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Fun Activities with the Kids

April 26, 2013

We’re so excited for Month of the Military Child! What better way to celebrate than to spend a fun afternoon with the kids? We’ve collected some ideas for crafts and healthy snacks that are bound to pop excitement into your day:

–Butterfly Snack Bags. Place a few cheese cubes inside one corner of a plastic baggy. Fill the other side with slices of your kids’ favorite fruits or veggies. Zip the top. Clip the middle with a wooden clothes pin that you and your kids decorated (this is where you can glue pipe cleaners to the pin for antennae and draw eyes, a smile and decorate the body). The result is a butterfly baggy of healthy snacks, complete with antennae and one wing of cheese and one wing of fruits/veggies. Fun!

–Fake Monster Teeth. Slice a green apple into 1 inch pieces. Spread peanut butter on the side of each. Stick small, white marshmallows along the peanut butter of half the slices to resemble big teeth. Pair each with a remaining slice to finish the look. Put a pair in your mouth like dentures and you now have fake monster teeth. Raaaaaaaaaarrrrr!!

–Homemade Play-dough. Separate 1 cup of salt, 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of powdered alum, water, and your kids’ chosen food coloring color. Mix dry ingredients and slowly add colored water until you reach the consistency you want. Voila! You have homemade play-dough that you and your kids made together.

–Glue Bookmark. This is one that can help making reading fun for your kids. Take a long, narrow, plastic pencil box. You can also use the indention on the top of an old Spacemaker pencil box. Color the bottom with your kids’s favorite color marker. Pour non-toxic glue on top of the coloring until the bottom is covered–the thicker the layer, the thicker your bookmark. Swirl with your finger until color is blended; throw in plastic rhinestones, glitter, or anything else if you’d like. Let dry for 1-2 days and peel glue off. Feel free to add stickers, or anything else your kids want and you’re finished!

There you have it–a few ideas for crafts and healthy snacks to choose from in having a fun afternoon with the kids. Check with your local Exchange and/or Commissary for these ingredients and materials. Happy crafting….and snacking!

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Military Kids Connect!

April 26, 2013

As April winds down and so does Military Child Month, we wanted to leave you with a resource that can be used year-round. The Department of Defense has a website created especially for Military Children, Pre-Teens, and Teens to help them cope with the unique challenges of living the Military life. It was created by psychologists at the National Center for Telehealth & Technology, a DoD agency, to help them understand and deal with issues like deployment, frequent moves, stress, grief, etc. The site is divided by age group, and includes resources, games, interactive maps, message boards, and videos of other Military kids telling their stories and how they’ve overcome challenges. It is a secure website, and registration by the child/pre-teen/teen must be approved by parents, who can then follow everything their child does on the website. Military Kids all over the world can support and encourage one another while learning resilience skills to help them thrive in the challenging military life. There is also a section for parents and educators to improve their skills in leading Military Kids, Pre-Teens and Teens through difficult circumstances. Visit militarykidsconnect.org to see for yourself!

There you have it–a guest blog post by a Military Child, an infographic on why Military Children are superheroes in Disguise, how to go green with your kids, ideas for healthy snacks and recipes to make with children, and now a website entirely dedicated to Military Children, Pre-Teens and Teens. This wraps up our Military Child Month blog post series, and we encourage you to stay tuned for May, when we’ll blog about things like Ice Cream Fest. YUM!

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Got a Tax Refund?

April 25, 2013

Tax season is over (thankfully!) and many have received, or will be receiving, a tax refund. One thought comes to mind (splurge!) but there may be a few things you want to consider.

–Wait. Don’t spend your tax refund until you actually receive it. One of the general rules of Budgeting 101 is to not splurge with money you don’t have, or as grandma would say, don’t count your chickens before they hatch. Spending your expected refund on unnecessary items only to find out later you had an unexpected bill or expense pop up is never a good feeling.

–Pay debt. Setting aside at least a portion of your refund to pay off debts faster is wise. You’ll be saving yourself more money in the long run (although it doesn’t feel like it now) and can practice healthy financial habits.

–Save. If you don’t have an emergency fund (think 6 months worth of living expenses), now is a great time to start one. Saving at least some of your refund can prevent a big financial headache down the road if, say, your car breaks down. No pun intended.

–Prepare. Minor maintenance or preventative repairs to your car and/or home can save you from bigger expenses later on. Think proactive, not reactive.

–Consult. Try talking to a financial consultant for ideas in planning/managing your financial future. Free financial counseling classes may be available to you at no cost as an Active Duty member; call Military OneSource at 800-342-9647 for more details if you’re in the States, or use this information to call if you’re overseas. It never hurts to ask.

We encourage you to make wise financial decisions; if you decide and are able to splurge a bit this year with your tax refund, we invite you to browse our goodies onl ine !

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Dear Army Reserves…

April 23, 2013

Boy, we’re both getting old!

As you turn 105 years old this year, we’ll be turning 118, which means we’ve practically grown up together. We’ve had the privilege of serving you over the decades and we couldn’t be more humbled. Your combination of military skills and civilian experience makes you a valuable asset to our Armed Forces, while your standards of excellence make you individuals to be admired. As you continue to serve faithfully, we’ll continue to work hard in serving you.

Here’s to wishing you, your friends, and your family a very special day as you celebrate 105 years of service!

Yours Truly,
The Exchange

Soldiers from the 492nd Civil Affairs Battalion assess a local Farm in Phoenix to get hands on Civil Affairs training. (Courtesy of U.S. Army Reserve)

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Earth Day 2013

April 19, 2013

This Old Earth*

(to the tune of “This Old Man”)

This old earth, needs our help

To stay fresh and clean and green

With a pick it up and throw it in the can–

This old earth needs a helping hand!

We at the Exchange believe protecting our environment is very important and make every effort to reduce our carbon footprint. Not only do we offer Energy Star products and Dream Machine Kiosks, we also offer 5 cents off your purchase for every reusable bag you use at any Exchange worldwide. Reusable bags are available for purchase in-store and we encourage you to take advantage of our offer to save your money, and our planet. In the past, our readers have submitted excellent tips for going green, and you can read them here.

April is also Military Child Month, and we strongly believe our children are our future. There are many fun ways to teach them the beauty of nature and the importance of protecting it, such as making fun mosaics of favorite animals out of painted egg shells, taking nature walks and pointing out different plants, or planting a tree as a family and discussing its importance. Who doesn’t love a good tune? You can also try singing the ones above and below with your kids.

How will you celebrate Earth Day this year? Post a comment below and tell us.

Working on the Trash*

(to the tune of “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad”)

We’ve been working on RECYCLING All the trash we can,

We’ve been working on recycling, It’s a very simple plan,

Separate your glass and paper,

Separate your plastic and tin.

Take the trash that you’ve recycled

To your recycling bin!

(*Content courtesy of CanTeach.ca)

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5 Tips for Moving Abroad

April 19, 2013

Moving overseas can be exciting and intimidating at the same time, and there are a few things to keep in mind to help your move abroad run smoothly.

–Keep an open mind. Moving to a foreign country means there are things you’ll have to adapt to. Culture, language, customers, etiquette, and the overall way of life may be very different than what you’re used to. Having an open mind to these differences and being willing to explore and adapt to them can truly enrich your experience and help you keep a perspective a positive one.

–Research the country you’re moving to. It’s a good idea to have background knowledge on where you’ll be moving to; a bit of the country’s history, way of life, geography, popular customs and phrases in the native language are good places to start. Oftentimes, locals will be more understanding and willing to help, as well as more forgiving of any cultural faux pas you may commit if they see your demonstrated effort and good intentions.

–Pack accordingly. Generally, the farther away the country, the more expensive it is to ship your items there. Find out what the weight limit is that the Military allows in shipping your items. Ask your sponsor about local resources that may be available, such as lending closets on the installations and what items the military may provide, such as washers, dryers and/or refrigerators.

airplane

–Remember voltage. This is different depending on what country you’re moving to, and plugging in an electric device into a plug with too much voltage can literally ruin it. You’ll likely need a converter for your electric devices (hairdryers, fans, etc) and possibly a transformer for your electronic ones (computer, cell phone charger, etc). Research the voltage for your new country or ask your sponsor for advice.

–Use your coupons. If you’re moving to an Army or Air Force installation, we provide various coupons to make your move smooth. We’re happy to help your move be as smooth as possible, and invite you to download our PCS coupons here.

Moving abroad can be an exciting adventure! Which countries have you lived in? Tell us by posting a comment below.

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Military Kids & Teens: Superheroes in Disguise!

April 15, 2013

*Content courtesy of Veterans United Home Loans in celebration of Military Child Month.

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2013 Spring Trends

April 12, 2013

Want to be in style for spring 2013? Wouldn’t it be fabulous to buy an entirely new wardrobe each season? Unfortunately for most of us, that’s not reality… but what you can do is add a few of the latest trend items listed below to freshen up your wardrobe this season.

#10- Bright Handbags- Bright handbags are the newest way to update your wardrobe and complete your look! Try a colorful crossbody to give any look some pizazz!

#9- Peplums- Peplums are a great way to add femininity to your look. This spring fashion favorite in bright colors really highlights the waist and helps to create an hourglass shape!

#8- Updated Denim- everything from printed to classic mid blue washes! Try wearing a denim shirt this season.

#7- Skirts- Skirts are perfect for spring and this year, any length goes…from just above the knee all the way down to the maxi!

#6- Floral- Florals have gotten bigger and better – from bold printed bottoms to soft and feminine peasant blouses.

#5- Colored Bottoms- Bright, bold colored shorts, pants, and skirts look great at any age and it’s an easy way to brighten up your wardrobe for spring – try wearing them with a black and white top for the latest look.

#4-Ombre / Tie Dye- Make a staple memorable with tie dye and ombre! This great finishing technique works on tops, bottoms, and everything in between!

#3- Pleats- Pleats have never looked better and this spring, it’s all about the accordion pleat in soft flowing fabrics.

#2- Gypsy- Gypsy is the update to boho and a favorite of mine! Wear with strappy sandals and big, gold hoop earrings for an authentic gypsy vibe.

#1- Lace- Lace is always classic and feminine and looks pretty when worn all over or as an accent!

Ladies, we want to know–which of these styles are you rockin’ this Spring? Post a comment below and tell us!

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Coping With Stress

April 10, 2013

What makes you stress?

We all experience stress at one time or another, and most of us experience it at least every two weeks, according to the National Health Interview Survey. A certain amount of stress can be good–it can keep you sharp and help you react when in a dangerous situation. However, too much stress is not healthy. With today’s increasingly busy lifestyle combined with demands from being a parent, having a job, providing for the family financially, having difficult relatives, etc., it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by stress. The key to combat excessive stress is to have a battle plan:

Eat right. Proteins such as eggs, meats, beans and nuts, as well as antioxidants from fruits and vegetables help combat stress in your body. Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated is also essential.

Sleep. Not getting at least 6-8 hours of sleep each night fatigues your body and makes it less able to combat stress. If you’re having trouble sleeping at night, you’re not alone. Avoid using your mobile phone, computer, or any device with a light up screen two hours before you sleep. Also avoid problem-solving or any other strenuous thinking, and write down what you have to do the next day. All of this helps you relax and wind down for a great night of sleep.

Exercise. This is one of the best ways to relieve stress. Exercising may make you jittery for up to 1 or 2 hours after you finish; if you work out in the evening, just be sure it’s at least 4-6 hours before you go to sleep. Need new exercise or sports equipment? We’ve got you covered–click here.

Laugh often. It’s been said laughter is the best medicine, and it can be. Laughing helps relieve stress, put things into perspective, and encourage a positive outlook. Sometimes, it’s as simple as looking at a funny photo like this one:
Focus on what you can control. Oftentimes, stress is caused by situations in our life beyond our control. Focusing on what you cannot control or change will only add to your stress and feeling of helplessness. Decide to let it go, and focus on changing the stressful situations that you can control.

Organize. Clutter in your car, office or home often causes stress and can be fixed by a bit of spring cleaning. What items can you donate or trash? You’ll be surprised how relieved and refreshed you’ll feel once key areas of your life are decluttered.

Make time for yourself. We often get so busy we don’t have time to do the activities we enjoy. Schedule some time for yourself to do what you love–maybe a hobby, going out to a movie with friends, or a day at the spa will do the trick.

Remember, stress can be manifested in different ways. Back pains, chronic headaches, an upset stomach, lack of sleep, fatigue or neck pain can be signs of it. Try the tips above for relief. Remember, you have access to Military and Family Life Counselors through your installation’s Family Support Center who can help, as well as your doctor should you need it.

How do you address your stress? Post a comment below to tell us.

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