4 Methods for Flawless Toddler Travel (By: Kendra Thornton - guest blogger)

I'm really glad Kendra contacted me about doing a guest blog post! With many of my readers being military, traveling is must! Be it vacations or PCSing. Here are Kendra's tips! ---

It's hard enough to travel with children locally, but when you throw in the word vacation it can be a true struggle.  There are some tricks to make travel with your little one easier on them and you by default.  By planning ahead, you can all make it to your international travel destination as a happy, healthy and cultured family.

Debunking Myths About Finding a Private-Sector Job (By: Emma Banks - guest blogger)

Regardless of the amount of time you’ve spent in the military, the prospect of making the transition to the private career sector may seem overwhelming. While change can be good, it also comes with a fair amount of stress. Unfortunately, a number of myths that have been perpetuated over time only serve to add to the worry and fear you might feel when facing such a transition. Let’s take a look at a few of these myths and learn the truth that will set your mind at ease.

The "I have it harder than you" Card -- really?

I received an inbox on my army wives fan page ( *Army Wives Do It With Hooah* ) from someone who is OBVIOUSLY just trying to twist some panties. So, instead of posting it directly on my page, like I normally do, I decided to address it here and then let others give their input.

Here is the message:

My 1st 5K - Susan G. Komen - 4/13/2013

 

For those who have been following me and reading up on my blog and pages, you know I've been trying to get healthier. My neighbor ((shout out to Susan!!)) has been a great encouragement. I shared with her some of my problems, like I have a hard time making exercise a habit. She told me to set a goal, something to work towards..she suggested a 5K.

About 2 months ago, my friend Kim invited me to her 5K event -- she wanted to get a team to do the 5K in Savannah, GA. This was perfect timing for me! I gladly joined! My husband has supported my efforts and got me some new sneakers and the Nike+ sensor for my shoes. I've had them for about a month and have already recorded 69.83 miles!!

HealthCare Reform - Where Does it Start?

I saw a picture quote on FB this morning that really jumped out at me. It makes so much sense! --

"True healthcare reform starts in your kitchen, not in Washington. - Anon"

 First let's define reform - to put or change into an improved form or condition, to amend or improve by change of form or removal of faults or abuses, to put an end to "an evil" by enforcing or introducing a better method or course of action.

I honestly believe that healthcare costs wouldn't be so high or so needed if people took better care of their bodies. One of the easiest ways to take care of your body is to watch what you put into it! The correlation between what we eat and the diseases we (as people) have are astounding. Let's use children as an example.

Getting Healthy - I'm on my way!!!

One of my New Year's Resolutions this year was to get healthier. Some of my readers may remember me writing about my thyroid problem before. It has really made losing weight hard. During my husbands 4th deployment I had lost some weight but then my medication was "off" and I gained about 20lbs in 2months. Very discouraging!!

I have decided that this year, I WILL NOT let myself get discouraged. No matter what is thrown at me, I WILL push through and keep going. One thing I have noticed with all my reading on weight loss, exercise, healthy eating and the fad diets (which I do not recommend) is that you have to be consistent! I use to find any and every excuse to not exercise. When I had my my breast reduction my last excuse went out the window. I do something EVERY day, even if it is just going for a walk.