Education: A Guest Post

On Saturdays, I like to fork over my blog to guests and this Saturday is no different. I'm busy planning, planning, planning but enjoy this guest post regarding education from Danielle.

What does the world hold for you?

No matter how much we plan, we can't control the way the world turns out or the things that life can make happen to us. We spend a lot of time worrying about things that are beyond our control. Learning to be happy is, in some measure, an exercise in learning to let go and to accept and to absorb. But that doesn't mean that you can't be one of the influences that shape and determine your future. You, more than anyone will have the power and the knowledge to improve and to direct your future. One of the way that you can do this is through education. Doing the right course and gaining the right education can open doors for you and unlock your potential, changing the course of your life. Sometimes people can be put off education by the intimidation of the closed world of academia. This needn't be the case, because these days education means much more than theorising, it means certificates and qualifications for many sorts of practical jobs. Places like Ascet tech education offer hands-on courses in jobs and career paths that could be hard to break into without a qualification. These sorts of adjustments can, in the long run, help us to enjoy our lives more. With the rise of online education, learning is more accessible than ever to people whose lives have already taken a definite direction, people who might have other responsibilities like paid work, children and family, and who can't commit to the traditional on-campus learning experience. If you think your life's not over yet, why not start something new?

Fitness to Go {A Guest Post}

Hi, blog friends. I'm off enjoying my weekend with the fam. I hope you get a chance to do the same. In the mean time, enjoy this guest post from Mike on the topic of fitting finess in with your travels.

Fitting Fitness Into Your Travels

If you travel a lot, you know how hard it can be to maintain a consistent routine. This is especially true where a fitness regimen is concerned. The disruptions in your schedule may make exercise seem relatively unimportant or may make you forget entirely. However, if you want to keep looking and feeling good, it's necessary to take steps to facilitate your fitness routine while you're on the run. Here are some tips that can help.

Fitness To Go

Staying in shape doesn't necessarily require large, cumbersome machines. In fact, there are numerous small tools you can take with you and use in the convenience of your hotel room. Resistance bands provide a great workout and take up less space than a pair of socks. A yoga mat and a pair of small weights are also compact and versatile enough to bring along. If you have room for a pair of running shoes, all the better. Sidewalks and parks are abundant and make ideal jogging paths.

Do Your Homework

Do a little research on the hotel you wish to stay in before you book it. Do they have workout facilities or healthy food options? Many hotels today are jumping on the fitness bandwagon in response to increased demand from customers, so you can usually expect to at least find a well-stocked fitness room. On a recent trip to San Francisco I used a site called Gogobot in order to do research on the possible hotel options. Here I could look at a list of San Francisco hotels and discern which ones had the right facilities for me. Hotels are also offering a greater number of healthy options in their continental meals. Ignore those things that are slathered in sugar or excessively high in calories. Instead, go for the oatmeal, whole-grain bread, eggs, chicken, fish and fresh produce.

Eating On The Run

While you're in transit, you have a lot of options for your meals and snacks. However, it's important to exercise caution with your choices. If you want to stop at a restaurant, call ahead to get an idea of what they serve and if they will accommodate healthier substitutions. If eating out isn't an option, seek out packaged, portable foods that are as nutritious as possible. High-protein snacks are especially recommended because they keep you satisfied longer.

Beating Stress

Travel can be stressful, but it's often worse for those who must travel for work. The stress of the airport, a long flight and pressures of the job can add up to a big headache. Exercise can help you beat this stress. Soothing activities like yoga can be done in your room, and many hotels provide videos on the television that you can follow along with.

Guest Post on Finding A Civilian Job After the Military

Hi, friends! I'm off enjoying the weekend with my family, but I wanted to share this article with you in the event you or your spouse is faced with transitioning out of the armed forces. Enjoy and have a great weekend.

Finding a Civilian Job After Your Time in the Military
Following your military career, you will probably be faced with the challenge of finding gainful employment in the private sector. Although many opportunities are available, you may find navigating the job market intimidating. Many myths concerning the job market simply increase the anxiety experienced by many military personnel and veterans.
Myth #1: Employers don’t care about applicants.
Truth: In today’s competitive job market, even employers who receive hundreds of job applications each week understand the importance of finding and attracting the best talent available. Some employers offer special perks such as the opportunity to work from home or daycare facilities onsite in order to attract quality workers. Many companies have streamlined their application process to make it easier on job seekers by partnering with services like JIBE, a mobile recruiting company. Platforms such as this allow you to upload your resume and other job-related documents right from your smartphone or tablet.
Myth #2: Although programs exist to help you, there won’t be an actual human who can assist you in transitioning into a civilian job.
Truth: Veterans who have served since 9/11 can meet face-to-face with professionals who will assist them in reintegrating into the private sector. The Gold Card, a new employment initiative for veterans, enables these individuals to meet with a career counselor at a local One-Stop Career Center. During these meetings, you will have the opportunity to develop an Individual Development Plan, receive job referrals and more.
Myth #3: Your job search is just a process of sending out resumes and then waiting.
Truth: You should actively engage in the process of finding a job. Research companies where you might enjoy working. Attend networking events. Volunteer in your community or with a business or organization where you would like to work. Connect with people and companies online through social media. There are many ways to engage potential employers. Once you have sent out a resume, be proactive and follow up with the company as well. Don’t be afraid to ask for an interview.
Myth #4: Companies do not seek military veterans to fill positions.
Truth: Today’s companies recognize the training and skill sets military veterans have, and many employers actively seek veterans to fill available jobs. Also, several incentive programs offer perks to companies that employ veterans. In order to learn more about companies seeking to hire veterans, go to VeteranJobListings.com. There you can apply to jobs and learn more about the companies that may be interested in hiring you.
Although change can be uncomfortable, it often comes with opportunities. Take advantage of the resources available to help you through this transition, and you will succeed.

Emma is a mid 20-something year old with a passion for life, love, fitness, and helping others. She loves to be active and get involved in as many sport and community activities as possible. Emma is currently studying to become a Career & Life Coach, and loves to network with people from around the world! Check out Emma’s blog at http://smileasithappens.blogspot.com/!

Say hello to Kristin and a Target GC Giveaway!

Well, hello! Boy (or most likely "Girl"), do I have a treat for you today. In celebration of a new year and a new look here at Mrs. K and Captain J, I thought I'd get some fun giveaways going for the month of January. First up in the goodie bag, is a Target GC from the cute and hysterical, Kristin! I'll let her introduce herself if you aren't familiar with her blog...

Hey there.

I'm Kristin.

I did a guest post for Mrs. K once before and I talked about Alaska.  I don't really want to talk about that anymore.

I DO want to mention the fact that she threw out the invitation of "Would anyone like to do a giveaway for me?" and I said yes because I like her.  And I respect her as a blogger.  Which is almost as important as liking her :)

So for this reason, I didn't mind adding one more thing to my to-do list and stopping by Target for a gift card.  (My to-do list is ridiculous, as I am inherently lazy.)

Um, plus, who can resist a trip to Target?  I live approximately 5 minutes from Target.  I'm there 3 times a week.  We went on a 2 week vacation in December and I swear I went through a withdrawal.  It goes without saying that I was back in there (on Christmas Eve, no less) pawing through the clearance racks as soon as I had a chance.

If you stop by my blog, you will see:

(in no particular order)

1. Desserts
2. My attempts at taking pictures of myself while wearing passable outfits on my cold, windy deck
3. Funny stuff I see on the internet and in real life
4. My workouts
5. Complaints about Alaska

(I know.  Mrs. K loooooved it here.  We'll see if I can bring you over to my pessimistic side of things.)

Thanks for reading and good luck with the giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Health Goals-

Lovely Tuesday morning to all of ya! Today I'm blogging over at The Finish Line. I was excited that Becca allowed me to take over her space for the day to discuss the evolution of my own health goals. She is easily one of my very favorite bloggers and an awesome writer. I hope you'll go check out her page and leave some love.

I revisited this old memory and many others in the post:

Anyway, Cray K is banging on my belly and hanging on my elbow screaming. I must retreat! Until next time...

The New 2013 Dodge Dart

(Today's post is a guest post that you won't want to miss if you're in the market for a new car. As you may know, I just bought a new car recently and I just finished setting up car seat number two in preparation for baby. I can't believe it's getting so close to my due date. Hip, hip, hooray!)

Chrysler has hit it big with the 2013 Dodge Dart. It is turning heads with its new Italian-American design, amazing gas mileage, and low starting price. Chrysler has truly created a vehicle that allows drivers to sport a car that is easy on the eyes, help the environment by releasing less carbon dioxide emissions through less gasoline usage, and not break the bank in the process. The new 2013 Dodge Dart is where it's at for sports car enthusiasts with earth-friendly minds, and Lou Fusz Chrysler Dodge Jeep dealership in O'Fallon, Missouri has them ready to drive off the lot.
The Dart comes in four different models: the Dart SE, Dart SXT, Dart Rallye, and Dart Limited. Each model has something for everyone and will not disappoint you.
Dart SE
Staring at only $15,995, the SE is equipped with a 2.0-Liter I4 DOHC Engine and 6-Speed Manual Transmission. It gets an EPA estimated gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon in the city and 36 miles per gallon on the highway. It also comes standard with 16-inch steel wheels.
Dart SXT
Starting at $17,995, the SXT is also equipped with a 2.0-Liter I4 DOHC Engine and 6-Speed Manual Transmission. It also gets an EPA estimated gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon in the city and 36 miles per gallon on the highway. The SXT comes standard with 17-inch steel wheels.
Dart Rallye 
Starting at $18,995, the Rallye is also equipped with a 2.0-Liter I4 DOHC Engine and 6-Speed Manual Transmission, but it adds a 140-Amp alternator. The Rallye also gets an EPA estimated gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon in the city and 36 miles per gallon on the highway, and it comes standard with 17-inch aluminum wheels.
Dart Limited 
Starting at $19,995, the Limited is also equipped with a 2.0-Liter I4 DOHC Engine, 6-Speed Manual Transmission, and 140-Amp alternator. It also gets an EPA estimated gas mileage of 25 miles per gallon in the city and 36 miles per gallon on the highway. The Limited also comes standard with 17-inch aluminum wheels.
All four models are available in 12 different body paint colors: Blue Streak, Bright Silver, Bright White, Citrus Peel, Header Orange, Laguna Blue, Maximum Steel, Pitch Black, Redline Red 2 Coat Pearl, True Blue, Tungsten Metallic, and Winter Chill. The accents, cross-hair grille, projector headlamps, and foglamps are glossy piano black, giving the Dart an aggressive appearance. The Dart also sports dual integrated exhaust pipes with bright tips.
The Dart offers an interior spaciousness more like a midsize sedan, not a sports car. It is also at the top of its class in safety and security features. Its Uconnect 8.4-inch is a technological hub, offering AM/FM/CD/MP3 and SiriusXM Radio+, weather, gas prices, movie listings, sports, and news, that can be easily accessed through steering wheel-mounted controls and voice command. The Dart also offers the Uconnect Web+ option that creates a wireless internet connection right inside your vehicle, giving you instant access to your email and music within a 150 ft radius. The Dodge Dart Alpine sound system provides nine speakers and one subwoofer, and USB and auxiliary ports allow drivers to plug in pretty much any device than can think of to play music directly from their stereo.
The 2013 Dodge Dart is definitely the car to check out in the realm of earth-friendly cars, and Lou Fusz Chrysler Dodge Jeep dealership in O'Fallon, Missouri is the place to do just that. Call them at (877) 348-8310 for more information.

(This is a sponsored guest post.)

It must be a Monday

(Not much to say this lovely Monday morning- not here anyway. I'm guest blogging over at Local At Last if you want to check that out! I'm dishing about a certain military spouse stereotype that I don't particularly like. Leave some love over there and let's get this conversation started! )

Also, here's a glimpse at what my nails looked like last week. I know you were dying to know. Just grab two colors and a tiny paint brush and get to creating!

I thank Pinterest for my new obsession with nail polish. Furthermore, I credit them with the fact that I even have nails to paint. I used to be a biter.

Can't wait to see what kind of searches that gets me here on this ole blog. I need a break from people landing here by typing in "fat girls with stretch marks and belly button rings." I mean c'mon people. I have neither of those things...anymore. And well, I'm not fat I'm pregnant! Hmf. 

Quick someone cheer me up!

Oh, there. That did it!

Things No One Will Ever Tell You About Alaska

I have a treat for you today! As you may know, today marks the journey of our first trip to the beach as a family of three (and a half). Lord, help us! Instead of boring you with- wah, I don't wanna take a 10 month old on a roadtrip or a post saying OMGah, he won't stop crying- I decided I'd grace you with the presence of one of my favorite Alaska bloggers. Her name is Kristin and she is great! Although, we don't share the same feelings for America's largest state, I still enjoy her witty posts, yummy sounding recipes, and reading about her life in Anchorage. She's so sweet, too. In her email to me she wrote, "I originally took a more sarcastic tone {with the guest post}, but I know that you really like Alaska so I went with informative." See? How nice! hehe You know you like her already... 

 Hi!  I'm Kristin from Kristin's kNook.  Just like Mrs. K, I'm an Army wife...and I live in Alaska.

I found Mrs. K's blog awhile back.  Or maybe she found me.  I can't remember, but I'm glad it happened! Guest-posting while she's on vacation was a no-brainer.  Of course, I have to talk about Alaska. Her blog drew me in because she had been stationed in Alaska.  There's a lot of Army wives out there, but I'm always interested in the ones who've learned to thrive in the non-traditional duty stations (interested in a completely non-creepy way, of course :) In our 3 years in Alaska, we've done the touristy things.  In my opinion, if you've done it once, you've done it all.  Sure, paying $50 a ticket to see a whale and get seasick on the ocean is fun.  But, seriously, all the whales look the same.  And I can guarantee you that the time you spend simultaneously freezing and throwing up on the boat are not worth a glimpse of a whale's tail.   At least not to me.  If it's worth it to you, then you'd fit in just fine here.

Things No One Will Ever Tell You About Alaska 

1.  You cannot see Russia from Alaska. Well, if you fly above northwest Alaska in a plane and it's a clear day, you may be able to see Russia.  It's 58 miles from western Alaska, across the Bering Strait, to Russia.  No one lives in that part of Russia though.  Russia is big.  And cold.  Look at a map.

2.  Drinking is expensive. When your buddies go out and Facebook a bunch of pictures of them drinking tasty microbrews, what they fail to write in the caption is that each of those beers is costing them between $6-$12.  And that means a night out is going to end up costing close to $100 (if you're out with a date/spouse and you factor in tips).  I came from a town where it cost me, myself, $20 for a night of mixed drinks.  Culture shock indeed.
 3.  Eating out is REALLY expensive. Would you believe that the expensive restaurants in Anchorage don't put their prices on their online menus?  That's how they get you.  Let's put it this way:  A "fancy" dinner is going to cost you and your spouse $90-$100, if you include 1 appetizer, 2 entrees, 2 drinks, and maybe dessert.  Plus tip.  I usually pick either a drink OR dessert in an effort to save money.  Many people I know go out to some of these restaurants all the time.  They, my friends, are what I call "nuts".
 4.  We have everything you have! Truly, we do!  The only chain restaurants/stores that I notice myself missing are Panera, Dunkin' Donuts, Marshall's/Homegoods, and I'd about kill for a Trader Joe's.  When we went to California last year, I stuffed my suitcase full of TJ food to take back to Alaska. I live 2 miles from Wal-Mart, 3 miles from a Target shopping center with numerous stores, and my Starbucks options are limitless.   While I really miss a few key places, I've never had it so good.  When I go home, I'm confused as to where I'm to get my coffee.  My parents live in the middle of nowhere.
 5.  It's not dark all the time. In the winter, in Anchorage, the daylight gets down to about 5 1/2 hours per day.  Sun comes up 10:15am and sets around 3:30-3:45pm.  That's on the shortest day of the year, December 21.  Barrow is obviously different.  Once again, look at a map.  When people find out I live in Alaska, the first thing they say is, "Oh oh! I just couldn't deal with all that darkness!  I just couldn't!".  This prompts me to answer, "Really??  How'd you feel about all that light in the summer??"  This confuses them, thereby ending the conversation.  Right now, we're at about 19 hours of daylight.  People tend to forget that part of the Earth's rotation.

 

Here's a few tidbits if you want to know more, but please, if you're planning a vacation, talk to someone who has been here!  I want you to get the most out of your experience.  Oh, and you can totally look me up.  We can eat over-priced restaurant food together.  

My husband and I in front of the Trans Alaska Pipeline in Fairbanks

Thanks for reading! I hope you'll go check out Kristin's kNook and see for yourself how much fun she is to stalk ;)

An Average Morning with Amber

I'm SUPA pumped to announce my very first ever guest blogger! Well, first human guest blogger. If you've been reading long enough, you might remember when a certain Alaskan Husky stole my blog for the day. But I'm really moving on up in the world now, though. I'm happy to introduce you to Amber! We've traded blogs for the day so you can find me posting over at her stomping grounds. If you're reading this in the a.m. you might wanna give her awhile to post it. She's on Alaska Time, ya know! Without further ado...

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Hi guys!! I'm Amber from My three bittles. Today I thought I'd show you what an average morning in my crazy life was like. 3 kids, 2 cats, a dog and a husband. Ready?! Here goes:First it starts off with coffee! Lots of coffee.

The coffee goes hand in hand with the baby feeding. Usually it's just the two of us awake.

Then comes handsome man waking up. He of course wants breakfast. Ignore the chairs still on the table from where I swept and mopped the kitchen because I just haven't had a chance to pull them back down.

Once babylady wakes up, she's usually in a terribly terrible mood.And cons me into covering her upand while I'm covering her up and hugging her, Fin is there turning on whatever cartoon she wants to watch. He's learned the ways of Maddie. He's a sweet one, that one.

Then Miss grumpy pants requests some strawberry milk.Then I have to pause all of everything to clean puppy pee.

 At this point, sweet baby O laughs at me from the other side of the kitchen.Then I sit back down to my cold coffee and finish feeding a sweet baby, only to turn around and find these two crazies camping out in the living room. They're goofy.

After breakfast, this happens:I make him a bottle to wash down his breakfast. This morning it happened to be bananas.

 Then I attempt to get some laundry done. Phew. That alone is a task and a half.

Once all folded, I get the bittles to take their pants and underwear and socks up to the designated drawers while I take the shirts up and hang them. Then I sit on my bum and attempt to blog. That all lasts a matter of 10/15 minutes before the kids are begging for snacks. Point being: moms are busy people! 

Anyway, on my blog, I tend to ramble... a lot. Usually about nothing, sometimes I vent. Sometimes I just share my thoughts. My favorite part of my blog is probably the "I keeps it real" posts. Sometimes I post recipes, sometimes I just over share pictures.

 I live in Alaska. That's where Uncle Sam wants us to be for the time being.Come August, he's sending us to Georgia. We are BEYOND thrilled. After 3 years of super cold and dark winters, we're ready to be down South. The hubs and I are both from Tennessee so we just don't really belong in Alaska. I do however feel completely blessed to have gotten the opportunity to live here. People from where I grew up.... well, a lot of them have never even left the state, let alone move off to Alaska! See what I mean about "I ramble.... a lot"?! I warned you. 

Oh and let's include a picture of me so you know who's talking to you. That would probably be nice, huh?! 

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You can find Amber at:

Blog

Facebook

Twitter

Traveling

Hi, friends! I'm busy as a bee this weekend enjoying my visit to Tennessee. It has been awesome so far. Saying goodbye to my babe and husband made me sad, but having this break has been good for me. I had such a good time last night, hanging out by the fire with good food, family, and laughter. Ahh, more about that later.

I can't exactly get my gameface on enough to write a coherent post today, but if you'd still like your Mrs. K fix, I'm blogging over at Nicole's page today and talking about one of my favorite travel experiences- what a coincidence! I'd love it if you'd come check it out and leave some love.

Thanks, y'all! Have a wonderful weekend. 
Love,Mrs. K

Guest Post on Tasty Treats

Many bloggers enjoy keeping their site fresh and interesting by inviting a guest writer to share their thoughts on various subjects and/or experiences. I've never done so but I've found the idea to be attractive. I'm aware that as a personal blogger I easily become somewhat narcissistic in thinking that the rest of the world really wants to know what is going on in my little life so I believe that occasionally it will be nice to take the focus off of me for awhile so I can get grounded again. I mean, you surely don't want to hear about me all the time, right? With this in mind, I decided to invite a very regal, young gentleman to share with you today about an experience he encountered this weekend. I do hope you enjoy his thoughts! Introducing...

High Plains Drifter

Photo by Joshua Reed

aka "K-Fed", "Stop It", "D-Nugget" and just plain ole "Drifter"

Drifter is a dashing young dog with incredible humans watching after him. He enjoys long walks down Farmer's Loop Road, trips to the dog park, drinking from the toilet and chewing on contraband items (as determined by his owner). Drifter is youthful in age and spirit and has a lot of energy and passion to share with others. Without further ado, here are his latest thoughts:

 

Hello, Mrs. K and Captain J blog readers. I'm Drifter--their mostly happy but definitely whiney Alaskan Husky puppy. I'm 7 months old or so they tell me and I've been living with them since February. Dad (aka Captain J) rescued me from the animal shelter in Anchorage as a Valentine's gift for Momma (you will know her as Mrs. K). For this reason, I try to be extra good and not give her too much of a headache seein' as how I was a gift and all. When I am good they don't notice me misbehaving, I am rewarded with treats. Last Sunday, I was allowed my very first scoop of the tastiest vanilla ice cream a pup could ask for. We walked around on College Rd. and came to a delicious ice cream  palace place called Hot Licks. They let me have my very own sugar cone and even held it up for me as I ate. I could scarcely contain myself as I licked as fast as my tongue would allow. I barely even stopped for a breather. It was one of the best days of my short life. I don't know what I did to deserve such royal treatment, but hopefully I'll keep it up! Here are some photos from my favorite day-

YUM!

Thanks for taking the time to read about my awesome day! If you want to learn more about me you can look me up on facebook. I'll let you do the searchin' , though. I do love games! Until next time--Ruff, Ruff!

(*In all seriousness, if anyone would like to do a guest post on a topic of your choice feel free to contact me at mrskandcaptainj@hotmail.com . I welcome bloggers and non-bloggers alike! Let me know if you'd like to participate or send me your work and a short bio (and pic if you'd like) and I'll be sure to give you all the credit. If you're not a blogger, it's a good opportunity to have your voice heard and get your foot in the wonderful world of blogging. If you are a part of the massive blogging community then you will have the benefit of exposing my readers to your link and possibly upping your follower numbers. Let me know!