Finances, Food & Valentines

I love February!! Of course, what's not to love about a month devoted to, well, love. That's not the reason I enjoy it, though. For me, it seems like a month of resting and recharging. I don't know about you, but for me, the months of September through December fly by and I hardly have time to enjoy them. It seems like once school starts, add a few activities in and the next time you look up, you're handing out Halloween candy. And let's not get started with the blur of November and December. Don't get me wrong, I love the holidays, but between parties, presents and performances, I am exhausted by the time January 2 arrives. January is a little easier, but the to-do list seems extra long when you add in the removal of every last trace of holiday cheer and organizing your entire house, which seems to be the routine of the new year. 

Finally, it's February. The house is organized. (I use that term very loosely.) A new routine has been established. (Again, used very loosely.) Nothing crazy is happening. (Okay, those folks who were snowed in for a few days with their kids may disagree with me.) I get to finally relax, recharge and reconnect. 

The reconnecting part is the most important element for me. Valentine's Day is a reminder to let the ones you love know they are cherished by you. I try to make the time to have coffee with my friends, ask my husband on a date, send a cute animal video to my daughter and just pick up the phone and call someone. These things don't take much time or money, so I can easily make them happen, and I know they may make someone else feel special.

While you are reconnecting, don't forget to love yourself. Take a few minutes out of your day to do something special for you. Take a bubble bath. Read a book. Go to the movies. Whatever it means to treat yourself well, just do it. You'll have more love to share because of it.

Now that I've told you why I love February so much, I have to tell you why I love this edition of Macaroni Military. 

First, I love a military spouse success story and I have a great one to share. In late 2014, Dina Foglio Crowell debuted her cookbook, Delicious Mornings: Comforting Breakfasts Bakes from Scratch. Not only are we giving away one of her great cookbooks, she is giving away the recipe to her scrumptious Red Velvet Pancakes with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting. To find out how to enter the giveaway and get her recipe, read Breakfast Just Became My Favorite Meal. 

Next, I've compiled a list of upcoming events that could help you with your career or entrepreneurial adventure. I personally have worked with these programs and can't recommend them enough. You'll find them in Resources to Help You Build Your Business. 

February 23-28 is Military Saves Week. Commands and businesses around the globe participate in helping military members and their families achieve their financial goals. You can read about Military Saves Week here. Make sure you follow us on Facebook and Twitter as we will be giving you more helpful financial tips throughout the month. 

I couldn't let February pass without an article about Valentine's Day. In 27 Non-Food Valentine's Day Goodies to Give I have compiled a list of suggestions for non-food valentines. There's even a bonus! I went ahead and found some free printables to go along with some of the suggestions. No more stressing about what to take to the class Valentine's Day Party.

Finally, on a bittersweet note, the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act was passed by the Senate on February 3, 2015. Hopefully this will help our returning service members suffering with depression and PTSD get the help they deserve. 

Until next month,
Kamlyn