December Sponsor Spotlight and Giveaway

Here's to another wonderful month of sponsors! Show their blogs and shops some love and enter this month's giveaway! 

Meet Loren from My {Sub}Conscious Ramblings! 

Hi, I’m Loren from My {Sub}Conscious Ramblings! I am an Army wife of 4 years, a certified personal trainer, dog-mom & coffee addict. I tend to blog about life as military family, DIY projects, fitness, healthy recipes I cook up & any other randomness that comes my way! We recently PCSd from North Carolina to Oklahoma- so join me as I embrace the craziness that is moving with the Army, meeting new friends, & all of our new adventures in & around “The Sooner State.”

Twitter | Pinterest | Bloglovin'

Meet Natasha from The Artisan Life and Natasha's Nibbles and Noshes! 

I’m currently waiting for my diploma and teaching certification to arrive in the mail and enjoying spending my free time blogging, creating new items for my Etsy store, and finally getting to spend some time with my sailor.

Twitter | Etsy Shop | G+ | Faceboo

Meet Nicole from Mercantile 519! 

I launched Mercantile 519 a few months back after some life changing events. For the past few years, I've been knitting and making jewelry, and this is my outlet for these creative endeavours. I sell through my shop online, in several local stores and at craft shows.

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Guest Post: Deployment Tips for the Significant Others of Submariners

John and I are currently in the throes of PCS-ing (moving, for you non-military folks), and so I've asked one of my close blogging friends and fellow Navy significant others to guest post. Natasha is dating a submariner, and honestly, I don't know how she does it! She and I were dealing with deployment the same time-- our guys actually came home within days of each other. But hers is already gearing up for another deployment. Natasha is a strong, strong woman. My hat is off to her! 

They don't call it the Silent Service for nothing - keeping in touch with a submariner is hard. I hear other branches have these magical things called 'morale tents' where s/he can go to message or Skype with friends and family members. There's no morale tent on a submarine, no way to FaceBook chat or Skype with someone underway on a boat.

So how do you keep in touch?

It is possible to stay in touch with a submariner, it just takes some planning, effort, and a bit of understanding. It was difficult at times, but we managed to emerge from an eight month long ‘six month deployment’ stronger than when he left, and communication was key.

Snail Mail and Packages

You can actually send mail to someone on a submarine, it just might take a while to arrive. Letters have a better chance of making it than packages - they sometimes don't get packages until after they've returned from deployment! They do receive mail when in port, and sometimes when they meet up with other ships at sea. If you want to send mail to your submariner, make sure you have the 'address' before he leaves because it may not be possible for him to email it through his secure email. (I'm not discriminating by saying 'he,' but there are only a very, very few number of ladies on submarines and typing s/he gets cumbersome!) If you send a card or letter, you can use a regular stamp. If you mail a package, the postage doesn't cost anything extra, but your will have to fill out a customs form. Don't forget it or your package will end up back in your mailbox, not with your sailor!

Because mail delivery is uncertain, I planned ahead and sent cards with him when he left on deployment. I knew he would be gone for Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, Valentines, Easter, etc., so I bought cards ahead of time. I wrote him notes, dated the envelopes, and then put them all inside a larger envelope with a different, earlier date on it to at least keep him guessing for a couple of extra weeks. I also included a random, encouraging card with 'whatever day you need it most' written on the outside. I know from working in a gift shop that sold cards that many card shops keep out of season cards in store, just not on display. If you talk to store employees and explain the situation, they'll probably help you find the holiday cards you need. When I picked up cards last October, the folks at the store actually just gave them to me after I explained what I was doing!

Email and Censorship

You can email with your sailor while he's underway, but you have to email his secured email address. When they're actually on deployment, someone reads this email and can censor it before passing it along. Sometimes this can take a couple of days, but other times it happens pretty quickly. If your email is edited, you will receive an automated notification with the edited text in an attachment. I never had any real problems with editing, but I didn't discover quickly that automatic signatures added by your email program seem to cause a problem. When I started deleting these email signatures, I stopped getting editing notifications.

Dealing with the Frustrations of Deployment 

Now that we've covered planning and effort, here's where the understanding comes in. Your sailor may not have the time to check his email on a regular basis and, even if he does, he may not be allowed to respond for up to weeks on end. There are times (and they can't even always warn you when they'll be!) when they can receive emails but not send them. It can be frustrating, annoying, and downright lonely, but remember that he is probably incapable of responding if you don't hear back for a while. Also remember that he can read your messages and keep them coming, even if you know he can't write back for a few weeks. I wrote my man every single day of his deployment, even if the email was short and simple, and he told me time and again how much receiving my emails meant to him.

You also need to exercise understanding whenever you’re feeling frustrated. Whether you’re upset because you haven’t heard back from him and need advice or assistance or are on the verge of tears because their homecoming date was changed yet again, remember that your sailor has no control over the situation. If you feel hurt, imagine how he feels knowing he’s causing your unhappiness and has no power over the situation. Whenever I was having a particularly bad day, I always reminded myself that at least I could take a walk outside to see trees and hear birds, a luxury my man didn’t have. I know from talking to him later that every time the boat was delayed, all the guys on board were at least as unhappy as the ladies waiting. By not taking your frustrations out on your sailor, you can help ensure he’s looking forward to seeing you and help keep him in a better mood while they’re away.

Keeping in touch with a submariner who’s on deployment is difficult, but it is possible. I’m thankful I live in a world with emails and even the possibility of hearing from him while he’s gone - a privilege so many with loved ones in the Navy have not enjoyed over the years. When a submariner you love is preparing to go on deployment, just remember to plan ahead, put in some effort, and show understanding and you’ll both have a far better experience.

Hi, I'm Natasha! I love creating things! This fall I'm busy student teaching, trying to get ready for the holiday craft fair season, and counting down the days until I'm back with my sailor. Check out my Etsy shop and blog, The Artisan Life. 

Review: The Tender Soldier by Vanessa M. Gezari

Disclaimer: I was contacted by Simon and Schuster  to review The Tender Soldier. I was compensated with a product for this review.All opinions and observations are mine. 

Operation Enduring Freedom began when I was a sophomore in high school. We debated it in Model U.N., talked about it in history, and knew of people who deployed with the National Guard and Reserves; however, as the war dragged on, I became less and less engaged with it, as did many other Americans. To be quite honest, even when John deployed to Afghanistan last year, I kept my distance from the news. When I was contacted by Simon and Schuster to reviewThe Tender Soldier: A True Story of War and Sacrifice , I was not sure that I wanted to. Unlike Three Cups of Tea or Kite Runner,  this book seemed like it would hit just a little closer to home.

The Tender Soldier is both the objective and heart-wrenching chronicle of the key players of the Human Terrain System, a project meant to probe and help American military personnel grasp a deeper understanding of Afghan culture. Their goal is to study and analyze Afghan culture so that military personnel can competently, knowledgeably, and strategically communicate and interact with Afghan leaders and citizens. It is obvious that Gezari's purpose is to give us a holistic portrait of this daring undertaking. She is neither nostalgic or harsh, but fair in her assessment and descriptions of the events and people involved.

I'm a sucker for great writing, and Gezari did not disappoint. The author walks a fine line of being meticulous and journalistic in her research and prose and crafting an engaging story. At times stark, at other times descriptive, the prose is always perfect for the moment. While nonfiction-- especially that about the military-- can be tedious and laden with acronyms and jargon for the sake of sounding official, The Tender Soldier does not cross the line of hubris. Instead, I found myself as deeply interested in the intricacies of the Human Terrain System and the political jostling to create it as I was in the lively and engaging profiles of the team members and detailed descriptions of the country and culture of Afghanistan.

While a sobering look at the failures of our presence in Afghanistan, it is also uplifting. Throughout the duration of the book, the members of the Human Terrain System are deeply committed both to sociology and their work in the field. They are optimists and hold tightly to the belief that,cultural understanding and study is an important pillar of military strategy.  This alone makes The Tender Soldier a very worthwhile read.

Got the bug to read The Tender Soldier? Simon and Schuster is giving away a copy to one of my lucky bookworms! Enter below!

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September Sponsor Spotlight and Giveaway!

It's officially fall and it's officially time for the first giveaway and sponsor spotlight of the fall! I am so glad to have these ladies on the sidebar! Check out these blogs and the lovely women who write them and enter our giveaway!  

Meet Rosey from Mail4Rosey! 

Rosey is a mom of four, and new grandmother of one. She has a Masters in Higher Education Administration, and is right in the thick of her dissertation research for her PhD. She loves to travel, and she loves to blog.

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Meet Mrs. Aguila from Life of Mrs. Aguila! 

In love with Mr. Aguila, Daughter of the One True King, Avon/Mark sales rep, shoe collector, makeup junkie, shopping addict and coffee drinker.

Twitter  | Instagram  | Pinterest | Facebook

Mrs. Aguila's Avon: Shop | Facebook

Meet Natasha from The Artisan Life and Natasha's Nibbles and Noshes! 

I love creating things! This fall I'm busy student teaching, trying to get ready for the holiday craft fair season, and counting down the days until I'm back with my sailor.

Twitter | Etsy Shop | G+ | Facebook

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August Sponsor Spotlight and Giveaway!

It's almost the end of August, and that means that I have another wonderful batch of bloggers who have given me the chance to promote their blogs and get to know them! Take a moment to get to know them too, and enter our month's giveaway! 

Meet Breanna from Sweet Silver Lining! 

I'm a 24 year old Registered Nurse from Minnesota who loves sparkles, country music, & the great city of Nashville, TN! On Sweet Silver Lining, I also blog about my life and things I love. I hope you'll stop by and stay for awhile!

Twitter | Bloglovin'| Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook

Meet Alyssa from Impractical Composition! 

I'm Alyssa, married to Brandon, aka Brand.  I'm an ASU student studying social work by day, and an avid crocheter by night.  I blog about my impractical journey through life and everything in between.

Twitter | Etsy Shop | Bloglovin' | Instagram | Facebook

Meet Natasha from The Artisan Life and Natasha's Nibbles and Noshes! 

I love creating things! When I'm not busy with work or my double load of grad school classes, I'm writing, taking pictures, creating items for my Etsy shop, attending craft fairs, and hanging out with my sailor. 

Twitter | Etsy Shop | G+ | Facebook

Meet Mrs. B. from The World Traveling Military Family! 

This small town Idaho girl met a small town West Virginia boy, we got married and have been traveling the world with the Air Force ever since!  We have lived in Alabama, Iceland, Japan, and are heading to Germany in Nov 2013.  I'm a labor doula, photographer, substitute teacher, wife, mother, DIY'er, crafter, just to list a few.  I love traveling to new locations, meeting amazing friends along the way, and of course posting all about our adventures!  

Twitter | Bloglovin' | Facebook |Etsy

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July Sponsor Spotlight and Giveaway

I'm getting back in the swing of things from the wedding and honeymoon! While I'm getting myself situated (so much laundry!) and used to an entirely new state, check out my lovely, wonderful sponsors and enter their fantastic giveaway! There's so much up for grabs!  (And if you're looking for wedding and honeymoon updates, I promise they're coming! Give me a few days and they'll be posted! Promise!)

Meet Victoria from Felicitous Fruition! 

I'm a 21-year-old Marine Wifey from Seattle, pursuing anything and everything that makes me happy in San Diego! I'm super excited to get settled into this new blog and share my life with you. I keep myself busy during the day and on my blog with beauty and fashion tips, sewing shenanigans, and funny-exciting-so-cute-you-want-to-gag-stories of my loving husband and our spazzy puppy and kitten. Follow along with me, myself and my ridiculous life!  xoxo, Victoria

Instagram | Bloglovin | Twitter

Meet Jen from Marine Wife, Mommy & Life! 

Wife to a Marine, mommy to two rambunctious boys and a crazy German Shepherd. Former and veteran Marine, stay at home mom, strong small business supporter. Coffee addict, lover of antique books, coins, guns, football, jewelry and shoes!

Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram

Meet Miranda from Hurry Up and Wait! 

I'm a small town Minnesota gal about to embark on life's greatest journey as a college graduate and Marine wife!

Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Facebook

Meet Natasha from Serenity You! 

Hi, I’m Natasha. I’m mum to 3 cheeky monkeys and love to blog about our daily life, crafts, recipes and a little bit of everything else. My favorite thing to do is read blogs and I often browse Pinterest for hours!!

Twitter | Pinterest | Facebook

Meet Natalie from At Home with the Hinkleys! 

At Home with the Hinkleys is a personal blog to share the life of the Hinkleys (my husband Aaron and I, and the cat Irene).  I write about things that make me laugh, interesting things I hear about on NPR, and all the TV I watch.  

Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Facebook

Meet Mrs. B. from The World Traveling Military Family! 

This small town Idaho girl met a small town West Virginia boy, we got married and have been traveling the world with the Air Force ever since!  We have lived in Alabama, Iceland, Japan, and are heading to Germany in Nov 2013.  I'm a labor doula, photographer, substitute teacher, wife, mother, DIY'er, crafter, just to list a few.  I love traveling to new locations, meeting amazing friends along the way, and of course posting all about our adventures!  

Twitter | Bloglovin' | Facebook |Etsy

Meet Natasha from Natashalh and Natasha's Nibbles and Noshes! 

I love creating things! When I'm not busy with work or my double load of grad school classes, I'm writing, taking pictures, creating items for my Etsy shop, attending craft fairs, and hanging out with my sailor. 

Twitter | Etsy Shop | G+ | Facebook

Meet Betsy from Musings of a Museum Fanatic! 

I am a museum and culture loving, sometimes recipe cooking, fly by the seat of my pants DIYer, always rocking out and just living life kind of blog. 

Come join in on the sometimes crazy and usually unorganized but always fun times at Musings of a Museum Fanatic!

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Bloglovin

Meet Natalie from Beauty & Brains with Brown Eyes! 

I’m a 20-something Texas gal living in Aggieland. Right now I’m in limbo between being done with college and getting ready for the next step in my life. I love to cook & bake, so that means I love to eat! I like sports, but basketball is by far my fave. I’m also trying to lose weight (thanks to college) and I’m super duper tall. I say “y’all” all the time and I have an amazing fiancé.

Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Facebook |

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June's Sponsor Spotlight and Giveaway!

I am excited to introduce the wonderful ladies on my sidebar this month. You'll probably recognize quite a few of them from months past, which is exciting! I love having return sponsors! All of these women are truly inspiring-- check out their blogs and their amazing writing, photography, crafting, baking, and entrepreneurism! I think you'll love them too!

Take a few minutes, check out their blogs and enter this month's giveaway!

Meet Victoria from Felicitous Fruition! 

I'm a 21-year-old Marine Wifey from Seattle, pursuing anything and everything that makes me happy in San Diego! I'm super excited to get settled into this new blog and share my life with you. I keep myself busy during the day and on my blog with beauty and fashion tips, sewing shenanigans, and funny-exciting-so-cute-you-want-to-gag-stories of my loving husband and our spazzy puppy and kitten. Follow along with me, myself and my ridiculous life!  xoxo, Victoria

From June 7th to July 7th, Victoria is has a Mark Cosmetics Employee Discount sale going on! If you're interested in buying 3 products for $35, check out her details here. 

Instagram | Bloglovin | Twitter

Meet Jen from Marine Wife, Mommy & Life! 

Wife to a Marine, mommy to two rambunctious boys and a crazy German Shepherd. Former and veteran Marine, stay at home mom, strong small business supporter. Coffee addict, lover of antique books, coins, guns, football, jewelry and shoes!

Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram

Meet Miranda from Hurry Up and Wait! 

I'm a small town Minnesota gal about to embark on life's greatest journey as a college graduate and Marine wife!

Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Facebook

Meet Mia from The Chronicles of Chaos! 

I'm married to my high school sweetheart, a mom to 2 boys, a frequent shopper of Target, and a HUGE Adam Levine fan. I blog about the absolute chaos of my life and all the random things that pop into my brain and I love meeting new people, so come say hi! 

Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Bloglovin | VA Blogging Community

Meet Natasha from Serenity You! 

Hi, I’m Natasha. I’m mum to 3 cheeky monkeys and love to blog about our daily life, crafts, recipes and a little bit of everything else. My favorite thing to do is read blogs and I often browse Pinterest for hours!!

Twitter | Pinterest | Facebook

Meet Ashley from Love From Home! 

I'm a twenty-something newlywed embarking on all of life's great adventures: deployment, marriage, house hunting and more! 

Twitter | Pinterest | Facebook | Care Package Inspiration Board

Meet Jenni from A Dash of Sunshine! 

My name is Jenni, and I blog over at A Dash of Sunshine! I like to share my day-to-day ramblings, pictures of my favorite almost three-year-old, and the occasional recipes I am cooking up!

Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Bloglovin'

Meet Natalie from Beauty & Brains with Brown Eyes! 

I’m a 20-something Texas gal living in Aggieland. Right now I’m in limbo between being done with college and getting ready for the next step in my life. I love to cook & bake, so that means I love to eat! I like sports, but basketball is by far my fave. I’m also trying to lose weight (thanks to college) and I’m super duper tall. I say “y’all” all the time and I have an amazing fiancé.

Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Facebook |

Meet Betsy from Musings of a Museum Fanatic! 

I am a museum and culture loving, sometimes recipe cooking, fly by the seat of my pants DIYer, always rocking out and just living life kind of blog. 

Come join in on the sometimes crazy and usually unorganized but always fun times at Musings of a Museum Fanatic!

Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Bloglovin

Meet Alex from Munchkins and the Military! 

Hey there blog lovelies! I am Alex from Munchkins and the Military. I'm a stay at home mom of two toddler girls & the wife of a Soldier. I blog about mommy life and the ups and downs of life as a military family, along with some recipes and projects occasionally thrown in. I hope you'll stop by and say hello!

Alex has been nominated as a contestant for the Top 25 Military Moms competition. Vote for her here! (It's quick, easy, and you don't have to register!)

 Twitter | Pinterest | Bloglovin | Instagram

Meet Natasha from Natashalh and Natasha's Nibbles and Noshes! 

I love creating things! When I'm not busy with work or my double load of grad school classes, I'm writing, taking pictures, creating items for my Etsy shop, attending craft fairs, and sending long emails to my submariner. 

Twitter | Etsy Shop | G+ | Facebook

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