Westgate Resorts are giving away 1500 free 3 Day 2 Night Vacations for military families. 500 are for River Ranch, FL and 1000 are for Orlando, FL. Hurry up and Register for this offer! They have certain requirements but if you do not meet those requirements you will be eligible for the 25% off Military Discounts.

I would perfer the free vacation instead. lol. My husband does not meet the criteria so we will not be able to participate in the Free vacation.

Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!


Free Vacations for 1500 Military Families (offer expired)


Westgate Resorts are giving away 1500 free 3 Day 2 Night Vacations for military families. 500 are for River Ranch, FL and 1000 are for Orlando, FL. Hurry up and Register for this offer! They have certain requirements but if you do not meet those requirements you will be eligible for the 25% off Military Discounts.

I would perfer the free vacation instead. lol. My husband does not meet the criteria so we will not be able to participate in the Free vacation.

Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!


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Also please remember to Follow my blog
Instagram: NavyWif33




 
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Katie Did What


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Thursday Blog Hops

LINK UP WITH ME AND A BUNCH OF OTHER GREAT BLOGGERS AT THESE BLOG HOPS!

Also please remember to Follow my blog
Instagram: NavyWif33




 
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Katie Did What


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I went to Gene Juarez Hair Salon yesterday to get my hair done. I got a wash and blow dry and they flat ironed my hair. It looks bone straight!  The hair style came out really nice.

The only problem was the weather. It wasn't raining yet but it was still a damp like feeling. Also known as humidity. The stylist sprayed some ORIBE ANTI-HUMIDITY SPRAY on my hair. She made sure to get it all over my hair so that I would have full protection. This is suppose to last me a few days. 

When I woke up this morning my hair was still nice and not puffy. I also had to go out in the rain to run some errands today. I made sure to put my umbrella to use and yet my hair is still not puffed up. 

I want to recommend that you invest in some ORIBE ANTI-HUMIDITY SPRAY. You can purchase this from the ORIBE website by clicking HERE. The full size(5.5 oz) cost $38.00 and the purse size cost $19.50

I found a purse size on BirchBox. It's 2.2 ounces for $19.50. I bought one other item on BirchBox which made my total $25.00 so shipping was free for me. 

This is very expensive but it's worth every penny. I can't wait for mines to come in the mail!



Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!
____________________________________________________________________________
Check out this E-Magazine! You can advertise in an issue for just $5! Thats a good price so I advertise in this E-Magazine now. You should too!



Also please remember to Follow my blog


Instagram: NavyWif33

ORIBE ANTI-HUMIDITY SPRAY

I went to Gene Juarez Hair Salon yesterday to get my hair done. I got a wash and blow dry and they flat ironed my hair. It looks bone straight!  The hair style came out really nice.

The only problem was the weather. It wasn't raining yet but it was still a damp like feeling. Also known as humidity. The stylist sprayed some ORIBE ANTI-HUMIDITY SPRAY on my hair. She made sure to get it all over my hair so that I would have full protection. This is suppose to last me a few days. 

When I woke up this morning my hair was still nice and not puffy. I also had to go out in the rain to run some errands today. I made sure to put my umbrella to use and yet my hair is still not puffed up. 

I want to recommend that you invest in some ORIBE ANTI-HUMIDITY SPRAY. You can purchase this from the ORIBE website by clicking HERE. The full size(5.5 oz) cost $38.00 and the purse size cost $19.50

I found a purse size on BirchBox. It's 2.2 ounces for $19.50. I bought one other item on BirchBox which made my total $25.00 so shipping was free for me. 

This is very expensive but it's worth every penny. I can't wait for mines to come in the mail!



Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!
____________________________________________________________________________
Check out this E-Magazine! You can advertise in an issue for just $5! Thats a good price so I advertise in this E-Magazine now. You should too!



Also please remember to Follow my blog


Instagram: NavyWif33
My weekend was pretty relaxed.

I went to the Kitsap Mall around 1130pm on Friday. They opened the doors to the mall at 11:45pm and the crowd went wild!
Here's the video of the crowd


The stores themselves opened up at 12 AM. I went to Victoria's secret to get some of the PINK items. I got a few sweaters, some yoga pants and some bras. They did not have any great sales. I was very disappointed about that. I also had to wait in line to check out for about an hour and a half.

The next store I went to was Old Navy. It was raining outside and the line was wrapped around the corner. So I decided that I would not wait in that line or wait in the rain. Instead I went home and tried to get some rest...Well it didn't happen until about 7:30 AM. 

Then I woke up around 12:30 PM and decided to go to Big Lots and the Navy Exchange(NEX). The crowds had pretty much died down by this time. I was in and out of both places without any wait. I got a Christmas tree and a Tablet/E-Reader for my husbands Niece. I got a wireless printer for the NEX.

I decided to stay home on Saturday and get some rest, so that I could recover from all that Black Friday Shopping.

On Sunday I stayed home and spent some quality time with my Husband. I love days like that!
I also decided to start working on a meal plan for the week. That went well and my grocery bill was $40. That included some other things that were not apart of the meal plans. The APP that I used to create the meal plan was FOOD ON THE TABLE. I recommend this APP. It has some great food choices. Try it out!

Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!







My Weekend

My weekend was pretty relaxed.

I went to the Kitsap Mall around 1130pm on Friday. They opened the doors to the mall at 11:45pm and the crowd went wild!
Here's the video of the crowd


The stores themselves opened up at 12 AM. I went to Victoria's secret to get some of the PINK items. I got a few sweaters, some yoga pants and some bras. They did not have any great sales. I was very disappointed about that. I also had to wait in line to check out for about an hour and a half.

The next store I went to was Old Navy. It was raining outside and the line was wrapped around the corner. So I decided that I would not wait in that line or wait in the rain. Instead I went home and tried to get some rest...Well it didn't happen until about 7:30 AM. 

Then I woke up around 12:30 PM and decided to go to Big Lots and the Navy Exchange(NEX). The crowds had pretty much died down by this time. I was in and out of both places without any wait. I got a Christmas tree and a Tablet/E-Reader for my husbands Niece. I got a wireless printer for the NEX.

I decided to stay home on Saturday and get some rest, so that I could recover from all that Black Friday Shopping.

On Sunday I stayed home and spent some quality time with my Husband. I love days like that!
I also decided to start working on a meal plan for the week. That went well and my grocery bill was $40. That included some other things that were not apart of the meal plans. The APP that I used to create the meal plan was FOOD ON THE TABLE. I recommend this APP. It has some great food choices. Try it out!

Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!







YORK PHOTO is offering three free items today and tomorrow only. You can pick one of the three items. Not all three items. This would be a great personalized Christmas Gift for that special someone in your life! Make sure you use the link on this page and the coupon code is SPECIALHOLIDAY

If you create a new account you will also receive 60 free photo prints with this order. NO coupon code needed. 


Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!




YORK PHOTO (offer expired)

YORK PHOTO is offering three free items today and tomorrow only. You can pick one of the three items. Not all three items. This would be a great personalized Christmas Gift for that special someone in your life! Make sure you use the link on this page and the coupon code is SPECIALHOLIDAY

If you create a new account you will also receive 60 free photo prints with this order. NO coupon code needed. 


Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!




I haven't posted anything lately. I've been enjoying my Thanksgiving weekend. I did all the cooking and I can say that Im proud of myself. The food tasted good. I cooked ham, greens, mac and cheese, dressing(stuffing), apple crisp pie and sweet potato pie. One of my Husbands co-workers came over to eat with us and he cleaned his plate. It made me feel good. ahaha

My family back home wanted to see how the food turned out so I filmed a quick video of my dinner. lol.
It was nice to prepare a Holiday meal. I still wish that I had help but my Husband can't cook! ahaha. We are going to have to work on his cooking skills.

Now, It's time for me to get ready for Christmas. I put my tree up yesterday. It's small and cute. Just big enough for us.

I will make a Turkey instead of Ham for Christmas Dinner. My Husband really wanted Turkey but I didn't want to cook it because I was afraid that I would not do a good job. It's time to get over that fear!


Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!


Thanksgiving Dinner

I haven't posted anything lately. I've been enjoying my Thanksgiving weekend. I did all the cooking and I can say that Im proud of myself. The food tasted good. I cooked ham, greens, mac and cheese, dressing(stuffing), apple crisp pie and sweet potato pie. One of my Husbands co-workers came over to eat with us and he cleaned his plate. It made me feel good. ahaha

My family back home wanted to see how the food turned out so I filmed a quick video of my dinner. lol.
It was nice to prepare a Holiday meal. I still wish that I had help but my Husband can't cook! ahaha. We are going to have to work on his cooking skills.

Now, It's time for me to get ready for Christmas. I put my tree up yesterday. It's small and cute. Just big enough for us.

I will make a Turkey instead of Ham for Christmas Dinner. My Husband really wanted Turkey but I didn't want to cook it because I was afraid that I would not do a good job. It's time to get over that fear!


Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!


Walmart has some good items this year. A lot of the electronics come with a free gift card. I still haven't made my mind up on what I want. I might end up not even doing Black Friday, since it starts on Thanksgiving night.

The big electronic items that will probably sell out fast are:
IPAD $399
32INCH TV $148
BLU RAY PLAYER $38

Click HERE for the Walmart Advertisement.

If you are in line between 10:00-11:00 p.m. and one these three items happens to sell out, you will still be guaranteed the product at the special Black Friday price! Walmart will pass out a card that will let you purchase the item before 12 am and It will be shipped for you.

For more information and further details on Walmart's "Black Friday Guarantee," you can visit their website.

Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!

Instagram: NavyWif33

Walmart Black Friday Ad

Walmart has some good items this year. A lot of the electronics come with a free gift card. I still haven't made my mind up on what I want. I might end up not even doing Black Friday, since it starts on Thanksgiving night.

The big electronic items that will probably sell out fast are:
IPAD $399
32INCH TV $148
BLU RAY PLAYER $38

Click HERE for the Walmart Advertisement.

If you are in line between 10:00-11:00 p.m. and one these three items happens to sell out, you will still be guaranteed the product at the special Black Friday price! Walmart will pass out a card that will let you purchase the item before 12 am and It will be shipped for you.

For more information and further details on Walmart's "Black Friday Guarantee," you can visit their website.

Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!

Instagram: NavyWif33
This will be my first time making Thanksgiving Dinner by myself. My husband does not know how to cook at all and I'm still learning. lol. That said, he's going to be no help at all!


 So, I decided to try and make the Paula Deen Corn Bread Stuffing. I found this recipe on Food Network. It came out pretty good. I was hoping that it would. I figured if i made it early it would give me time to make it again just in case I did a bad job the first time. To my surprise the dressing taste very good!



This is my first time using a Paula Deen Recipe. I have some of her pots and pans. lol. Just never tried any of her "southern recipes". If your looking to try some new this year then be sure to click on my links and check out this recipe!

Today I Joined a Link. You should link up with us!

Helene in Between

Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!

Instagram: NavyWif33


Paula Deen Stuffing Recipe

This will be my first time making Thanksgiving Dinner by myself. My husband does not know how to cook at all and I'm still learning. lol. That said, he's going to be no help at all!


 So, I decided to try and make the Paula Deen Corn Bread Stuffing. I found this recipe on Food Network. It came out pretty good. I was hoping that it would. I figured if i made it early it would give me time to make it again just in case I did a bad job the first time. To my surprise the dressing taste very good!



This is my first time using a Paula Deen Recipe. I have some of her pots and pans. lol. Just never tried any of her "southern recipes". If your looking to try some new this year then be sure to click on my links and check out this recipe!

Today I Joined a Link. You should link up with us!

Helene in Between

Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!

Instagram: NavyWif33



I just order my friend an Udder Covers because she's a breast feeding Mama. I have heard good things about these. They are cute and inexpensive. There's always a coupon code floating around for it. The Promo Code that I used was FAMILY2012. Regular price was $34.95. When you use the promo code, it will take $35.00 off of your total. All you pay is the cost of shipping which for me was $11.95. Since you get $35.00 off, the total for your order comes to $11.90.

If your looking for a cute baby shower gift then this would be a great choice. They are always running a freebie special. Check their website for the latest promo code!

Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!


Udder Covers (offer expired)


I just order my friend an Udder Covers because she's a breast feeding Mama. I have heard good things about these. They are cute and inexpensive. There's always a coupon code floating around for it. The Promo Code that I used was FAMILY2012. Regular price was $34.95. When you use the promo code, it will take $35.00 off of your total. All you pay is the cost of shipping which for me was $11.95. Since you get $35.00 off, the total for your order comes to $11.90.

If your looking for a cute baby shower gift then this would be a great choice. They are always running a freebie special. Check their website for the latest promo code!

Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!


I'm so glad it's Friday. I've had a long week...

I have been trying to come up with Ideas on what to cook for Thanksgiving Dinner. Since it's just the two of us I dont want to make too much. Im thinking we will pass on the turkey this year. Maybe just do Ham. I need to decide on what side dishes we want also. Any Ideas??? Please share them with me!

I'm also taking some online classes through DeVry University and they really have been keeping me busy. When I'm not doing school work I'm either running errands or going to doctor appointments and physical therapy appointments. I'm in the process of getting a breast reduction so my doctor recommend me do more physical therapy before my reduction would be approved. I'm willing to do whatever they ask of me so that I can get back pain relief from these large breast.

My husband has Duty tonight but I'm not going to complain. Only because we are planning to go out of town tomorrow when he gets home. Not sure if we are going back to the Tulalip Resort or not. If we do not, then we will go to Leavenworth. I'm just excited for another weekend getaway.

I love enjoying our time away from the house. I also want to explore more of Washington before we move from here. One thing the military offers us is a chance to explore the world. I plan to take advantage of every location that I get to live in!



Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!

This Thing Called Life...

I'm so glad it's Friday. I've had a long week...

I have been trying to come up with Ideas on what to cook for Thanksgiving Dinner. Since it's just the two of us I dont want to make too much. Im thinking we will pass on the turkey this year. Maybe just do Ham. I need to decide on what side dishes we want also. Any Ideas??? Please share them with me!

I'm also taking some online classes through DeVry University and they really have been keeping me busy. When I'm not doing school work I'm either running errands or going to doctor appointments and physical therapy appointments. I'm in the process of getting a breast reduction so my doctor recommend me do more physical therapy before my reduction would be approved. I'm willing to do whatever they ask of me so that I can get back pain relief from these large breast.

My husband has Duty tonight but I'm not going to complain. Only because we are planning to go out of town tomorrow when he gets home. Not sure if we are going back to the Tulalip Resort or not. If we do not, then we will go to Leavenworth. I'm just excited for another weekend getaway.

I love enjoying our time away from the house. I also want to explore more of Washington before we move from here. One thing the military offers us is a chance to explore the world. I plan to take advantage of every location that I get to live in!



Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!


Im always looking for something cheap or free. I had been thinking about ordering personalized holiday cards this year. The ones that I found were about $1.25 each. I normally get generic cards and enclose a wallet size photo of us in the envelope. I just decided to enclose larger photos in my generic cards for this year.

I'm getting an early start on my holiday cards this year and I'm ordering from YORKPHOTO. It's an online store. I would compare it to Shutterfly. Their prices are very inexpensive. Be sure to click on link or click HERE and you will automatically receive 60 free 4x8 prints. The shipping cost was $1.74 for me. There was no tax charged.

You can customize collages and add your own text. There's not any backgrounds available because it's considered a "print" not a card. If you would like, you can always just get regular 4x8 prints and just add them to your holiday cards, you know that thing that I normally do. lol
There's a coupon code(STAYWARM) for a $20 photo fleece blanket. It expires November 17, 2012


Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!

Instagram: NavyWif33

YORK PHOTO


Im always looking for something cheap or free. I had been thinking about ordering personalized holiday cards this year. The ones that I found were about $1.25 each. I normally get generic cards and enclose a wallet size photo of us in the envelope. I just decided to enclose larger photos in my generic cards for this year.

I'm getting an early start on my holiday cards this year and I'm ordering from YORKPHOTO. It's an online store. I would compare it to Shutterfly. Their prices are very inexpensive. Be sure to click on link or click HERE and you will automatically receive 60 free 4x8 prints. The shipping cost was $1.74 for me. There was no tax charged.

You can customize collages and add your own text. There's not any backgrounds available because it's considered a "print" not a card. If you would like, you can always just get regular 4x8 prints and just add them to your holiday cards, you know that thing that I normally do. lol
There's a coupon code(STAYWARM) for a $20 photo fleece blanket. It expires November 17, 2012


Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!

Instagram: NavyWif33

My husband received his new orders last week. I'm not going to say where we are moving to yet because it's not official.

Well it is but it's not!

The place that they want to send him to is not one of our choices. He didn't get a chance to let them know what his choices were and received orders before he was able to do that. He's going to see if he can get new orders, again. Wish us luck with this process. It can go either way. He can give the orders back and get something better or end up with something worst. They are for two years but the location is not right for us.

If we end up having to go there then that will be okay of course. We will definitely make the best out of it. Just like Washington, this was unexpected but we have made it home, even though we have only been here for about a year. It definitely took some getting use to. I can't say that we love it but we have a great outlook on things. It makes it that much easier to deal with it! Does anybody have any PCS stories that they would like to share? Which Duty station was your favorite and what was your least favorite?

Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!

Instagram: NavyWif33

Military Orders


My husband received his new orders last week. I'm not going to say where we are moving to yet because it's not official.

Well it is but it's not!

The place that they want to send him to is not one of our choices. He didn't get a chance to let them know what his choices were and received orders before he was able to do that. He's going to see if he can get new orders, again. Wish us luck with this process. It can go either way. He can give the orders back and get something better or end up with something worst. They are for two years but the location is not right for us.

If we end up having to go there then that will be okay of course. We will definitely make the best out of it. Just like Washington, this was unexpected but we have made it home, even though we have only been here for about a year. It definitely took some getting use to. I can't say that we love it but we have a great outlook on things. It makes it that much easier to deal with it! Does anybody have any PCS stories that they would like to share? Which Duty station was your favorite and what was your least favorite?

Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!

Instagram: NavyWif33


Camille at Crazy Mama passed the Laine Blogger Award to me. I would like to thank you Camille!



Here's the Rules
  • Answer 5 questions about yourself (same ones listed here).
  • Add award logo in your post and thank the person who gave it to you and link back to the person that gave you the award.
  • Pass it on to 5 other bloggers and notify them on their blog that they won.


Questions and my answers:
  • What is your current beauty obsession? Lip gloss, if that’s considered a beauty obsession
  • What is the ONE item you wish you owned? An Apple Ipad
  • What is your favorite topic to read about? Electronics
  • What inspired you to become a blogger? Pinterest, I saw a ton of blogs on there and decided I wanted to document my life
  • What nail polish are you wearing now? White tips


Blogs I'm passing this award onto:

  1. A Lovely Army Wife
  2. Tis the Life of an Army Wife
  3. Helen in Between
  4. Married to Red White and Blue
  5. The Adventures of Our Army Life

Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!


Laine Blogger Award



Camille at Crazy Mama passed the Laine Blogger Award to me. I would like to thank you Camille!



Here's the Rules
  • Answer 5 questions about yourself (same ones listed here).
  • Add award logo in your post and thank the person who gave it to you and link back to the person that gave you the award.
  • Pass it on to 5 other bloggers and notify them on their blog that they won.


Questions and my answers:
  • What is your current beauty obsession? Lip gloss, if that’s considered a beauty obsession
  • What is the ONE item you wish you owned? An Apple Ipad
  • What is your favorite topic to read about? Electronics
  • What inspired you to become a blogger? Pinterest, I saw a ton of blogs on there and decided I wanted to document my life
  • What nail polish are you wearing now? White tips


Blogs I'm passing this award onto:

  1. A Lovely Army Wife
  2. Tis the Life of an Army Wife
  3. Helen in Between
  4. Married to Red White and Blue
  5. The Adventures of Our Army Life

Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!


We started our weekend off on Saturday by taking some Christmas pictures at JCPenny Portrait Studios. The Silverdale loction charges no sitting fee for military and they also give you three portrait sheets for free. This is an every day deal. Contact your local JCPenny Portrait Studio and ask them what military discounts do they offer.

Later that day we caught the Washington State Ferry to Seattle.

VIEW OF SEATTLE FROM THE FERRY

Then drove 30 minutes to Everett so that we could go to the Tulalip Resort. It's a nice casino. I would compare it to a Las Vegas Casino.  We had a great time there and I won some money also!
I WON $122.15!

The hotel rooms there were booked up at Tulalip Resort so we ended up staying about 6 miles away at Navy Lodge Everett.


Right next door to the Casino are the Premium Outlets. Going to Tulalip was the best of both worlds. My husband got to gamble and I got to shop till I drop! lol. We didnt get a chance to take advantage of any of the free meals for service members for Veterans Day. Tomorrow is the last day for this and my husband actually has Duty. Maybe next year he can get a free meal. For now I will just have to cook him dinner! lol
ONE OF MY FAVORITE STORES!



I hope everybody else had a great weekend!

Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!


Veterans Day Weekend

We started our weekend off on Saturday by taking some Christmas pictures at JCPenny Portrait Studios. The Silverdale loction charges no sitting fee for military and they also give you three portrait sheets for free. This is an every day deal. Contact your local JCPenny Portrait Studio and ask them what military discounts do they offer.

Later that day we caught the Washington State Ferry to Seattle.

VIEW OF SEATTLE FROM THE FERRY

Then drove 30 minutes to Everett so that we could go to the Tulalip Resort. It's a nice casino. I would compare it to a Las Vegas Casino.  We had a great time there and I won some money also!
I WON $122.15!

The hotel rooms there were booked up at Tulalip Resort so we ended up staying about 6 miles away at Navy Lodge Everett.


Right next door to the Casino are the Premium Outlets. Going to Tulalip was the best of both worlds. My husband got to gamble and I got to shop till I drop! lol. We didnt get a chance to take advantage of any of the free meals for service members for Veterans Day. Tomorrow is the last day for this and my husband actually has Duty. Maybe next year he can get a free meal. For now I will just have to cook him dinner! lol
ONE OF MY FAVORITE STORES!



I hope everybody else had a great weekend!

Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!


I found this recipe on Domesticated Princess Blog. These are Chicken Enchiladas. The ingredients call for sour cream mixed with cream of chicken soup. I was trying to think of another name for these. I don't think of cream of chicken soup when I think about enchiladas, but let me tell you, this dish was delicious!

Ingredients

8 oz of Cheddar
4 oz of Monterrey Cheese
2 Green Onions
1 large can of Cream of Chicken Soup
8 oz of sour cream
2 lbs of chopped chicken(cooked)
1 dozen tortillas

Directions
Boil the chicken for about 15 minutes or until fully cooked. Then drain.
Chop chicken up.
Chop green onions.
Mix cream of chicken, sour cream, chopped chicken, green onions and cheese in a large bowl

Heat tortillas ( I heated mines on an electric grill. only took a few minutes)
Add some mix to each tortilla then roll the tortilla up.
When your done filling all the tortillas then add the left over Mix on top of the tortillas
Now stick in the over on 325 degrees for about ten minutes or until cheese is melted.
Then serve!
I'm sure my picture might not look delicious but try the recipe out and you will see that it's yummy!

Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!

Instagram: NavyWif33


A Yummy Chicken Dish

I found this recipe on Domesticated Princess Blog. These are Chicken Enchiladas. The ingredients call for sour cream mixed with cream of chicken soup. I was trying to think of another name for these. I don't think of cream of chicken soup when I think about enchiladas, but let me tell you, this dish was delicious!

Ingredients

8 oz of Cheddar
4 oz of Monterrey Cheese
2 Green Onions
1 large can of Cream of Chicken Soup
8 oz of sour cream
2 lbs of chopped chicken(cooked)
1 dozen tortillas

Directions
Boil the chicken for about 15 minutes or until fully cooked. Then drain.
Chop chicken up.
Chop green onions.
Mix cream of chicken, sour cream, chopped chicken, green onions and cheese in a large bowl

Heat tortillas ( I heated mines on an electric grill. only took a few minutes)
Add some mix to each tortilla then roll the tortilla up.
When your done filling all the tortillas then add the left over Mix on top of the tortillas
Now stick in the over on 325 degrees for about ten minutes or until cheese is melted.
Then serve!
I'm sure my picture might not look delicious but try the recipe out and you will see that it's yummy!

Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!

Instagram: NavyWif33


I found this recipe at Wifessionals Blog

I had almost all the ingredients to make these cookies, they were already in my cabinet. The only two things that were not in my cabinet were the oats and the semi sweet chocolate chips


My pictures never look as good as it takes. lol. Im still new at this whole cooking thing...but trust me these were yummy!

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups oats
  • 3/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Directions 
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees
Cream butter and sugars with an electric mixer for 4 minutes. Do not skimp on the time or you will have flat cookies
Add in egg and beat for 30 more seconds.
Now put down your mixer. Do the rest by hand. SERIOUSLY!
Stir in vanilla.
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt. Pour into the wet ingredients and stir until just mixed
Add in the oats and chocolate chips
Drop by 1 - 1 1/2 tablespoonsfuls onto an ungreased baking sheet
Bake for 10-12 minutes
Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan

Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!

Instagram: NavyWif33 

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies

I found this recipe at Wifessionals Blog

I had almost all the ingredients to make these cookies, they were already in my cabinet. The only two things that were not in my cabinet were the oats and the semi sweet chocolate chips


My pictures never look as good as it takes. lol. Im still new at this whole cooking thing...but trust me these were yummy!

Chocolate Chip Oatmeal Cookies
Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 cups oats
  • 3/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips

Directions 
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees
Cream butter and sugars with an electric mixer for 4 minutes. Do not skimp on the time or you will have flat cookies
Add in egg and beat for 30 more seconds.
Now put down your mixer. Do the rest by hand. SERIOUSLY!
Stir in vanilla.
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt. Pour into the wet ingredients and stir until just mixed
Add in the oats and chocolate chips
Drop by 1 - 1 1/2 tablespoonsfuls onto an ungreased baking sheet
Bake for 10-12 minutes
Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan

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Veterans day is slowly creeping up.  If you are active duty you can take advantage of the veterans day discounts. I have seen ads for a few restaurants that are giving discounts but you have to have ID present.

Instead of me creating a list, I decided to share a post from TheMilitaryWallet. They have a long list of restaurants that are offering a free meal, appetizer or a  discounted meal. I would advise you to contact the location that you plan to go to ahead of time to ask them what exactly will they offer you at that location. I know that in the past, we have went to Applebees on Veterans day and they offer a free meal for the service member only. Not everybody in the party. Just those that have active duty idea or a Veteran ID of course.

Click HERE for the list of discounts


Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!

Instagram: NavyWif33 

Veterans Day Discounts


Veterans day is slowly creeping up.  If you are active duty you can take advantage of the veterans day discounts. I have seen ads for a few restaurants that are giving discounts but you have to have ID present.

Instead of me creating a list, I decided to share a post from TheMilitaryWallet. They have a long list of restaurants that are offering a free meal, appetizer or a  discounted meal. I would advise you to contact the location that you plan to go to ahead of time to ask them what exactly will they offer you at that location. I know that in the past, we have went to Applebees on Veterans day and they offer a free meal for the service member only. Not everybody in the party. Just those that have active duty idea or a Veteran ID of course.

Click HERE for the list of discounts


Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!

Instagram: NavyWif33 
I love having pretty nails. I would love for my nails to match my outfit everyday. I try my hardest to change my nail color up every few days.

My problem is I'm not good at making my manicure look professional. My nails are only cute for one day. After that they start to look dull. I use Sally Hansen nail polish and a few cheaper nail polishes also. Im not sure which ones are the best. Like I said, "they all look cute on day one".

When I go to the nail salon they make my nails look super cute. I have to pay $11 and the manicure last me all of 3 days. Its way cheaper when I do it myself every few days. What's a girl to do? I need someone to give me some pointers on keeping my nails looking good and what brand of polishes I should invest in.

This week I decided to try and "take care" of my manicure. On day two of having my manicure I decided to put a coat of clear polish on my nails. Then on Day 6 I put another coat of clear polish on my nails. Today is day 7.I was able to make it last for a whole week! Im so proud of myself.
Here's the picture


I still need more pointers on how to take care of my natural nails. Putting clear polish on them will not always do the trick but that did preserve my nail polish. What should i do to keep my cuticles looking nice?
ANY and ALL ideas are greatly appreciated!!!


Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!



Manicures and Pedicures

I love having pretty nails. I would love for my nails to match my outfit everyday. I try my hardest to change my nail color up every few days.

My problem is I'm not good at making my manicure look professional. My nails are only cute for one day. After that they start to look dull. I use Sally Hansen nail polish and a few cheaper nail polishes also. Im not sure which ones are the best. Like I said, "they all look cute on day one".

When I go to the nail salon they make my nails look super cute. I have to pay $11 and the manicure last me all of 3 days. Its way cheaper when I do it myself every few days. What's a girl to do? I need someone to give me some pointers on keeping my nails looking good and what brand of polishes I should invest in.

This week I decided to try and "take care" of my manicure. On day two of having my manicure I decided to put a coat of clear polish on my nails. Then on Day 6 I put another coat of clear polish on my nails. Today is day 7.I was able to make it last for a whole week! Im so proud of myself.
Here's the picture


I still need more pointers on how to take care of my natural nails. Putting clear polish on them will not always do the trick but that did preserve my nail polish. What should i do to keep my cuticles looking nice?
ANY and ALL ideas are greatly appreciated!!!


Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!




DEERS(DEFENSE ENROLLMENT ELEGIBILITY REPORTYING SYSTEM)
DEERS is a worldwide, computerized database of uniformed services members (sponsors), their family members, and others who are eligible for military benefits, including TRICARE. All sponsors are automatically registered in DEERS.

The sponsor has to register all eligible family members. No one can add or delete a family member from DEERS, besides the sponsor. The sponsor is the only person that can make changes like this. Once family is enrolled they can update their own personal information, such as address and phone numbers. You have to be enrolled in DEERS to set up your tricare benefits, obtain a DOD Dependant Identification Card, apply for military housing, etc. You can update Tricare information by clicking HERE



Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!

Instagram: NavyWif33 


DEERS


DEERS(DEFENSE ENROLLMENT ELEGIBILITY REPORTYING SYSTEM)
DEERS is a worldwide, computerized database of uniformed services members (sponsors), their family members, and others who are eligible for military benefits, including TRICARE. All sponsors are automatically registered in DEERS.

The sponsor has to register all eligible family members. No one can add or delete a family member from DEERS, besides the sponsor. The sponsor is the only person that can make changes like this. Once family is enrolled they can update their own personal information, such as address and phone numbers. You have to be enrolled in DEERS to set up your tricare benefits, obtain a DOD Dependant Identification Card, apply for military housing, etc. You can update Tricare information by clicking HERE



Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!

Instagram: NavyWif33 


DAY 54 (11/6/12)
These last few weeks I have been wearing my hair in twist outs. It looks best when I twist it every night but of course that does not happen often. I would love to do it every night but i'm just never in the mood. So I normally wear my twist out for about two days. Anything longer then that and my twist/curls are not longer defined.

I haven't wore a wash and go in more then two weeks. I'm debating what I want to do to my hair this week. Not sure if I want to straighten it for a few days or not. It's been raining every day out here so flat ironing it is pointless. I was thinking to use a hot comb. I planned to straightened my hair out once a month so I wouldn't put too much heat on it. I can pass on the heat for this month and just get my hair braided in individual braids. That would last me and it would look cute! I think this is the route that I will take.

Me and my husband are planning to take some professional pictures this week so that I can get our holiday cards ready. So Either way, I'm going to have to do something to my hair. I don't want my hair looking "natural" in our photos. lol. My natural curls are very cute but I want something professional done to my hair, so braids it will be! Braids are also a protective hair style so it will give my hair a break from being messed with for a while. I will probably keep the braids in between 2 weeks and a month.

Here's some pictures of my hair from the past few weeks









TWIST OUT PROCESS:
I Co-Wash with As I Am Coconut Cowash. Condition with Tresemme's Naturals. I DO NOT wash the conditioner out. I then apply a small amount of Eco Styler Gel to my hair. Then I do the two strand twist in medium size sections all over my head. I add a small amount of Eco Styler Gel to the end of each twist so that I can seal the twist.
I try to do my hair at night so that it has all night to dry. When Im done i put my silk bonnet on my hair and go to bed!



If you have any questions please feel free to comment! If you would like a personal response sent to you then be sure to leave your email.

Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!

Instagram: NavyWif33 

Hair Journey Day 54

DAY 54 (11/6/12)
These last few weeks I have been wearing my hair in twist outs. It looks best when I twist it every night but of course that does not happen often. I would love to do it every night but i'm just never in the mood. So I normally wear my twist out for about two days. Anything longer then that and my twist/curls are not longer defined.

I haven't wore a wash and go in more then two weeks. I'm debating what I want to do to my hair this week. Not sure if I want to straighten it for a few days or not. It's been raining every day out here so flat ironing it is pointless. I was thinking to use a hot comb. I planned to straightened my hair out once a month so I wouldn't put too much heat on it. I can pass on the heat for this month and just get my hair braided in individual braids. That would last me and it would look cute! I think this is the route that I will take.

Me and my husband are planning to take some professional pictures this week so that I can get our holiday cards ready. So Either way, I'm going to have to do something to my hair. I don't want my hair looking "natural" in our photos. lol. My natural curls are very cute but I want something professional done to my hair, so braids it will be! Braids are also a protective hair style so it will give my hair a break from being messed with for a while. I will probably keep the braids in between 2 weeks and a month.

Here's some pictures of my hair from the past few weeks









TWIST OUT PROCESS:
I Co-Wash with As I Am Coconut Cowash. Condition with Tresemme's Naturals. I DO NOT wash the conditioner out. I then apply a small amount of Eco Styler Gel to my hair. Then I do the two strand twist in medium size sections all over my head. I add a small amount of Eco Styler Gel to the end of each twist so that I can seal the twist.
I try to do my hair at night so that it has all night to dry. When Im done i put my silk bonnet on my hair and go to bed!



If you have any questions please feel free to comment! If you would like a personal response sent to you then be sure to leave your email.

Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!

Instagram: NavyWif33 


Just want to send another friendly reminder for everybody to go out and VOTE tomorrow!!! Tomorrow is the last day. If you are military and you weren't able to vote by mail or you forgot to request your ballot in time then I will give you a pass. lol. I would like for everybody to make this a priority but things will not always go as planned. Just try your hardest to get out and vote tomorrow!!

I have some videos at the bottom of this post. You can also click HERE for videos also.
I mailed my voter ballot in on Monday 10/29/12. I voted by mail because I'm currently in Washington State and I'm a registered voter in California. I'm sure San Diego will receive my ballot before election day because it only takes about a day or two to get there.

So many people have opinions about what the President has and has not done. If you have an opinion then you need to vote and show the world that you have a voice. I know that we all have different values and different views on things so we can agree to disagree. I figured I would say this just to let everyone know that I'm not trying to start a Debate.

I'm #TeamObama!

Yes, that's right. I voted for Obama. He has my vote this year and he had my vote 4 years ago. I will not go in to detail about why I voted for him. Those are my personal reasons and of course I don;t want to start a debate. I just want to make everybody aware that voting will be coming to a end in the next few days. Please make sure you get out and vote before it's too late. EVERY VOTE COUNTS!!!
ELECTION 2012!

Here's a few videos that I posted on my YouTube channel of the 3rd and final Presidential Debate on October 22, 2012.

Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!
Instagram: NavyWif33 
Facebook

Presidential Election 2012



Just want to send another friendly reminder for everybody to go out and VOTE tomorrow!!! Tomorrow is the last day. If you are military and you weren't able to vote by mail or you forgot to request your ballot in time then I will give you a pass. lol. I would like for everybody to make this a priority but things will not always go as planned. Just try your hardest to get out and vote tomorrow!!

I have some videos at the bottom of this post. You can also click HERE for videos also.
I mailed my voter ballot in on Monday 10/29/12. I voted by mail because I'm currently in Washington State and I'm a registered voter in California. I'm sure San Diego will receive my ballot before election day because it only takes about a day or two to get there.

So many people have opinions about what the President has and has not done. If you have an opinion then you need to vote and show the world that you have a voice. I know that we all have different values and different views on things so we can agree to disagree. I figured I would say this just to let everyone know that I'm not trying to start a Debate.

I'm #TeamObama!

Yes, that's right. I voted for Obama. He has my vote this year and he had my vote 4 years ago. I will not go in to detail about why I voted for him. Those are my personal reasons and of course I don;t want to start a debate. I just want to make everybody aware that voting will be coming to a end in the next few days. Please make sure you get out and vote before it's too late. EVERY VOTE COUNTS!!!
ELECTION 2012!

Here's a few videos that I posted on my YouTube channel of the 3rd and final Presidential Debate on October 22, 2012.

Be sure to follow my blog so you can stay updated and informed!
Instagram: NavyWif33 
Facebook
This is from Jenn Hartman ( JennHeart31@gmail.com)
This is her experience with her first NAVY PCS MOVE a few weeks ago.
If you have any questions you can feel free to email her or ask your questions below. Leave an email address below if you want a personal response.



We just did our first Navy PCS.  We moved from Rockford, IL to San Diego, CA.  I wanted to write it all down in hopes that others about to PCS get all the info they can.  I'll start with general information about the move and entitlements and incentive.  At the bottom, I will give our specific situations with actual numbers and also some info on getting into military housing, if that is what you choose to do.  First, here are the definitions: 
HHG - Household goods
PPO - Personal Property Office
DPS - Defense Personal Property System
POV - Privately Owned Vehicle
POA - Power of Attorney - There are different kinds of these, if you are a spouse and taking care of the move while your servicemember is absent, you will need to make sure you have all the right ones.  Your servicemember can have one drawn up on base or sometimes even on a ship and sent to you.  You do not have to be present.  Ask for a POA that will cover lease signing, financial transactions, and if it's tax season, one for taxes.  The legal department should know what to do.
Reimbursement amount - the amount of money the government expects it to cost were they to move your HHGs for you.
Incentive amount - The amount of money you get to keep if you come in under budget (95% of the reimbursement amount).
PCS - Permanent Change of Station - when the military orders a servicemember to move for duty.  This can be accompanied (with dependents) or unaccompanied (without dependents).  The military will pay for your move and if it is accompanied, they will also pay to move your dependents.  You can do it two ways: have the government hire movers to pack and ship your things (government move) or do it yourself and get reimbursed.  The do it yourself move is what I am writing about, it used to be called a DITY, but is now a PPM.
PPM - Personally Procured Move - You cannot do a PPM if you're PCSing overseas (which includes HI).  You arrange to move your HHG yourself and get reimbursed.  You can do this in whatever manner you wish, you can:  hire a moving company, or pack yourself and rent a moving truck to drive, or pack and rent a container or trailer that someone else transports after you load it.  There is also an incentive for you to get it done cheaply.  There is some secret formula based on the weight of your HHG and the distance you're traveling that determines how much the government expects to have to pay to move you in a government move.  That is your maximum reimbursement amount.  Also, the servicemember has a weight limit based on paygrade, which can be found here: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/assignments/l/blpropweight.htm

You can go over the weight limit on a PPM, but you'll still only get paid the maximum reimbursement amount, even if you pay more to move it.

If you are close to a base, I recommend going to the PPO and getting someone to counsel you.  If this is your first PCS or first accompanied PCS, you may live no where near a base.  In that case, you can do self-counseling online at www.move.mil

The service member will have to register in DPS to get a username and password.  A note about the password:  The passwords are random, VERY long and have lots of different characters in them, not just letters and numbers.  You cannot change your password, but you can request a new one every time.  If you are a spouse, make sure your service member gives you the answers to the personal questions s/he selected when getting a password (favorite color, favorite fruit, favorite pet's name, etc).  Be sure you write them down exactly as they were typed, you don't want to lock up the account.  You will need to get a new password occasionally.  I have found that copying and pasting into a notepad or wordpad document then saving it on the computer is helpful.  Then you can just copy and paste into the password box.  No one wants to have to type out all those characters every time.

Once you are logged into DPS through Move.mil, you will start filling in the info.  You will need a copy of the orders to do this.  You will set up a "shipment" and be able to select PPM as your method.  You will also be asked to estimate the weight of your HHG.  I suggest underestimating this weight.  You will be able to get an advanced operating allowance of 60% of the total allowance.  If your weight is less than your estimate, and the advance ended up being more than your allowance, you will have to pay back the difference.  So once you enter the weight, it will figure the total expected cost for a government move.  This is your maximum reimbursement amount.  Your incentive amount is 95% of this number.  I will use nice round numbers as examples.  If the 100% number is $10,000, your incentive is $9,500.  If you only spend $6,000 to move your HHGs, they reimburse you for that, then you get the keep the extra $3,500. 
After you have completed the self-counseling (or in-person counseling at a base), you will have to sign forms.  You will have to mail, fax, email, or bring in person: copies of orders (maybe previous orders and new orders), copy of the Page 2 (called Dependency Application/Record of Emergency Data, it is form # NAVPERS 1070/602), and if this is a first PCS you'll need a document called Enlistment Contract (For, DD 4/1) that will show the home of record.  Reimbursement for the move will only be for HHGs at the location listed on the Home of Record.  If you've moved since then, call the PPO to see what needs to be included.  If you are a spouse and the service member will not be present at the in-person counseling, you must have a POA.

For me, all the Navy stuff was the hardest.  The arranging of the move was simple.  I called around, got quotes on different options and compared benefits.  I scheduled a date, but made sure I knew the cancellation policy just in case.  You never know what might come up last minute.  Figure out how you're getting to your next station.  Are you driving?  Flying?  That may make a difference in how you ship.  We have two cars, two kids and two large dogs.  The dogs and kids won't all fit in the backseat of either car, so we had to each drive one.  If you end up having to ship a vehicle, talk to the PPO first to determine if there are more forms.  I have no experience in that.  Also, read below about travel entitlements so you can plan your pickup/delivery dates appropriately. Arrange for your packing materials, keep receipts for all of it, boxes, tape, anything non-reusable is reimbursable. 

Then, move.  : )  The easy part - hopefully!  Save every receipt. 

After you arrive, you can set up your claim package for the rest of the reimbursement.  You'll need the forms you got from the counseling process, orders, weight tickets of the empty and full truck (VERY IMPORTANT!), rental contracts, all your fuel (if you're driving the moving truck) toll and equipment receipts, the enlistment contract.  Don't worry, they give you a check list.  Gather it all together, make copies and/or scan them into a computer.  You can email PDF files to them or mail it snail mail. 

We estimated that we had 6000lbs, which for the distance we were moving, would pay a total of $5147.81 to move us.  My husband is an E-3 at the time of the move, so he is allowed 8000lbs.  Our incentive amount worked out to:  $4890.42.  We received 60% of our incentive amount before the move, $2934.25.  That was deposited at the first payday after we completed the counseling.  I just finished the paperwork, we had 8080lbs of HHGs, so our incentive amount for that weight (I played with different weight estimates in DPS before finalizing to get an idea) is $6344.24.  We only spent $2716.62, so we get to keep $3627.62.  Not bad. 

HOUSING - Before you get firm orders, you can start the housing process.  Go tohttp://www.cnic.navy.mil/CNIC_HQ_Site/WhatWeDo/FleetandFamilyReadiness/Housing/HEAT/index.htm

and fill it out for the bases you think you might get.  This tool, called HEAT - Housing Early Application Tool, is designed to be used even if you don't have orders.  The representative from HEAT will send you info on the bases and when you do get orders, you will be transferred to the correct person at that base.  I was able to download the housing application and fill it out and email it back.

TRAVEL - You get paid for your travel.  The military expects you to travel 350 miles per day.  So you take the distance you're traveling and divide by 350 and that's the maximum number of days the service member will have off for travel.  Travel time is not counted for leave time.  Ours came out to 6 days (you round to the higher number if it is not an even number.  5.23 = 6 days).  You do not have to take that time, but if you plan well, you can also make money here.  Plus you get to spend a little extra time with your sweetie.  If you are allowed 6 days but only take 4, the service member doesn't get to take those extra 2 days, they're forfeited.  You also won't get paid Per Diem for those days.  And you cannot stay within 100 miles of the duty station for it to count as a travel day.  There are a few entitlements for PCSing. 
MALT - (Monetary Allowance in Liue of Transportation) Basically, if you're getting yourself there instead of having the Navy arrange transportation, they'll pay you.  I'm not sure what it is by plane, but by car they pay 23 cents per mile per vehicle being driven.  We each had to drive a car, so we got paid 23 cents per mile times 2 vehicles times 2004 miles.  It more than paid for gas. 
Per Diem - This is the amount they pay for food and lodging while you're traveling.  It is currently per day:  $86 for the servicemember, $64.50 for dependents over age of 12, and $43 for dependents under 12.  Keep all of your receipts.  You do not have to itemize to receive Per Diem, but keep them for tax purposes.  Any profit amount for your move is taxable, so if you get a per diem and spend some of it, you can claim it as a deduction on your taxes because not all of the money paid to you was profit.  Keep your fuel receipts for the same reason.
DLA - Dislocation Allowance - to offset some of the costs of relocation.  There is a rate table here: http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/otherratesDLA.cfm



.


FIRST PCS MOVE

This is from Jenn Hartman ( JennHeart31@gmail.com)
This is her experience with her first NAVY PCS MOVE a few weeks ago.
If you have any questions you can feel free to email her or ask your questions below. Leave an email address below if you want a personal response.



We just did our first Navy PCS.  We moved from Rockford, IL to San Diego, CA.  I wanted to write it all down in hopes that others about to PCS get all the info they can.  I'll start with general information about the move and entitlements and incentive.  At the bottom, I will give our specific situations with actual numbers and also some info on getting into military housing, if that is what you choose to do.  First, here are the definitions: 
HHG - Household goods
PPO - Personal Property Office
DPS - Defense Personal Property System
POV - Privately Owned Vehicle
POA - Power of Attorney - There are different kinds of these, if you are a spouse and taking care of the move while your servicemember is absent, you will need to make sure you have all the right ones.  Your servicemember can have one drawn up on base or sometimes even on a ship and sent to you.  You do not have to be present.  Ask for a POA that will cover lease signing, financial transactions, and if it's tax season, one for taxes.  The legal department should know what to do.
Reimbursement amount - the amount of money the government expects it to cost were they to move your HHGs for you.
Incentive amount - The amount of money you get to keep if you come in under budget (95% of the reimbursement amount).
PCS - Permanent Change of Station - when the military orders a servicemember to move for duty.  This can be accompanied (with dependents) or unaccompanied (without dependents).  The military will pay for your move and if it is accompanied, they will also pay to move your dependents.  You can do it two ways: have the government hire movers to pack and ship your things (government move) or do it yourself and get reimbursed.  The do it yourself move is what I am writing about, it used to be called a DITY, but is now a PPM.
PPM - Personally Procured Move - You cannot do a PPM if you're PCSing overseas (which includes HI).  You arrange to move your HHG yourself and get reimbursed.  You can do this in whatever manner you wish, you can:  hire a moving company, or pack yourself and rent a moving truck to drive, or pack and rent a container or trailer that someone else transports after you load it.  There is also an incentive for you to get it done cheaply.  There is some secret formula based on the weight of your HHG and the distance you're traveling that determines how much the government expects to have to pay to move you in a government move.  That is your maximum reimbursement amount.  Also, the servicemember has a weight limit based on paygrade, which can be found here: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/assignments/l/blpropweight.htm

You can go over the weight limit on a PPM, but you'll still only get paid the maximum reimbursement amount, even if you pay more to move it.

If you are close to a base, I recommend going to the PPO and getting someone to counsel you.  If this is your first PCS or first accompanied PCS, you may live no where near a base.  In that case, you can do self-counseling online at www.move.mil

The service member will have to register in DPS to get a username and password.  A note about the password:  The passwords are random, VERY long and have lots of different characters in them, not just letters and numbers.  You cannot change your password, but you can request a new one every time.  If you are a spouse, make sure your service member gives you the answers to the personal questions s/he selected when getting a password (favorite color, favorite fruit, favorite pet's name, etc).  Be sure you write them down exactly as they were typed, you don't want to lock up the account.  You will need to get a new password occasionally.  I have found that copying and pasting into a notepad or wordpad document then saving it on the computer is helpful.  Then you can just copy and paste into the password box.  No one wants to have to type out all those characters every time.

Once you are logged into DPS through Move.mil, you will start filling in the info.  You will need a copy of the orders to do this.  You will set up a "shipment" and be able to select PPM as your method.  You will also be asked to estimate the weight of your HHG.  I suggest underestimating this weight.  You will be able to get an advanced operating allowance of 60% of the total allowance.  If your weight is less than your estimate, and the advance ended up being more than your allowance, you will have to pay back the difference.  So once you enter the weight, it will figure the total expected cost for a government move.  This is your maximum reimbursement amount.  Your incentive amount is 95% of this number.  I will use nice round numbers as examples.  If the 100% number is $10,000, your incentive is $9,500.  If you only spend $6,000 to move your HHGs, they reimburse you for that, then you get the keep the extra $3,500. 
After you have completed the self-counseling (or in-person counseling at a base), you will have to sign forms.  You will have to mail, fax, email, or bring in person: copies of orders (maybe previous orders and new orders), copy of the Page 2 (called Dependency Application/Record of Emergency Data, it is form # NAVPERS 1070/602), and if this is a first PCS you'll need a document called Enlistment Contract (For, DD 4/1) that will show the home of record.  Reimbursement for the move will only be for HHGs at the location listed on the Home of Record.  If you've moved since then, call the PPO to see what needs to be included.  If you are a spouse and the service member will not be present at the in-person counseling, you must have a POA.

For me, all the Navy stuff was the hardest.  The arranging of the move was simple.  I called around, got quotes on different options and compared benefits.  I scheduled a date, but made sure I knew the cancellation policy just in case.  You never know what might come up last minute.  Figure out how you're getting to your next station.  Are you driving?  Flying?  That may make a difference in how you ship.  We have two cars, two kids and two large dogs.  The dogs and kids won't all fit in the backseat of either car, so we had to each drive one.  If you end up having to ship a vehicle, talk to the PPO first to determine if there are more forms.  I have no experience in that.  Also, read below about travel entitlements so you can plan your pickup/delivery dates appropriately. Arrange for your packing materials, keep receipts for all of it, boxes, tape, anything non-reusable is reimbursable. 

Then, move.  : )  The easy part - hopefully!  Save every receipt. 

After you arrive, you can set up your claim package for the rest of the reimbursement.  You'll need the forms you got from the counseling process, orders, weight tickets of the empty and full truck (VERY IMPORTANT!), rental contracts, all your fuel (if you're driving the moving truck) toll and equipment receipts, the enlistment contract.  Don't worry, they give you a check list.  Gather it all together, make copies and/or scan them into a computer.  You can email PDF files to them or mail it snail mail. 

We estimated that we had 6000lbs, which for the distance we were moving, would pay a total of $5147.81 to move us.  My husband is an E-3 at the time of the move, so he is allowed 8000lbs.  Our incentive amount worked out to:  $4890.42.  We received 60% of our incentive amount before the move, $2934.25.  That was deposited at the first payday after we completed the counseling.  I just finished the paperwork, we had 8080lbs of HHGs, so our incentive amount for that weight (I played with different weight estimates in DPS before finalizing to get an idea) is $6344.24.  We only spent $2716.62, so we get to keep $3627.62.  Not bad. 

HOUSING - Before you get firm orders, you can start the housing process.  Go tohttp://www.cnic.navy.mil/CNIC_HQ_Site/WhatWeDo/FleetandFamilyReadiness/Housing/HEAT/index.htm

and fill it out for the bases you think you might get.  This tool, called HEAT - Housing Early Application Tool, is designed to be used even if you don't have orders.  The representative from HEAT will send you info on the bases and when you do get orders, you will be transferred to the correct person at that base.  I was able to download the housing application and fill it out and email it back.

TRAVEL - You get paid for your travel.  The military expects you to travel 350 miles per day.  So you take the distance you're traveling and divide by 350 and that's the maximum number of days the service member will have off for travel.  Travel time is not counted for leave time.  Ours came out to 6 days (you round to the higher number if it is not an even number.  5.23 = 6 days).  You do not have to take that time, but if you plan well, you can also make money here.  Plus you get to spend a little extra time with your sweetie.  If you are allowed 6 days but only take 4, the service member doesn't get to take those extra 2 days, they're forfeited.  You also won't get paid Per Diem for those days.  And you cannot stay within 100 miles of the duty station for it to count as a travel day.  There are a few entitlements for PCSing. 
MALT - (Monetary Allowance in Liue of Transportation) Basically, if you're getting yourself there instead of having the Navy arrange transportation, they'll pay you.  I'm not sure what it is by plane, but by car they pay 23 cents per mile per vehicle being driven.  We each had to drive a car, so we got paid 23 cents per mile times 2 vehicles times 2004 miles.  It more than paid for gas. 
Per Diem - This is the amount they pay for food and lodging while you're traveling.  It is currently per day:  $86 for the servicemember, $64.50 for dependents over age of 12, and $43 for dependents under 12.  Keep all of your receipts.  You do not have to itemize to receive Per Diem, but keep them for tax purposes.  Any profit amount for your move is taxable, so if you get a per diem and spend some of it, you can claim it as a deduction on your taxes because not all of the money paid to you was profit.  Keep your fuel receipts for the same reason.
DLA - Dislocation Allowance - to offset some of the costs of relocation.  There is a rate table here: http://www.defensetravel.dod.mil/site/otherratesDLA.cfm



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