Book Review!!

Intro to Army Life: A Handbook for Spouses and Significant Others Entering the Army Lifestyle

by Allison Mewes

In full disclosure, I had my reservations about this book. I am the first one to admit that I do NOT know everything about the Army, but after almost 11 years, I know enough to get me by. I had very high expectations and, at first, was very skeptical and was almost waiting for false information. I am happy to report that I was extremely impressed by the factual information it had to offer.

Every Army wife has different experience. Bottom line, you'll never be able to make a broad generalization about them. The location, rank, and job of the soldier gives each Army Wife an experience that is uniquely hers.

This book doesn't try to generalize, but instead gives great tips and information about how to make your life, especially during deployment, a little less stressful. Complete with rank charts and her own compilation of the 25 most important Acronyms, it is easily maneuvered and simple enough for anyone to understand.

There was only one area that I did not fully agree with the author, and no military spouse ever can. Fraternization. Although the military has rules and regulation regarding the fraternization of the soldiers, the spouses are left on their own to either do what their soldier tells them, or form a system that works for their family. On page 56, the author states

"The same rule for soldiers applies somewhat to spouses. It is assumed that spouses of higher-ranking military personnel will know things that shouldn't be told to spouses of lower-ranking military personnel and therefore shouldn't communicate on a social level. There is no hard and fast rule on this, but it is something to be aware of. Again, since families of Reserve or National Guard soldiers live off base, the socialization rules are not as strictly enforced."

Like stated before, you will never be able to please every Army Wife, but even my husband was a little thrown by this statement. No matter your soldier's rank, if it isn't public knowledge, it shouldn't be shared with your spouse. When my hubby was enlisted, I always had a wide array of Army Wife friends who's spouses ranged from E-1 to O-5. I met all of these women through the FRG because I kept the mindset that you can't make a difference, or complain, if you don't participate. Even after the hubby went to "the dark side" and became an Officer, the variance has stayed the same. Also, it gives the appearance that most active duty families live on post. In the decade the hubby and I have been married, we've only lived on post for one year. It is truly a game of chance, when PCSing to a new location, if housing is readily available. Most posts have up to an 18 month waiting list for housing, therefore many soldiers live off post.

One paragraph in 172 pages, that's pretty darn fantastic!

I definitely recommend this book to any new spouses to the Army! There are great resources and interesting facts. This would be a great bridal gift, or gift for a spouse with only a few months or years of experience.

As the back cover states "[this book] gives you the tools and resources necessary to make you transition into the Army lifestyle easier, less stressful and more fun."

I also want to point out this that book is available in paperback, on Kindle, and Nook. I personally purchased it for my Kindle because I was so impressed with the resources that are valuable to every Army spouse.

Happy reading!

*I was sent this book for review by the publisher, no other compensation was given*
*I plan on passing the book along to my soon-to-be SIL as she makes her transition to Army Wife!*

Jen, would you be my BFF?

Dear Miss Lancaster,

I must start by saying I have a total non-lesbian crush on you. I had heard about your first book Bitter is the New Black, quite a few years ago but only recently started reading your masterpieces. To say I love your writing would be an understatement. As I am now halfway through your third book, Such a Pretty Fat, I often find myself thinking what I would say, as you so vividly describe different situations, only to find out that you read my mind!

I really think we could be great friends. While you are too modest to say n-i-p-p-l-e and have a mouth that would make any soldier blush, I try my hardest to only use made up swears but have no problem discussing the special hugs that adults do when they really love each other.

I could bring a great balance, and have even been known to make my friends laugh. Just think about it.

Sincerely,
Mary

*I actually sent her this in an email...I'll let you know if I ever get a reply!

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I have a ton of pictures and events to write about, but I have been working every chance I get, because lets face it, I can't complain about not having money when I turn down a chance to work when Eric is home and I won't have to pay for a sitter!

Review, but no giveaway

I know, I know. You were hoping I would give away something other than cool points, but I'm cheap and don't have the connections to get stuff for free.

While I was still pregnant I asked many people about what they preferred, slings/wraps/peekaroo, and my SIL, Michelle, said a wrap was the way to go. So I ignored her and found two slings that I wanted to try because they just seemed easier than a wrap. I purchased a Hug-a-Monkey sling, and was less than thrilled. It didn't feel like there was enough fabric to safely hold the boys, wasn't adjustable (which I knew before I bought it) and I got the wrong size. So, I set out to find a better one and purchased a Maya wrap (which is really a sling). Cooper hated it from the beginning, but Carter didn't mind, until he didn't want to stay in a safe position for it anymore and wiggled out. So, once again I had to resort to using harnesses that dug into my shoulders & gave me a headache...not good.

My other SIL, Sarah, mentioned awhile ago that she was taking pictures for her friend for a new website, So Nurturing, and the great wraps she made. I was meaning to visit the site, but kept forgetting.

After spending a Saturday holding the babies while we were out and about, I knew couldn't do it again (I've had crazy pain in my hands/wrists since I was 6 months pregnant, and frequently drop things).

I went to the site and purchased one of the cuddle soft wraps ($45, without the matching hat) in Teddy bear brown.

And, I decided to let Mr. Fussy Pants (aka Cooper) be the judge.He loved it!! And, it doesn't dig into my neck, is a lightweight fabric, AND is available in super cute colors! Also, I was terrified about being able to tie it right, but the website has great step by step pictures that even I can follow. Oh, and it also folds up small enough to fit into the smallest diaper bag.

So, if you have a little one, or need a gift for a baby shower (or want to buy me the one in soft black bubble so I can have one to match any outfit...I mean...for the other baby) check them out. Shipping is very reasonable, and it was shipped within a week, and at my house 3 days later.

ALSO, if you are in the Olympia, WA area and in need of a fabulous photographer...check out Sarah, not only is she an awesome photographer, but an absolute sweetheart.

"Bitter Is the New Black" by Jen Lancaster

I finished reading this book in February, but kept forgetting to post about it. It was a riot! It is labeled as "a memoir," and is descriptive enough that the reader can easily imagine each hilarious situation.

Disclaimer: this book does have profanity, which can easily be discovered by reading the front cover: "Bitter Is the New Black: Confessions of a condescending, egomaniacal, self-centered Smart-ass, or why you should never carry a Prada Bag to the unemployment office."

Jen was very successful during the 'dot-com' era, but soon finds herself, and her long term boyfriend, unemployed in NYC. They have to start parting with many things that they once considered necessities, and learning to live like the rest of the world.

My favorite part was when she decided to cancel her COBRA because she learned that her boyfriend's employer insured 'domestic partners' which she thought applied to her. After finding out it was referring to gay partners here is her plan:

"..What if you told them I was a guy? Couldn't you go to the benefits office and, you know, swish around a bit? Tell the HR girl that her shoes are fab-u-licious?...Ooh, you could give them my initials for the membership card, and they'll be none the wiser. J. Lancaster could totally be a dude. Correction, a gay dude."

"No."

"They wouldn't be allowed to pry into your private life...the plan is foolproof."

"Your plan is anything but foolproof. What happens when they get a bill from your ob-gyn?"...

Thinking on my feed, I quickly came up with plan B. "Ok, this could still work. You tell them I'm a post-op transsexual. I'll wear that really dark MAC lipstick that makes me look like a drag queen, and they will absolutely believe me."

"You've got to be kidding."

With great solemnity, I told him, "Castration is no joke."

"The answer is still no"

"No, you won't pretend to be gay, or no, you won't claim that I'm a tranny?"

"No to all the above."

She ends this great debate by calling him a "homophobe" and declaring "you suck donkey balls!" (pgs 129, 130)

If this made you laugh, or even smile, you'll get a kick out of this book.

I don't do giveaways, because I'm cheap, but I'd be happy to send it to you to borrow. Sending books media rate via USPS is less than $5, and is way cheaper than buying it (my mom, sisters and I love to send each other books we've enjoyed).

Happy Mother's Day, Birthday, & Anniversary!

If you know me at all, you know I LOVE personalized items. So, it is no wonder that I fell in love with Gina Alexander handbags quite a few years ago when I was up late and saw them showcased on HSN (which I don't think I've watched since!) The pictures are printed directly onto the fabric, and they use real leather.

I knew I wanted one, but because I'm quite frugal I signed up for their emails and waited for a sale that was just up my alley. My first purchase was about 3 years ago when I chose the Julia bag with a picture of my puppies.

I ordered the bag in time for the Christmas deadline, but due to the abundance of orders they called me to let me know it wouldn't make it in time, so they were sending me a gift certificate for a free cosmetic bag. I was thrilled!! Well, about 6 months later one of the grommets that held the strap together started to get loose. I emailed the company and asked if they could send me a new grommet, but instead they had me ship the bag back, and they replaced both grommets and I had my purse back within 3 weeks (to include shipping time).

My next purchase came 2 days after Tyler died. I was still very upset and wanted to have something to carry with me that reminded me of him, so I bought one of their key chains. It makes me smile everytime I look at it, and it's a great price!

Now, for the latest purchase. I couldn't have a purse with my dogs on it, and not have one with my children!! So, I used my favorite picture from my shoot with V and purchased the My Everything bag.

It turned out so great, and I know I'll get just as many compliments about it as I have every other item I've purchased. On both bags I've chosen to get the "underglass" option, which is a thick plastic covering that protects the fabric underneath from water/stains. I love these bags, and wanted to share!!

I'm still on the fence

Last summer my little sister sent me the first two books in a series because she said if I liked Twilight, I would love this series. Seeing as I was finishing my last year of nursing school, these books have sat on my shelf for the past year & a half. She called last week to see if I had read them because she had a friend interested, so that was motivation to get on the ball!

I completed City of Bones by Cassandra Clare a few days ago, and I'm left feeling very unsure. One thing my sister and I did discuss was how she liked to read books targeted to a teenage audience since they normally left out sex scenes, which is always a plus for me. But, I'm not sure I liked the author's style of writing.

For one, the book wasn't at all what I expected. It is more about magic, demons, and fantasy which I have never really been into. At one point there was some serious attraction and complications between 3 characters, but I wasn't thrilled at all at how it ended.

But, I have been persuaded by a few people that the series does get better, and the third book makes up for everything. And since I'm on bed rest anyway, why not!

Have you read this series??

A-mazing!

We had the pleasure of going to see "The Blind Side" this weekend, and were shocked by what a great movie it was. Eric had told me the first time he saw a preview a few months ago in the theater, and I knew that since it had his favorite actress, that we would be seeing it soon after the release.

Sandra Bullock was MADE for this role, and continued to keep the audience's attention throughout the film. She has always been one of my favorite actresses, and I was thoroughly impressed by her last film, The Proposal, but all her films pale in comparison to this performance!

It is based on a true story about a young man that is adopted by a family, 'because it's the Christian thing to do,' and his rise in football and the changes in his life.

This is definitely going on my must-buy list when it comes out on DVD, and I suggest that you ALL take the time to see it in the theater. You will not be disappointed!

Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby

While shopping at Wal-Mart or Publix, I often find myself grabbing the generic brand of almost everything because I can be quite frugal. This is often the better choice because of the price difference, and most times the brand name product isn't visibly that different. I practically lived off of the Publix brand of Diet Ginger Ale the first 15 weeks of this pregnancy, and don't mind grabbing a Wal-Mart brand soda if it is available.

I'm not sure if you could call them "cravings," but there are certain things that I have started to prefer. Orange anything being the main offender. I have always loved orange juice, but now I have to keep Sunny D in my fridge and a case of Diet Sunkist in the pantry.

Our last trip to the store I decided to give the cheaper brand a try:


They are both the most disgusting soda ever!! I don't have to worry about them going to waste because Eric will eat or drink anything that hasn't spoiled, but now I'm CRAVING 'good' orange and grape soda.

So, take heed, and stay away from these drinks!!! Your mouth will thank you!

What off brand have you bought, and then regretted???

I'm So Excited...and I just can't hide it :o)

I have to admit that even I can get caught up in the latest trends, but when I find something I like I try to find a way to make it unique. For a few years I have been admiring BDU (the Army's old uniform) purses I have seen online. I like the idea of using Eric's old uniform for something other than yard work & the Annual Ranger Wife Swamp Walk.

But, I had a few reoccurring issues, I didn't love any of the designs out there and they were a little too frilly for me. Most of you know how I love to embrace my inner tomboy, and most of the BDU purses had accent ribbons & things that just weren't for me.

So, when the infamous Kristina was having one of her fabulous give-aways I saw a purse that I really liked. I went to the website and was very impressed with the quality of sewing & use of fabrics. The light bulb finally clicked and I sent out a feeler email to this amazing chick & she jumped at the opportunity to make me a custom purse using Eric's old BDU uniform & patches.

I've always been reluctant with ordering custom things, then waiting for the product. The other issue was that I wasn't quite sure what I wanted. I'm not a creative genius, so I sent her some websites that had the BDU purses, and told her a little about what I like. After much communication and a few sketches I was blown away with her final details.

I just received the purse yesterday, and once I opened it I was literally jumping up and down squealing "I love it, I love it, I love it!"

Lynsie was a PLEASURE to work with, and so creative. She said I pushed her to try new things & she had fun doing this project. And here are some pics.

Front, the four patches on the sides are the units Eric has been in, and his airborne wings & CIB (combat infantryman's badge) above the name tape:
Back, with room for more unit patches as we continue in the Army life:
Neat Stitching across the top of the bag:
Top closure, which is from the button closure in the front of the uniform:
Pockets on the inside:
Strap, which reads "Rangers Lead The Way" on the outside, and the inside says "All The Way," it's what is said every time you salute someone else in Ranger Battalion:
AND...

She made me a cute little bag that fits inside:
If you haven't checked out Lynsie's bags, you are seriously missing out. She is located in the Utah area, but was more than willing to deal with me all the way in Florida.

Thanks Lynsie, it was truly a pleasure!! And now I have a bag that is great with a black or brown outfit! (I know I'm not the only one that has to coordinate that!)

The exception to the rule

After seeing Confessions of a Shopaholic in the theater, and loving it, I knew I wanted to read the book. Everyone is always saying that movie adaptations never do the books any justice so I bought the book a while ago and finally found the time to read it on my flights to and from Missouri.

I wasn't able to finish it solely on the flights, but found some time today since it was raining & I couldn't possibly rake leaves in the rain ;o)

So, all in all, it was funny but hard to relate to. It takes place in London, and her massive addiction to shopping is all related to her debt, in British pounds...do you see my dilemma? And, I really enjoyed the relationships between her friends, family, and love interest more as it was portrayed in the movie rather than the book.

It wasn't a bad read, but I actually liked the movie better.

Reviews

"Spare Change" by Audrey Mace was sent to me by Brittany who has been one of my favorite stalks for quite some time now. She held a Valentine's Day book giveaway & I even though I wasn't the original winner, I was happy to accept this book as the runner-up!

It originally caught my eye because I thought it was about nursing...but I was wrong. It was more about all the different relationships we cultivate as we interact, and what I have always considered to be the instinctive desire to help those around you.

It's a short novel @ 201 pages, but it never seemed to be rushed or drag. It was the perfect companion for my flights to Seattle and I enjoyed laughing out loud and smiling throughout.

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I also have a seemingly unlikely product to review, Secret's Clinical Strength deodorant. It seems like for the past few years I haven't been able to stick with one deodorant because it seems after the first stick, it doesn't work as well. This is one area that one should NEVER go cheap on! Although I don't have the yellow pit stains as some of my fellow nursing students did, I am always worried that I smell.

When I was shopping with V a few weeks ago I saw this product and we both thought we would give it a shot, and I couldn't be happier. Although it is not quite a solid, I don't have that wet feeling that you normally get and the smell is great (we opted for the 'light and fresh scent' over the powder fresh. The active ingredient in most deodorant is aluminum zirconium which most have anywhere from 14-17%, and this product is 20%.

So, if you're in the market for a new deodorant give it a shot!

Too good not to share!

Eric and I love going to the movies, and this week it was my turn. Well actually, it has been forever since we saw a movie together and we had 2 free tickets that had to be used, but not for a new release...so it was my turn by default b/c he has seen everything that has been out for more than a week.



So, we (with Eric dressed in a hooded sweatshirt) went to see "Confessions of a Shopaholic." And it was surprisingly hilarious! A day later, and he is continuing to quote it and laugh about the dancing scene, and told the guy he went shooting with this morning how funny it was!

The great thing is that it is rated PG, so don't be scared!!! I laughed at so many different scenes, and so did Eric...even if he was the only guy in the theater ;o)

Are you sure that's not meat?

I have been searching for some great meat alternatives, and have found one I love!! Everyone raves about Boca Burgers...but they got nothing on Morning Star Farms! So far there is no comparison, Morning Star wins hands down.

The only problem is the commissary is the only place that carries it, locally (even if the base is a 24 mile drive). I love all of their burgers, and Eric and I were both completely amazed at how much the mini corn dogs & sausage links tasted like the real thing. In fact, we finally got Eric some turkey burgers b/c he was eating all of my vege burgers! I wasn't too thrilled with the spinach artichoke bites b/c they were really bland, but everything else is great!

So, no matter if you are a vege or meat-lover, I would definitely recommend giving these a try. Hide the package from your family, and I swear they will never be able to tell the difference!

Not what I expected

I recently went to see "Defiance" with Eric, and I'm not quite sure what I expected, and am still unclear if I liked the movie.

I am so used to the sexy Mr. Bond image that it was very hard for me to wrap my head around him as the leader of forest Jewish community. This story was one I had never heard of before, and always related the tales of the Holocaust with 'The Diary of Anne Frank' and 'Schindler's List.'

It takes place in Belarussian forest with the Nazis advancing on one side, while the Russians are on the other. My heart ached for this family, and community, to survive each time they were attacked and forced to relocate & rebuild.

This is based on a true story, and while I would recommend seeing this lesser known perspective, you won't be missing anything if you wait for it to come out on DVD.

Is beauty only skin deep?

I must come clean...I am a reality TV junkie. Don't get me wrong, I love normal television too, but I especially love watching people make a fool of themselves...and when they add in a special twist, it's too good for words.


I watched the premier for "True Beauty" last night, and it did not disappoint. They gathered 5 men & 5 women and told them they were competing for the most beautiful person in America...when in reality they are being judged on their inner beauty as well. They give them announced challenges, but also tests of character. In the episode last night, when each contestant was waiting alone in an exam room, they left every one's files out as bait to see how would look...and the final test, to see who got kicked off, was seeing how they would react to a person trying to open a door carrying 2 trays of coffee.

The girl who got kicked off looked at the files when she was in the doctors office and walked around the person trying to open the door to let herself in, and let the door close behind her. She, of course, freaked out when she found out why they kicked her off and insisted she was an amazing person & her heart was filled with love....mmmm...

I am not sure if I will continue to watch the show, and all the inevitable cat fights that will ensue, but it is interesting to see how people behave when they think no one is watching ;o)

Another great read!

I have finally cleared my DVR of all the "It's me or the dog" episodes that compiled while I was in Orlando, so I needed something else to occupy my time.

After finishing the Twilight series this fall, I was in need of something else to read...but as finals grew closer I was chin deep into my Medical-Surgical & Pediatric texts books til the very end. I found the time today to start & finish this great story.


"The Wednesday Letters" by Jason Wright is a great novel about love, faith, and forgiveness. It tells the story of a husband that wrote a letter to his wife every Wednesday since the day they married...which are later found by their children. It was very touching and I suggest you keep the Kleenex close by!!

It is a very easy read at only 280 pages, and it portrayed such amazing qualities that you wish you achieve someday in real life. It is fictional, but it leaves you with faith in miracles.

Seriously surprising!

Bedtime Stories was a great movie. I have always been a huge fan of Adam Sandler, and was very surprised that Disney would have a movie with him in it...but it is also a Happy Madison production (Sandler's company).

It is great for kids and adults alike!! This is one I would recommend seeing in the theater!!

You've got some balls!

About 4 years ago I received this book from my mother in law as a birthday present. I was kind of shocked, but she said in the inscription that it really helped her with her perspective in marriage, so I didn't quite take it as a low blow. But, I didn't read it right away either. I put it on the book shelf and figured I would get around to it.

Fast forward 6 months, and my dad came to visit me in HI with his wife, and brought me a gift....yep, the same book. I was shocked and dismayed at what everyone around me must think about my marriage. And, I was bound and determined never to read this book, just out of spite.

So, while waiting for my latest order from my Book a Million wish list to arrive I got pretty desperate and found this book under a pile. I thought, what the heck, why not give it a shot.

Well, I am still not so sure. Dr. Laura seems to hate women, and think that all of our problems in our marriages are caused by the women's movement in the 70's...maybe they wouldn't let her burn her bra, I don't know.

Now, some of her points I can really get behind, but other times I think if I saw her in public I might just have to give her a flying elbow to the spleen, just a thought.

I have only read a few chapters, but I am not sure that it will get better. Has anyone else read this book and recommends finishing it?

Oh, and just to clarify, I do not beat or starve my husband...have you seen the dude!

Less than impressed

We just got back from seeing "Madagascar 2," and it was okay. I liked it about as much as I like "Cars"...it didn't suck. The only good music was the same as the first one.

It was funny, but not laugh out loud funny. I looked over about an hour into it and Eric had actually fallen asleep. My friend Kim came with us, and that was about the only time that we laughed.

Kids will like it b/c has animals, but if you were hoping to see it, wait for it to come out on DVD.

What a bummer

I was so excited and motivated to get to the end of the Twilight series...and now I am kind of bummed. I was about to go to pick up a book to read before I went to sleep, and I didn't have one. So grabbed a few of the books I had purchased on a whim that looked interesting...but were completely not what I expected and will be in my garage sale next weekend.

So, I need some suggestions. I have always been a huge fan of the movies based on Nicholas Sparks love stories, so I was thinking that was a possibility. Also, there is the current Eragon series...but I kind of want to read something not targeted for the teenage audience.

So let me have it, the good, the bad, and the ugly.