(I know I just posted a giveaway but I wanted to get this one up and sent out to the winner so that they’re able to use it for Thanksgiving.)

I love the military life, it’s true. I love that we packed up our lives and moved all the way across the country. I love that I know it won’t be long before we do it all over again. I love that my kids are growing up surrounded by some of the bravest/strongest/toughest guys I know. I love that we have great healthcare and that I can call one number and have appointments made for all of us within 5 minutes (silly, I know, but man is it convenient).

There are a lot of really great aspects to this life. And, of course, there are the bad things.

At the end of this year, my kids will have spent as much time away from daddy as they did with him. The daddy will have missed both birthdays of our older boys and next year he’ll miss all 3 of their birthdays. Not to mention my birthday, our anniversary, and he’ll spend his own birthday in the cold mountains of who knows where.

When Kikkoman asked if I wanted to give away a Commissary giftcard to one of my readers, I immediately jumped on it! A chance to help out a family who is dealing with the same – or maybe more – issues I am? Definitely!

You probably know Kikkoman because you buy their soy sauce or maybe their teriyaki sauce but they make so much more than that! I started buying their Panko breadcrumbs awhile back and I will never buy another brand. They are by far the best breadcrumbs out there. So crisp and delicious! They sent me a fun package of products to try and I was absolutely shocked when I pulled out 2 cartons of soy milk. Who knew, right?!

And how about that giveaway?

The giveaway is for a $25 giftcard to a Commissary. Please only enter if you have access to a Commissary and will use the giftcard.

The giveaway will run until Friday, November 11 at 10 pm Mountain time. I will email the winner and they will have 48 hours to get back to me. If I haven’t heard from them at that point I will draw another winner.

The giveaway is only open to US addresses. And please, please, please only enter if you have access to a Commissary.

To enter, all you have to do is leave me a comment! I wanna know if you’ve tried any Kikkoman products and which ones you plan on using for your holiday cooking. I would also love to know where you’re stationed (or have been stationed if you’re ex-military) if you want to share! :)

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There are exactly 16 days until Thanksgiving! Are you ready?

Butterball was kind enough to send me a couple turkey certificates (worth $15 which will buy you a decent sized turkey) to give away to my amazing readers but before we get to that, let’s talk turkey day tips!

Start Planning! If you haven’t already, you need to start. Right now. Plan your menu, plan your timeframe, plan anything and everything.

The way I plan is SO simple but so effective. I use Google Docs and make spreadsheets for everything! I have my menu on one, a grocery list on another, and my grocery store sales on a third. That way all I have to do when I’m at the store, is open the Docs app on my phone (or your browser if you don’t have the app) and there’s my list.

Do Ahead! Think about what can be done ahead of time.

Pie crusts can be made, wrapped tightly, and stored in the fridge for a day or 2. Cookies can be done weeks in advance if you wrap them well and stick them in the freezer. Some casseroles will hold up well overnight in the fridge. Bread can be done the day before and reheated in the oven right before dinner. Cheese can be shredded, cornbread for stuffing can be baked, there are tons of things that you can get done the day before Thanksgiving!

Try not to stress out! Yes, it’s a big day and I know your to-do list is a mile long but try to enjoy yourself. Have a glass of wine and take a minute to breathe if you have to. No one will remember if the turkey is done 30 minutes after it was supposed to be done, I promise!

And don’t forget that Butterball has their Turkey Talk-Line (1-800-Butterball!) with experts waiting to help you with all your turkey questions!

And now for the giveaway!

I’ve got a $15 Butterball turkey certificate to give to two of you guys.

The giveaway will end Friday November 11 at 10 pm Mountain time. I will email the winner and they will have 48 hours to get back to me. If I haven’t heard from them at that point I will draw another winner. I will get the checks in the mail the following day so there’s plenty of time for them to get to the winners.

The giveaway is only open in the US. Sorry my international people, I still love you.

Mandatory Entry: Leave me a comment letting me know your best Thanksgiving tip! If you’ve never cooked a Thanksgiving meal, what’s your favorite thing to eat on Thanksgiving?

For Extra Entries: 

“Like” Fake Ginger on Facebook. Leave me another comment letting me know you did. Or if you’re already a fan, let me know!

“Like” Butterball on Facebook.  Leave me yet another comment letting me know. Let me know if you already like them too!

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