As a huge thank you to military families past and present, you have the opportunity to enter an amazing sweepstakes. In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, Stories of Service is giving away FIFTY $100 gift cards. And what’s even better is that if you share your story and are selected as a winner, you can pick between a Commissary or Exchange gift card.

It’s so easy to enter. Just head over to their website and tap the link, enter your info and join the celebration! You have until July 6th to enter, so don’t miss your chance.

Food-wise, I’ve been trying not to skip meals, but I need something quick. OIKOS yogurt has been clutch because I can throw in some fruit, and it actually holds me over. Starkist Tuna has been just as helpful. I can eat it with crackers and call it a day when I don’t feel like figuring out a full meal.

Drinking water is something I’m always trying to do better with, so I’ve been more consistent. MiO helps because I can switch up the flavor when I get bored, and it’s even helped my kids drink more water without always reaching for juice.

I’ve also been more mindful about what I’m drinking besides coffee and water, and Health-Ade Kombucha is something I’ll grab when I want something different without reaching for soda.

Some of the other things I keep stocked are just everyday staples that make life easier. Cottonelle is one that I don’t ever want to run out of. Bush’s Baked Beans are an easy side, and Oscar Mayer is a go-to for quick lunches when I need something fast. Honey Maid Graham Crackers have been in rotation for snacks because the kids actually eat them, and Beggin’ Strips are a must for the pup; he hears the bag and comes running every time.

I’m just trying to be consistent with what works for me. If something is easy and fits into my routine, I’m more likely to stick with it. And honestly, stocking up on the things we actually use has made a bigger difference than I expected. It saves time, cuts down extra trips, and helps me stay on budget without overthinking it.

While you’re stocking up, you can enter the Stock Up & Save Sweepstakes at MMSsweepstakes.com for a chance to win. Five winners will each receive a $100 Commissary gift card!

This program supports Operation Homefront, which helps provide relief and support to military families. Knowing that the everyday shopping I’m already doing can also give back in some way just makes it feel a little more meaningful.

Ingredients:

• Refrigerated Cinnamon Rolls
• Canned Pie Filling (Peach)

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Remove cinnamon rolls from packaging and flatten to fit into muffin tin cups.
3. Spoon the pie filling in each cup
4. Bake at 350 degrees for 13-18 mins.
5. Remove from the oven and allow the rolls to cool.
6. Remove the rolls from the muffin tin and drizzle the icing over the rolls.
7. Serve warm.

Notes:

• Using canned pie filling is an easy shortcut to a delicious dessert.
• You can use other flavors such as apple, blueberry or cherry as well.

Be sure to follow along to see what the next recipe will be…

Find Out More with My Military Savings and Muffin Mania!

Ingredients:

• Shredded Cheese (Mozzarella or Blended Cheese Mix)
• Pepperoni Slices
• Marinara Sauce (Optional)

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Add cheese blend to muffin pan cups
• Top with pepperoni slices. 
• Bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 mins.
• Allow the crisps to cool before removing from the pan.
• Serve warm.
• Serve with Marinara sauce for dipping (optional).

Notes:

• Possible Variations:
  • Use Italian seasonings or experiment with others.
  • Instead of pepperoni slices, try sausage crumbles or other pizza toppings you love!

This is a family favorite in my house! I hope your family will love it as much as we do! Be sure to follow along with the Muffin Mania series to see what the next recipe will be.

Find out more with My Military Savings and Muffin Mania!

Ingredients:

• Simply Lemonade
• Ocean Spray White Cran Strawberry Juice
• Freeze dried strawberries

Directions:

1. Fill the cup with ice or as much as desired.
2. Place a handful of freeze dried strawberries in a cup.
3. Fill the cup halfway with Lemonade.
4. Pour Ocean Spray White Cran Strawberry Juice to fill the cup.
5. Place a lid on the cup and swirl to mix or use a spoon to mix.
6. Enjoy!

Add this refreshing drink to your rotation this spring and summer. It is a great addition to any picnic or backyard BBQ, and the best part is adults and kids will enjoy this cool refreshment. This is a part of the Quench Your Thirst series!

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There are many things you can do as a parent to prepare your teen for “The Real World”. Now, this takes patience, especially since kids think they have all the answers. Try to focus on ensuring your child can apply basic life skills, time and financial management, problem solving, and self care. 

Here are some helpful tips:

• Basic Life Skills: Driving, cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, using basic tools, and looking for a job.
• Time Management: Prioritizing tasks, studying, completing assignments on time, and using a planner.
• Financial Management: Managing a checking account/debit card, building savings/emergency fund, and budgeting.
• Problem Solving: Identifying the problem, using critical thinking skills, and developing solutions.
• Self-Care: Take breaks when stressed, disconnect from social media, take care of your physical health, and choose your friend groups wisely.

If your child will remain at home while attending college, you’ll have more time to focus on development. However, those who are getting your child ready to leave the nest will have limited time to prep before dropping them off on campus. I highly recommend starting to purchase the dorm essentials early as the costs can add up quickly. Below is a basic list of things your child could need for the dormitory.

Dorm Essentials:

• Personal/Health Items: Toiletries, towels, pillows and blankets, shower tote, shower shoes, and medications/prescriptions.
• Laundry Supplies: Detergent, fabric softener, laundry basket, and hangers.
• Room Essentials: Food storage containers, bedding, plates, utensils, alarm clock, and wall hooks. 
• Supplies: Calendar, laptop, pens/pencils, highlighters, paper, backpack, folders, and binders.
• Appliances: Coffee maker, small fan/heater, TV, and lamp.

It’s crazy how fast eighteen years seem to fly by, but early preparation will ease some stress for you as a parent and your future student. Be sure to maximize your savings by stocking up on essentials at your local Exchange and Commissary. Enjoy your time together before they head off to college and make as many great memories as you can.

Explore more with My Military Savings and Military Life & Family!

Ingredients:

• 20 oz bottle, Sprite
• 2 Cherries
• 2 tbsp Maraschino Syrup
• ½ lime wedge

Directions:

1. Fill your cup with ice or as much as desired.
2. Pour the soda over the ice.
3. Add 2 tablespoons of Maraschino syrup.
4. Add 2 cherries.
5. Add ½ lime wedge.
6. Mix with a spoon.
7. Enjoy!

This refreshing drink is just perfect for the spring or summer! My family asks to have this all of the time and I hope your family enjoys it that much as well!

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Ingredients:

• Puff Pastry Dough
• Butter, softened
• Cinnamon 
• Sugar

Directions:

1. Remove puff pastry from packaging and lay flat on the counter or a cutting board. 
2. Combine the cinnamon and sugar mixture and set aside. 
3. Spread the butter on the bottom sheet of the puff pastry and sprinkle the sugar mixture on top.
4. Using a pizza cutter or knife and cut into strips. Since we are using a mini muffin pan you will cut the strips in half to fit into the muffin cups.
5. Roll the strips and place into the muffin cups.
6. Bake for 15 minutes.
7. Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar on top of each cruffin.
8. Allow cruffins to cool and serve warm.

Enjoy these flaky and buttery pastries with your morning coffee or hot tea. Grab some puff pastry sheets from your local Commissary and get baking!

Find out more with My Military Savings and Mini Muffin Mania!

Ingredients:

• Pillsbury Pizza Crust
• Pizza Sauce
• Mozzarella Cheese
• Pepperoni Slices

Directions:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Remove pizza crust from packaging and lay flat on the counter or a cutting board.
• Use a pizza cutter or knife and cut the dough into strips. 
• Sprinkle the cheese on the bottom of the crust and top with the sauce and then pepperoni slices.

• Roll the strips and place into the muffin cups.
• Bake for 18 minutes.
• Remove from the oven and allow to cool. Serve warm.

Enjoy these hot and cheesy bites! They are great for date night, a weeknight dinner, or a special treat for the kiddos. Grab the ingredients during your next Commissary trip.

Find out more with My Military Savings and Muffin Mania!

Mini Pies

Ingredients

• Pillsbury Funfetti® Frosting 
• Keebler Ready Crust Mini Graham Cracker Crusts
• Cool Whip

Directions

1. Combine the frosting and cool whip in a mixing bowl.
2. Fold in the cool whip and mix until frosting is light and airy.
3. Spoon frosting into graham cracker crusts and top with sprinkles.

Enjoy the warm weather this season. Get outside and hike, bike or maybe even start a garden. While you are indoors, hop into the kitchen and make this delicious treat that the whole family will just love.

Find Out More with My Military Savings and Food & Drink!