wivesofthearmedforces on LTK

wivesofthearmedforces

Solo parenting during deployment means dinner has to be fast, easy, and already figured out.

These are the freezer meal prep tools that make it possible to cook once and feed the family for weeks. From our favorite Lodge Dutch oven for big batches to Souper Cubes perfectly portioned freezer meals, these are the things that make deployment meal prep actually doable.

Linking everything we use here!

Solo parenting during deployment means dinner has to be fast, easy, and already figured out. These are the freezer meal prep tools that make it possible to cook once and feed the family for weeks. From our favorite Lodge Dutch oven for big batches to Souper Cubes perfectly portioned freezer meals, these are the things that make deployment meal prep actually doable. Linking everything we use here!

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Upright Freezer Organizer Bins， Freezer Baskets for 14, 15 cu.ft Standup Freezer, Wire Storage ... | Amazon (US)

iSPECLE Freezer Organizer Bins - Fits 7 Cu.Ft Chest Freezer, 4 Pack Stackable Wire Baskets(14.7" ... | Amazon (US)

FoodSaver Custom Fit Vacuum Sealer Rolls, Airtight Food Storage and Sous Vide Rolls, BPA-Free, 11... | Amazon (US)

Ziploc Gallon Food Storage Freezer Bags, Stay Open Design, Easy to Fill, 66 count, 2 Pack, 132 To... | Amazon (US)

Vinino 2Pack Silicone Muffin Pan for Baking with Metal Reinforced Frame, 12 Cup Regular Size Cupc... | Amazon (US)

Nordic Ware Aluminum Full Size Sheet Pan 26 x 18 inches for commercial oven use, Full Sheet, 2-Pa... | Amazon (US)

Sharpie Permanent Markers, Fine Point, Black Ink (4-Pack) | Amazon (US)

300pcs Removable Freezer Labels, Yoget 1 x 3 Inch Food Storage Stickers, Refrigerator Freezer Pap... | Amazon (US)

Anova Culinary Vacuum Sealer, Slim & Compact, Includes 10 Pre-Cut Bags (BPA-Free), Wet & Dry Dual... | Amazon (US)

Souper Cubes 2 Cup Silicone Freezer Molds with Lids – Soup Cubes for Freezing Lasagna, Leftover... | Amazon (US)

Lodge Essential Enamel Cast Iron Dutch Oven - Perfect for Bread Baking, Braising, Marinating & Sl... | Amazon (US)

Bump-friendly looks for a change of command this spring! Whether your spouse is a part of the ceremony or you are just attending as a guest, these looks are perfect for the event!

I used to be a boxed-wine drinking, reality TV show-binging, feel really sorry for myself milso in the days/nights my husband was gone. I'd go to bed way too late every night and wake up feeling sad + exhausted the next day ready to repeat the bad habits.

If you're in this cycle, I TOTALLY GET IT. But, you don't to stay in it if it's not serving you!

Here are three really simple things I do every single night my husband is gone to make my next day a little easier:

✨ I toss the day's laundry into the washing machine and use the delay start feature so I have a load of laundry washed and ready to be transferred when I wake up. I transfer it to the dryer first thing in the AM, and bring it with my upstairs when the kids do their shower/bath to fold.

✨ I treat myself to a calming, nurturing drink, because I always have more anxious energy going to bed when I'm alone. This ritual helps trigger my brain that it's time to wind down and sets me up for a more restful night of sleep so I'm ready to hit the ground running in the AM!

✨ I start the dishwasher, no matter how many or how few dishes we have from the day, it gets started before I head upstairs for the night. After I toss those clothes in the dryer in the AM, I empty this and then we're starting the day with full cupboards and a clean sink!

What are some of your hacks to make solo days easier?

Want to watch the Olympics without spending much (or anything at all)? We've got you!!!

✨ Using the military discount on @peacock brings the cost to only $6.99/month for 12 months of service!

✨ Setup a @shopmyexchange account and sign on to NBCOlympics.com or the NBC Sports app by selecting “Exchange” as your provider (if you're overseas + living on base, this should work for you too!)

✨ Overseas and off base? Watch with the AFN Now app!

✨ If you have the @americanexpress Platinum you have two options - use your digital streaming credit for a Peacock subscription or sign up for the Walmart+ perk and through that select Peacock as your complimentary streaming service!

Coverage starts today, so don't waste anytime getting your setup on lock! GO TEAM USA 🇺🇸

#USAAPartner As milsos, we can do a lot, but it’s when we have a community we can rely on that we truly thrive. Near or far, that emotional and mental support is worth more than gold.

Valentine’s Day reminds us that love isn’t always flowers. It’s the people and support systems that show up through every PCS. And when it comes to planning for our future and protecting our family’s legacy, @USAA shows up the same way with financial guidance and reliability we can trust.

Fear is reactive.

Anxiety keeps you mentally living in worst-case scenarios.

You’re always on alert, but rarely at ease.

Does this sound like you when you're home alone?!

We're flipping your mentality ASAP!!! Preparation is quieter. It happens before you need it. And that, is exactly how we will reduce that fear when your significant other is gone.

Here are some intentional habits to start with:

✨ Lock all doors and windows (garage access included... USE deadbolts, girlfriend)

✨ Home security systems are a great layer of added security to deter intruders: bonus if you have motion-sensor floodlights near points of entry

✨ Vary routines: don't park in the same spot, try to leave and come home at different times, even vary the pattern of lights you turn on and leave on in your home

✨ Don’t overshare online (and make sure if your kids are online they aren't either)

✨ Don’t answer the door, there's no reason you have to: use those convenience doorbell auto-responses on Ring doorbells + if you do happen to answer the door out of habit, don't panic, keep your answers brief and never imply you’re home alone

✨ Build relationships with neighbors: community eyes can be such a help, whether you left a garage door open accidentally and they text you to let you know or just the comfort of knowing they keeping tabs on anything suspicious happening in your neighborhood

I could go on and on about this topic, but want to hear YOUR best tips for the community on personal safety and how to rest more easily when your sig other is on the road, drop em below + comment "safe" for my top product picks for personal and home safety!

truly cannot beat clear blue skies, 72 degrees + an entire afternoon soaking it all up with the kids 🥰

finding a perfect balance between working, my husband's inconsistent work schedule + being present for the kids with their ever-changing schedules is impossible, but I do think figuring out our family's "order" really helped

this book was recommended to me by a mother I deeply respect + met on a brief 6 month stint at an assignment (THIS IS WHY YOU DONT SHUT YOURSELF OFF FROM MAKING FRIENDS EVEN IN TEMPORARY SEASONS) + it reallllly helped me understand the foundation that our family could flourish standing on

if your life feels chaotic because you know what needs to get done but you're not quite sure how to make it happen in a way that doesn't send you into a spiral, this book will hug your soul + give you practical strategies for moving forward...you have to be willing to dig deep + be thoughtful about your family's priorities and what you're willing to do (or give up) to honor them though ^affiliate

These books are great resources for my kids! #affiliate

As for the jars: ^affiliate

These bump-friendly outfit options are perfect for any casual military events this spring! These are flowy, bright, and comfortable!

#LTKmomlife

Here are some of our favorite formal dresses that can pair with a growing bump! Any of these would be comfortable, yet chic options to wear to a spring military formal!

#LTKmomlife #LTKSeasonal #LTKWedding

@clearstemskincare #clearstemambassador Jen brought this whenever she was here last and I tried it for the first time (one of my fave perks of girls trips amiright?! 🤣)

I was blown away because most toners immediately dry me out, and this beauty didn't! Just finished my first whole bottle + it's obvious to me on days I skip it because my skin is viably more dull. Restocking while they're doing a 23% off sale with our code “WIVES"

These are the comfiest pants of alllll time like literally could sleep in them. Stoked that they already fit (thanks to a lovely stretch) and now want a few more! ^affiliate

The random collection of travel mugs had me so overstimulated a few years ago so I swapped em all out for just a few of these + haven’t looked back. The biggest bonus is that they are leakproof!! ^affiliate

The ceramic griddle I have been 👀#affiliate

Packing lunches are a breeze with these lunch boxes for the kids! #affiliate

#LTKmomlife

My laundry essentials to help me stay ahead of laundry, especially when solo parenting! #affiliate

#LTKmomlife

These phones have been a game changer for my military kids! #affiliate

#LTKmomlife

Completely forgot to share these with you guys!! We grabbed them because the kids are very into card games but it's so hard for them to hold more than 3 cards at once. Love that they sell them in packs, we got the 2-pack for $9! ^affiliate

Label make & totes! Got the original
At Costco, but Home Depot has them in a variety of sizes and colors!

Our favorite travel must-haves for spring break, summer vacation, or PCS season.

#LTKmomlife

Have a more formal cocktail attire promotion or graduation to attend this spring? These looks will keep you looking professional, yet stylish at any military event!

#LTKSeasonal

Much needed air purifier this sick season!

#LTKmomlife

My favorite humidifier for the whole family!

#LTKmomlife

Speaking of Valentine’s Day, I woke up in a panic trying to remember when the girls Valentines parties were (maybe next year I’ll be ahead of it🤪) but I’m pumped at the cards I was able to snag in time from Amazon! ^affiliate

happy to report I absolutely looooove the @lululemon pants I bought with my @americanexpress credit a couple of weeks ago, already want them in an additional color 🤣 #lululemonambassador

The comfiest valentine jammies!

#LTKValentine

One of our favorite pregnancy and postpartum teas! #affiliate #ltkmom

#LTKmomlife

Use code wives for 15% off!

Casual fit for a February milso spouse social!!

Whether you have a promotion or a graduation coming up, these looks will keep you looking polished and professional this spring!

#ltkseasonal

Another night, another dinner served up by the sous vide, too easy!