This mom coupons!!

I've made a really good effort at trying to save money here and there since we've moved overseas. I try really hard to only order or purchase something when we really need it, or when there is a good sale... but my biggest accomplishment has been saving money on groceries.. with coupons!!
My first trip to the commissary, I saved almost $60 using coupons! Last payday.. another $31, and this time around... $49!! My method is fairly disorganized compared to most coupon-er's out there but it seems to be working for me. I usually sort through all the coupons I have each payday, pick out the ones I want/need, put them on a list by where they are in the store (refrigerated, frozen, canned, etc.) and then I take a pen with me and cross out what I get once I'm at the store. And sure, I get those "Are you kidding me lady? Do you honestly need to use all those coupons in one trip?" looks but I can guarantee that if the people behind me in line at the store were saving as much as I am, they'd be thrilled to see my stack of newspaper clippings and printed coupons!!! Its so worth the extra hour or so it takes me to get things organized before each shopping trip, and DEFINITELY worth the ink and paper I'm using printing up coupons at home. I have fallen in love with Common Sense With Money, a great website highlighting coupons and sales! But I couldn't have gotten so far using coupons without all the help of my friends and family in the States who so loyally send me coupons each month! Thank you all SO much for your help!!!
Our commissary will accept coupons up to six months past their expiration date.. so if you have any expired coupons lying around, I would greatly appreciate any you're willing to pass on. Shoot me an email at jenn4candles@gmail.com and I'll get you my address. Thanks for reading.. and happy savings to you all as well!!

Sending Care Packages to Deployed Service Members

Deployment can feel like a really helpless time for those who love a military member. We get so used to caring for them on a daily basis that it takes some getting used to when we no longer have the ability to make sure our loved one is eating, sleeping, and all around happy. Probably the best, and usually only, way we can help out during a deployment is through care packages. But with each new deployment comes the questions.. What can I send? How do I send it?
First, its important to know that the Postal Service is generally the only way to mail out a package to your deployed service member. In my own experiences, Priority Mail is the best way to go, as it generally gets to my husband quicker. The USPS offers a large variety of flat-rate boxes (for FREE!) and even has a special rate box for APO/FPO addresses!! Be sure to stock up on these flat rate boxes, as well as customs forms (anything in a box requires the large white customs form, if you're unsure you can ask the counter attendant at your local post office) and mailing labels.. and packing tape doesn't hurt either! After surviving 4 deployments in 5 years, I can assure you that before long you'll be able to fill out those customs forms with your eyes closed!
Next, be sure that whatever you plan to send to your service member is allowed to be mailed to that specific zip code. You can view the regulations from the Postal Service on their website. They even have a handy zip code search that allows you to quickly find the items you are not able to mail. As a general rule for military care packages, do not send: liquids (air pressure and sometimes less than gentle handling can cause containers to burst.. which could ruin your package, and other servicemembers' packages), aerosols (again, the pressure is a bad idea!), pornographic materials, chocolate or any other food that could "melt", or alcohol. Each individual command has rules about what is allowed at the deployment site also, so be sure that you are well informed before your loved one leaves.
So, what can and should you send? You know your loved one better than I do, but in my own experiences sending care packages to my husband, I offer the following tips:

1. Stick to items that are small in size or are consumable. Space is very limited during a deployment, so its best to send items that your loved one will either use regularly or that can fit into a small space. My own personal rule for this is to not send any more sentimental or novelty items than would fit into two large flat-rate boxes from the post office for an entire deployment. This assures that my husband can send them back home at the end of his deployment, without causing him a hassle or costing a fortune.
2. Don't assume that because your SO is deployed that he/she has no access to everyday items. In most cases things like body wash, shaving cream, razors, deodorant, toothpaste, etc . can be purchased while in port or at an Exchange located at or nearby the deployment site. If you want to send these kinds of items, I recommend baby wipes (for easy clean-up when showers aren't readily available), sunscreen, insect repellent (just be sure its non-aerosol), and chap stick.
3. Deployment can get monotonous.. so sending something that your loved one can DO while on deployment is a great idea! You can purchase fairly inexpensive items at your local dollar store and your SO can just pass the items on or toss them out at the end of the deployment. Think: poker chips, playing cards, dominos, and frisbees. Just remember to keep your items location-appropriate!
4. For holidays or special occasions, think simple and heartfelt (and keep space in mind again).

Again, you know your loved one better than I do, so only you can personalize each care package with the love and items that your SO will want or need. A care package, regardless of the amount of things in it, is a much-appreciated treat for your deployed servicemember. Find comfort in knowing that, if even for just a brief moment, you are providing the comforts of home to your loved one through your care package. Best of luck to you in your current and future deployments!

The importance of OPSEC!

In light of talks of terrorism on the news and in other medias lately, as well as a thread posted on a military-related forum, I figured I would put the OPSEC information out there in blog-form. The more that people know about OPSEC, the better chances we have of keeping our troops safe!

So what is OPSEC?
OPSEC (formally known as Operational Security) is a way to keep our troops safe by not revealing any military operations.. whether they are just in planning stages, are taking place or have already been completed.

The smallest piece of information in the wrong hands could be devastating and fatal to our military men and women, both at home and abroad. Never reveal critical information over the phone, through email or in a public place. You never know who could be listening!!

What shouldn't be revealed or discussed:

1. Any detailed info about military units and their missions.
2. Details regarding the locations and specific times and dates of deployments or homecomings.
3. Personnel transactions that occur in large numbers (i.e.- Power of Attorneys, wills, pay info, and deployment info)
4. Information regarding unit morale.
5. Details concerning the procedures used for security.
6. Releasing a military member's address or deployment address in conjunction with their deployment location! (I remind everyone of this one because of personal experiences with member's of my husband's former battallion giving out their information on Myspace. It is NOT okay to post your address or your servicemember's address on a social media network.. especially if that servicemember is deployed to the same location as MY husband.. you will suffer the wrath of Jenn!)

Even revealing small pieces of information, and in separate places/forms of communication, could be pieced together and used to cause harm!

Please be cautious, and remind those around you to be cautious as well. Our troops do a tremendous job keeping our country, our freedoms and our families safe.. we need to do our part to keep them safe in return!

Uncle Shorty's Jerky Marinade

I can't take any credit for the following recipe, but its one of my favorites so I thought I'd share! The recipe was developed and perfected by my Uncle Shorty, and I think its one of the best jerky marinades out there!

*1/4 C. Ketchup
*10 Oz. Worcestershire Sauce
*10 Oz. Soy Sauce
*1 Tspn. Onion Salt
*1 Tspn. Garlic Salt
*2 Tspn. Salt
*1 Tspn. Coarse Black Pepper
*4 Lb. Sirloin Roast

**This recipe is for approximately 4 lbs. of roast. If you choose to go with a larger or smaller roast, you will need to adjust the recipe accordingly.

Start by slicing your roast into 1/4 inch thick slices. If you are unable to slice your own (or don't want to, lol) you can ask the nice men or women in the meat department at your local grocery store to slice the meat for you. Most are happy to oblige (as long as you are purchasing the meat there and not just bringing in one from home, haha!).
Mix all ingredients, aside from the roast, together in a large bowl.
Add your roast slices. Place bowl in the refrigerator and let it marinate overnight.
When the meat is thoroughly marinated, lay the slices flat on your dehydrator trays, and dehydrate until the meat is dry.

The texture of your jerky is a personal preference, so I recommend checking on your jerky often in the last few hours so that it isn't too dry for your liking.
Enjoy!