Creating a home base while serving in the military can be a great way to give your family stability and have a welcoming place to return from deployment. Whether you have a young family or are single, investing in your own property can be an ideal way to prepare for the future.
It is often best to buy a property near your base or where you have friends and family. This can ensure that you won’t be without a support system if and when you need it.
Utilize Virtual Viewings
If looking for a home while deployed, using virtual viewings can be invaluable. Some realtors offer 360 walkthrough tours as standard. Ask your realtor for a video walkthrough if this is not readily available.
Get A Survey
Have a property surveyed by professionals before putting in an offer. Choose surveyors with extensive experience and multiple good reviews. Find local surveyors who know the issues to look out for in the area.
Have Trusted Loved Ones View In-Person
Ask someone you trust to view the properties in person. Request that they take as many pictures and videos as possible. Choose someone with a knowledge of good quality housing. Get their honest opinions about the property.
Choose An Experienced Realtor
Use a realtor with experience finding properties for military personnel. Let them know your requirements and be firm in your expectations. Ensure they know what to look for if you hope to buy with a VA loan. Ask military friends for recommendations.
Find Out About VA Loans
Consider applying for a VA loan, which allows veterans and active service personnel to buy a home without a down payment. Ensure you qualify for the scheme and understand the requirements. Talk to Hero Loan to learn how to apply for a VA home loan today.
Assess Your Financial Situation
Ensure you have the financial stability to buy a property. Avoid taking out more mortgage than you can afford. Pay down your debts and keep your credit utilization below 30%. Ask for help from a financial advisor to work out how much you could afford to borrow.
Prepare For The Commitment
Understand the commitment of homeownership. Have an emergency fund of at least six months’ income. Invest in home security if the property will be empty for long periods. Learn to do basic fixes around the property. Research local tradespeople for work you are unqualified to do.
Take Your Time
Don’t rush into a house purchase; if you are unsure, delay buying. View a property in person where possible. Don’t compromise on your essential requirements for a home.
Be Wary Of Scams
Some scammers target service members who are looking for properties. Take steps to protect against scams. Ensure you choose a verifiable provider for housing and loans.
Rent In The Area First
Rent in an area before buying to ensure it is the right fit. Spend six months to a year in the area and ensure it has all the amenities you need.
There’s rarely such a thing as a perfect tattoo. Some tattoos you see might look outstanding at first, but take a closer look, and you’ll find something wrong with it. Perhaps the colors used don’t go well together, maybe there’s shading where there shouldn’t be, inaccurate line work, and so on. And since we can’t peel off the skin, why not just cover it up?
Cover-up tattoos are usually for those tattoos that are sub-par in one way or another. Most artists will tell you to make sure you’ve gone over your design with a fine-tooth comb before getting it permanently inked on your body. But what if you get unlucky and end up with an unflattering design? Well, you can get another one! If you’re not into that whole scene then perhaps you can just opt to cover it up. After all, some tattoos are just downright hideous – and you’ll be doing yourself a huge favor if you just cover it. Of course, cover-up tattoos are also sometimes used to ‘correct’ an existing tattoo or to create a whole new look for what the wearer wants.
Tattoo Cover Up Process
There are different reasons why people choose to have their tattoos covered up, but more often than not, they fall into one of two categories: either the tattoo design is hideous or it no longer has any special meaning to the wearer. In either case, you have a lot of options when it comes to covering it. The most common type of cover-up tattoo is a solid black one, as it’s easy to create and helps hide the original ink underneath it.
Another option you have for your tattoo cover-up is to create a whole new design from scratch. This way, you can decide how big or small the tattoo will be since you’re the one drawing it up. If you want to make sure your cover-up tattoo will look great, you might want to bring in a picture of what’s supposed to be covering it, so the artist can get an idea of how to go about doing it. Lastly, you can also choose to get tattoos that look like the original ones. Some people want their tattoos covered up so they don’t have to repeat the same mistake again, and getting a replica of what was there before is a great way not only to cover it up but to remember the original, too.
How Does Tattoo Covering Work?
Now, you might be asking yourself how does a cover up tattoo work? If so, it’s pretty much the same process as getting a regular tattoo done. You still have to find a tattoo artist who’s trustworthy and have them draw your design for you. It’s always best to get in touch with an artist first before letting them ink you, just so that you can be certain that you’re working together on the same page.
In most cases, your cover-up tattoo will work by either covering up the existing one or supplementing it. For example, say you had a tattoo of a snake on your arm and decided you no longer wanted to have any reminder of that reptile around. All you’ll need is to get the artist to add some larger design on top of it so it can’t be seen anymore, and you’re set. You can also make the new design smaller than what was there before. If your original tattoo didn’t fill up all of your skin, then having some left visible can look more impressive.
Here is your long overdue Home Goods Re-cap. I am trying to avoid Home Goods because I end up with a cart full of stuff and you know what I really really do not need one more thing. I honestly cannot help myself. FINALLY, FINALLY after almost a year, our Port Chester Home Goods is getting good again. I went today and it was full of tons of great stuff. I can only hope that it continues to get better and better. Here are my favs from today!! Bon Weekend!!!
I love these Suzani pillows.
How beautiful are these jewelry boxes?….
With everyone working from home over the past year, I was always looking for a good side table that would fit a laptop and still look nice…
I have a set of these nesting tables in my mudroom but I like the top on this set even better!!!
How gorgeous are these lanterns..so great for a table setting for a party…
There was a good selection of Spode for Thanksgiving. I love this pattern.
The blue and white selection of urns was one of the prettiest I have seen there so far!!
I was dying over this console. I would have brought it home for my family room but the measurements were wrong..someone RUN and grab this!!!
Such a great piece for a shelf or table centerpiece
These hobnail decorative bowls would be perfect filled to the top with candy corn!!!!!
These black and gold bamboo tall lamps with the woven shades were perfection…and only $30 each!!!
Such a pretty glam desk..marble top, bling handles and gold legs!!!!!
Something about this mirror just stopped me in my tracks!!!
I just cannot handle how cool these hanging containers are..but I did not have any vision for them at all so sadly I left them behind but someone please buy them and show me what you do with them…
This artificial fern was probably the most realistic faux I have come across…however, I would paint the pot a matte black..
Love this lacquer navy table….also the green lamps are fab too
And how lucky to find matching end tables..
It’s still there but now on sale..I featured this artwork in one of my other re-caps..still love it!!!!!
And do not forget….only 92 days away!!!
I have a great round-up of September fall finds just in time for the 1st day of Fall. I added a few dresses, both casual and a couple of styles perfect for weddings. It seems like everyone I know has a wedding coming up!! There are some great staples as well. Drop me an email to let me know if there is something you would like to see in the next set of “finds”.
- A logo belt is always a fun look to add to black pants or jeans. This refurbished one from Etsy is very reasonable.
- The Scoop collection for Walmart has some really great pieces. This maxi dress is really pretty in person.
- This sweater will become a closet table for the fall and winter months. I love the shape and you can dress it down with jeans or up with leather pants!
- I have ordered so much from Sail To Sable in the past year. I really like their styles and this printed blouse is so pretty and a favorite for Fall.
- This cardigan was a best seller when I posted it last week. And the price point is great too.
- I love the shape of this dress. It would look great with the cardigan in #5. I might pair it with some cute flats or a kitten heel for a less edgy look than the motorcycle boots pictured. It would also look great with some trendy sneakers.
- I also love the shape of this J McLaughlin Dress. Very timeless and I can see it also dressed up for a night out or wedding.
- I just ordered a few of these for my patio to sit out on fall nights around my firepit. They are so comfortable and look really nice in person.
- Someone posted this dress as the perfect look for a wedding guest and I have to agree.
- This Chloe tote was another readers’ favorite. Love the charcoal wool!
- Sweater jackets are so big this year. Love the color of this one from J Crew.
- A great black cardigan staple.
- Here is the color bag in a wool stripe. I love this so much.
- I just bought this dress for my daughter to wear to a family wedding. It is stunning in person!
- These Gucci sneakers are a splurge but they are so perfect in person and might be your go- to shoe for all outfits! Plus the metallic pink color is such a winner.
For many people, nothing beats a beach vacation. The sun, surf, cool oceans breezes, and breathtaking views are enough to entertain even the most curmudgeonly of folks. Here are three ways that everyone can have fun.
Research the Location
Not everyone can afford to jet-set across the Atlantic Ocean and settle into a secluded villa on the southern coast of France. However, that does not mean that you can’t have an equally amazing time somewhere else. Most folks realize the people you spend the time with are what is important.
There are plenty of places in the United States to enjoy, especially if you end up renting beach houses in North Carolina. Tourists from around the country consider the Outer Banks an exciting or mellow destination, depending on their desires. Either way, there is fun for everyone.
Some places only rent to family groups to prevent massive parties, so it is a good idea to check the situation before booking a place.
Keep an Eye on the Elements
Weather, especially on the coasts, can be quite unpredictable. Sunshine could bless you one day when the next day will bring torrential rains and hurricanes. Just because you think something might not happen to you doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t be prepared. Water is one of the most crucial elements to keep on hand. Saltwater from the ocean won’t cut it.
You need fresh, bottled H20 that you can drink and wash with. Non-perishable foods in the form of cans won’t hurt either. You never know how many days you might be stranded. It is possible that someone will get injured at some point, so you should definitely keep at least a rudimentary first aid kit on hand as well as someone who knows CPR. Organizations such as the Red Cross can certify you.
Make Memories
When you go on vacation, there are plenty of things to do. Many tourist attractions offer plenty of food to eat, especially seafood by the coast. For kids, there are a lot of games such as mini-golf, arcades or mellow rides. Parents are often allowed to ride within them. If you have a fire pit, gather all the supplies to make s’mores, and then cap off the evening telling scary stories that will keep everyone up at night. Don’t take turns doing this. Most groups only have one or two people with a knack for exceptional storytelling.
Although it is a great idea to live in the moment, you still want to take time to capture some moments for prosperity. You will want to look back on those photographs with your vacation mates and reminisce about the good old times.
Have you been to Greenwich Polo yet? It’s such a fun afternoon, just like Pretty Woman but even better. Let’s go together Sunday, September 26th. We will sit in the VIP tent and watch the match. The Gates open at 1 and the match starts at 3. As a VIP you will have access to premium VIP seating and VIP parking. There is a premium bar, food trucks, catering boxes, music, AND A MEET AND GREET with the players. Tickets are $75 for the day. Email me for the link to purchase your tickets to be part of this special NS Lifestyles event.
Nestled in the beautiful backcountry of Connecticut, Greenwich Polo Club was established in 1981 and is recognized as one of the elite high-goal polo venues in the world. Known for its unmatched roster of legendary teams, professional players, and champion equine athletes, fondly known as polo ponies. Distinguished families, young entrepreneurs, artists, and well-known personalities are all part of the international dynamic which makes Greenwich Polo Club so unique.
Polo has been played for thousands of years and the modern game is an exhilarating thrill ride bringing out the best of man (or woman) and horse. Each match showcases eight players galloping on horseback across a 300-yard field at speeds of up to 35MPH.
The club is home to the legendary White Birch polo team, one of the most successful in history, having won the most high-goal polo tournaments of any team over the course of the past 25 years, including the US Open Polo Championship in 2005. Some of the world’s best players have played at Greenwich Polo Club, including Mariano Aguerre, Facundo Pieres, Hilario Ulloa, Nacho Figueras and many others. Each Spring these players descend on Greenwich with their strings of champion horses to compete for one of polo’s most prestigious cups.
Each Sunday match is attended by more than 2,000 spectators flocking from New York City, Fairfield and Westchester counties, to witness the highest caliber of polo while enjoying an afternoon with friends and family. Greenwich Polo Club has also hosted many dignitaries and celebrities and in 2013 Prince Harry chose Greenwich Polo Club to host the Sentebale Royal Salute Polo Cup. The prestigious match raised funds for the Sentebale charity founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho in memory of their mothers to raise funds for Lesotho’s most vulnerable children.
