My kiddos LOVE racing down our Slip N Slide!  It’s a great way to stay cool and have a little competitive fun!

This is a family favorite! We snagged a simple projector.  Then, we hang up a white sheet and voila!  We have movies out in our backyard!  Don’t forget to complete the experience with popcorn, soda, and snacks!

This is one of my summer favorites!  Make a DIY S’mores Bar, where you can choose your own S’mores adventure!  I like a classic S’mores, but the rest of my family likes to try new crackers or cookies, and even new candies, instead of the plain chocolate too!  Grab your marshmallow roasting sticks and start making your favorite version!

A tradition I started last year with my kids! We put up some Christmas lights, made gingerbread cookies, listened to Christmas music, and we watched a fun Christmas movie. We had a jolly good time!

Looking for more great family ideas? Then, make sure to check out My Military Lifestyle!

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Vinegar:

• This first mask I found was in The Healthy by Reader’s Digest and uses Vinegar! A staple we can all find in our home, for cooking, cleaning and so much more…but did you know, it also works perfect as a toner or face mask?! It is so easy to make and only involves two ingredients – apple cider vinegar and water!

Oatmeal:

• I also found this great soothing oatmeal mask in The Healthy by Reader’s Digest!  I love oatmeal! It tastes good! It is good for your insides and now your outside!  Follow their recipe for an amazing oatmeal mask!

 Avocado:

• I LOVE avocado for eating and now I discovered this amazing mask at Self that is made from just 3 ingredients – avocado, yogurt, and honey!

Perhaps you’re not wanting to make your own mask but want an inexpensive, yet luxurious mask! Girl, I got you…I LOVE these face masks and they are super cute & fun to wear!! They are so easy to use! So, if you’re not in the mood for concocting a mask of your own, I highly recommend these!

Happy Pampering!

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The Commissary will be open on Christmas Eve (12/24) and New Year’s Eve (12/31), but operating hours may vary by location.

Please note that the Commissary will be closed on Christmas Day (12/25) and on New Year’s Day (1/1/25).

As always, be sure to double check your local Commissary’s hours before heading out!

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I seem to always forget my reusable bags, so when I go to the Commissary and am asked  “Paper or Plastic?” I always choose paper, because I can recycle it! However, the amount of paper bags I have accumulated is UNREAL!

So, as I was unloading what felt like my 100^th bag of groceries, wondering what I am going to do with ALL THES PAPER BAGS, I had an AHA moment…Wrapping Paper! Not only am I saving money on wrapping paper but I am also finding a great use for all these paper bags! WIN-WIN!

Supplies:

• Commissary Paper Bags
• Scissors
• Tape
• Twine/ribbon
• Sprigs of greenery(optional) I used some from bushes in my backyard.

Cut the side and bottom and lay flat, then start wrapping!

When done use whatever ribbon or twine you have and make a bow. You can add gift tags (which you could also make from the paper bags) greenery, pinecones, or whatever you want!

You can also crumple and rub the paper together to get a “crackly” texture, like I did here:

So the next time you get the question “Paper or plastic?”

Answer, paper, and know you can cross off – get wrapping paper – off your list.

This is such a simple way to repurpose your Commissary bags and have some crafty fun while you are at it!

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In honor of the United States Navy celebrating its birthday on October 13th, I decided to share some interesting facts about this maritime branch of the military!

1. The US Navy is the largest navy in the world!!!!
2. According to the USO, Navy servicemen have to volunteer to be submariners because of the unique living conditions within the submarine.
3. We have all head “Bravo Zulu” before, but the U.S. Navy has another code for ” well done,” which is  “Tare Victor George”. Who knew?!?!
4. According to The History Channel, George Washington is the father of the Navy! I had no idea!
5. I also discovered that the the Navy was demobilized after the Revolutionary War but then reinstated to fight off pirates, according to The History Channel! How crazy is that?!?!
6. Did you know that during World War II, there were six future presidents who served in the Navy? That’s right! JFK, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, and George H. W. Bush all served in the Navy during that time!

There are so many more amazing details to explore and discover about our U.S. Navy, so make sure to take a look and a Bravo Zulu to all of our Navy members!

Happy Birthday United States Navy!!!

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*School Buses are not the same, they are not big yellow buses like we have here in the U.S., but big vans or charter buses.

*Most schools, including public, all wear uniforms. However, a parent can be fined if their kids miss school, except for sickness.

*They don’t go by grades, but by years…for example my daughter is in 3rd grade, but here, she is in year 4. So, it can be a bit confusing!

*Tea is LIFE and electric tea kettles are a MUST-HAVE!!!

*Each village, especially living out near the Cotswolds, is so quaint and adorable. They always have a beautiful church, a pub, a small market, and a Post Office.  Something that is so special is that everyone takes pride of their village and its upkeep.

*The Post Office is more like an adorable gift shop. They have a little bit of everything, and everyone is always so friendly and welcoming.

*There’s nothing quite like spring in England- Every new month brings upon different blooms from cherry blossoms, daffodils, tulips, snow drops, bluebells, rapeseed, poppies and so many more! I have never seen a place so beautiful!

*Driving- Despite the obvious issue with driving on the other side, there are many other differences! The biggest adjustment for me…ROUNDABOUTS, they are EVERYWHERE!!! Thankfully, the drivers here are very polite and patient… in fact, it is considered rude to honk your horn.

*If living in England, becoming  members of National Trust and English Heritage ARE A MUST!!!-  Stonehenge is included within these and the price of tickets alone basically cover the membership, not to mention and there are so many amazing places to see that are FREE if you become a member.

*It is a very dog-friendly country! Dogs are welcomed just about anywhere, I have seen them inside pubs, stores, schools.

*Yes, it rained quite a bit BUT never all day, the sun usually made an appearance at some point or another

*It is a slower pace of life there, and I miss it terribly, it will always have a piece of my heart. 

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So here are my top reads and favorite book recommendations for you to check out this month!

• Remarkably Bright Creatures By Shelby Van Pelt
  
• A Heart That Works By Rob Delaney
  
• The Housemaid By Freida McFadden (I also am excited to read the second and third books in this series: The Housemaid’s Secret and The Housemaid is Watching!)
  
• The Kitchen House By Kathleen Grissom
  
• Crying in H Mart By Michelle Zauner
  
• The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo By Alma Cuervo
  
• The Midnight Library By Matt Haig

What are you reading right now? Let us know!

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It is one of my favorite times of the year…The Back to School Commissary Sidewalk Sale!!! The perfect time to stock up on all of your back-to-school needs. There are many great deals on your favorite brands in bulk and watch for additional coupons!

So head to your local Commissary and stock up! The sale dates vary by location, so make sure to take a look for your store’s sale days. Sidewalk Sales are a great way to kickstart your back to school season! Happy shopping and saving!

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How It Works:

1. Head to your local Commissary and ask for a Rewards Card at Customer Service or sometimes the registers will have them.
   
2. Register your card (create an account if you don’t have one already).
   
3. Then, once you have your account set up visit the Commissary website.
   
4. Browse the coupons  and press “Clip & Save” located under the coupon to add it to your account. These savings will be taken off at the register when you scan your barcode (from your card or your online account)

Please note that you can’t use a paper coupon AND a digital coupon on the same item! Happy shopping and saving!

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I live a very active lifestyle. I love to run, lift, and hike. But with every passing year, my body begs to differ and can get downright angry. Advil has always been my go-to for my tension headaches, body aches, pains, and illness. So I was so excited to see Advil now has Advil Targeted Relief, a NEW pain-relieving cream that you can apply to any muscle joint pain and will provide up to 8 hours of pain relief! 

Advil has your back and body pain covered.

Advil Targeted Relief is on sale for only $7.26 from 6/1/24-6/30/24! Head over to your local Commissary and pick some up today! 

For other great deals on Haleon products, click here.