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    Jen McDonald

    Jen McDonald is the Content Editor for MilitaryByOwner Advertising, an award-winning author, speaker, and longtime advocate for military spouses. With over 30 years as a military spouse, Jen created her own path, raised four kids, supported her husband's Air Force career, and navigated the challenges of military life. Now, she shares her insights and encouragement with fellow military families through writing, podcasting, and public speaking. Jen is the author of You Are Not Alone: Encouragement for the Heart of a Military Spouse, and Milspouse Matters: Sharing Strength Through Our Stories, books offering support to military families. Her nonfiction writing has earned multiple awards, including a Gold Medal from the Military Writers Society of America and a Silver Award from Foreword INDIES. Now settled in Texas, Jen is working on her debut cozy mystery novel and reveling in the joys of grandparenting. She’s learned to write in the margins of life, tapping away at her laptop during early mornings or kids' sports practices. Connect with Jen at her site, Jen McDonald and Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.

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    Posts By Jen McDonald

    August 07, 2023

    Your PCS Move to Camp Pendleton, California

    Marine Corps Bases

    If military life has you headed to Camp Pendleton, California, MilitaryByOwner is here to help! Come along for a quick overview of this bucket list duty station. 

    July 24, 2023

    Create Your Ideal Outdoor Summer Space

    Home Decorating Ideas

    Discover how to create your ultimate outdoor summer haven, from defining your priorities to choosing the perfect seating, shade, and plants. Learn how to transform any outdoor area, large or small, in...

    July 10, 2023

    Staycation Ideas: Relax and Recharge Without Leaving Home

    Military Life

    Is your military family traveling this summer? Or have conflicting schedules, a looming deployment, and/or budgetary restrictions conspired to make a family trip impossible for now? Maybe it's time to...

    May 25, 2023

    Remembering Our Heroes on Memorial Day

    Military Life

    For most Americans, Memorial Day weekend is synonymous with the beginning of summer and brings to mind backyard barbecues or a lazy day at the beach. Take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of Me...

    March 27, 2023

    Buying a Home in the Military? Start with This MilitaryByOwner Guide

    Military Life

    Buying a home as a military family has some unique characteristics. We've been where you're headed! Use the resources and experience of MilitaryByOwner to make your home buying experience as easy as p...

    February 20, 2023

    Landlords, Should You Allow Pets in Your Rental Property?

    Property Management

    As a landlord, you've likely given some thought as to whether or not you'll allow your tenants to have pets. And if you’re catering to military renters, it’s especially important to consider.

    February 10, 2023

    Avoid These Emotional Mistakes When Buying a Home

    Home Buying

    When you're househunting, it can be so easy to fall in love with a home and close your eyes to some of its problems. Here's how to avoid getting too attached and stay objective as a potential homeowne...

    February 02, 2023

    Expert Tips for Your First PCS Move

    PCS Moves

    If this is your first military move, you probably have some concerns and questions about what’s ahead. We're sharing some best tips and advice from experienced military families.

    October 07, 2022

    Helping Military Kids Get Through Multiple Deployments of a Parent

    Military Life

    Studies show that over 2 million children have experienced the wartime deployment of a parent in the past decade, many of them going through repeated deployments of their parent. Learn about the help ...

    June 06, 2022

    Get Outdoors Near Joint Base Lewis-McChord

    Military Life

    Whether you're setting out to a nearby destination or taking a trip to explore the Pacific Northwest, take a look at a few ideas for your next outdoor adventure near Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

    May 06, 2022

    22 Things Military Spouses Never Say During Deployment

    Military Life

    If you're a military spouse who's been through a couple of deployments, you know there are things you just won't say. What would you add to this list?

    April 20, 2022

    12 Lessons I Learned from Living Overseas

    PCS Moves

    An overseas PCS is an exciting time, but also an opportunity for learning! You might find you learn some unexpected lessons.