• Welcome to my home on the web!

    So glad you stopped by. I'm Tara. First and foremost I'm a mama and an Army wife. Admittedly though, I do spend a lot of time pursuing my passion of author, speaker, talk radio show host, and blogger. I'm thrilled to be able to share with you my mission of empowering military families across the globe. I also love spending time cooking, baking, and decorating. So, I've started to add a few of my favorite recipes and projects to the blog as well. Feel free to grab a your favorite beverage and sit for a spell. Looking to connect? Remember, I'm only an 101,109,97,105,108liame away!

Happiness is…A White House Cookie in Your Purse!

As I headed from little ole' Fort Sill, OK for Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City on Tuesday May 7, 2013, I had no idea the adventure that lie ahead. I had my bags packed per my packing list and the Military Spouse of the Year 2013 itinerary in hand but my expectations were, for once in my life, a blank slate. I arrived at the airport and began my journey to the east coast - destination: Washington, DC. I arrived DC late that night and could not wait to meet up with my Battle Buddy, Carla. I checked in to the hotel and did my hotel ritual of laying out all of my things. Then I met another online friend, Lori, down at the hotel bar. While we waited for Carla we chatted over a nice glass of wine about all of the things that we had Read more [...]
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Gettin’ Cozi with Tara

I. AM. A. PLANNER. There, I said it. I admit it. I'm guilty. The way I figure there are way worse things to be. I seem to think of this as one of my more endearing qualities. My family and friends tend to think I have an obsessive compulsive disorder. They're probably right. Apparently, I've provide hours of laughter in my family. They find me hilarious. Note I said hilarious, not super-awesome Tara who always has something going on and scheduled for us. Not Tara, the one we always count on to have structure. Not, we are so thankful for the many hours that Tara spends pre-emptive striking the next project/hurdle. They laugh, and I let them. Because I know that if left to their own devices they wouldn't have food, money, fun activities, Read more [...]
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Life’s Little Luxuries

For the past two years - in my spare time (ya right) -  I've written for the USAA Military Spouse Community. It is a "job" I truly treasure. In the back of my mind I have a tiny little plan to execute upon Kevin's retirement from the military. It involves submitting my application to what I believe one of the best military friendly employers out there and packing my bags to head to San Antonio, TX. We all know life may not go the way we have planned (even though I can execute some serious op-orders), but I am absolutely enjoying my time and relationship with USAA along this journey. I often joke that I am forgetful, just yesterday I told my Facebook friends that I could hide my own Easter eggs because I'm just that dense sometimes. I had Read more [...]
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Negative Nellie

Negative Nellie - Definitions include: a word used to describe someone who is a total downer to be around. I'm going to write about what's on my mind this month - negativity. I know! You're probably thinking to yourself, "is this the Tara I know?" I am a generally positive person. My mama taught me early how to find my rose-colored glasses. I was raised in a family where we were taught to appreciate what we had. We didn't always have a lot but we had enough. I didn't have the prettiest and most amazing childhood but I had so much love surrounding me that even when I look back on the hard times I wouldn't change them because they made me who I am today. We weren't taught to hate. We were taught to love. We were taught to be friendly Read more [...]
MargaretFebruary 20, 2013 - 4:59 pm

Applause. Applause. I was brought up this way and the way people treat other human beings these days is just appalling. I’m all for a kindness & respect revolution. I go out of my way now, but I’m going to do more to be a light and example.

Donna RonioFebruary 28, 2013 - 5:28 pm

Congrats on being a finalist for military spouse of the year. I have worked at Fort Sill for 8 years. I was introduced to your blog by a link from MRW several years ago. I have the utmost respect for you and the way you represent your family, the military wifes, Fort Sill and Lawton. Good luck to you in the finals. If I can every be of any help to you please let me know.

Donna Ronio
Board member, LPS.

taraMarch 4, 2013 - 4:19 pm

Donna,
THANK YOU so much! :)

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Getting “Unstuck” – History Repeats Itself

Isn't it funny how life repeats itself? Sometimes it is for a reason - like a lesson you need to learn. Then sometimes it just qualifies as "life" and life is just a cyclic little booger that keeps on moving, isn't it? Back in 2006 I wrote this blog below for the first blog on my then monthly column on Military.com. It was a very emotional time for me. I had just "survived" deployment number one and was gearing up for number two (with baby on board). It was a time when it seemed everything and everyone (well, what felt like everyone) around us was buzzing with movement while we stood still. Last week, I stood in my living room at 9:30 at night staring at the plant shelves, lack of wall space, and cluttered floors. I've never considered myself Read more [...]
LisaJanuary 25, 2013 - 3:05 am

Way to hunt the good stuff, Tara! BTW, the feeling is mutual. ACS is very lucky to have you as a Master Trainer!

SFebruary 9, 2013 - 7:40 am

My exec assistant has a husband being deployed on Feb 14 for 7 months. I gave her the day off and told her thank you for her sacrifice. I have never been to this site and never post anything. Just wanted to tell someone and you are it.

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