The corner of the internet for Defence partners navigating life, business, and everything in between.
Sharing the juggle, the joys, and the reality of making life work on our terms.
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I’m Amber – a mum, Defence partner, and business owner figuring out all’o’the things as I go.
Defence life isn’t predictable. The relocations, the shifting routines, the never-ending juggle of work, family, and everything in between – it’s a lot. I know, because I live it too.
Boots Back Home is here to make it easier. A space for Defence partners, parents, and small business owners to find support, connection, and real-world ways to bring calm to the chaos. Whether it’s navigating life on the move, building a flexible business, or making time for yourself in the middle of it all – this is for you.
Welcome to Boots Back Home – where we talk about the things that matter: life, business, and the moments in between.
What Matters to Me
Kindness
Because we’re all figuring this out as we go.
Support
Stories, resources, and tools to make life easier.
Community
You don’t have to do this alone.
Home Is Where They Send Us
The Defence life is one of constant change – new homes, new routines, and the ever-present challenge of finding stability in the chaos. Here, we talk about the moves, the memories, and the moments that shape life on the home front.
Our Defence Journey: From Police Wife to RAAF Life
From night shifts and police rosters to relocations and RAAF life – this is the story of how our family moved through two worlds of service, and how I found my way through the chaos, the change, and the unexpected calm.
Gentle Business as a Virtual Assistant
The concept of gentle business as a virtual assistant, focusing on sustainable growth, compassion, and meaningful client relationships.
Navigating Solo Parenting While My Partner Is Away
When the Days Blur Together: My Journey Through Solo Parenting Being a defence spouse often involves embracing a fair chunk of solo parenting stints, but it never really gets easier. It's one of...
Why Community Matters
Community isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s essential. In a life where everything changes, where moves are frequent and challenges are plenty, having people who get it makes all the difference.
The Emotional Stages of Deployment for Spouses
Deployment is an emotional rollercoaster. One minute, you’re thriving; the next, you’re crying because their side of the bed is empty. From the dramatic goodbye to the sweet spot of having the whole house to yourself, every Defence spouse goes through a weirdly predictable series of emotions. Some days, you’ll feel like you’ve got it all together. Other days? Everything will break at once, and you’ll just have to laugh (or cry) through it.
Defence Life—Is It All It’s Cracked Up to Be?
Defence life is often romanticised, but the reality is far more complicated. Behind the pride and resilience is the loneliness of long separations, the exhaustion of constant moves, and the struggle to find a real sense of belonging. Not every friendship will last, not every base will feel like home, and not every day will be filled with unwavering strength. The key isn’t just surviving this life – it’s finding ways to make it work for you.
Cups, Not Candles
Self-care isn’t just about spa days and scented candles (though they help). It’s about setting boundaries, making space for yourself, and finding ways to thrive – without burning out in the process. Consider this your permission slip for self-kindness.
When ChatGPT Gives You a Pep Talk
On 12th September, it was R U OK Day here in Australia. Truth be told, the last 12 months have been.. a lot. While I've nurtured our family through a bunch of health issues, it was a chain of...
The Key to Business Success through Self-Care
In today's hectic and demanding work environment, it's so darned easy to prioritise our professional lives over our personal well-being. While it may seem counterintuitive, neglecting self-care can...
Dealing with Financial Stress as a Defence Parent
The Reality of Financial Stress in Defence Life Military families are often seen as financially secure - but that’s not always the case. Defence life comes with its own set of financial challenges:...
Living with a Chronic Illness as a Defence Spouse
Defence life is unpredictable. It’s built on constant change, last-minute plans, and a level of uncertainty that makes managing a chronic illness even harder. Living with rheumatoid arthritis while juggling relocations, solo parenting, and an ever-changing routine isn’t easy. Some days, I manage. Other days, I don’t. But I’ve learned to prioritise rest, build a support system beyond my husband, and adapt in ways I never thought possible.
Tips for Thriving as an Introverted Military Spouse
Military life can be overwhelming when you’re an introvert. The constant moves, social events, and pressure to build connections can feel exhausting – but you don’t have to force yourself to be an extrovert to make it work. The key is finding your way to connect, setting boundaries around your energy, and focusing on quality friendships over quantity. Not every event needs a yes, and not every connection has to be instant.
Self-Care Tips for Defence Partners (That Go Beyond Bubble Baths)
Defence life is demanding, and self-care isn’t just about “taking a break” – it’s about finding ways to survive and thrive. Whether it’s using that saved fuel money for a cleaner, binge-watching a show without compromise, or finally upgrading your sleep setup, self-care for Defence partners looks different for everyone. This post explores practical and unconventional self-care tips – things that make life easier, more enjoyable, and less exhausting. Because taking care of yourself isn’t selfish, it’s necessary.
The Everyday Edit
A collection of life’s small joys – books, places, moments, and the things that make Defence life (and life in general) a little richer.
Explore local: Valley Pride Produce
When it comes to eating seasonally, locally, or as fresh as possible, you really can't beat eating straight from the farm itself. Today when visiting Quibble Market at the Ipswich Showgrounds, I had...
Explore local: Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory
If you're ever visiting Wagga Wagga region, you need to add the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory to your list of places to visit. Located in Junee, about 30 minutes north of Wagga, there is...
Business, But Make It Flexible
Running a business as a Defence partner means making it work – wherever, whenever, and however you need to. Whether you’re starting fresh, scaling up, or figuring out how to fit work around life (not the other way around), this is where we keep it real.
When ChatGPT Gives You a Pep Talk
On 12th September, it was R U OK Day here in Australia. Truth be told, the last 12 months have been.. a lot. While I've nurtured our family through a bunch of health issues, it was a chain of...
Capacity Advocacy
Capacity advocacy is about recognising your limits and creating a sustainable work-life balance. Learn how advocating for your capacity can protect you from burnout, improve productivity, and allow you to focus on what truly matters. Embrace a healthier, more balanced approach to work with these essential strategies.
The Key to Business Success through Self-Care
In today's hectic and demanding work environment, it's so darned easy to prioritise our professional lives over our personal well-being. While it may seem counterintuitive, neglecting self-care can...
A Look At My Own Virtual Business Setup
Ever wondered what it looks like behind the scenes as a Virtual Assistant? Here is a sneak peek into my space, and the tools that I use.
Outsourcing as Self-Kindness (Not Just a Business Decision)
Outsourcing isn’t just a smart business move; it’s an act of self-kindness. Handing over the admin and mental load can be the first step toward more ease, better boundaries, and a business that feels sustainable.
7 Things I’ve Learned About Running a Business While My Husband is Deployed
Juggling entrepreneurship and solo parenting during your partner’s deployment is no easy feat. From establishing routines to embracing technology and prioritising self-care, these seven lessons share the keys to combining business with the demands of military family life.
📩 Get your copy of What to Expect When They’re Enlisting: A Guide for New Defence Families.
Stepping into defence life comes with a lot of unknowns—relocations, new routines, and adjusting to a world with its own language and expectations. Whether you’re just starting this journey or supporting someone who is, this guide breaks down what to expect, how to prepare, and where to find support.
Inside, you’ll find:
✔ An easy-to-follow overview of the enlistment process and early defence life
✔ Practical tips for handling relocations, communication, and adjusting as a family
✔ Resources & insights to help you feel informed and prepared
Plus, by signing up, you’ll get simple, supportive emails with self-care tips, practical resources, and exclusive updates—no fluff, no overwhelm, just helpful insights when you need them.
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