This is a list of frequently-asked questions. If you don't find the answer to your question, feel free to search (using the box to the right), or ask your question in the comments of any post ♥
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How do I pronounce your name?
Think MonaLisa. It's pronounced ana-lisa. Aunie is pronounced aun-ee (like the proper auntie without the "t"). You can read more about my name here.
What do you do for a living?
As a civilian, I worked from 2010-2016 as a Wellness Coordinator for a hospital in Boise. However, in Fall 2016, I transitioned and now serve our country as a Captain and Officer with the Idaho Air National Guard. I work full-time as the Assistant Director of Cyber Operations for our Cyber Operations Squadron. Previously, I spent five years as the Wing's Chief of Information Protection, two years as the Inspector General's Director of Inspections, and also five years as a Security Forces Operations Officer (some were full-time positions, others were performed as a "traditional" (drill weekend) guardsman). I enlisted in the Air Guard in November of 2013.
You're in the Air Force? How did you decide to join the Air National Guard?
Sometimes, life presents you with an open door and if it feels right—you go for it. I was looking to boost my career & resume, make a little extra money, help build a good future with Daniel (who is also in the Air Guard), and I've always had a love and interest for serving in the military—so the Guard was my open door. I consider it a great honor to be able to serve my country on such flexible and rewarding terms. You can read more about my experiences in the Idaho Air National Guard here.
I'm interested in joining the Air Force / Air National Guard / interested in commissioning / interested in Security Forces. Do you have any advice?
YES! And I'm happy to help. While it's been a few years since I've enlisted and a couple since I commissioned, I didn't want to forget any of what was happening as it occurred so I wrote it out as I went on this blog. You can read everything I have posted regarding "advice" and the full-meal-deal on my Air Force & Air National Guard experiences here. I have tried to be as thorough as possible to detail the process of enlisting, commissioning, what my previous job with Security Forces is like, etc. Please also check my "Military" labels column on the right sidebar or feel free to use the search button on my right sidebar also. I have answered a ton of questions in those blog posts. If you've read them and searched and are still coming up empty handed, please send me an email. I can help! (Also, if you're interested in reaching out to a recruiter and you're NOT in Idaho, Google "[your state's] Air National Guard Recruiting," look for the local wing's website, and the recruiting number should be on that first page!)
What did you study in school?
I graduated from Boise State University with a B.S. in Health Education & Promotion. During my freshman year, I also attended the University of Redlands in Southern California, but transferred home sophomore year to join Boise State's cheerleading team. Before having a baby, I graduated with my Masters in Management with an emphasis on Organizational Leadership from American Military University. I am currently enrolled in a graduate certificate program for Lay Counseling.
What's your fitness schedule like? How often do you work out and what do your workouts consist of?
I've always been a runner, and fitness is one of my favorite topics. Daniel used to be a personal trainer, so we push each other to fit workouts in 7-days a week. You might think that sounds like a lot, but we typically only work out for 45-60 minutes—we get in & out!
What makeup/beauty products do you use?
On a daily basis, I use almost all of the same products—it's a pretty simple beauty routine. I typically use bronzer, clear eyebrow gel, and mascara (Maybelline Lash Stiletto is my favorite). On occasion, I'll do it up a bit more, and you can watch my video tutorial of how I do that makeup look here.
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What does Daniel do for a living?
Daniel was a personal trainer for several years, and in 2012 became a Recruiter for the Idaho Air National Guard. He joined the Guard when he lived in Wyoming, and after volunteering for forest fire relief in Idaho, he decided he loved it here and packed up and moved shortly thereafter. He plans on staying with them until retirement. I am so proud of my military man.
Where did you an Daniel meet?
Daniel and I met at the gym—he was working as a personal trainer at the time, and I had purchased daily workout sessions with one of his coworkers. Long story short—somehow my sweaty-moves caught his eye!
You talk about Daniel a lot, but we don't see much of him on the blog... why?
I love to talk about all aspects of my life, take photos, and put myself out there... but it's not really Daniel's thing. While he supports and reads my blog—and is always so encouraging—he doesn't love being featured, so I try to respect that.
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If I leave a comment, will you respond to it?
I love comments, and read every single one. I try my best to respond to comments—especially the ones that ask questions. I use the Disqus commenting system, which posts my answer to your question as a reply in the comment thread. If you'd also like my reply to come back to your inbox (so you don't have to check back at my post), make sure you register for a Disqus account.
What are your tips for blog growth?
#1: Blog for YOU. It doesn't matter what your blog is about. If you enjoy doing it, others will enjoy reading it. #2: Network, network, network! Pick a couple of your favorite blogs with high traffic and pay for an advertisement. Comment on big and small blogs. Let people know who you are. I have a couple posts that talk about my blog tips here, here and here.
How did you start reaching out to sponsors, brands, etc.?
When I was first starting out, I looked for other blogs who had similar followings to myself. We swapped ad space and I slowly began meeting more and more bloggers. When I had a slightly bigger following, I began taking paid advertisements. Those initial swap friends made up many of the people who purchased ads from me in the beginning. I don't make a conscious effort to "reach out" to brands. If I receive an email from a business looking to promote a product, I may work with them and help them gain exposure.
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Aunie Sauce is a participant in affiliate programs through the form of in-post links and page advertisements. In some cases, AS may receive a referral commission based on products purchased through links on this site. Any gift items sent to AS will be disclosed with a "c/o." In no way do these programs or gifts influence the content or opinions presented on AS.
