20 week photo

Ok this was a couple of weeks ago, but here we are in the Bahamas at 20 weeks!

Guest Post- Allison

The following post was done from my friend Allison. Please scroll to the bottom to read a bit more about her!

‘Wine’ Down During Deployment:

Simple ideas to stay close and stress free

The daily grind is normally enough to send the average person above the limit regarding stress, but having a family member, especially a loved one or spouse can send one to the extreme. At first deployment doesn’t seem all too bad, but then the realization hits. You will be mom and dad for the next few months or year. Even if you do not have children, not seeing your best friend everyday can lead to stress and anxiety which trickle down into other health problems. Though there is nothing physically one can do to literally bridge the long distance, there are DYI projects one can participate in to relieve stress in a healthy manner and keep the mind occupied during deployment.

Turn “Trash” Into Something Nice

One way to relieve stress is to look at life and everything in a whole new way; give everyday objects a second life. A way to do this and have fun is to host a girl’s night with friends, family, and other military wives. Make some food, open some bottles of wine and have a fun chatty session.

And after the party is over, the real fun just begins. Not only did the wine and girl time help ease the mind for a few hours, but now the bottles and corks can be used to make a plethora of unique items. For example:

Tiki Torches

Create cool and creative tiki torches out of the leftover wine bottles. This simple change is a great way to lighten up the backyard and have a conversation starter when people come over. All you need is a bottle, lamp oil, and a wick, and the job is done.

                Tack Boards

One way to always relieve stress is to stay organized. And what better way to do this, then by having the help of a tack board. Now those throw-away corks can be used to make a nifty wine-cork tack board. All you need is an old frame, super glue/glue gun, and corks. Simple, right?

                Mats

And to top of the list for ‘wine’ding down; make unique shower mats. This is another simple build that just requires wine corks, a box frame and some glue. Arrange the cork vertically and you have a one-of-a-kind shower matt.

Thought these are fun ideas to give one a sense of accomplishment and help alleviate stress, do not think I am trying to suggest ways to not think about your loved one overseas. These are just way to help you get through the time. Also include your loved one in the build of your little projects. Send pictures and talk about them, so your hubby, boyfriend, or best friend can experience the joy as well. When you are happy, he is happy, and the distance will seem to vanish. Have fun!

About the Author

My name is Allison and I am a fun-loving, adventurous being. When my job doesn’t have me traveling I normally guest blog, ride my horse, or hang out with friends. I normally write about natural health, but I am passionate about writing posts regarding natural stress relief and DIY projects that can help ease the mind when a loved-one has been deployed.

I’ll be on a boat

Next week at this time I will be spending my third day on a boat. And BOY I CAN’T WAIT!