
Your online space for connection, organisation, and encouragement.
From deployments to business, wellness to connection – you don’t have to figure it all out alone.

đź“Ś Self-care Photo a Day Challenges
A simple, no-pressure way to make space for yourself – one photo at a time.

🏡 Defence Life Resources
Practical tools and support based on our experiences from enlistment to beyond.

Resources

Directory

Connect With Us
boots
back
home
I’m Amber, a mum, Defence spouse and business owner.

Defence life comes with a lot – relocations, unpredictable schedules, and the constant juggle of family, work, and everything in between. I know, because I live it too. Boots Back Home is here to make it feel a little easier – a space for defence partners, parents, and small business owners to find support, connection, and practical ways to bring calm to the chaos.
Welcome to Boots Back Home – an online space built for defence partners seeking balance, support, and a sense of stability in a life that’s always changing.
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.



Defence Life
Resources, stories, and strategies for navigating the defence partner experience.
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. Whether it’s friends who step in when things get hard, a support network that makes each new place feel like home, or the simple reassurance that you’re not alone, community brings stability when life feels anything but. This post explores why community matters – not just in Defence life, but in parenting, business, and beyond – and how building real connections can make this unpredictable life feel a little less overwhelming.
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.

Wellness
Self-care without the guilt or pressure—just simple ways to feel good, even on the hard days.
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.

Delights
The little things that bring joy—books, personal reflections, and things that make life lighter.
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
Organisation, community-building, and running a business as a defence partner.
Building a Business as a Defence Spouse
Finding a job as a Defence spouse wasn’t easy. Employers saw me as transient, and I needed flexibility for kids in different schools, different schedules, and the unpredictability of military life. So I built my own business – one that moves with me, works around my family, and gives me control over my career. Self-employment isn’t always easy, but it’s given me stability in a lifestyle that doesn’t offer much of it.
Setting Personal Goals and Dreams Despite the Defence Lifestyle
Defence life is unpredictable, but that doesn’t mean your personal goals have to be put on hold. Between postings, deployments, and constant change, it’s easy to feel like your dreams always come second. But your goals are valid, and with some flexibility, creativity, and support, they can fit into your reality – no matter where you are. Whether it’s career ambitions, study, a business idea, or personal growth, this post explores how to set and achieve meaningful goals despite the challenges of military life. Your dreams matter too, and there’s no need to wait for the “perfect time” to chase them.
250 Intention Words For The Year Ahead
What is Intention-Setting? Intention-setting is the practice of consciously deciding how you want to approach your day, week, or even your long-term goals. Unlike goals, which are often...
📩 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:
âś” An easy-to-follow overview of the enlistment process and early defence life
âś” Practical tips for handling relocations, communication, and adjusting as a family
âś” 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.