Winnipeg is a city full of surprises, from incredible food and fascinating history to beautiful parks and unforgettable summer experiences. This 2 day Winnipeg itinerary in the summer shares the best things to do, where to eat, and how to experience the city like a local.
The post 2-Day Winnipeg Summer Itinerary appeared first on Going Awesome Places by William Tang.
Wondering whether spending Halloween on a cruise is worthwhile, and whether your kids (and you!) will be able to have the full holiday experience while at sea? If you choose the right cruise line, the answer is a resounding yes! Many cruise lines offer a variety of Halloween-themed activities, events, and even food and beverages for passengers to enjoy — whether throughout the spooky season or just on the cruise over Halloween day. Of course, trick-or-treating is usually involved, too!
Here, we’re going over how cruise lines celebrate Halloween, what you should (and shouldn’t) pack for a Halloween cruise, when you should book, some top Halloween cruise picks in 2026, and more.
Whether you spend actual Halloween day on board, or just take a voyage over the Halloween season, it’s fun to celebrate a holiday on a cruise ship! Many cruise lines offer special Halloween-themed activities, events, food, and beverages on their ships, as well as seasonal decorations all throughout the month of October (and sometimes part of September!).
Taking a Halloween cruise provides a unique way for families to celebrate spooky season together. You have the opportunity to make new friends from lots of different places, enjoy fun costumes from cruisers both young and old, and participate in cruise activities and events that are specifically themed to the holiday. Plus, if you live in an area that can be quite chilly over Halloween, it’s a nice change of pace to spend the holiday in a warm, tropical climate — you won’t even need to wear a coat over your costume!
Not all lines are created equal, which means the ways they celebrate Halloween on a cruise will be a bit different from each other. Here’s a quick rundown on what you can expect from different cruise lines during their Halloween cruises. Keep in mind that some of these activities might run for several cruises during the Halloween season, while others will only take place during the cruises that actually include Halloween day.
Aboard a Carnival cruise, guests can head to the atrium for a photo with Patch the Pumpkin Pirate (on select ships). Guests of all ages can show off their moves at Patch’s Halloween Deck Party, or join Patch’s Pumpkin Hunt on a search for pumpkins around the ship. Adults can sip Patch’s Punch while playing spooky trivia or bingo, take part in themed dance classes, compete in the costume contest, or kick back with a Halloween-themed movie on the big screen.
Kids and teens have their own activities too, including themed crafts, a kids-only costume contest, and — of course — trick or treating around the ship.
Best For: Guests of all ages who want a fun, party-like Halloween atmosphere
Passengers of all ages can enjoy the Halloween season aboard a Celebrity cruise ship. Adults can grab a holiday-themed cocktail and then hit up the Halloween silent disco. Kids will enjoy the costume parade and trick or treat scavenger hunt. Of course, there are plenty of family activities too, including themed movie nights and trivia, food, and a Halloween family dance party.
Best For: Adults who want a premium cruise experience with a sprinkle of Halloween spirit
Halloween on the High Seas cruises are among the most anticipated themed cruises of the year for Disney Cruise Line fans. The experience starts as soon as you step aboard the ship, as you’re greeted by an enchanted Pumpkin Tree in the atrium. Throughout the cruise, the Pumpkin Tree transforms as more pumpkins are added to its branches. Touches of Halloween can be found throughout the ship too, with Halloween music playing in public spaces, jack-o-lantern window clings transforming the ship’s large porthole windows, and other spooky décor.
Themed activities and events also abound, with spooky storytimes, meet-and-greets with characters decked out in their Halloween costumes, family crafts, Halloween-themed desserts and cocktails, and Mickey’s Mouse-Querade deck party. Once per cruise, guests (including adults!) can go trick-or-treating too, and Disney doesn’t skimp on the amount of candy they give out!
Best For: Families with young children who want a Disney-fied Halloween atmosphere and an environment where kids can safely go trick-or-treating
The whole family joins in on the fun during a Halloween cruise aboard Holland America. Guests can take part in a variety of crafts as well as pumpkin carving (because what would Halloween even be without carving a pumpkin?!). Families can also take part in costume contests complete with prizes, then show off those costumes during a Halloween dance party. The ship’s big cake extravaganza, called Cake Me Away, is themed on Halloween, as are the treats served during afternoon tea. Of course, fun themed cocktails are also on offer for adults.
Best For: Destination-focused adults and families with older kids who want a touch of Halloween thrown into the mix
Margaritaville at Sea’s lineup of “Sail the Haunted Seas” cruises will have lots of themed activities for guests of all ages. New for the 2026 season include a Halloween-themed trivia game show, a haunted bar crawl, and guest entertainers who will perform Halloween-themed music, comedy, and other stage acts.
Adult-centric returning favorites include the White Hot Neon Nightmares glow party complete with themed cocktails and glowing face paint, the Spooktacular Murder Mystery Game Show, and a variety of themed beverages. Families can hit up the Monster Bash Family Disco, compete in a costume contest, enjoy a Halloween parade, do Halloween-themed crafts, and load up on candy on the trick or treat trail.
Best For: Families with older kids and adults who want a party-like Halloween experience
MSC Cruises offers a number of Halloween activities and entertainment for adults and kids alike. Adults can enjoy scary karaoke, a Monster Mash dance lesson, spooky trivia, and an arts and crafts costume competition. The whole family can take part in an epic Halloween party and enjoy the Doremi Halloween parade in the main theater.
One night per cruise, the kids’ clubs are transformed into a scary house, while another night families can gather for an open house where the kids’ club is transformed into a Halloween carnival with various games. Kids also have their very own arts and crafts costume contest, which includes a prize for the “best horror creator.”
Best For: Family members of all ages who want a bit of something for everyone when it comes to Halloween events and activities
If you’re taking a cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line over the Halloween season, you can expect family activities and offerings like Halloween-themed movies, a dance party, a costume contest, and trick or treating. Many ships even set up a haunted house for guests to experience! You might also find various Halloween decorations, such as pumpkin carvings, as well as Halloween food displays in the buffet — alongside a variety of Halloween-themed desserts. For the adults, there are also Halloween-themed cocktails to further celebrate spooky season.
Best For: Cruisers of all ages who are looking to take a cruise over Halloween (NCL celebrates Halloween only on the cruises that include Halloween day)
Halloween activities aboard a Princess Cruises ship include pumpkin carving in the piazza, Halloween-themed movie nights, a costume parade and contest, and the Halloween Fright Night Party. Kids can take part in their own costume parade, as well as a scavenger hunt, arts and crafts, games, and — of course — trick or treating with lots of candy. Adults will want to wind down in the evening with specialty Halloween cocktails such as the bourbon-based Poison Apple or the tequila-forward Beetle Brew.
Best For: Families who want an elevated cruise experience with a dash of Halloween spirit — including trick-or-treating!
Royal Caribbean is one of the most family-friendly lines at sea, and that focus continues when it comes to Halloween on a cruise. In the Adventure Ocean kids’ club, kids can enjoy themed Halloween activities including crafts, games, parties, and slimy science experiments. Families can gather together for frightfully fun movie nights, take part in the costume parade and contest complete with prizes, participate in scavenger hunts and game shows, and party it up at the Halloween Monster Bash. Themed sweet treats are available in the buffet, and adults can indulge in a variety of “potion” and “elixir” themed cocktails when the sun goes down.
Best For: Kids and adults who want lots of Halloween activities, events, and offerings during their cruise
Virgin Voyages is unique in its Halloween cruises in that it’s an adults-only line, meaning every activity onboard is geared towards adults. A highlight of any cruise aboard Virgin Voyages is, of course, the big Scarlet Night party. During the Halloween season, the signature party is turned into a holiday extravaganza called Scarlet (Fright) Night. Guests can enjoy a custom Halloween-themed performance from the Happenings cast, as well as a themed band that will play tunes throughout the voyage.
Other frightfully fun activities and offerings include decorations around the ship, exclusive holiday food and drinks, Halloween versions of stage shows, and a costume contest complete with prizes in multiple categories. The popular bar crawl (called the grog walk) will be Halloween themed, as will trivia, crafts, and other various events.
Best For: Adults who want to celebrate Halloween in a fun, unique, and unconventional way
Packing for a Halloween cruise should look just about the same as how you would pack for a normal cruise in the region where you’ll be sailing. If you’re packing for the Caribbean or Mexico, bring lots of warm-weather clothes and a pair of sandals. If you’re packing for the Mediterranean, you’ll probably want a mix of warm-weather clothes and layers for chillier days and evenings.
The main difference in packing for a Halloween cruise is that there’s a good chance you may want to bring a costume (or two!). Once you figure out the guidelines for costumes on the cruise line you’re sailing with (more on that below), you can go all out, making your costume as simple or intricate as you’d like. Don’t forget extras like makeup, jewelry, hair tools and accessories, and any props you may need to complete the look. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to pack all of these things, so the smaller/more packable the components of your costume are, the better.
If you like to hide rubber or mini plastic ducks around the ship, you might want to buy some cute Halloween-themed ones to bring along. If your cruise line allows door decorating, consider bringing some Halloween-themed decorations. Or perhaps you’re part of an organized group that will do activities together on board, such as trading candy or other small items. In that case, be sure to bring what you need along, too. Just be sure that if it’s edible — like candy — that’s it’s factory sealed, as cruise lines do not allow opened or homemade food to be brought on board.
While each cruise line might have slightly varied rules, here are some general guidelines to keep in mind when putting together a costume for Halloween on a cruise:
As we recommend with any cruise, try to book as far in advance as you can. Prices often creep up the closer to the sail date you get, so you’ll find some of the best pricing if you book far out. Also keep in mind that holiday cruises tend to be popular, especially if your cruise line goes all out for the occasion. If you have your heart set on a particular cruise line or can only sail during a specific week, book far in advance to secure your spot on board and have the best selection of staterooms to choose from.
Despite being “holiday” cruises, Halloween cruises are not usually any (or much) more expensive than a regular cruise. In fact, the Halloween season is actually during one of the cruise industry’s annual lulls, when kids are going back to school and prices go down after the busy summer season. It isn’t hard to find great deals on Halloween cruises from most cruise lines, especially if the ship is older.
If there’s any cruise line where you can consistently expect a slightly higher price for Halloween on a cruise, it would be Disney Cruise Line. The brand’s Halloween on the High Seas cruises are very popular, complete with a “Pumpkin Tree” in the atrium, a Halloween-themed deck party, themed food and drinks, adults-only Halloween events, and even trick-or-treating. But even then, the price increase for the Halloween season isn’t dramatic, and they’re MUCH cheaper than the line’s Very Merrytime Cruises for Christmas.
This five-night voyage is special because it includes visits to both of Disney’s private destinations: its island Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point, which is located on Grand Bahama. Plus, there’s a stop at Nassau and a sea day for fully taking advantage of what the ship has to offer.
The perfect way to have a quick West Coast getaway just before Halloween, this sailing aboard Virgin Voyages’ newest ship includes visits to both San Diego and Catalina Island in California, as well as a stop in Ensenada, Mexico.
This seven-night voyage is unique in that it calls in New Orleans first before heading down to Cozumel and Progreso in Mexico. The itinerary also includes three sea days for fully enjoying time on the water and taking part in the ship’s fun Halloween activities and offerings!
Want to spend actual Halloween day at sea? This cruise aboard one of Carnival’s newest and largest ships is a great option, setting sail on October 25th. Port calls include Amber Cove and Nassau, as well as Carnival’s two private destinations in the Bahamas: Half Moon Cay and Celebration Key.
Setting sail on October 25th, this sailing to Bermuda includes a sea day on Halloween, meaning you’ll have the full NCL Halloween experience while on board. The itinerary includes a visit to Halifax, Nova Scotia, as well as over a full day in Bermuda to enjoy the pink sand beach and other activities on the island.
Have you ever celebrated Halloween on a cruise? What are your favorite spooky season activities? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences cruising during this time of year.
The post Halloween on a Cruise: How to Celebrate the Spookiest Season at Sea appeared first on EatSleepCruise.com.
Whether it’s a first deployment or one of many, military families often face unique challenges. Separation, frequent moves, changing routines, financial stress, caregiving responsibilities, and the demands of military life can affect service members, spouses, children, and caregivers alike.
The good news is that military families don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. Across the country, organizations are providing practical assistance, emotional support, peer connections, financial resources, and programs designed specifically for the military-connected community.
Here are several trusted organizations that support service members, veterans, and military families.
The post Deployment Support for Military Families: Organizations That Can Help Along the Way appeared first on Cohen Veterans Network.
Military life can place significant strain on relationships. Unique stressors such as frequent relocations, deployments, time apart, changing family roles and responsibilities, separation from support networks and the transition from military service can contribute to higher rates of relationship distress among military couples compared with their civilian peers.
At Cohen Veterans Network (CVN), we know that strong relationships play an important role in overall mental health and quality of life. That’s why couples therapy is a key component of the care available across our network of Cohen Clinics. New data from nearly 3,200 clients shows that evidence-based couples therapy can make a meaningful difference for military-connected couples.
The Impact of Couples Therapy on Military-Connected Couples
To better understand the utilization and effectiveness of CVN couples therapy, we analyzed aggregate data from 3,199 clients who received couples therapy services during calendar years 2024 and 2025.
Clinicians across the network primarily use evidence-based approaches including Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy (EFCT) and Gottman Method Couples Therapy. These treatments are designed to help couples improve communication, strengthen emotional connections, resolve conflict, and build healthier relationship patterns.
The analysis found that approximately one in five CVN clients participated in couples therapy during the study period, attending an average of 6.5 sessions.
Key Findings from CVN Couples Therapy Data
The data shows that military-affiliated couples who participated in couples therapy experienced meaningful improvements across several measures.
Why Couples Therapy Matters for Military Families
CVN’s model is built on a promise of providing accessible, high-quality, evidence-based mental health care to veterans, active duty service members, and military families. These findings reinforce that commitment by demonstrating that couples therapy is not only widely utilized across the network but also highly effective.
Evidence-based couples therapy can help military couples strengthen their relationships, achieve meaningful treatment goals, and improve their quality of life. As military families continue to navigate the demands of military life, access to effective, culturally competent couples therapy remains an important part of supporting family well-being, resilience, and readiness.
CVN network data. Findings may not be representative of other populations or care settings.
The post What CVN Data Reveals About Couples Therapy for Military-Connected Couples appeared first on Cohen Veterans Network.
Wondering where to stay in Lisbon? Discover the best neighbourhoods for first-time visitors, couples, families, nightlife, and luxury travellers, along with hotel recommendations and practical tips to help you choose the perfect base.
The post Where To Stay In Lisbon – A Neighborhood Guide With BEST Areas! appeared first on Going Awesome Places by William Tang.
This post was originally published on this site.
Read more articles for the Veteran Community here.
The post Operation Homefront is Helping Veteran Families Build Stability After Service appeared first on U.S. Veterans Magazine.
I’m all about quick weeknight dinners, and this easy Teriyaki Chicken is one I think you’ll come back to over and over again. I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs because they stay tender and juicy as the soy sauce and brown sugar in the marinade reduce into a gorgeous light glaze. Even a 30-minute marinade gives the chicken plenty of salty, sweet, and savory flavor, but you can prep it up to 24 hours ahead if that makes dinner easier. Not to mention, the whole recipe makes five servings for about $1.41 each, which is MUCH cheaper than ordering takeout! And the leftovers are pretty good for meal prep, too. 😉
“Oh my gosh, this is one of the best recipes I have ever tried!! It is so delicious! This will definitely be a regular go to meal from now on! It’s easy, and impressively good!”
mEL
Teriyaki is a Japanese cooking method rather than the name of one specific sauce (teri refers to the glossy finish, and yaki means grilled or broiled). Traditional Japanese teriyaki generally uses a glaze made with soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar, which is brushed onto the food as it cooks. This recipe is closer to the American-style teriyaki many of us know from bottled sauces and takeout restaurants. So, while it’s not technically traditional, it’s made with 7 easy-to-find ingredients and most definitely budget-friendly!
Once the chicken has marinated in my homemade teriyaki sauce, everything else happens in one skillet. The marinade left on the chicken gently bubbles around the thighs while they cook, creating a glossy, super flavorful glaze infused with punchy garlic and ginger. As the moisture evaporates, the sugar becomes more concentrated and the glaze naturally thickens, so there’s no need for additional thickener, which keeps the whole process simple! In about 15 minutes, the chicken has lightly caramelized edges, the kitchen smells sweet, savory, and garlicky, and I’m MORE than ready for dinner!
I’m all for anything that makes dinner taste better while I’m off doing literally anything else, and that’s exactly why I like to marinate this chicken ahead! You can marinate it for as little as 30 minutes or up to 24 hours, so it’s easy to prep before dinner, in the morning, or the night before. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator as it marinates. I don’t recommend going beyond 24 hours because the salty soy sauce can eventually make the chicken’s texture too soft.
I also tested freezing the raw chicken right in the marinade, and it worked VERY well! Add everything to a freezer-safe bag, press out as much air as possible, and freeze immediately for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, and the chicken will marinate as it defrosts. Then all that’s left to do is cook it!
When I’m in a hurry, I just keep things simple with some long-grain white rice and steamed broccoli. Both are inexpensive and easy to prepare, and their mild flavors let the savory-sweet chicken take center stage. When plain rice won’t cut it, my vegetable fried rice turns this into a seriously flavorful takeout-style dinner. For something a little different, try it with cold peanut noodle salad. The creamy peanut dressing and crunchy vegetables are absolutely delicious with the warm chicken and make the meal feel extra satisfying. I also love to serve this teriyaki chicken with my Thai cucumber salad for a crisp and tangy side. Both of these cold sides taste even better after chilling, so I like to make them while the chicken marinates!
All of the serving suggestions I mentioned above are perfect for meal prepping with this teriyaki chicken, too. Rice and broccoli make a great reheatable bowl, while the two cold salads are meant to be served chilled, so their flavors only get better as they have time to settle in.
When I meal prep this recipe, I let the chicken cool before dividing it between airtight meal-prep containers and refrigerating it. It’s delicious reheated or served cold! If you plan to reheat it, place the chicken in its own compartment or alongside something you don’t mind warming at the same time (like rice and broccoli). Keep the cold sides separate so you can remove them before reheating. Store everything in the refrigerator until you’re ready to eat and enjoy within 3-4 days.
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**I prefer chicken thighs here because they cook quickly and stay super tender and juicy. You can also use chicken breasts, but make sure to fillet them into two thinner pieces or pound the chicken to a ½-inch thickness before marinating. This will help them cook quickly and evenly in the skillet before the glaze burns. Chicken tenders work too, but they’ll cook much faster! Cook chicken breast and tenders to 165℉.
***Keep the soy sauce, brown sugar, and water ratio as written. The soy sauce adds saltiness and umami, and the brown sugar balances it with sweetness and helps form the glossy glaze. Then the water loosens the marinade and stops it from reducing too quickly before the chicken is cooked through. However, feel free to adjust the amount of fresh garlic and ginger to taste!
****Always marinate raw chicken covered in the refrigerator. To keep things simple and food-safe, I recommend discarding any marinade that has touched the raw chicken.
Want to use the oven? I haven’t tested this recipe in the oven yet, but plenty of our readers have, and said it worked great! I’d bake the chicken thighs at 400ºF for about 30-35 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken thighs reaches 175ºF. Just keep an eye on the marinade in case it starts browning too quickly.
Gather all of your ingredients.
Make the marinade: Stir together ¼ cup soy sauce, 3 Tbsp brown sugar, 1 Tbsp water, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, and 1 Tbsp cooking oil. Keep stirring until the brown sugar is dissolved. The oil may separate slightly, and that’s okay.
Marinate the chicken in the refrigerator: Place 1.75 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs in a shallow dish or zip-top bag, then pour the marinade over top. Turn the thighs until every piece is coated, then cover or seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to 24 hours. Turn the chicken occasionally so it marinates evenly. Always marinate raw chicken in the refrigerator, NEVER at room temperature.
Planning ahead? Pop it in the freezer (optional): I tried this during testing and was really happy with the results. Seal the chicken and marinade in a freezer-safe bag, removing any excess air, then write the recipe name and date on the bag. Use it within 2-3 months for the best quality. Move it to the refrigerator the night before cooking, and the marinade will flavor the chicken as it thaws overnight.
Cook the chicken and reduce the glaze: Add the remaining 1 Tbsp cooking oil to a large skillet and heat over medium. Once the oil is shimmering but not smoking, lift the chicken from the marinade, let the excess drip back into the dish, and add the thighs to the skillet. You should hear a gentle sizzle. Discard the used marinade because it has been in contact with raw chicken.
Cook the thighs for 5-7 minutes on each side. The liquid in the skillet will look fairly loose at first, then gently bubble, reduce, and form a light glaze that clings to the chicken. Keep the heat at medium and keep an eye on it. If the glaze starts smoking or developing very dark spots before the chicken is done, reduce the heat.
Cook the chicken until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thighs registers 175°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest thigh and check that the center is fully opaque with no raw or translucent areas.
Rest, slice, and serve: Transfer the teriyaki chicken to a clean cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This gives the juices time to settle back into the meat, so more of them stay in the chicken instead of running onto the cutting board. Then slice and serve!
Let any leftovers cool, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for 3-4 days. For the best texture, I prefer to store the thighs whole or in larger pieces, then slice them after reheating. This gives the chicken less exposed surface area, so it doesn’t dry out as quickly.
Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the glaze and keep the meat from drying out. You can also microwave it in short intervals until hot, covering it loosely to hold in some moisture. Whichever method you choose, leftovers should reach an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.
Thaw frozen teriyaki chicken overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for the best texture. If you need to reheat it from frozen, place it in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water and warm it gently until it reaches 165°F.
Freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. You can freeze it whole, sliced, or divided into individual portions for easy meals later. Let it cool completely first, press out as much air as possible, and label the container with the date. For extra protection against freezer burn, I like to wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap or foil before placing it in the freezer bag.
Our Teriyaki Chicken recipe was originally published 5/2/2022. It was retested and republished to be better than ever 8/19/26.
The post Easy Teriyaki Chicken appeared first on Budget Bytes.
This post was originally published on this site.
Some soldiers at a Georgia base are being offered the chance to reenlist in exchange for four days of stealing cars, carrying out hits for mob bosses, evading the cops and watching scantily clad ladies of the night prowl street corners — virtually, of course.
According to a memorandum that circulated on social media, eligible soldiers in the 9th Engineer Battalion at Fort Stewart who reenlist by Nov. 14 will be authorized a four-day pass that aligns with the release of Grand Theft Auto VI, or GTA 6, at the end of November.
An Army official confirmed that the document, signed by the unit’s commander, Lt. Col. Ryan D. Hodgson, was authentic.
“The battalion has a new career counselor who approached unit leadership with an idea for an updated creative incentives program to reach FY27 reenlistment goals,” said Lt. Col. Angel Tomko, with the 3rd Infantry Division’s public affairs office.
To qualify for the video game spree, soldiers must re-up for at least two years, Tomko said. So far, 20 out of 130 eligible soldiers have given Uncle Sam a few more years in exchange for 96 hours of simulated criminal bliss.
The video game franchise, which allows players to roam through cityscapes as criminal masterminds, has been a cornerstone of gaming culture for decades. The upcoming edition is highly anticipated, and according to the game’s publisher, Rockstar Games, it will feature an Army veteran named Jason Duval who “grew up around grifters and crooks” and has now “found himself in the Keys doing what he knows best, working for local drug runners.”
First reported by Task & Purpose, the July 28 memorandum says the incentive is for eligible soldiers who sign a reenlistment contract between Aug. 1 and Nov. 14.
“This special pass is specifically designated to coincide with the highly anticipated release of the video game Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6),” it reads. Soldiers who acquire the reward will coordinate days off with their individual unit leadership.
Unfortunately for uniformed GTA fans interested in extended carjacking opportunities, the pass cannot be combined with any other passes to give the soldier an absence of more than four days.
The unconventional incentive comes as the Army becomes more selective with traditional reenlistment incentives, with new guidance tying cash bonuses to soldiers’ physical fitness, job proficiency and command assessments.
Juicy teriyaki chicken, grilled if you want, served over rice with a scoop of bright gingery peaches, and a rich sesame drench getting into every bite.
YES PLEASE I love this meal!
My family’s summer eating has two basic modes:
I truly love both of these categories. But once every few weeks, I start to sense myself going a bit hard into YOLO mode – typically after a road trip or an extended amount of pool days, which is where we’re at here at the end of summer.
This teriyaki chicken with ginger peaches has been my go-to meal for when I’m ready to get back to something a bit fresher.
I’ve made it as a bigger meal for my extended family – nieces, nephews, sibs, parents – where my dad helped me grill the chicken, we sliced up “plain peaches” for the kids, and almost all of us went back for seconds.
And I’ve also made it for a meal just for our family, because 9 out of 10 nights, I am looking for a way to just eat peaches for dinner (or, dessert).
Hope you love it, too!
Juicy grilled teriyaki chicken, bright gingery peaches, and a rich sesame drench all over top! My go-to dinner when I want something fresh!
Teriyaki Chicken
Ginger Peaches
Sesame Drench
Extras For Serving
Prep Time: 2 hours (if marinating)Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: AmericanKeywords: teriyaki chicken, grilled chicken, peach salsa, summer dinner recipe
The post Teriyaki Chicken with Ginger Peaches and Sesame Drench appeared first on Pinch of Yum.
This post was originally published on this site.
In 2026, updates to VA policies and rating criteria make right now the absolute BEST time to seek a VA rating increase.
Changes coming to mental health ratings, stricter guidelines for some other conditions, and potential impacts on compensation highlight the importance of acting now to secure the VA benefits you deserve.
Now is the time to secure the benefits you’ve earned—don’t wait until changes could make it harder to increase your VA rating!
Significant changes to the VA rating system are expected in 2026, affecting:
If you already have a service-connected VA rating for mental health, sleep apnea, or tinnitus when the changes go into effect, you are ‘grandfathered in’ under the old rating criteria. For example, you wouldn’t lose your VA rating for tinnitus if you were already service connected when the tinnitus rating went away!
The updated VA rating criteria for sleep apnea introduce stricter guidelines, making it more challenging for veterans to qualify for disability ratings and potentially leading to lower ratings in the future.
An important update coming in 2026 is the revision of the VA’s rating criteria for mental health conditions.
Previously, conditions like PTSD, anxiety, and depression were rated using subjective assessments of symptoms and their impact on work and social life.
The revised criteria introduces a more objective approach, designed to simplify the process and ensure ratings accurately reflect the true severity of a veteran’s symptoms.
New VA Disability Ratings for Mental Health Conditions
The new rating criteria eliminates the separate standalone 10% rating for tinnitus. However, you still have time to file your VA claim before the changes take effect.
Once the changes are announced by the VA, there’s a 60-day cooling-off period before the rating changes go into effect.
2026 VA Ratings Changes for Tinnitus
You may miss out on vital VA benefits for your family by waiting to file for a VA rating increase.
Remember, VA disability compensation is not considered taxable income, which puts more money in your pockets, especially during uncertain economic times.
Here’s a look at additional VA benefits available to dependents of disabled veterans.
Related: Best Dependent Benefits
The longer you wait to file your VA claim, the more compensation you lose. Failing to update your rating when conditions worsen, or new disabilities arise can leave money on the table. Stay proactive by filing claims, appealing denials, or requesting rating increases to ensure you receive the full benefits you deserve.
Our own Brian Reese lost over $100K by not getting his VA rating sooner!
While you may be eligible for VA back pay, you still must submit your VA disability claim.
Read More: Do I Get Back Pay For a VA Disability Increase?
Do you feel worse than you did when you first applied for VA disability benefits?
Many veterans don’t realize if their symptoms worsen for a condition(s) they have due to their service, they could apply and qualify for a VA rating increase.
Ignoring worsening symptoms not only impacts your quality of life but also delays access to the benefits you deserve.
Have you heard any of these 5 common reasons why many veterans don’t pursue their benefits?
TRUTH: Combat experience is not a requirement for a VA rating.
TRUTH: VA benefits are NOT a fixed pie! Your VA rating doesn’t take away from others, and you are just as deserving as any other veteran.
TRUTH: There is NO TIME LIMIT on filing for VA Benefits. You can file and win a VA claim at any time.
TRUTH: Employers ARE NOT legally allowed to discriminate based on a disability. In fact, a VA rating can give you a 10-point preference when applying for federal jobs.
TRUTH: A VA rating comes with A LOT more than just VA monthly compensation.
If you’re wondering how to increase your VA disability rating, you’re not alone. Many veterans are navigating the journey to a higher VA rating but aren’t sure where to turn.
The simplest way to raise your VA disability rating is to file an online increase claim for conditions already service-connected at 0% or higher.
Regardless of your current VA disability rating, you can always file a new claim for direct service connection and add new conditions.
Remember, there’s no such thing as guaranteed VA disability claims; however, some claims do have higher success rates, so it’s always worth pursuing a higher VA rating.
How does VA Claims Insider help veterans?
We make the confusing and frustrating VA claim process EASY through our 8-step proprietary system and one-on-one coaching; we’re the VA Claim EXPERTS you can trust, and YOU are never alone in this fight against the VA!
You’ll also receive VA disability expert Brian Reese’s SEM Method Blueprint—a proven formula that has helped over 50,000 veterans win their VA disability claims faster:
Strategy + Education + Medical Evidence = VA Rating and Compensation You Deserve FASTER!
Start today and unlock an exceptional level of service you deserve for serving our country:
Click the red button below to start the process of winning your VA claim right now!
The Quality Assurance (QA) team at VA Claims Insider has extensive experience researching, fact-checking, and ensuring accuracy in all produced content. The QA team consists of individuals with specialized knowledge in the VA disability claims adjudication processes, laws and regulations, and they understand the needs of our target audience. Any changes or suggestions the QA team makes are thoroughly reviewed and incorporated into the content by our writers and creators.
Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It. Motivated by his own frustration with the VA claim process, Brian founded VA Claims Insider to help disabled veterans secure their VA disability compensation faster, regardless of their past struggles with the VA. Since 2013, he has positively impacted the lives of over 10 million military, veterans, and their families.
A former active-duty Air Force officer, Brian has extensive experience leading diverse teams in challenging international environments, including a combat tour in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting Operation ENDURING FREEDOM.
Brian is a Distinguished Graduate of Management from the United States Air Force Academy and earned his MBA from Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business, where he was a National Honor Scholar, ranking in the top 1% of his class.
