another question: How much money should you actually receive?VA calls it retroactive benefits. It's compensation owed for eligible months before your regular payments begin. Depending on your disability rating and...
My Military Lifestyle
Veterans Day 2026 is Wednesday, Nov. 11, and dozens of national chains are thanking veterans and active-duty service members with free meals, discounts, and free admission. We checked every offer below against the VA's official 2026 list, and we'll keep updating this page through Veterans Day.A few things to know before you go:Bring proof of service. A military ID, VA health ID card, Veteran ID Ca...
My Military Lifestyle
Gratitude can look different when your life is split between military service and motherhood. Sometimes it looks like standing in formation before sunrise, knowing your children are still asleep at home. Sometimes it looks like coming back from drill and being greeted at the door by little arms that do not care what rank is on your chest. Other times, it looks like realizing that the hardest parts...
My Military Lifestyle
This month, we'll explore beer styles and pair them with foods that make the experience more memorable. No matter your favorite beer, there are always a few appetizers, main courses, and even desserts that will complement your choice of brews. Cooling Temperatures need a Stout BeerStout beers pair very well with rich, roasted, savory foods, and snacks. They also complement, and are complemented by...
My Military Lifestyle
October is here; the air has that first real brisk bite to it, and the pumpkin spice fervor is in full swing. You can practically taste that first pumpkin spice latte of the season.Last October, I actually did the math on my habit and nearly choked on my latte. Three coffee runs a week at $7 each meant I was spending about $84 a month on lattes. That was the moment I put down the drive-through cup...
My Military Lifestyle
Most military families and retirees assume their health coverage rolls over from year to year without much changing. And in many cases, it does.But that doesn't mean your costs stay the same.TRICARE enrollment fees, copays, and deductibles can change annually. FEDVIP dental and vision premiums also change, and the plan that worked for your family in 2026 might not be your best option for 2027.The ...
My Military Lifestyle
If you ask me what it’s like to be a woman in the National Guard, my answer probably isn’t what you’d expect. I usually laugh and say it’s the Hannah Montana of military service. Stay with me. As a member of the National Guard, I get to build a civilian career I’m passionate about while continuing to serve my state and country. One day, I'm leading communications strategies, collaborating with cli...
My Military Lifestyle
Travel with pets in cars and trains can be nerve-wracking...flying with pets, even more so. However, like any other mode of transportation to get to your vacation site, next assignment, or other destination, a decent amount of preparation can go a long way toward making this a positive experience for you and your furry family members. Air travel, with or without pets, is governed by the Department...
My Military Lifestyle
Most veterans with a service-connected disability focus on getting their rating right. That makes sense because your rating plays a major role in determining your monthly disability compensation.But your rating doesn't necessarily cover every expense or limitation caused by your condition.Certain service-connected disabilities may also qualify you for additional monthly compensation, vehicle assis...
My Military Lifestyle
If you have dogs, you already know they somehow become part of literally every part of your routine. You wake up and they’re there. You’re making breakfast and they’re staring at you. You try to leave the house and suddenly everyone needs attention right now. Quite frankly I wouldn’t have it any other way.I feel like there are so many conversations around being a “good dog parent” that make it see...
My Military Lifestyle
Getting approved for VA disability compensation can feel like the finish line, especially if you've spent months waiting for a decision.Then you hear about back pay, and suddenly there's another question: How much money should you actually receive?VA calls it retroactive benefits. It's compensation owed for eligible months before your regular payments begin. Depending on your disability rating and...