The offer is still available. Send in your ideas for $25!!!
Hello all. So, here's the deal. I am hosting a contest to rename my blog, and here's why:
My blog originally was to show people how to save money but still live a good life while living on a small budget. However, since I've joined TeamBeachBody as a coach, I will be blogging about my personal experiences about that as well. So, all you have to do to win the $25 is rename my blog. Yep, that's it. Something catchy that will get people's attention that explains what this blog is all about.
So, here are the rules:
1) Keep it clean! Yes, no vulgarity here. I don't use vulgar language, and will not show myself as such.
2) Must be an original thought.
3) You must be at least 18 to enter. If I know you personally, then I already know whether or not you are 18 or older, however, if I don't know you personally, then proof of age will be verified if you are the winner.
4) In order to receive your prize, I must have a way to contact you. So, I need a FB, Twitter, or email in order to contact you.
5) All entries must be emailed to: m.devore75@gmail.com with BLOG CONTEST in the subject line.
6) You may enter more than once with each original thought. Each email counts as an entry.
*The $25 will be a e-card for Team Beachbody. You can use the $25 to jumpstart your new life as a better, improved version of YOU! All entries must be in by August 1, 2013. Contest winner will be notified on August 3rd, 2013, and formally announced on August 5th. Good luck!
Sunday, July 14, 2013
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Why I chose TeamBeachBody Products
Hello followers. This is a very personal blog for me, one that I am now willing to share with all of you.
Some people that I know purposely make unhealthy choices, such as drink, smoke, use smokeless tobacco, eat primary junk food, refuse to exercise, etc. I would often chat with my husband about these habits, and question: "Don't these people know what they are doing to their bodies?" Well, the truth is, even though I don't have any obvious bad habits (smoking, excessive drinking, etc.) my bad habit was processed food. I didn't realize it until the signs started adding up.
When I was in Afghanistan just last year, I was diagnosed with Hypertension. When I got out of Afghanistan, I weighed 154. I did drop to 151 naturally, but it was hard. I had a PT test coming up, and I did get down to 149 (my max weight for the Army) but how I did it was very unhealthy. I was taking diuretics to make weight! Not good. Then, I kind of blew off the weight until I about three months ago. My weight started having a yo-yo effect, except it was creeping higher. Every Tuesday I weigh myself, and where some weeks were good, (I'd be down 2 pounds or so.) most weeks weren't. 151, 153, 155, 153, 157, 156, 158, 159, 161, 159, and so on.
Well, my husband already did Insanity, and it worked for him, and I thought that because of a permanent injury (that I got from the Army) that I couldn't do it. Well, I was wrong. Until I injured my ankle a week ago, I had already completed month one, and had just started month two. My energy levels went up. My abs, calves, and arms were becoming defined. And I wanted to work out. My fitness me was born!
Now, things that I've tried in the past that didn't work:
1) Counting Calories - I ate what I wanted, just smaller portions. Not for me because I was still consuming bad foods.
2) Wii U Fitness Evolved - While fun, I spent more time choosing programs to do rather than exercising. I'd burn 100-120 calories an hour. I needed more than that.
3) Riding my bike to work: While this is a great idea, at the time it took me 7-10 minutes to get to work. With it being really rainy this year, the bike made it to work only 1 week this year. Not very effective.
So, on my l-o-n-g hard road to a better, more fit me, not only am I sticking with TeamBeachBody products, I'm also cutting processed foods. Eating more whole foods. With the exception of pasta, coffee, baking goods, and spices, I primarily stick to the outside aisles of the grocery store. I'm slowly learning new recipes that are healthy, tasteful, and budget friendly, that I can make with foods that I purchase on the outside aisles.
Now that you know my story, you need to know that you can make the change too. You can change your habits to become the new, more fit you. YOU are NOT too late to change, nor too busy. I'm an active duty Soldier, a college student, a mom of 4 boys, and a wife. I still have time to travel, study, hang with the kids, and get everything done that I want to do in the day. If I can change, you can to!
If you are serious about getting fit, becoming the best, fit you, check out my pages.
My Beachbody Homepage!
Shakeology!
My Ultimate Reset!
And, as a bonus, if you have tried any of the Beachbody products, and want to make yourself a little extra money, ask me how. I can help get you started.
As always, Live Well!
Some people that I know purposely make unhealthy choices, such as drink, smoke, use smokeless tobacco, eat primary junk food, refuse to exercise, etc. I would often chat with my husband about these habits, and question: "Don't these people know what they are doing to their bodies?" Well, the truth is, even though I don't have any obvious bad habits (smoking, excessive drinking, etc.) my bad habit was processed food. I didn't realize it until the signs started adding up.
When I was in Afghanistan just last year, I was diagnosed with Hypertension. When I got out of Afghanistan, I weighed 154. I did drop to 151 naturally, but it was hard. I had a PT test coming up, and I did get down to 149 (my max weight for the Army) but how I did it was very unhealthy. I was taking diuretics to make weight! Not good. Then, I kind of blew off the weight until I about three months ago. My weight started having a yo-yo effect, except it was creeping higher. Every Tuesday I weigh myself, and where some weeks were good, (I'd be down 2 pounds or so.) most weeks weren't. 151, 153, 155, 153, 157, 156, 158, 159, 161, 159, and so on.
Well, my husband already did Insanity, and it worked for him, and I thought that because of a permanent injury (that I got from the Army) that I couldn't do it. Well, I was wrong. Until I injured my ankle a week ago, I had already completed month one, and had just started month two. My energy levels went up. My abs, calves, and arms were becoming defined. And I wanted to work out. My fitness me was born!
Now, things that I've tried in the past that didn't work:
1) Counting Calories - I ate what I wanted, just smaller portions. Not for me because I was still consuming bad foods.
2) Wii U Fitness Evolved - While fun, I spent more time choosing programs to do rather than exercising. I'd burn 100-120 calories an hour. I needed more than that.
3) Riding my bike to work: While this is a great idea, at the time it took me 7-10 minutes to get to work. With it being really rainy this year, the bike made it to work only 1 week this year. Not very effective.
So, on my l-o-n-g hard road to a better, more fit me, not only am I sticking with TeamBeachBody products, I'm also cutting processed foods. Eating more whole foods. With the exception of pasta, coffee, baking goods, and spices, I primarily stick to the outside aisles of the grocery store. I'm slowly learning new recipes that are healthy, tasteful, and budget friendly, that I can make with foods that I purchase on the outside aisles.
Now that you know my story, you need to know that you can make the change too. You can change your habits to become the new, more fit you. YOU are NOT too late to change, nor too busy. I'm an active duty Soldier, a college student, a mom of 4 boys, and a wife. I still have time to travel, study, hang with the kids, and get everything done that I want to do in the day. If I can change, you can to!
If you are serious about getting fit, becoming the best, fit you, check out my pages.
My Beachbody Homepage!
Shakeology!
My Ultimate Reset!
And, as a bonus, if you have tried any of the Beachbody products, and want to make yourself a little extra money, ask me how. I can help get you started.
As always, Live Well!
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Peach Upside-Down Cake, anyone?
Ok, so summer has officially started, and while peaches aren't my favorite fruit, I've got a craving for them lately. I actually have a healthy craving for all sorts of summer fruits. I've got frozen peaches and berries for smoothies, canned peaches for a quick desert, and I recently had a summer fruit salad. mmmm.......
So, while pineapple upside down cake is my new current favorite dessert, I decided to apply an upgrade to the favorite and I've come up with Peach Upside Down Cake instead.
Before I share the recipe, I must admit, that while I'm trying hard to rid my cabinets of processed foods, when the Commissary has box cakes on sale for about 80 cents, and I have a coupon, I can't resist. So, I picked up a French Vanilla Flavor, and stored it in the pantry for a few weeks before I decided what to do with it. With a jar of Dole canned peaches (in the plastic jar), butter, brown sugar, and about cinnamon, I created a nice dessert. You could, and I recommend, use fresh peaches, and any homemade recipe of vanilla cake, but this was quick and easy to put together in about 5 minutes. So, here's how:
Preheat Oven to 350.
Ingredients:
1 stick of butter
1/2 cup of brown sugar
4 Tbs of cinnamon
1 jar Dole peaches (drained)
1 Vanilla Cake Mix
3 eggs
1 1/3 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
In a 12" cast iron skillet, melt butter. Add brown sugar and 2 Tbs cinnamon. Stir over medium heat until well blended. Remove from heat, set aside. On drained peaches, toss with 1 Tbs cinnamon. Arrange in skillet. In bowl, combine cake mix, remaining cinnamon, eggs, water and oil. Pour into pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
This can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream, or cooled with whip cream. (My mixer finally died in the process, so we will just enjoy it plain.)
Enjoy this dessert and may it become one of your summertime favorites!
So, while pineapple upside down cake is my new current favorite dessert, I decided to apply an upgrade to the favorite and I've come up with Peach Upside Down Cake instead.
Before I share the recipe, I must admit, that while I'm trying hard to rid my cabinets of processed foods, when the Commissary has box cakes on sale for about 80 cents, and I have a coupon, I can't resist. So, I picked up a French Vanilla Flavor, and stored it in the pantry for a few weeks before I decided what to do with it. With a jar of Dole canned peaches (in the plastic jar), butter, brown sugar, and about cinnamon, I created a nice dessert. You could, and I recommend, use fresh peaches, and any homemade recipe of vanilla cake, but this was quick and easy to put together in about 5 minutes. So, here's how:
Preheat Oven to 350.
Ingredients:
1 stick of butter
1/2 cup of brown sugar
4 Tbs of cinnamon
1 jar Dole peaches (drained)
1 Vanilla Cake Mix
3 eggs
1 1/3 cup water
1/3 cup vegetable oil
In a 12" cast iron skillet, melt butter. Add brown sugar and 2 Tbs cinnamon. Stir over medium heat until well blended. Remove from heat, set aside. On drained peaches, toss with 1 Tbs cinnamon. Arrange in skillet. In bowl, combine cake mix, remaining cinnamon, eggs, water and oil. Pour into pan. Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
This can be served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream, or cooled with whip cream. (My mixer finally died in the process, so we will just enjoy it plain.)
Enjoy this dessert and may it become one of your summertime favorites!
Sunday, May 26, 2013
Perfect Pumpkin Pancakes
So, after searching the Google, Pinterest and AllRecipes.com high and low, I could not find an pumpkin pancake recipe that would either use all of my remaining pumpkin from last fall, or be compatible with ingredients that I have on hand, so I decided to make up my own. And, for the first time, I came up with a quick bread recipe all on my own. Now, for everyone that knows me, my homemade from scratch dishes normally include sauces, soups, and skillet dishes. But, this one time only, I created my very own pancake....and not only a regular pancake, but pumpkin pancakes at that. So, let's get started, shall we?
Here's what you'll need:
2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp salta
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 cup pumpkin puree (I used fresh.)
2 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 1/4 cup milk (I used skim.)
In large bowl, combine all dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine all wet ingredients, then combine with dry ingredients. Cook on a non-stick griddle, pre-heated to a medium heat. Serve if you like, with a pat of butter, and syrup of your choice. I prefer butter pecan syrup, but I didn't have any, so I used maple syrup, and it was just as yummy!
Now, keep in mind, this is perfect for a family of 6 or larger, since I got more than 18 3-4" pancakes, so if your family is small, I suggest freezing leftovers as individual serving sizes (with wax paper in-between pancakes) so that you can microwave them later for a quick breakfast, or cooking them whenever you have guests.
I wish I had pictures to share with ya'll, but they were gone so fast, there was no time to stop and take a picture.
So, feel free to save this recipe, modify it as your own, and share it with your friends and family. And as always, continue to Live Well!
Here's what you'll need:
2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp salta
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 cup pumpkin puree (I used fresh.)
2 eggs
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 1/4 cup milk (I used skim.)
In large bowl, combine all dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine all wet ingredients, then combine with dry ingredients. Cook on a non-stick griddle, pre-heated to a medium heat. Serve if you like, with a pat of butter, and syrup of your choice. I prefer butter pecan syrup, but I didn't have any, so I used maple syrup, and it was just as yummy!
Now, keep in mind, this is perfect for a family of 6 or larger, since I got more than 18 3-4" pancakes, so if your family is small, I suggest freezing leftovers as individual serving sizes (with wax paper in-between pancakes) so that you can microwave them later for a quick breakfast, or cooking them whenever you have guests.
I wish I had pictures to share with ya'll, but they were gone so fast, there was no time to stop and take a picture.
So, feel free to save this recipe, modify it as your own, and share it with your friends and family. And as always, continue to Live Well!
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Go to a Concert
So, here at Living Well, we scored free tickets to see Bon Jovi in Munich. It was by far, the best concert that I've ever been too!
So, what's my advice to you: Take advantage of free concerts provided by the Army. You may or may not like the artist, but there is nothing like live music! And who knows, you may even hear a song or two that you'll like.
Every concert that I've been to I've gone to for free. I've either been a guest, scored free tickets, or it was a USO tour (Toby Keith).
Now, if you haven't been as lucky as me, there are many places that you can score tickets for a fairly cheap price. If we would have purchased the tickets, it would have been 67.50 Euro per seat, which isn't too bad. You can check your USO or SATO or if you are in the states TicketMaster. And if you are lucky, you can always try to win tickets from your radio station.
The idea is, shop around for that performer that you really, really want to see, and then shop around for tickets. Most performers list their tour dates and cities online, and you can plan in advance on who you want to see, and where you want to go to see them. Unless you really want to pay for center stage, you get the same experience a few rows back, and sometimes an even better experience simply because you can see the entire stage.
Once you have your tickets, plan your trip wisely. Plan on the closest parking areas to be full within 2 hours or so before the show is due to start. We arrived in Munich a little more than an hour before show time, drove around an hour before we eventually found parking. Lucky us, the cover band didn't start until an hour later, and Bon Jovi came on an hour after that, so we still had two hours to spare.
Go to the bathroom as soon as you get there. Believe me, when I say this, but the line to the women's restroom must have been a mile long. To be prepared, bring along a to-go Charmin, and hand sanitizer. Both these things I wish I had with me.
If the venue allows, bring your own drinks and snacks. I've found out that I could have brought snacks with me. Also, bring a camera. You'll want to remember this, especially if it's a dream concert. And if budget allows, bring money for souvenirs. My budget did not allow; however, I did do my own research the morning after, and I can purchase a 5 x 7 photograph taken by the band's personal photographer for only $10.
The main thing to remember is: go and have fun. Going to a concert is a fun experience. You are there to have fun. So, go, pick a performer that you want to see, save money, plan well in advance, and have a great time! I know I did!
So, what's my advice to you: Take advantage of free concerts provided by the Army. You may or may not like the artist, but there is nothing like live music! And who knows, you may even hear a song or two that you'll like.
Every concert that I've been to I've gone to for free. I've either been a guest, scored free tickets, or it was a USO tour (Toby Keith).
Now, if you haven't been as lucky as me, there are many places that you can score tickets for a fairly cheap price. If we would have purchased the tickets, it would have been 67.50 Euro per seat, which isn't too bad. You can check your USO or SATO or if you are in the states TicketMaster. And if you are lucky, you can always try to win tickets from your radio station.
The idea is, shop around for that performer that you really, really want to see, and then shop around for tickets. Most performers list their tour dates and cities online, and you can plan in advance on who you want to see, and where you want to go to see them. Unless you really want to pay for center stage, you get the same experience a few rows back, and sometimes an even better experience simply because you can see the entire stage.
Once you have your tickets, plan your trip wisely. Plan on the closest parking areas to be full within 2 hours or so before the show is due to start. We arrived in Munich a little more than an hour before show time, drove around an hour before we eventually found parking. Lucky us, the cover band didn't start until an hour later, and Bon Jovi came on an hour after that, so we still had two hours to spare.
Go to the bathroom as soon as you get there. Believe me, when I say this, but the line to the women's restroom must have been a mile long. To be prepared, bring along a to-go Charmin, and hand sanitizer. Both these things I wish I had with me.
If the venue allows, bring your own drinks and snacks. I've found out that I could have brought snacks with me. Also, bring a camera. You'll want to remember this, especially if it's a dream concert. And if budget allows, bring money for souvenirs. My budget did not allow; however, I did do my own research the morning after, and I can purchase a 5 x 7 photograph taken by the band's personal photographer for only $10.
The main thing to remember is: go and have fun. Going to a concert is a fun experience. You are there to have fun. So, go, pick a performer that you want to see, save money, plan well in advance, and have a great time! I know I did!
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Taco Salad
Have you ever gotten a taco salad from Taco Bell and thought: "There has to be healthier option." Many people who are trying to eat healthier often times find themselves in a fast food restaurant thinking, "Hey, if I get myself a salad, it'll be a healthier option, right?" WRONG. In most cases, the salads are not a healthier option. In fact, a Taco Bell Taco Salad is over 700 calories! And you are thinking, "What?" Yep. Well my friends, I have a recipe that will make a yummy taco salad for under 500 calories per serving, and it's easy on the wallet too!
And, if I had my memory stick for my camera (which suddenly disappeared one day), I would add a pic, but I'm just gonna share the recipe here. So, grab your cast iron skillet, your spouse, and get in the kitchen.
Here's what you'll need:
1 lb 93% ground sirloin
4 slices bacon
romaine lettuce (either 1 head, or 1 package romaine hearts)
roma tomatoes
1 english cucumber
1 can summer crisp corn, rinsed
1 can bush's black beens, rinsed
1/2 block monterey jack cheese, shredded
1 med red onion
3 garlic cloves
Santitas Chips (5-6 per serving)
Seasonings:
Taco Seasoning, or the following:
cumin
cilantro
oregano
chili powder
smoked paprika
salt and pepper
(all seasonings are to taste)
red pepper flakes (optional)
Hot Sauce (optional)
Ranch Dressing (I used Wishbone brand, but you can use whatever brand you like.)
Salsa (Optional)
Ok, so before you do anything, you want to heat your cast iron skillet before adding any ingredients. While heating pan, also heat the pan that you are gonna cook the bacon in. You'll want to cook the bacon extra crispy, so that when it cools, you can crumble it easily. So, cook and crumble bacon and set aside.
So, to make this go a lot quicker, grab your spouse and have him/her put together the vegetable salad. You'll need the lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, beans & corn. The chunkier the vegetables, the better.
Now, while the vegetable salad is getting prepped, you are gonna brown your onion, garlic and meat. You can then add your taco seasoning and cook as per directions, or use a combination of the remaining spices to create a unique taco taste of your own.
Once meat is brown, and vegetable salad is put together, you are gonna layer the salad as follows:
5-6 Chips
Meat Mixture
A heaping serving of salad greens
A drizzle of ranch dressing
a small handful of cheese
a very small handful of bacon crumbles
That's it! I opted for the Ranch dressing instead of sour cream and salsa to cut on calories. Trust me, you have plenty of taste without it, and I really didn't miss it at all. With everything added, you have a very tasty Taco Salad for under 500 calories. It was 476 calories to be exact, and that is WAY better than over 700 calories from Taco Bell. This recipe serves 6-8 people depending if you are serving a household of kids like I do, or a mixture of kids and adults.
So, the next time you are at Taco Bell, and you are trying to watch what you eat, then opt for the chicken soft tacos. No more than two. If you eat more than that, then you might as well get the Taco Salad.
Do your body, and your wallet a favor, and cook something you love at home. You'll be surprise how many calories you cut, and how fat your wallet gets to be. Not to mention, it's fun cooking with your spouse. You are spending quality time with your significant other, and creating a masterpiece that you'll both love to eat.
Next week at LW: Finishing the series of What Every Kitchen Should Have. I apologize for not completing it earlier, but I'm back in full swing, and should be back here every week.
And, if I had my memory stick for my camera (which suddenly disappeared one day), I would add a pic, but I'm just gonna share the recipe here. So, grab your cast iron skillet, your spouse, and get in the kitchen.
Here's what you'll need:
1 lb 93% ground sirloin
4 slices bacon
romaine lettuce (either 1 head, or 1 package romaine hearts)
roma tomatoes
1 english cucumber
1 can summer crisp corn, rinsed
1 can bush's black beens, rinsed
1/2 block monterey jack cheese, shredded
1 med red onion
3 garlic cloves
Santitas Chips (5-6 per serving)
Seasonings:
Taco Seasoning, or the following:
cumin
cilantro
oregano
chili powder
smoked paprika
salt and pepper
(all seasonings are to taste)
red pepper flakes (optional)
Hot Sauce (optional)
Ranch Dressing (I used Wishbone brand, but you can use whatever brand you like.)
Salsa (Optional)
Ok, so before you do anything, you want to heat your cast iron skillet before adding any ingredients. While heating pan, also heat the pan that you are gonna cook the bacon in. You'll want to cook the bacon extra crispy, so that when it cools, you can crumble it easily. So, cook and crumble bacon and set aside.
So, to make this go a lot quicker, grab your spouse and have him/her put together the vegetable salad. You'll need the lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, beans & corn. The chunkier the vegetables, the better.
Now, while the vegetable salad is getting prepped, you are gonna brown your onion, garlic and meat. You can then add your taco seasoning and cook as per directions, or use a combination of the remaining spices to create a unique taco taste of your own.
Once meat is brown, and vegetable salad is put together, you are gonna layer the salad as follows:
5-6 Chips
Meat Mixture
A heaping serving of salad greens
A drizzle of ranch dressing
a small handful of cheese
a very small handful of bacon crumbles
That's it! I opted for the Ranch dressing instead of sour cream and salsa to cut on calories. Trust me, you have plenty of taste without it, and I really didn't miss it at all. With everything added, you have a very tasty Taco Salad for under 500 calories. It was 476 calories to be exact, and that is WAY better than over 700 calories from Taco Bell. This recipe serves 6-8 people depending if you are serving a household of kids like I do, or a mixture of kids and adults.
So, the next time you are at Taco Bell, and you are trying to watch what you eat, then opt for the chicken soft tacos. No more than two. If you eat more than that, then you might as well get the Taco Salad.
Do your body, and your wallet a favor, and cook something you love at home. You'll be surprise how many calories you cut, and how fat your wallet gets to be. Not to mention, it's fun cooking with your spouse. You are spending quality time with your significant other, and creating a masterpiece that you'll both love to eat.
Next week at LW: Finishing the series of What Every Kitchen Should Have. I apologize for not completing it earlier, but I'm back in full swing, and should be back here every week.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Prepare for your PCS Move
Good Evening Followers. It's been awhile, but I've been really busy. I'm back now, and that's all that matters.
So, summer is among us, which also means PCS season. For all of you civilians out there, PCS is military for Permanent Change of Station. More PCS moves happen during the summer, basically because school is out, and because it's already vacation season. Whether you are moving inter-state (Benning-Stewart), across country (Lewis-Bragg) or trans-Atlantic (Riley to Korea), it's a very stressful time, and can be very costly. There are some costs that you will have to undoubtedly pay on your own, while other costs will be reimbursed. The first thing you need to understand is what's the difference, and how you can make the most of your money, your move, and your time.
Ok, so let's start with what the military will pay for. They will pay for your direct transportation from post A to post B. For example, if you are PCS'ing from Ft. Drum to Ft. Lewis (either with or without dependents) the military will pay either for mileage or the plane ticket from Drum to Lewis, whichever is cheaper. For instance, mileage is about .55 cents a mile. If it is cheaper to fly you and your family from Drum to Lewis, then that is what you are going to get reimbursed, even if you opt to drive your own car.
They government will pay you a number of allowances.
DLA is Dislocation Allowance, and this is a flat allowance paid while your family has moved out of housing and are living in a hotel at your departing station.
TLA is Temporary Lodging Allowance, which is reimbursed at your incoming station for hotel expenses.
If you receive BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) or OHA (Overseas Housing Allowance), this will end on the day that you sign out of your old installation, and will start again upon arrival to your new duty station.
Per Diem is paid to cover the costs accrued during the travel time. For example, if it takes you 2 days to get from your last duty station to your new duty station, you will receive Per Diem for each actual day you are in travel status. If you are married, then you will get a lower amount for your spouse and/or children.
That pretty much sums up the pay, and if you still have questions, you should contact your installation finance office. Now, let's talk about leave.
If you are moving within the continental United States, you are authorized 10 days of PCS leave. This allows you time to travel from your old installation to your new. If you plan on traveling to see your family during this time, you must plan your time wisely, and this is done at your own expense.
If you are moving from the continental United States to Europe, Korea, Hawaii or Alaska, you are authorized to take up to 30 days of leave. This allows you extra time to plan and prepare for your move, and if you are moving with your family and/or pets, you'll need the extra time to plan and prepare for your move.
And, that takes care of leave. You may be wondering: How do I get my furniture moved? Well, the military will come and pack it up and move it for you. However, if you are staying within the continental U.S. you have the option of moving yourself, with the Army reimbursing you for the cost of what they would pay a contractor. If you choose this option, you should know that if an item gets broken, it is up to you to replace it. If the military contractors break your prized 50" TV, then they are obligated to pay to replace it. If you are moving overseas, then you have no choice but to let the movers move you.
Now, if you are moving overseas, you are authorized to ship one car at government expense, IF you are not going to Korea or Kuwait. If you are moving stateside, and you have more than one car, then you can ship one, and drive the other if you like, but that is at your expense. If you have a motorcycle, then you can ship that in your household goods (except Kuwait and Korea.) Before you decide to ship a vehicle, make sure you understand the laws and driving habits of the country you are moving too. If you are moving to Europe, you should start studying for your license as soon as you know you are going. The driver's test for Germany is 150 questions. Be aware though, your USAREUR driver's license does not allow you to drive in countries other than the country you are stationed (i.e. Germany, Italy, Belgium).
There is a lot to planning your PCS move, and it will be a lot less stressful if you prepare and plan. Research as much as possible your new duty station and the surrounding communities before your move. Know beforehand what you can expect to pay for rent, utilities, and other expenses. Additionally, research the laws, schools, shopping, and everything else you can think of before you move. The more your know, the better off you'll be. The best resource: people who have been where you are going. More than likely, they will have the best advice to give you. They've been where you are going, and have experiences to share.
I hope this blog helps all you PCS'ers out there. If you have any questions, or want to share your own experiences, feel free to do so.
And as always, continue to Live Well.
So, summer is among us, which also means PCS season. For all of you civilians out there, PCS is military for Permanent Change of Station. More PCS moves happen during the summer, basically because school is out, and because it's already vacation season. Whether you are moving inter-state (Benning-Stewart), across country (Lewis-Bragg) or trans-Atlantic (Riley to Korea), it's a very stressful time, and can be very costly. There are some costs that you will have to undoubtedly pay on your own, while other costs will be reimbursed. The first thing you need to understand is what's the difference, and how you can make the most of your money, your move, and your time.
Ok, so let's start with what the military will pay for. They will pay for your direct transportation from post A to post B. For example, if you are PCS'ing from Ft. Drum to Ft. Lewis (either with or without dependents) the military will pay either for mileage or the plane ticket from Drum to Lewis, whichever is cheaper. For instance, mileage is about .55 cents a mile. If it is cheaper to fly you and your family from Drum to Lewis, then that is what you are going to get reimbursed, even if you opt to drive your own car.
They government will pay you a number of allowances.
DLA is Dislocation Allowance, and this is a flat allowance paid while your family has moved out of housing and are living in a hotel at your departing station.
TLA is Temporary Lodging Allowance, which is reimbursed at your incoming station for hotel expenses.
If you receive BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing) or OHA (Overseas Housing Allowance), this will end on the day that you sign out of your old installation, and will start again upon arrival to your new duty station.
Per Diem is paid to cover the costs accrued during the travel time. For example, if it takes you 2 days to get from your last duty station to your new duty station, you will receive Per Diem for each actual day you are in travel status. If you are married, then you will get a lower amount for your spouse and/or children.
That pretty much sums up the pay, and if you still have questions, you should contact your installation finance office. Now, let's talk about leave.
If you are moving within the continental United States, you are authorized 10 days of PCS leave. This allows you time to travel from your old installation to your new. If you plan on traveling to see your family during this time, you must plan your time wisely, and this is done at your own expense.
If you are moving from the continental United States to Europe, Korea, Hawaii or Alaska, you are authorized to take up to 30 days of leave. This allows you extra time to plan and prepare for your move, and if you are moving with your family and/or pets, you'll need the extra time to plan and prepare for your move.
And, that takes care of leave. You may be wondering: How do I get my furniture moved? Well, the military will come and pack it up and move it for you. However, if you are staying within the continental U.S. you have the option of moving yourself, with the Army reimbursing you for the cost of what they would pay a contractor. If you choose this option, you should know that if an item gets broken, it is up to you to replace it. If the military contractors break your prized 50" TV, then they are obligated to pay to replace it. If you are moving overseas, then you have no choice but to let the movers move you.
Now, if you are moving overseas, you are authorized to ship one car at government expense, IF you are not going to Korea or Kuwait. If you are moving stateside, and you have more than one car, then you can ship one, and drive the other if you like, but that is at your expense. If you have a motorcycle, then you can ship that in your household goods (except Kuwait and Korea.) Before you decide to ship a vehicle, make sure you understand the laws and driving habits of the country you are moving too. If you are moving to Europe, you should start studying for your license as soon as you know you are going. The driver's test for Germany is 150 questions. Be aware though, your USAREUR driver's license does not allow you to drive in countries other than the country you are stationed (i.e. Germany, Italy, Belgium).
There is a lot to planning your PCS move, and it will be a lot less stressful if you prepare and plan. Research as much as possible your new duty station and the surrounding communities before your move. Know beforehand what you can expect to pay for rent, utilities, and other expenses. Additionally, research the laws, schools, shopping, and everything else you can think of before you move. The more your know, the better off you'll be. The best resource: people who have been where you are going. More than likely, they will have the best advice to give you. They've been where you are going, and have experiences to share.
I hope this blog helps all you PCS'ers out there. If you have any questions, or want to share your own experiences, feel free to do so.
And as always, continue to Live Well.
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