Save money, honey!

If you live in America, then you are well aware of the condition of our economy.
If you're like most average Americans, your wallet isn't looking as plump as you'd like it too.
If you'd like to learn how to add more "bank" to your bank, then read up!!!

The Frugal Navy Wife's blog was shared w/me by an e-mail from my FRG & I'm so glad they did! Click the link or her button posted above, to start $saving$ yourself some money! She event provides you with ways to learn this wonderful art of being frugal.

You see, my DF (dear fiancé) & I recently discovered TLC's new show "Extreme Couponing" (if you haven't watched it then you should consider adding it into your schedule!). We were immediately drawn to it when we saw that people were saving HUNDREDS of $$$ by using coupons! An example.... A woman had $638.24 worth of groceries & only paid $2.64!!! True story... I watched to total drop as each coupon was being scanned. It's like winning the lottery (in a sense) by working the system!

Do we have any extreme couponers out there?!! If so, what was your best shopping experience?! Feel free to brag!

^ My DF & I are trying to become extreme couponers =P

Listen to Uncle Sam

OPSEC.
You know what I'm talking about.... We should all learn it. We should all love it. I'll admit that I'm still no expert on it, but I follow the rules of common sense & "if you don't know if you should say it... just don't say it!" Have you ever encountered people saying all telling all? I understand the idea of filling friends & family in on what's going on, but sometimes you just need to be a little more wary. During deployment it's going to be tough not sharing my excitement of a homecoming countdown by posting updates such as "___ Days Until My Sailor Comes Home!!!" on my Facebook, but we gotta hold back ladies!! Don't forget that LOSE LIPS SINK SHIPS. I think it's even worse when I go to Facebook profiles of service members (who I'm not friends with) & find that their profile isn't exactly private & that they aren't exactly keeping their mouth shut.... =/

I've messaged a few people in the past reminding them about OPSEC when I saw something (whether it be a picture or post) that may be a little TMI. Much to my surprise, I've gotten very different responses. Some ladies thank me for catching it (ex. During "Operation Sweetheart" someone posted pics of their man's dog tags but forgot to hide his info on it which included his name, soc. sec #, etc..) However, I've also received a somewhat snappy reply from another girl.

What are you thoughts?
If it were me, I'd want someone to point out my mistake so that I could fix it. I feel like the defensive women just don't want to admit that they did in fact make a mistake. This isn't an issue about pride—it's about keeping the brave men & women serving our country safe at all times.

You Know You're a Military Sweetheart When....

-you roll your eyes when other girls complain that they haven't seen their boyfriend in 3 days.
-you talk in all abbreviations and nobody knows what you're talking about.
-you can spot a Marine bumper sticker miles away.
-you'll drive hours to see him even if its only for a few hours.
- you sleep clutching your phone just in case he calls.
- you can say he's only been gone 6 weeks this time.
- you save and re-save all of his voicemails.
-you see a man in uniform in the grocery store and all you want to do is hug him.
-you spend half a pay check on care package items and shipping charges.
-you feel yourself growning more and more in love with your man even while he's so far away.
-you spend your sleepless nights writing letters and planning care packages.
- you wait to see certain movies until your military man gets home.
- your family thinks you're crazy because military recruiting commercials make you cry, not with tears of sadness but because you're so PROUD.
-the sight of dress blues takes your breath away.
-you own and wear your military branch's clothing, dog tags and anything to represent your military man daily.
-you call his phone just to hear his voice on his voicemail.
-a 2 minute phone call leaves you glowing and smiling for a week.
-the National Anthem makes you feel prouder than ever before.
-you can spot him 100 yards away in an airport and run and jump on him to get that first hug.
- you feel that you're part of a tight knit club for being a military girlfriend/fiancée/wife.
-hearing about military casualties shatter your heart even though you never knew them.
-you sleep in a pair of his sweats while he is gone to make you feel closer.
-you'll miss a night out on the town because you don't want to miss his phone call.
-you have saved text messages because they help you get through the tougher days.

If you agree or have anything to add to the list then leave a comment!

"And when you realize love is all that matters after all, it sure makes everything else seem so small"

When an e-mail from my fiancé can make me cry "happy-tears" & "I miss you-tears", I realize just how much I love him & how I don't mind waiting for him. Waiting for a little while is such a small sacrifice when the end result is getting to spend a liftetime together....... I ♥ you baby. Be safe out there.

Happy 235th Birthday, US NAVY!

The title says it all!

So proud of my United States Sailor ♥

You can read about the birth of the Navy by going to this site for more information: http://www.history.navy.mil/birthday.htm

:)

On a Ship & On a Stage

I'm a 4th year in college graduating early this Winter (wooh!). I live in an apartment near my University, but on weekends I visit my parents & younger sister (I have 2 older sisters as well who live on their own). I had the wonderful opportunity to sing for the Boys & Girls Club Fundraiser Event. My vocal coach picked 4 of his students to sing. Friday I had a dress rehearsal and I can't even describe what it felt like to be on that stage. I come alive when I'm on stage. It was an amazing night. I was in a play last quarter, but I hadn't been on stage for a singing gig in such a long time.

My DF (dear fiancé) is currently underway for X amount of time so we are only talking through e-mail. I got an e-mail from him Saturday morning and it was a wonderful way to start my day. He ended the e-mail with:

"Goodluck with the gig and have fun and break a leg and all that jazz. I love you sweetheart.
Miss you a lot. Love you even more."

When it was time for me to drive to the event, I had my bag packed with everything I needed. Make-up, hairspray, a brush, my tape recorder so I could practice etc... The night was AMAZING! I love the feeling of a mic in my hand and my feet on a stage. The lights. The band. The audience. It's a good fix.... When I got back to my parents house, I was feeling pretty happy & proud of myself. Later in the night I started thinking about DF...

He's on a ship.

While I was on a stage.

I became proud of the man whom I can call mine. He has always supported me & my dreams of performing (singing, acting, the works...). While he is out at sea on a ship, while he was out there working, while he wears a uniform that designates him as a U.S. Service Member.... I realize that he is the reason why I have the opportunity to perform on stage and do what I love. He is doing his part in serving our country, defending it, & keeping it free.

I love my fiancé. I'm grateful for his love. I also love my service member. I am proud and grateful that he chose to join our military.

Thank you to all of our service members.

♥ Sailor's Doll

Meet the band

The Performers w/our Vocal Coach

The Entertainment for the night

Introduction

Hello ladies,

I'm not new to blogging, but I am new to this site and still have a lot to learn. I've decided to create a separate blog specifically for "The Navy Life" part of me. I thought it would be a good way to connect to other ladies who have a loved one in (all branches) of the military.

I'm sure a lot of you can agree with me when I say that sometimes it's hard to talk to our friends about military things if they're not in a military relationship themselves. That is why I believe it's good to have a group of ladies who DO know what you're going through and can relate to you. It provides for a strong support system and can be comforting knowing that "you're not alone".

This blog will provide a way for me to express my thoughts, excitements, good news, sadness, loneliness, information, ideas, etc.. during my journey as a Navy fiancée (& future Navy wife). I hope that some of the things I write can provide encouragement to all of you other ladies who are part of the "Silent Rank", standing by your service member in this difficult lifestyle of ours. I look forward to reading your comments and also your blogs (if you have one!).

♥ Sailor's Doll