Soldier's Wife, Crazy Life

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It’s November! Let’s Go To Outback!

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It's November! Let's Go To Outback!

This is a sponsored post! 

It’s November! Let’s Go To Outback!

One of my favorite places to go out to eat is Outback Steakhouse. I love their steaks, the atmosphere, and the Bloomin’ Onion. I discovered this amazing restaurant in college and have been a fan ever since. If you want to take me out to dinner, taking me to Outback will make me very happy.

Veterans Day Special

With Veterans Day coming up this week, Outback would be an excellent place to go. They will be thanking Veterans this year with a free Bloomin’ Onion and a beverage on Veterans Day, November 11th.

It's November! Let's Go To Outback!

November Specials

In addition to Veterans Day, they will also be offering another special from November 12th-November 16th. Military members will be able to receive 20% off of their check. This would be the perfect time to take the family out to dinner.

More Specials

And for the rest of the November, starting on November 17th, all Military, Fire, and Police Heroes will receive 10% off of their checks.

It's November! Let's Go To Outback!

Operation Homefront

Outback Steakhouse is also partnering with Operation Homefront, which is a non-profit whose mission is to build strong, stable, and secure military families. They will be launching the “At Outback, We Serve Those Who Serve” year-long campaign.

Starting on November 8th until January 2, 2018, Outback customers will be able to demonstrate their support for the military and military families through their purchases when they eat at Outback.

  • For every purchase of a Foster’s Lager Big Bloke, MillerCoors will donate $1 to Operation Homefront.
  • For every purchase of Outback’s New Patriotic Punch, Outback will donate $1 to Operation Homefront.
  • Customers can also add $1 to their checks which will be donated directly to Operation Homefront.
  • Customers’ donation of $5 or more will be used to purchase Outback gift cards that will be shared with military families by Operation Homefront.

As you can see there are quite a few reasons to go to Outback in November, or even later this year. Plan a date night, take the kids out for lunch, or enjoy a family dinner and help give back to those who serve.

How to Decide What Breast Pump is The Best One For You And Your Baby

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The Breastfeeding Shop

This is a sponsored post by the Breastfeeding Shop. 

How to Decide What Breast Pump is The Best One For You And Your Baby

Did you know that for every birth event (pregnancy or adoption,) you can receive a $0 breast pump with the TRICARE benefit? This started in 2014 and is a benefit you should make sure you use. The Breastfeeding Shop is the perfect place to get that breast pump. They will be able to help you get what you want and fill out all the paperwork to receive your pump.

The Breastfeeding Shop has a nice selection of breast pumps. Each one is a little different and one might be better for you than another based on your own needs. But how do you decide which one is best?

Here is how you can decide which breast pump is best for you and your baby.

How often will you use the pump?

Think about how often you will be using your pump. If you work outside the home, you might need a pump to use throughout the workday. If you are a stay at home mom, you will be using your pump at different times. You will want to get a pump that can keep up with your daily needs, whatever they might be.

Will you travel with the pump?

Some breast pumps are easier to travel with than others. If you will be taking your pump places, to work or on vacation, for example, you will want one that is made for easier travel. Some pumps have a battery option and that would be a must if you will be needing to use the pump places that don’t have an outlet.

A car adapter option is ideal if you will be PCSing across the country or like to go on a lot of car trips. This will make pumping on the road a lot easier for you. You will be able to pump for your baby even when you are on the road.

What type of suction do you need?

Different moms will have different needs when it comes to how strong the suction is on their breast pumps. If you are unsure about what you need or know you want something stronger, going with a pump with stronger suction options is a good idea. That way, you will be able to pump what you need for your baby. All of the pumps you can get through The Breastfeeding Shop have customizable suction options so you can control how strong the pump works for you.

Extra features

When you look at the different choices of breast pumps, you will find different features that may or may not be important to you. Features such as Bluetooth technology, a quieter pump, or being lightweight can help go into your decision for the right pump.

Please go to The Breastfeeding Shop and look at their comparison chart to decide which breast pump would be best for you. Once you decide, you can start the process of receiving your breast pump.

Have you received your no-cost breast pump yet? 

Is Pet Health Insurance Right For Your Best Friend?

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Is Pet Health Insurance Right For Your Best Friend?

AFI insurance

Disclosure: This is a sponsored article on behalf of Armed Forces Insurance.

Are you one of the 62% of households in the U.S. who has a pet?

There are so many benefits to having a family pet, especially if you are a military family. Having a dog at home during a deployment may make the spouse and family at home feel more secure. A cat may be the perfect companion for a young family. There is research that animals provide a therapeutic outlet, especially for service members and veterans with PTSD.

Yet as any pet owner knows, there are costs associated with owning a pet. After all, pets may be unpredictable. While it’s hard to anticipate accidents or illness, you can be prepared for them. From routine office visits to significant medical incidents, pet health insurance provides protection for your dog or cat when he or she needs it most.

What does pet health insurance cover?

Every plan may have different coverages depending on what is best for your family. Coverage is available for your cat or dog against accidents and illnesses (except those that are pre-existing) including the following:

  • Breed-specific conditions
  • Cancer treatment
  • Diagnostic testing and imaging
  • Surgery, hospitalization, and nursing care
  • Alternative therapies and rehabilitation
  • Emergency room and specialist care
  • Vet exam fees
  • Prescription Drug Coverage (optional)

Types of pet health insurance

There are three product options for pet health insurance. First, there is an accident-only pet insurance, which may cover lacerations, foreign body ingestion, and poisoning or even vehicle accidents.

Another option is accident and illness coverage. This insurance plan covers medical care due to accidents, like the first coverage option, but it also includes infections, digestive problems and cancer.

The third, and most popular option, is pet health insurance with embedded wellness. This comprehensive plan may cover vaccinations, early screening diagnostics, consultations for proper nutrition and dental care.

Is pet health insurance affordable?

Yes. Pet health insurance policies can be customized to fit any budget without sacrifice in coverage. For example, the policyholder might want 90% reimbursement with an annual $500 deductible, or 80% reimbursement with an annual $200 deductible.

Pets provide a world of comfort, joy and zest in our lives. Give yourself, and your pet, peace of mind that he or she will be protected and your savings intact, should illness or emergency arise.

Sponsored: Deciding to get pet insurance is a personal choice. If you do decide on pet insurance, know that Armed Forces Insurance (AFI) proudly offers this type of insurance. AFI has been in business since 1887 and their purpose is to protect the people who protect our nation.

AFI provides a variety of insurance options from homeowners to renters to auto, and of course, pet insurance, to help cover your dog or your cat. AFI’s pet insurance offers a simple comprehensive plan against accidents and illnesses, except pre-existing ones. Please click here for more information on pet insurance and what AFI offers their customers.

Get The Stink Out With FunkAway

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FunkAway

This is a sponsored post. I was also provided free product for review.

Get The Stink Out With FunkAway

Yay! It’s time for your service member to get back from the field. You can hardly wait. Even though he was only gone for three weeks this time, you still really missed him. You get the call he is home, you go pick him up, and you head back to your home on cloud 9.

You pull up to your home and you can’t stop smiling, you missed this guy and now he is back home with you and the kids. Normal life can begin again.

He hops in the shower after putting his stuff by the washing machine. As you hear the water running, you look over, and man, that smell. Yuck. The Army doesn’t always smell so good, does it? Especially when they have been in the field.

Luckily, a company has come out with a great product to help with that funk. They are called FunkAway, perfect name for what the product does. Gets the funk out of course!

FunkAway

FunkAway products are perfect to get the stink out. In our house, soccer also brings a lot of stink. The shoes can get smelly but the real issue is those shin guards. Yuck! Funkaway can help and I can stick a travel size bottle in the soccer bag with us. Perfect!

FunkAway

FunkAway is perfect for shoulder pads, elbow pads, knee pads, shin guards, jerseys, hats, helmets, tents, hiking boots and more. If you have a funky smell, FunkAway can help you out.

FunkAway

I was sent quite a few FunkAway products to try out myself. We used the Laundry Booster in our daily wash and I love how it adds just a little bit to the clothes to make them smell a bit nicer. The Laundry Booster isn’t super strong but is easy to add to every wash, especially the stinker ones.

FunkAway

The Utility Player bottle is good for clothes that need a little refreshing. I also used some on some shoes that needed to smell a bit nicer, hint, they belonged to a certain six-year-old that loves to play. Overall there are so many things you can use FunkAway on from PT clothes to your kid’s soccer cleats. They have a variety of sizes available from the Heavyweight at 13.5 Fl oz to the Traveler at 3.4 FL ( also TSA-compliant.)

Visit the FunkAway website to learn more about these products and to buy your FunkAway products and get rid of the funk! 

Can You Really Get A No Cost Breast Pump For Each Baby Through TRICARE?

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The Breastfeeding Shop

This is a sponsored post by the Breastfeeding Shop. 

Can You Really Get A No Cost Breast Pump For Each Baby Through TRICARE?

Are you pregnant or have you just had a baby? Did you know that you can receive a no cost breast pump through TRICARE? This is a fantastic benefit that we military spouses qualify for if we have a baby, either by birth or adoption. This applies for any of the TRICARE benefits and any status the service member might have to include Reserves and the Guard.

Not only that but you qualify for a new pump for each baby that you have. This is a plus as having a new pump can be a good idea, even if you have already used one in the past. TRICARE pays for one pump per one birth event.

Why would you want a new breast pump for each baby? Here are a few reasons:

Technology Changes

Times change and technology gets updated. Even in just a couple of years. If you haven’t had a baby in a while, you will find that there are many new products out on the market that they didn’t have before. Even between my two oldest boys, there were some changes, and they are just over two years apart. Like anything else, breast pumps can be approved upon. There could be new ones put out on the market in between the time you had your baby, and you get pregnant with your next one.

Lifestyle Changes

Another reason for getting a pump for each baby is because your circumstances can change as well as your needs. You probably picked out your first pump based on what you needed at the time. If you were a working mom, you would need something a bit more portable. If you were a SAHM, you looked for a pump that worked for your schedule.

Some moms either quit their jobs to stay home with a second or third baby or start working after time at home. This can change their pumping needs and why being able to get a new pump is a good thing. They can find exactly what will work for them and that baby, not having to rely on a pump that works for a different type of lifestyle.

You Didn’t Like Your Old One

You might not have been a fan of your last pump. The pump you had didn’t work as well as you thought it might. With the ability to get another pump for your next baby, you won’t have to stick with a pump that doesn’t make you happy, and you can find something different this time around.

How To Get Your No Cost Breast Pump

Getting your breast pump is an easy process by going through a company like the Breastfeeding Shop. They have a variety of breast pumps so you can find one that suits your needs. They make it easy to turn in your paperwork and will even contact your doctor directly for you.

If you are pregnant or have recently had a baby, make sure you do receive your no cost breast pump. You don’t want to miss out on this amazing benefit.

Which Breast Pump Is Best For You?

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Which Breast Pump Is Best For You?

This is a sponsored post by the Breastfeeding Shop. 

Which Breast Pump Is Best For You?

If you didn’t already know, if you are pregnant or have had a baby, you can receive a $0 cost breast pump through TRICARE. The Breastfeeding Shop is a good place to get your breast pump. They have a form you can fill out and they make the process as easy as possible.

The Breastfeeding Shop also has an excellent variety of breast pumps to choose from. Since all moms are different, the best pump for you might be different than the best breast pump for your neighbor.

Here is a run-down of all the breast pumps the Breastfeeding Shop offers and a little about each one so that you can make the right decision on your pump.

Medela Pump in Style

This pump has an adjustable speed, single and double pumping, and comes with a tote bag. The pump weighs 4.2lbs, has a 2-phase expression technology, and the motor is compact and easy to carry.

Spectra S2

The Spectra S2 has an adjustable speed, single and double pumping, and a closed system. The pump also has dual voltage and is 4.1lbs. It is gentle and quiet and has a night light which makes this pump perfect for nighttime pumping sessions.

Ardo Calypso

This pump has adjustable speed, single and double pumping, and a closed system. It is also dual voltage, battery option, and 3.2lbs. The Ardo Calypso uses vacuum seal technology.

Ameda Purely Yours

This pump has an adjustable speed, single and double pumping, and a closed system. The pump is only 1lb which makes it very lightweight. There is also airlock protection and no cleaning of the tubing needed.

Hygeia Q

The Hygeia Q has an adjustable speed, single and double pumping, and a closed system. The pump is 2.4lbs, and you can independently control cycle rate and suction strength for your particular needs.

Spectra S9 Plus 9

This pump also has an adjustable speed, single and double pumping, and a closed system. This pump has a battery option, is 1lb, and very portable. This pump is ideal for travel although the suction isn’t as great as it would be on a stand alone pump.

Spectra S1

This Spectra pump has an adjustable speed, single and double pumping, and a closed system too. It also has dual voltage, battery option, 4.1lbs with a built in rechargeable battery. This pump is very quiet with a max suction of 300 mmHg.

Lansinoh Signature Pro

This pump has an adjustable speed, single and double pumping, and a closed system. There is a battery option, comes with a tote and is 2.3lbs. This pump also has Bluetooth technology.

Evenflo Advanced Deluxe 

This Evenflo pump has an adjustable speed, single and double pumping, and a closed system. There is also a battery option, a tote, and the pump is 6lbs. This pump has an advanced control for ultimate personalization with 32 independent speeds and suction settings.

Choosing the right breast pump can feel pretty overwhelming. Take a look at this list, visit the Breastfeeding Shop’s website, and talk to your friends about what they use to find the right one.

 

Creating A Deployment Haven In My Bedroom

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Creating A Deployment Haven In My Bedroom

I received a free NECTAR mattress in exchange for this honest review. There are also affiliate links in this blog post.

Creating A Deployment Haven In My Bedroom

One thing that has helped me during deployments or time apart from my husband is having a place to go when I was feeling down or sad about my situation. Having a comfy place to read, watch tv, or write in my journal is my place to get out of my funk and work through the difficult deployment day.

What do you need to make a deployment haven?

To create your own deployment haven, you need a place for you to go, to reflect, to dream, to cry, to relax. A place where you can go when the deployment day gets to you. For some, this retreat might have to come after the kids go to bed. For others, this might come in the mornings after everyone goes off to school.

Finding a relaxing place for you to go during a deployment will help keep you focused. The best part about creating this type of space is that you can make the space unique to you and your needs. For me, my deployment haven is my bedroom.

For the longest time, my bedroom was the catch-all room of the house. If I didn’t know where to put something, I put it in there. Slowly I have been working to end that and to make our master bedroom a haven for me when my husband is gone and for both of us when my husband is home.

The biggest part of any bedroom is the bed, and we had been sleeping on a 12-year-old mattress.

I got the chance to review a NECTAR mattress, and I knew it was the perfect time to upgrade. 

With a new bed and mattress, I could make my deployment haven even better. With a comfortable memory foam mattress, I could snuggle into bed with a book, be comfortable, and enjoy my alone time.

The mattress arrived in a tube just like this…

NECTAR MATTRESS

 

We then were able to get the mattress out and ready to be slept on. It took a few minutes to get the outer bag off and then we moved the mattress to our bed frame. We opened up the packaging, and slowly the mattress started to grow to its full size.

You can see our video here…

Putting this together was super easy. We got things started around 5:00 pm and by the time we went to bed that night the mattress was ready to sleep on. There was a slight odor from the mattress, but that went away in a few days.

We have slept on the mattress for over a week now, and I LOVE it. This mattress isn’t just nice, but it’s amazing. We received the King mattress and upgrading from a Queen has been wonderful, but beyond that, the mattress itself is super comfortable.

NECTAR MATTRESS

Not only does the mattress feel good to sleep in as it conforms to your body but the mattress is also perfect for laying on to watch tv or get lost in a book. I like to read before I go to sleep each night and I love how I can settle into the bed and get super comfortable while I am reading. This mattress is perfect for my deployment haven.

The mattress also comes with two pillows, and they are pretty amazing too. They also took a little time to get to their full shape.

NECTAR MATTRESS

I love how the mattress looks, and when you first open the package, you won’t be able to help yourself from putting your hand on the bed and watching the memory foam at work. This type of mattress is very different from one with a spring, and that is a good thing.

Does this mattress sound good to you? Here is a little bit more about the Nectar mattress:

Forever Warranty: NECTAR has a forever warranty which is how long they will guarantee the construction, materials, quality, and durability of NECTAR.

Shipping: Shipping is free within the contiguous US. There are additional shipping costs to Alaska, Hawaii and US territories excluding PR.

How does the mattress work: The NECTAR mattress has 4 special grade performance layers and a uniquely milled cooling cover. NECTAR is certified pure and better for you and the environment. The mattress is considered medium firm, support of a firm mattress and comfort of a pillow top.

365 Night Sleep Trial: You get a full year to enjoy NECTAR and figure out if the mattress is right for you.

How to buy: Head on over to the NECTAR website, find the right size and right mattress and place your order.

So whether you are working on your own deployment haven or you want something for your new house after a PCS, check out the NECTAR mattress, you will be glad that you did.

Operation Rocker With Cracker Barrel and Operation Homefront

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Cracker Barrel

This is a sponsored post with Cracker Barrel!

Every time we go to we always take some time to sit in the rocking chairs out front. They are perfect for your porch, to sit and enjoy the evening or to have a cup of coffee before work. I am working together with Cracker Barrel on this post and they sent me one of their rocking chairs to put together, decorate, and gift to someone special. When they did, I knew who I wanted to give this rocker to.

My husband, who is in the National Guard, first joined the Army back in 1996. Although he did take a break, I joke it was in order to meet me, he has served a total of about 13 years, both active duty, and with the National Guard. He spends his weeks working hard at his civilian job and then when it is time for drill, puts on his uniform, and goes and serves his country. And his birthday is coming up.

I knew that my husband would love a rocking chair for his birthday. We have a front porch at our home here in Tennessee and I knew a rocking chair would be perfect for him to sit in after work or on a Saturday morning, especially since it has finally started cooling off here.

Operation Rocker With Cracker Barrel and Operation Homefront

When he is not working, he likes to relax and I knew the rocking chair would allow him to do so more than the chairs we already had out there. My six-year-old son and I took some time to decorate the chair for him too. He loves this type of thing and knowing he was making it for his Dad made working on it even better.

Operation Rocker With Cracker Barrel and Operation Homefront

My helper 🙂

We decided to go with a red, white, and blue patriotic theme for the chair. We used several different types of ribbon and a red, white and blue star decoration.

Cracker Barrel

provides a good meal for your whole family. They have a home-away-from home feel and whenever someone visits us from out-of-town, we like to take them there. The restaurant was established in 1969 in Lebanon, TN and there are 644 stores in 44 states today. Not only do they have good food, their breakfasts are my favorite, but they have an amazing country store you have to spend time in when you go.

Operation Rocker

The Operation Rocker campaign with Cracker Barrel and Operation Homefront is a way for the community to give back to the military and the veterans who have served their country. Cracker Barrel will donate a rocking chair to Operation Homefront for every adult rocker that is purchased on Cracker Barrel’s website until Labor Day (9/4/17.)

In addition to donating the rockers, Cracker Barrel also donated 10% of proceeds from all in-store adult rocker sales to Operation Homefront during the weekend of June 30th-July 4, 2017.

Operation Homefront

Operation Homefront offers relief, resiliency, and recurring support to military families across the nation. After starting shortly after 9/11, they have served tens of thousands of military families across the country. I know we have benefited from them in the past too.

Operation Rocker is one way to help so they can continue to help military families. The program Homes on the Homefront, which Operation Rocker supports, has also awarded nearly 600 mortgage-free homes as well as providing over $48 million in deeded value to veterans and their families. Other programs include the Fisher House, United Through Reading, The Legion Fund and more.

Last year, over 700 rockers were purchased during this program. Cracker Barrel and the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Foundation together contributed over $430,000 to Operation Homefront through both monetary and in-kind donations. To kick off this year, they awarded a $50,000 grant to Operation Homefront.

Head on over to the and buy a rocker for you or that special person in your life. Doing so is a way to give back to veterans and you can enjoy the benefits of having a rocker on your porch too.