This is pretty cool, y’all.

Have you ever wished for a road map when you were going through major military life transitions such as:

• Having a Baby
• Reintegration
• Transitioning out of the military
• Spouse Education
• Spouse Employment
• The Basics
• Survivors
• Deployment
• Moving
• Raising Kids

Well, good news! There is an app for that!

MyMilitaryLife is a new app created by the National Military Family Association to help military spouses navigate the many adventures of military life.

The app provides a customized experience that guides users through different life paths by anticipating  their needs and determining appropriate resources for them at a particular stage in military life.

It offers the following features:

• Customized to-do lists
• Tailored resources based on Service branch, location, and needs
• Due date reminders
• Push notifications
• Emergency phone numbers for military families

“Military families shouldn’t have to struggle with finding information they need,” said Executive Director, Joyce Raezer. “MyMilitaryLife serves as a trusted one stop shop providing families with credible information, tailored to their specific situation. We’ve verified the resources and have put it into a format that eliminates the stressful search. Understanding our families are often on the go, it is also important to ensure there is access anytime, anywhere.”

MyMilitaryLife is available through iTunes and Google Play, as well as our web portal.

To learn more about the National Military Family Association, please visit www.militaryfamily.org.

The post New App for Military Families appeared first on Managing Life After Combat: Simpler solutions for complicated lives.

(Torrey’s note: I wrote a similar version of this and it was published in the Huffington Post.  I hope you enjoy!)

Dear Kids,

With Mother’s Day around the corner, I thought I’d share my wish list so you know what I want. It’s a simple list, really. This way Dad won’t feel guilty if he’s not here to take you out and buy flowers at the grocery store at the last minute. You don’t even have to feel bad if your teacher didn’t let you make a card for me. There are better things you can give me.

Here is what I really want:

I want you to be the best person you can be, whatever (and wherever) that may be.

I want you to remember that every time Daddy has been gone, you were first and foremost on both our minds.

I hope you will serve others, just as we have done. You don’t have to serve our country like Daddy did, but promise me you will do it in some small way. Start with your family and build up from there.

I want you to be yourself, as long as you aren’t a jerk. Just because someone was a jerk to you doesn’t mean you get to do it too. This world doesn’t have room for more jerks. Daddy and I have enough of them to deal with as it is.

Your life in the military teaches you resiliency. Teach it to others. It’s a gift that you can give to everyone, at any time and in any place.

Being nice is contagious. Help spread it to others.

I want you to ask for help when you need it. We all need our turn doing it.

Offer help when others need it. They need their turn too.

Travel the world more than you have already done. It’s a big world and you are a small part of it. It needs you.

When Mom is sad, it’s not your fault. I often miss your Daddy. Just like you do. It’s okay to be sad sometimes.

Sometimes I am our Commander in Chief. Sometimes Daddy is. Either way, you are always an important part of our team.

I want you to play nicely with others. I know we have to move a lot, but this is your key to making new friends.

I want you to respect everyone’s right to be who they are. The more you do it, the more others will do the same thing for you.

There is no one else like you. You aren’t expected to be perfect. You are awesome just the way you are. Remember that.

Be interested in others, more than you are about yourself. Let others be awesome too.

Sometimes you have to be the leader and walk point on a mission. Sometimes you have to take orders and follow. Learn how to do this in every situation. (HINT: Sometimes you have to do both!)

Rules are in place to be followed. Rules are also in place to be changed for the better. The only way to change the rules is to follow them in the first place.

I want you to know deep down inside that your Daddy and I will lay our lives down for you. That’s a promise Daddy made not only to you but the rest of our country. You are the reason we make that promise together.

Daddy is a hero. You are my hero too. Remember that.

I want you to remember that even when bad things happen, you are still the luckiest person in the world. You may not feel it all the time, but you will feel lucky eventually. Let yourself feel it when it happens.

Sometimes Daddy comes back different than when you last saw him. The good news is, his love for you gets stronger every day. That’s the most important change you need to remember.

Sometimes we have to fly in formation. Remember that you can count on me to lead the way.

Be good to yourself. Relax and slow down when your tummy says things aren’t right. Even better, tell me when you need to do it the most.

Weapons are more than just machine guns. Don’t use your words as weapons.

It’s okay to be angry. Just make sure you use the most honest words you can find when it happens.

Life can be really hard sometimes. The good news is your life in the military will prepare you and it will get easier with time. Hang in there.

Let yourself be happy. If you aren’t feeling happy, make it your mission to find it.

Be helpful. I need your help sometimes. I always appreciate it.

Most importantly, I want you to know I love you even if you hate me the most. I always will.

See? It’s a simple list. I have faith you can do it.

You are the most amazing Mother’s Day gift I could ask for. Please remember that.

Love,

Mom

————–

(Author’s Note: I wrote this on May 11, 2013. I would be honored if you wish to share this, but please give proper attribution by linking back to the original post or adding this text to any printed or digital copies: (c) 2013 by TorreyShannon.com. Thank you!)

The post A Military Mom’s Mother’s Day Wish For Her Children appeared first on Managing Life After Combat: Simpler solutions for complicated lives.

(Torrey’s Note: Dan and I have been involved in this program since 2005. They are taking applications for their summer program and details are below. Please check it out and pass it on! They provide all transportation, lodging and program costs and offer this to veterans across the nation. Depending on which session you choose {year round program} you can also have your family involved as well. I highly recommend them – which is why they make my Top 10 List of Recommended Nonprofits!)

About Challenge Aspen

BACKGROUND
Challenge Aspen is a widely respected 501(c)3 organization, offering life changing experiences
to individuals and groups with disabilities who never dreamed it possible to take advantage of
some of life’s most exhilarating adventures. Since 1995, Challenge Aspen has been offering
year-round activities that integrate therapeutic recreational programs with cultural and arts
participation. Challenge Aspen’s programs open the spectacle and grandeur of the Colorado
Rocky Mountains to people with disabilities.

Challenge Aspen has been honored to serve veterans with disabilities and their families since
its inception. In 2005, in response to the increasing number of injured servicemen and women
returning from Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, the organization
commenced creating specifically designed year-round programs for this population. Outdoor
recreation is increasingly recognized as a healing tool for wounded warriors and is considered
by many to be instrumental in their rehabilitation back into daily life.

Due to the popularity, demand and intense success of these programs, Challenge Aspen
launched a new division in 2008 called C.A.M.O. (Challenge Aspen Military Opportunities).
Creation of the new division demonstrates Challenge Aspen’s commitment and dedication to
the ongoing provision of services to our wounded warriors.

MISSION
Raise awareness and educate, honor and empower injured service members and their families
through quality recreational and educational experiences.

PURPOSE
To be the world leader in providing adaptive recreational and rehabilitation services to
injured service members

To provide unique, quality programs and experiences to introduce injured service
members to winter and summer adaptive recreation

To design specific activities and resources to meet the needs of the injured service
members and their caregivers

To raise awareness and increase year-round opportunities for recreation across the
country for injured service members

To provide training and education for injured service members, caregivers/family
members, instructors, volunteers and the community at large (raising public
awareness)

To empower and inspire injured services members and their families to take their
rehabilitation to the next level

To showcase and demonstrate adaptive equipment and techniques

Details about the Summer Program

Fill out and return the application to Dylan Braun by one of the following:

The post C.A.M.O. Summer 2013 Program Information – Challenge Aspen Military Opportunities appeared first on Managing Life After Combat: Simpler solutions for complicated lives.

It breaks my heart when I see a caregiver sharing a story about how their wounded warrior’s Social Security process is taking too long, or gets rejected outright. I’ve been sharing this information for quite some time but we still have a long way to go in educating the combat-injured military community about special benefits created just for them. I am sharing it again today to be sure to help spread the word.

About the Social Security Disability benefits process for wounded warriors:

Military service members can receive expedited processing of disability claims from Social Security. Benefits available through Social Security are different than those from the Department of Veterans Affairs and require a separate application.

The expedited process is used for military service members who become disabled while on active military service on or after October 1, 2001, regardless of where the disability occurs.

Below is a link to find the answers to the questions most people ask about applying for disability benefits. Knowing the answers to these questions will help you understand the process.

Click to access the Social Security link to the Wounded Warrior application process

http://www.ssa.gov/woundedwarriors/

Will you please repost this and share a link to my blog to help spread the word too? (scroll down for all social media share options!) Thank you!

The post Wounded Warriors have special processing options for Social Security Disability Benefits {details inside} appeared first on Managing Life After Combat: Simpler solutions for complicated lives.

Since United Health Care took over TriWest on April 1st, the referral system has been in utter chaos. I received notification that those in Colorado Springs were greatly affected and measures are in place to rectify the situation. In our case, we had our own nightmare with getting a referral (and an apology from our doctor for the mishap) so I can attest to this issue.

I am sharing a notification that relief is on the way and will share it with you here.

If you live in a region outside of the TriWest area and are also affected, contact your regional service center. This notification is an indication that changes are being made and resolution should be available for anyone affected similarly.

Here is the notification:

TRICARE CHALLENGES – Since April 1st, UnitedHealthcare Military & Veterans
(UMV) assumed management of the TRICARE program for the Western Region.  As
a TRICARE beneficiary, there are no changes to your supported benefits and
all existing referrals for covered benefits will be honored by UMV.  If you
have questions about covered benefits or your TRICARE coverage please see
the TRICARE Service Center, or visit the TRICARE website at
https://www.uhcmilitarywest.com/ .

Referral Problems – Since the April 1st transition between TRICARE
contractors, some patients in the Colorado Springs area have experienced
delays in the processing of referrals.  Significant efforts and measures
have been put in place to mitigate and correct these challenges.  If you are
experiencing trouble with your referral, need a status of your referral, or
have trouble accessing a network provider, please review the following
options for how best to access the system.  Evans hospital will keep you
posted on any other changes.

For referrals issued from April 1st to May 6th –  Please stop by the TRICARE
Service Center (TSC) for assistance.  The TSC is the most direct route and
will best be able to get you authorization numbers and facilitate your care
to the network.  You also can call the UnitedHealthcare Military & Veterans
customer call center is at 1-877-988-WEST (1-877-988-9378) for assistance.
Hold times have been quite long.

For referrals issued from May 7th to Present – If you have received a
referral since May 7th, you can expect a call from the Patient Access
Service (PAS) line or expect to receive a letter in the mail within 7 days
with instructions on accessing care.

If you have a question as to the status of your referral issued after May
7th, please call the PAS at 526-CARE(2273) for assistance.

From the Tricare website:

West Region Transition

TRICARE is temporarily waiving the requirement for West Region Prime enrollees to obtain authorizations for specialty care received from April 1 up to May 18, 2013. Find out more:

• Visit United Healthcare’s Web site
• Read Frequently Asked Questions from UnitedHealthcare
• View TRICARE News Release
• View UnitedHealthcare News Release

April 1, 2013, was the start of health care delivery under the new contract in the TRICARE West Region. Since the start of the new contract, beneficiaries have experienced longer than usual wait times for authorizations, and difficulty reaching UnitedHealthcare Military & Veterans due to high call volume at the call centers.

Our top priority is to ensure continuity and access to care for all beneficiaries in the West Region. The TRICARE Regional Office-West (TRO-W) is working closely with UnitedHealthcare to address all beneficiary concerns, reduce the backlog of referrals awaiting authorization by the contractor, and ensure that beneficiaries receive quality health care and customer service. We ask you that you continue to be patient while UnitedHealthcare during this busy time. Call center hours have been extended, and the current hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. across all West Region time zones. While UnitedHealthcare is working on improvements to their internal processes, TRICARE Management Activity (TMA) is taking steps to reduce the impact to your access to quality health care.

UPDATE: This was reported by Military.com about a week after my original post. You heard it here (and in more detail) first.

Tricare temporarily eases rules

The post Are you having difficulty with getting a referral from Tricare? {TriWest details inside} appeared first on Managing Life After Combat: Simpler solutions for complicated lives.

Are you still hearing rumors about the VA Caregiver program?

I am.

Good Lord almighty, if it’s not one rumor it’s another. Let me be the voice of reason to caregivers everywhere.

Ladies, I beg you. Please calm down. You are making things worse! The VA has their hands full enough as it is, so generating panic to the masses by spreading unverifiable rumors is not going to help matters whatsoever.

Let’s start from the top and work our way through the issues

Last month I wrote about the potential pay raise for Post 9-11 Caregivers. I told you to expect a notification by mail and provided a copy of the sample letter.  I got mine, so if you didn’t get yours you need to contact your Caregiver Support Coordinator (CSC).

The other day I wrote about the actual VA pay schedule, how the VA caregiver stipend wasn’t actually late. There was an element of panic and chaos when people didn’t get paid early with multiple rumors mixed in. In that post I provided a quote from VA national level offices overseeing the program. I hope that helped calm the masses, as it was one of the most popular posts on my site…ever.

TODAY I am going to write about new rumors that are surfacing. To protect the identity of those who are running around social media with claims that are creating more panic, I won’t provide screen shots of any examples. Based on the above, you can see I share verifiable and accurate information. I don’t want to call these people out and embarrass anyone, so you’ll just have to trust me it’s happening.

Some of these panic-based claims or false rumors include:

• The rules of being accepted into the program have changed
• Because the VA rules have “changed”, many caregivers already in the program will be dropped from their tier or dropped altogether from the program
• The VA didn’t expect to approve so many people in the program; therefore, they have to find ways to drop people already in the program
• The program was originally meant for people who are bedridden or in a wheelchair, and people who have invisible injuries are “taking away” a benefit meant for people more deserving (insert Torrey’s rolling eyes here)
• Paydates for caregivers will vary from the 1st through the 7th
• Everyone is being ‘transferred’ to some unknown system by January
• There will be mass re-evaluations in October with the intent of dropping people’s tiers
• If we don’t know to call certain hotlines, we never would know these things (as if it is a secret)
• If you do find out you have been dropped, it would only be by accident and only if you call to check regularly
• These claims usually are accompanied by warnings like “BE AWARE!” and lots of exclamation points

So, after seeing a bunch of nonsense yesterday and trying to help calm everyone down, I had to shake my head and do what anyone would do…I reached out to my contacts at the national level and asked for clarification.

GOOD NEWS! I got it and I am going to share it with you now, along with my own thoughts about the climate of the caregivers within the program. Out of respect for my contacts, I will NOT quote them or name them by name. Again, you’ll have to trust me that I am relaying good information as it was presented to me.

Because my patience is worn thin and I am seeing attacks from caregivers toward other caregivers (which reminds me, I REALLY need to write a post about my thoughts on a phenomenon I call “competitive caregiving”), my filter for being politically correct and nice is now gone. (That’s another reason I won’t drag high-level VA people into this post by naming names.)

So, here are the facts:

Quick review:

• Caregivers have always been told that they would be paid on or about the 1^st of each month.  There has been some variability and in the past — some Caregivers have been paid a few days before the 1^st.
• The caregiver side of the VA is moving to a more automated system and the date will become more consistent, but will remain “on or about the 1^st.”
• The only way you’ll get paid after the 1st is if you get paid by paper check. The VA encourages caregivers to use direct deposit to avoid mailing delays.

And about those ‘new’ rumors:

• The program rules have not changed. The only “system” that is changing is the payment system. There is no change in eligibility or re-evaluation.
• There is no conspiracy to drop people unexpectedly from the program.
  • NOTE: Re-evaluation occurs when there has been a change in the level of functioning of the Veteran – this determination is made by the Veteran’s treatment team, or at the request of the Veteran and/or Caregiver in coordination with the CSC.
• There is no change planned for October.
• The VA currently has more than 9,500 approved Family Caregivers in the program with more being added each day!

And here is my opinion:

• I believe the program is working and improving every day. As my friend and fellow caregiver, Jackay S. says: “The caregiver program runs way more efficiently then the VA compensation for our veterans does! And they are who went to war! Not you! We have hundreds of thousands of veterans who don’t even have a single benefit!!” Amen, Jackay. Amen.
• For those who make me roll my eyes when I hear how my husband is less deserving than yours because mine can walk and yours can’t, and therefore I am “stealing” a benefit, I want you to kiss my ass. This benefit is earned and distributed based on need. You are not part of that evaluation process so you really get no say in the matter….and your opinion is not only wrong, but it stinks. We are in this together. I’ve got your six, so why don’t you return the favor and work together instead of being divisive and petty? Grow up! As far as I am concerned, your petty ass and my hard-working ass needs to be working together to not only maintain the integrity of the program, but to work toward opening it up to prior-era veteran caregivers. Think about that.
• I admit I have seen some caregivers dropped from the program when, in my opinion, they deserve it. All of them were given plenty of notice. All of them were given an appeals process to follow if they disagree. Yes, it’s unfair in some cases, but for the most part the process is in place to work. If you don’t like the decision, you have options.
• Unless you have proof of your claims, don’t create panic and drama. No one likes Drama Llamas. Or Drama Mommas. It’s uncool.
• If the program does go away, it won’t be for the lack of funding. It will be due to the program being more trouble than it’s worth, as demonstrated by the drama seen over the last week. Face it….there are enough people like me who will work our asses off to make sure it remains intact. Even better, the program should expand. If you don’t change your approach and attitude about this program, it’s sure to take longer to work the way it was meant to work in the first place.
• If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. Start becoming a solution and quit creating more problems!

So, there you have it, folks. Facts and opinions all in one handy place.

Pass it on.

SOUND OFF! What rumors have you heard? What do you think about all the mayhem we’ve seen in the last week? Please share them in the comments section below!

The post Quelling more VA Caregiver Benefit rumors {please pass this on to help stop the panic!} appeared first on Managing Life After Combat: Simpler solutions for complicated lives.

About a month ago I shared some information about a potential for an upcoming pay increase for Post 9/11 Caregivers.

This month many caregivers are concerned because their pay has been ‘delayed’. I’d like to help clear up any confusion about this issue, if I may.

Look at your award letter

It’s true that up until this month funds were PROCESSED on the 26th and released to your banking institution shortly thereafter. Some banks will pay you immediately, others will make it a pending deposit. Depending on weekends, holidays, your bank, etc. you may have been paid EARLY every month.

My benefit award letter states I should expect payment “on our about the 1st of the month”. As such, I have budgeted those funds to be used AFTER the 1st of every month. However, I’ve been paid as early as the 27th in some months.

Your payday is not the 26th, 27th or even the 30th. It’s the first of the month (and if your letter states otherwise, I’d love to see a copy!). There is a rumor that caregiver coordinators were supposed to disseminate information to notify caregivers that the VA is using a new payment processor and that your pay day has been changed.

Which brings me to the official response from the national caregiver offices

I would like to thank Brannan Vines, founder of FamilyofaVet.com. She reached out to the national offices and shared their response. She is asking that we help share this information so no one will freak or stress out if they don’t see their payment today.

Brannan writes on Facebook:

I know there have been LOTS of debates (and some mis-information put out on some other pages and groups) this month about pay for those who receive the Post-9/11 VA Caregiver Stipend. Honestly, I always find it best to wait and find out directly from the national caregiver support staff what the status, etc, is.

I sent a message late last night because there were so many concerns and received this reply (sorry, have been dealing with household stuff here or would have had this posted sooner!):

***

“The date for stipend payments has not changed (is still the 1st of the month) but since the VA is moving to a new payment system and it is possible that payments may appear one or two days later than they have in the past, but they will still be made “on or about the 1st of each month.”

For anyone not already receiving their stipend by direct deposit, please let them know that it is the fastest way to receive payments.

As for information you asked about that has been put out by other organizations saying that the payment dates have changed and that CSC’s [Caregiver Support Coordinators] were supposed to have notified caregivers of a change, that information is absolutely incorrect. There has been no change to payment dates.”

***

So, basic jist – no change, everyone should have $$ tomorrow, no worries, please don’t let false info scare or worry you! We have enough stress in our lives!!

~Brannan

I hope this clears up any confusion. I also suggest to remember the following:

We’ve been fortunate to have the VA release the funds early for some people, but that does not mean you are entitled to your benefit earlier than the 1st. Yes, I know we rely on this benefit in many cases, but a good lesson in life is to never assume that just because things were done one way at one point that it will always be that way. Your award letter states when you should expect to be paid. Calling the VA to complain just bogs down a system that is already bogged down. Be patient! ~Torrey Shannon via Facebook

 UPDATE! There are more rumors going around. Please see this post that sets the record straight on fear-based rumors being spread about the program dropping people unexpectedly, conspiracies by the VA to change program rules, etc.

What has your experience been with your pay? Do you have an award letter that says you get paid any other day than the first of the month? Did you get information from your caregiver coordinator that differs from national program offices? Share your experience in the comments section below!

The post VA Caregiver Stipend pay is actually not late {official response from VA enclosed} appeared first on Managing Life After Combat: Simpler solutions for complicated lives.

So y’all know how much I love eBooks right? Some of my favorite ones have helped me organize my home, my time, my health and finances over the course of this last year.

Well today through May 4th (that’s only until Saturday!) there is a HUGE bundle sale going on of some of my all-time favorite eBooks!

NOW is your chance to get 97 ebooks from over 75 widely-known bloggers and authors in the homemaking sphere about all types of home management topics, including home organization, decluttering, cleaning, budgeting, time management, recipes, cooking, health and beauty, and more.

It’s a $640 value, but it costs only $29.97, which averages out to about 31 cents per ebook or ecourse! Wow, I know!

Click here to get The Ultimate Homemaking eBook Bundle

Scroll down to learn more about each of the books offered in this bundle. It’s seriously awesome.

Click here to view FAQ’s about redeeming your bundle

Like I said, there are 97 (!) eBooks that if you bought them separately you would be spending $640+ and this week ONLY you get them ALL for $29.97!!!

Seriously? Yes, SERIOUSLY!

So, what’s the catch? The authors of all these ebooks and ecourses want you to have their products, but each one is selling for such a ridiculously small amount they just can’t do this for very long.

Therefore, this sale only lasts until midnight (EST) on Saturday, May 4th. Then, you’ll not be able to purchase them for this low price again. That’s why you need to act fast.

Click the image below to buy it now. RSS readers, click this link to buy now!

Here is a GIANT list of what is included:

with some tidbits on the ones I personally have and have read

Home & Property {Cleaning, Organizing, Decor}

31 Days to Clean by Sarah Mae @ SarahMae.com ($4.99)

Getting it Together: Your Guide to Setting Up a Home Management System that Works by Kayse @ kayse pratt ($3.99)

Pulling Yourself Together: Implementing a Cleaning Routine that Sticks by Becky @ Clean Mama ($10.00)

Simple Living by Lorilee @ Loving Simple Living ($2.99)

NOT a DIY Diva by Melissa @ The Inspired Room ($3.99)

One Bite at a Time: 52 Projects for Making Life Simpler by Tsh @ Simple Mom ($5.00) (I HAVE AND LOVE THIS ONE!)

28 Days to Hope for your Home by Dana @ A Slob Comes Clean ($5.00)

Organizing Life as Mom by Jessica @ Life as Mom ($9.00)

Clean Enough: Simple Solutions for the Overwhelmed by Jenni @ Live Called ($4.99)

10 Steps to Organized Paper by Lisa @ Lisa Woodruff.net($5.00)

Handmade Walls by Jamin and Ashley @ the handmade home ($9.95)

Easy Peasy Chores: An Easy-to-Use Chore System That Brings JOY Back Into Family Chores by Alina Joy @ The Good Old Days Farm ($17.99)

Educational Children’s Resources

Princess Training by Richele @ Under the Golden Apple Tree ($3.99)

The Armor of God by Richele @ Under the Golden Apple Tree ($2.50)

My Bedtime Learning Book by Richele @ Under the Golden Apple Tree ($1.00)

Think Outside the Classroom by Kelly @ Generation Cedar ($6.97)

Raising Rock Stars — Kindergarten Bundle by Carissa @ 1plus1plus1equals1 ($10.00)

The ABC’s For Godly Boys Curriculum by Lindsey @ Road to 31 ($8.00)

The ABC’s For Godly Girls Curriculum by Lindsey @ Road to 31 ($8.00)

K4 Curriculum by Erica @ Confessions of a Homeschooler ($15.00)

Write Through the Bible (print) by Trisha @ Intoxicated on Life ($5.00)

Write Through the Bible (cursive) by Trisha @ Intoxicated on Life ($5.00)

Balcony Girls (books 1 & 2) by Sandy @ Reluctant Entertainer ($19.90)

The Dig for Kids: Luke (Volumes 1 and 2) by Patrick, husband of Ruth @ The Better Mom ($5.98)

Music: An Essential Ingredient for Life by Ryan @ Resound School of Music ($6.99)

Budgeting {Finance & Time}

From Debtor to Better by Barry @ From Debtor to Better ($10.00)

Tell Your Time by Amy @ Blogging with Amy ($2.99) (I HAVE AND LOVE THIS ONE!)

The Homemakers Guide to Creating the Perfect Schedule by Amy @ Raising Arrows ($4.99)

Your Grocery Budget Toolbox by Anne @ Authentic Simplicity ($7.99)

Finding Financial Freedom by Kelly @ Generation Cedar ($5.97)

Become a Frugalista in 30 Days by Susan @ The Confident Mom ($3.99)

In the Kitchen {Recipes and Cooking}

Crock On by Stacy @ Stacy Makes Cents ($5.00)

Real Food, Real Easy by various bloggers @ The Humbled Homemaker ($9.95)

Wholesome Mixes by Kristy @ Little Natural Cottage ($4.00)

20-Minute Meals by Leigh Ann @ Intentional by Grace ($4.99)

Restocking the Pantry by Kresha @ Nourishing Joy ($9.99)

Money Saving Mom’s Guide to Freezer Cooking by Crystal @ Money Saving Mom ($3.99) (I HAVE AND LOVE THIS ONE!)

Simply Summer by Kate @ Modern Alternative Mama ($7.95)

Do the Funky Kitchen by Laura @ Heavenly Homemakers ($4.95)

Real Food Kids: In the Kitchen plus 1 month access to select Real Food Kids eCourse videos by Wardeh @ GNOWFGLINS and Jami @ Eat Nourishing ($20.00)

Seasonal Menu Plans on a Budget: A Month of Meals from My Humble Kitchen to Yours by Diana @ My Humble Kitchen ($4.99)

Just Making Ice Cream by Marillyn @ Just Making Noise ($12.00)

The Curative Kitchen by Susan @ Handy Pantry ($20.00)

Pregnancy & Baby Care

First Bites by Hilary @ Accidentally Green ($9.99)

Confessions of a Cloth Diaper Convert by Erin @ The Humbled Homemaker ($9.95)

Stress-Free Baby Shower by Sara @ Your Thriving Family ($4.00)

Unbound Birth by Jenny @ The Southern Institute ($2.99)

My Pregnancy Journey by Mindy @ Simply Designs ($9.99)

My Buttered Life Baby Edition by Renee @ Made On Hard Lotion ($5.00)

The Minimalist Mom’s Guide to Baby’s First Year by Rachel @ The Minimalist Mom ($5.00)

Redeeming Childbirth: Growth & Study Guide by Angie @ Redeeming Childbirth ($3.99)

Holidays & Special Events

Festive Traditions by Jill @ Modern Alternative Kitchen ($7.95)

Holiday Mixes: Gifts in a Jar by Kristy @ Little Natural Cottage ($4.00)

Flourishing Spring by Michele @ Frugal Granola ($5.95)

Family Camping Handbook by Katie @ Kitchen Stewardship ($6.95)

Truth in the Tinsel by Amanda @ Oh, Amanda! ($7.99)

Plan a Fabulous Party by Mary @ Giving Up on Perfect ($4.99)

iPhone Photography: The Visual Guide by Alli @ Alli Worthington($9.97)

Spiritual Growth

Pursuit of the Proverbs 31 by Amy @ Amy Bayliss ($3.99)

The Best of Visionary Womanhood by Natalie @ Visionary Womanhood ($5.00)

God’s Word in my Heart: A Scripture Memory Learning Guide with Verses {all 4 versions} by Jenn @ The Purposeful Mom ($3.99)

Kept: a 13-Week Inductive Study on 1 Peter by Lara and Katie @ Quench Bible ($4.99)

Love Like Him: an 8 week Inductive Bible study on 1 Corinthians 13 by Lara and Katie @ Quench Bible ($2.99)

Marriage & Romance

Rekindling Romance by Jason & Jami @ A Biblical Marriage ($4.99)

Good Wife’s Guide by Darlene @ Time-Warp Wife ($2.99)

31 Days to Build a Better Spouse by Ashley @ Ashley Pichea ($4.99)

31 Days to Great Sex by Sheila @ To Love, Honor and Vacuum ($4.99)

Entangled: Recognize Your Emotional Affair by Amy @ Amy J. Bennett ($4.99)

Motherhood

The Heart of Simplicity by various authors @ The Heart of Simplicity ($9.99)

True Christian Motherhood by June @ A Wise Woman Builds Her Home ($7.00)

Hula Hoop Girl by September @ One September Day ($4.99)

When Motherhood Feels Too Hard by Kelly @ Generation Cedar ($4.97)

Mindset for Moms by Jamie @ Steady Days ($4.99)

From Cube to Farm by Heather @ From Cube to Farm ($2.99)

4 Moms of 35+ Kids Answer Your Parenting Questions by various authors @ 4 Moms, 35+ Kids Parenting E-book ($7.99)

That Works for Me! by Kristen @ We are THAT Family ($8.00)

Health & Fitness

100-pound Loser by Jessica @ Muthering Heights ($4.99)

Honoring the Rhythm of Rest by Danielle @ Domestic Serenity ($2.99)

42 Days to Fit by Brandy @ The Marathon Mom, Emma @ Real Fit Moms and Stacy @ A Delightful Home ($4.99)

Healthy Homemaking by Stephanie @ Keeper of the Home ($12.95)

Personal ePlanner by Jennifer @ ListPlanIt ($5.00)

Beauty

Frumps to Pumps by Sarah Mae @ SaraMae.com ($4.99)

The Cottage Mama’s DIY Guide by Kristy @ Little Natural Cottage ($4.00)

Simple Scrubs to Make and Give by Stacy @ A Delightful Home ($3.99)

The No Brainer Wardrobe by Hayley @ The No Brainer Wardrobe ($7.99)

Embracing Beauty by Trina @ Trina Holden ($9.00)

Reuse, Refresh, Repurpose by Kristen @ The Frugal Girl ($3.99)

Working from Home & Blogging

Your Blogging Business: Tax, Talk and Tips by Nikki @ Christian Mommy Blogger ($4.99)

The Bootstrap VA by Lisa @ The Home Life {and Me} ($12.99) (I HAVE AND LOVE THIS ONE!)

How to Grow Your Blog and Manage Your Home by Jacinda @ Growing Home ($4.99)

How to Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too by Mandi @ Life Your Way ($12.00)

Simple Blogging: Less Computer Time, Better Blogging by Rachel @ Small Notebook ($8.00)

Ecourses

Learning in Love: The Preschool Years by Renee @ FIMBY ($7.99)

Homeschooling from the Heart by Renee @ FIMBY ($7.99)

Grocery University by Carrie @ Colorado Bargains ($24.95)

Vibrant Living Strategies for Moms by Lisa @ Well-Grounded Life ($59)

You Can Do This! The First Five Steps to a Real Food Kitchen by Laura @ Heavenly Homemakers ($5.00)

PLUS, You will receive FREE Bonuses from these companies…

A FREE Two-Month Membership to Fit2B Studio, where their wholesome workouts for the whole family are tummy safe and particularly target Diastasis Recti (split abs). ($19.98 value. No shipping restrictions.)

A $15 store credit to TruKid. With products like their aware-winning sun care, they are dedicated to providing all natural skin and hair care for kids, babies, and now pets. ($15.00 value. Standard shipping applies. International shipping available.)

Your choice of incredible natural products like sea salt and clay for FREE. Choose from the Redmond Trading Earthpaste Bundle ($24.90 value) or the Facial Mud Bundle ($26.90 value). (Standard shipping applies. Continental US only.)

Your choice of a FREE heirloom sourdough starter or FREE yogurt starter from Cultures for Health, the leading supplier of starter cultures and supplies for making cultured and fermented foods ($12.95 value. US & CAN addresses only. Standard shipping applies.)

Your choice of: a FREE 3-Month Subscription (for new accounts) or 30% off a One Year Subscription. Plan to Eat is an online menu planner that uses your recipes, scheduled for the days you want them. ($15.00 value. No shipping restrictions.)

A FREE Culinary Herbs Assorted Seed Pack Check just in time for spring planting from www.wheatgrasskits.com, a living whole foods company. ($11.95 value. Standard shipping applies to all US states and territories- no international shipping for seeds.)

Get $10 off Union28′s original “my husband rocks” tee. Their marriage apparel lets you celebrate your spouse in style. ($10.00 value. Standard shipping rates apply. International shipping available, but free shipping only available within USA.)

A $10 store credit plus 1 FREE lip balm from Bee All Natural. Their whole body products nourish and heal, and are made using only the highest quality, food grade, organic ingredients. ($13.49 value. Standard shipping applies. International shipping available.)

A FREE 2 oz. bottle of your choice of liquid herbal formula from TriLight Health. They specialize in fast acting, great tasting natural herbal remedies. ($12.95 value or more. Standard shipping applies, within the USA only.)

Your choice of 3 FREE ePlanners OR a 3-Month FREE Membership to ListPlanIt, whose mobile lists will help to organize your life. ($15.00 value. No shipping restrictions.)

Here’s a few tidbits about the sale & bundle:

• 75 bloggers have put their eBooks/eCourses in this bundle.
• You get $640 worth of eBooks for only $29.97 (That’s 31 cents per book!)
• You also get $140 worth of freebies from companies to help you streamline your home, housekeeping and live healthier.
• These are some of the BEST eBooks I’ve read and would totally buy individually but to spend less than $30 and get them all?? DO IT!!

The fine print:

Bonus Offers

• Each bonus offer can be redeemed once only per eBook Bundle purchase.
• For each bonus offer, transaction numbers or proof of purchase may be required at the time of redemption.
• All bonus offers are free gifts from the bonus sponsors, are their sole responsibility to provide, and are subject to availability.
• All bonus offers expire at midnight on May 19th, 2013 (2 weeks from the last day of this sale).

This collection is only available from 9 a.m. EST on April 29th to 11:59 p.m. EST on May 4th.

The organizers have this to say as the ‘fine print’:

It is your responsibility to download and back-up your purchase within the one-month download time-frame. With proof of purchase, they can renew download links up until August 1st, 2013. After this date they will no longer have access to the books and will not be able to provide any new links to download.

Due to the nature of this sale, there will be no refunds available. However, you are invited to read the Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more about the file types, the download process, how the bonus offers work, etc.

Please note: This collection is only available from 9 a.m. EST on April 29th to 11:59 p.m. EST on May 4th. There will be no late sales offered, so make sure that you get your bundle right away!

Particularly for those wanting to read these ebooks on their mobile devices (iPhones or iPads, Android, Kindle, etc.) you will want to learn more about the file types, how to download them correctly, and how to transfer them to your device.

This post includes affiliate links, and I make a portion of the sale of each ebook bundle. Thanks for your support of this site!

So what do you think? Are you going to purchase a bundle?

The post 97 Homemaking Ebooks For One Ridiculously Low Price {Value of over $640!} appeared first on Managing Life After Combat: Simpler solutions for complicated lives.

Exhausted? Stressed? Behind in every way?

Don’t panic. Join the club!

This is what I call going into a ‘crisis’ mode. Crisis mode happens when life has piled up and you can’t dig out.  It happens to the best of us, honestly. BUT, how do you get out of it and back to feeling normal again?

I am going to share my 10 easy tips to help you get out and get ahead

The post 10 tips to get you out of a crisis mode: how to infuse simplicity and self care on an emergency basis appeared first on Managing Life After Combat: Simpler solutions for complicated lives.

(Torrey’s Note: As you read this, I am on a plane heading to DC. The next two posts were scheduled in advance so you won’t miss a thing while I am gone. In other words, I am at a point where I can plan ahead and here is my proof. If you want to see details of my journey as it happens, head on over to Facebook. Otherwise, expect another great post like this one on Wednesday!)

Prioritizing your to-do list to get the right things done

If you are like me, you’ve been a slave to your to-do list for many years. Consider this fact:

I recently tackled some to-do’s that were over a decade old!

I get it. I really do.

You never seem to get ahead. What’s worse is when your list grows exponentially during particularly chaotic times — and that’s when you don’t know where to start when it comes to finding the right things to get done.

The good news is, I think I’ve cracked the code on finally getting around to those pesky to-do’s by managing the current to-do’s. I am going to share my secret with you because I want you to get ahead too.

Experts say you should pick five of your most important things (MIT’s) to get done each day. If you pick your five things to get done the next day before you go to bed, your following morning starts off with a sense of control and momentum.

But what if you have fifty things to choose from? What five things should you choose? Which five things will have the biggest impact overall?

I have streamlined my process and fine tuned it so that I can get all the right things done exactly when I need to get them done. Well, most of the time anyway.

This minimizes the chaos, helps me keep my sanity AND get me to a better place, faster.

Here is how I do it in five easy steps to find my five MIT’s!

I take my master list and reference it by asking these five questions:

1. Which of these items weigh heavy on my mind or are nagging me?
2. Which of these items are urgent or time sensitive?
3. Which of these items will have the biggest payoff? (time gained, energy saved, money saved or earned, more peace of mind, etc.)
4. What item would fuel a passion and bring me joy?
5. Which of these items can I delegate?

Pick the TOP item on your list that matches the answer to each of the questions above. Delegating an item counts as something to get done because you have an initial time investment in passing it to someone else.

That gives you five things. Now you are set!

But what if you have more than one thing for each category? Don’t fall into the trap of putting 10 things on your list for the day. Chances are you won’t be able to do them all and that backfires. It feeds into the sense of being behind, feeling like a failure, etc. Resist the temptation and stick to five things only!

But how?

Let’s break it down even more

Some of the items will fall into multiple categories. Some categories will have more than one item. It’s up to you to decide what’s most important for you RIGHT NOW at this VERY MOMENT in your life. For instance:

If you address at least one item on the ‘weighs heavy or nagging me’ category, you reduce your stress.

If you address at least one item on the ‘urgent or time sensitive’ category, you won’t fall behind.

If you address at least one item on the ‘biggest payoff’ category, you will get ahead in some way. When I say payoff, it doesn’t mean financial gain. It could be money saved, energy saved, more peace of mind, saving you time or just plain satisfaction (like writing blog posts in advance!). What is the biggest payoff you need right now? Pick that item and put it near or at the TOP of your list!

It’s important to recharge your batteries and fuel your desires. If you address at least one item on your ‘fuel your passion and bring joy’ category, you build in much-needed balance and happiness in your life, which allows you the energy and motivation for all the other not-so-fun things.

Finally, what can be delegated to someone else? HERE is where you buy yourself more room for the first four questions/categories. THIS is the key to getting caught up or ahead.

For example:  If you are behind on housework, consider hiring a maid temporarily. If you don’t have the resources or money to bring someone in to help, ask your friends or neighbors to pitch in. If you don’t have friends or neighbors, consider bartering with a maid and trade services. Maybe SHE is so busy she can’t get home-cooked meals on the table for her family every night. Offer to cook a few meals in return! Maybe you have accounting talents. Offer to do her bookkeeping instead. Maybe you have an artistic side and make great customer appreciation gifts she can use.

Think outside the box and find a way to get people to help you!

Bottom line:  Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

I hope these simple questions and tips will help you look at your to-do list in a new-and-improved way. Don’t let the number of items drag you down. Just do five things at a time.

You’ll get there. We both will.

SOUND OFF! How many items are on your to-do list? Do you even have a to-do list written out? If not, here’s a great tip for getting EVERYTHING out of your head and here’s a great tip to get it onto paper (with free worksheet) so you can start tackling it once and for all. Be sure to leave a comment below and share your thoughts!

The post Prioritizing Your To-Do List: Getting the Right Things Done using 5 simple questions appeared first on Managing Life After Combat: Simpler solutions for complicated lives.