When the military is in control of your destination, you tend to find yourself in a variety of new and different locations. And accompanying those new and different locations are the new, different, and often inconvenient living situations. Can any military spouses out there give me an “amen?” Maybe you’re the type with an insatiable […]
Moving
Builders tap into social media to reach homebuyers
We’ve all seen the way homebuying has changed over the years. Today’s savvy buyers are doing more research ahead of time than ever before, and they walk into a real estate or sales office educated about their choices. Social media — especially Facebook, Pinterest, Foursquare, Twitter and YouTube — has become increasingly important in the […]
So everyone on Facebook hates your new duty station
We’ve all heard the phrase “bloom where you’re planted,” especially in military circles. Most have their own opinion about the phrase itself — some love it, some hate it. You can’t argue that it’s one that military families can identify with. It’s supposed to inspire us to go out and conquer the world no matter where […]
Here are 6 ways to be the ideal military neighbor
After multiple moves and the comings and goings of other military families both on and off installations, I’ve had quite the variety of neighbors. Not all of them have been favorable experiences, but I’m currently being spoiled. Maybe it’s because all of my neighbors are the only Americans in a village of German citizens. Maybe […]
Take these 5 steps to protect your kids from on-base tragedies
For many families, living on an installation is like stepping back in time. Neighbors know and look out for each other, there’s a sense of community, and kids can ride their bikes without parents worrying that they may be snatched. But on-base life still comes with some dangers that can be avoided, or at least, […]
Understand and negotiate your lease before signing
I’m a landlord, and I’ve often been a tenant. As a result, I often hear from both landlords and tenants about some way that they are unhappy with their landlord-tenant relationships. No matter which side of the equation you are on, that’s no fun. Tenants shouldn’t have to live in poor conditions or feel like […]
Make these delicious meals while you’re languishing in a temporary lodging facility
Tacos, burgers, and take-out Chinese food are great. For a few days. When your family is stuck in a hotel or on base temporary lodging facility (TLF) for weeks on end, those fast food options get old really quickly. Stock Up If you are on the road, try to keep some essentials in the car. […]
Here’s how to deal with a PCS. . . when all you want to do is stay
When it comes to the art of moving, military spouses have it down. Every few years–if you’re lucky enough to stay somewhere for that long–we break out of notebooks, spreadsheets, and Post-Its. The physical act of moving begins to feel mechanical at some point. But what about the emotional? What happens when all you want […]