I am Sorry

I am so sorry this blog has been neglected lately. My house has been hit by the worlds worst flu crude. We are finally on the mend and I hope to get back on track soon!!

Sunday

Great Trails Lie Ahead

This is an awesome video. It is a gentle but powerful warning of the things to come. It is the words of our Prophets and leader. Please do not pass it over. It has much worth.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jTVECvTYpN0

Food Storage Friday

Three Month Supply

Last Friday we talked about inventory and what we needed to have for our long term food storage. So this week we will talk about our short term food storage.

Three-Month Supply (from LDS.org)
Build a small supply of food that is part of your normal, daily diet. One way to do this is to purchase a few extra items each week to build a one-week supply of food. Then you can gradually increase your supply until it is sufficient for three months. These items should be rotated regularly to avoid spoilage.

The best way I have found to do this is to have a basic menu of 4-6 weeks of meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and treats). Make a list of the foods you will use for those meals. Here is a great link to a self calculating ingredient list. It is from the AWESOME GALS at Food Storage Made Easy.

A three month supply can be easily built with out debt if done in an organized fashion. Watch the sales and Christy's blog for local deals.

You can build and save money on your regular grocery items by having a well stocked pantry. You will avoid last minuet shopping, and know that in case of an emergency you do not have to race out and stock up. Plus if you plan out your deals you will most likely have a detailed shopping list wich will cut down on impulse buys.

Tasty Tuesday

How do you eat food storage?

Here are two recipes that aim to please and ALL ingredients can be found in your recommended food storage.

The first is from wonderful friend of mine. Thanks Sugar!!(I hope you don't mind me sharing :))

Whole Wheat Pancakes
Put 1c. whole wheat in blender (grain- not flour)

add 1c. milk and blend at high speed for 3 minutes.

Add 1/2 c. milk and blend for 1 min. longer.

Add:1 egg (okay so maybe this is not in your food storage but maybe powdered eggs could work?)

1/2c. oil

3 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. sugar

1 tsp. salt

Blend until smooth and cook in a griddle.
Amanda ( yup she is an Amanda too)

And then is a yummy muffin recipe. My family LOVES it. I recommend you make a double batch.

This is from the gals over at Safely Gathered In. They have a great post with pictures. They also have a TON of food storage recipes. I can not wait to try some more of their recipes!

Brown Sugar Muffins

1/2 cup shortening

1 cup brown sugar

2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/3 cup powder milk

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup water

Cream shortening and sugar together. Add flour, soda, powder milk and mix. Add vanilla and water and mix. Cook in a greased muffin tin for 15-20 minutes at 350 degrees.

Money Monday

Budgets

This was my goal this week to make a budget to begin using in March. So last night I sat down and did it. I realised we had more money to use than we thought and now I have found a home for it. Sadly it will go to reducing our debt (evil debt grrr!). So there you go. If you do not have a budget get one. If you have one revise it, unless you were smarter than me and did this in January. Either way live by it!!

Here is a great budget guide to get you started.

bills.com has a free download and some great information on understanding how budgets can work for you.

And of course The bargain Jargon has these treats of budgeting wisdom to offer. Do you have a budget? & More on budgets !

Sunday

Obedience

“Obedience,” True to the Faith, (2004),108–9

In the premortal existence, Heavenly Father presided over a great Council in Heaven. There we learned of His plan for our salvation, which included a time of testing on the earth: “We will make an earth whereon these may dwell; and we will prove them herewith, to see if they will do all things whatsoever the Lord their God shall command them” (Abraham 3:24–25). One reason you are here on the earth is to show your willingness to obey Heavenly Father’s commandments.
Many people feel that the commandments are burdensome and that they limit freedom and personal growth. But the Savior taught that true freedom comes only from following Him: “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31–32). God gives commandments for your benefit. They are loving instructions for your happiness and your physical and spiritual well-being.
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught that obedience to the commandments leads to blessings from God. He said: “There is a law, irrevocably decreed in heaven before the foundations of this world, upon which all blessings are predicated—and when we obtain any blessing from God, it is by obedience to that law upon which it is predicated” (D&C 130:20–21). King Benjamin also taught this principle. “I would desire that ye should consider on the blessed and happy state of those that keep the commandments of God,” he counseled. “For behold, they are blessed in all things, both temporal and spiritual; and if they hold out faithful to the end they are received into heaven, that thereby they may dwell with God in a state of never-ending happiness. O remember, remember that these things are true; for the Lord God hath spoken it” (Mosiah 2:41).
Our obedience to the commandments is an expression of our love for Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. The Savior said, “If ye love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15). He later declared: “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love” (John 15:10).
Additional references: Joshua 24:14–15; Ecclesiastes 12:13; Matthew 7:21; John 7:17; 1 Nephi 3:7; D&C 58:21–22; 82:8–10

Survival Saturday

Sorry to get to this sssssssssssssooooooooooooooo late but well I was busy ;).

For today (tonight) I am going to give you a couple of great preparedness store sites.

Check them out, compare them, and take advantage of the sales!

The Ready Store I plan on ordering a flashlight for everyone in my family's 72 hour kit. I like the wind up ones WAY better than the shakers. Plus this site has an excellent variety of freeze dried foods if that is what you are looking for.


Emergency Essentials This site offers the best price I have found on gamma lids and now they are on sale. They also offer a wide range of food storage items. And for those of you that want new pretty water drums they have those too. :)

Check them out and make your list. Be sure to compare prices! Both stores offer water barrels but Emergency Essentials were a better price. However I believe Be prepared had a better price on lighting.

Also in Sunday's paper Joes will have a coupon for $25 off you $100 purchase. So be sure to think about that!!! We will be using ours for a water filter!!

Food Storage Friday

What do you got and What do you need?

Get a piece of paper and a pen. Go to your pantry. Take an inventory. Then go where ever else you have food stored and take an inventory. Separate it into categories. Grains, Legumes, Fats and Oils, Milk and Dairy, Sugars, Fruits, Vegetables, & Baking Needs. Count it by pounds (most food calculators go by pounds). Then check out a food calculator. How much do you have? Remember mac 'n' cheese counts in the dairy and grains :)!!

Here are some other helpful sites to get you organized and keep track of you food storage.

Food Storage Made Easy This is a cutesy, girlie site that is really great for getting you motivated! It make food storage and preparedness fun.

My Food Storage This is a free down loadable inventory sheet (pdf.)

Track My Food Storage Want help keeping track? You can plug in your family (ages and stuff) and the amount of food storage you want (1 month to 12 months+) and it will brake it down for you and help you keep track. You do sign up but it is free.

Thrifty Thursday

Free Entertainment

Again thanks to Christy!

***** Northwest Trek has a deal this weekend. Up to 4 kids (12 an under) can get in free with one paying adult. *******

Museum of glass - Free third Thursday of every month from 5-8pm
http://www.museumofglass.org/

Tacoma Children's Museum - Free first Friday of every month
* *You can also check out a play pass (free passes) from the Pierce County or Tacoma Library systems
http://www.childrensmuseumoftacoma.org/

Museum of flight - Free first Thursday of every month from 5 - 9 pm
http://www.museumofflight.org/

If you have a Bank of America card, you can get free admission to several museums on the first weekend of every month
http://promotions.bankofamerica.com/museums/

Remember you family will also enjoy things like (okay these are mine so don't blame Christy):

a bike ride, nature hike, a picnic at the park, playing ball out back, movie night(see what you have or borrow from a friend or check out the library), making dinner or desert together, or going to your local library.

What ever you do ENJOY your FAMILY!! And ENJOY LIFE!!!

Working It Wednesday

It's all about who you know

You can search the want adds and scour the Internet but one of the most effective ways to find a job is networking. Ask, and a majority of people will say that they got their job by knowing someone. So you may ask, " How do you network?" I have once again decided to link you to some site that can help.

From LDS.org

Effective Networking Networking is the most effective way to find a job; approximately 70 percent of all jobs are found this way.

The RileyGuide also had some great ideas and a great explanation of networking online as well as through friends, and associates.

Happy Networking!!

Tasty Tuesday

Menu Planning

What makes dinner time at my house run a little smother, and planning my grocery trip easy as microwave popcorn? Menu planning. My menu runs Friday to Thursday. So I (try to) sit down every Thursday night and plan it out. So Friday I do my shopping and then I am set for the week. In the morning I can get anything out that needs to be defrosted, and then forget about it until it's time to cook. No more running around like a crazy women or running out for pizza (unless it is planned!). We have saved money and frustrations with a menu.

Here are some great places to get ideas for those times your in a rut, or just want to try some thing new.

$5 Dinners Great ideas and helps save money.

Kraft You can look up specifics or type in the main ingredient you want to use. WARNING!! Watch out for the lady that pops up on your screen talking away. I about had a heart attack today. LOL!!

A Year of CrockPotting Need a new crock pot recipe? Here you go. They have it all from oatmeal to homemade yogurt.

One of my favorite Cheap dinners is from Kraft, Cheesy Beef & Veggie Pasta.

P.S. Here is a great link I just found(thanks Christy) for a monthly meal planner. You just fill in the blanks.

Money Monday

When will you be debt free?

You can write it all out and try to figure it out, OR you can just put in your numbers into a debt calculator.

There are several ways to look at paying it off. Highest interest first, or smallest balance first.
What ever you decide just get moving.

Sunday

For Sunday I would like to keep it spiritually based. So I will use this time to quote scriptures, conference talks, and words of our prophets.

Come What May and Love It

Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin

I hope this message brings as much comfort, peace and joy to you as it has to me.

Survivial Saturday

Yes we are starting off with bathroom needs! Where you will you pee when you have no water and the sewer systems are down? But you have septic? Humm do you have water to waste on that? Probably not.

So you can buy one all line, hit your favorite sporting goods store ( we like Sportco in Fife)or believe it or no Target has them (click for deluxe). There are supplies you will want to go without them. Also you can purchase your own bucket and seat separately but the seats alone range between $12-$14 so why not do a one stop shop?

Supplies you may want to go with this are:

1. liners ( HEAVY LINERS you so don't want a whole in theses things. GROSS!!)


2. Ties-to close the bags.


3. household chlorine bleach or other sanitizing chemicals


4. toilet paper


5. latex/rubber gloves


6. air freshener/deodorizer (optional but you REALLY might want it)

Ok so you have it and there is an emergency. How do you use it?

Place a liner between the seat and bucket (duh huh?). Go to the bathroom (yeah that is what it is for). Add some bleach or chemical. Keep lid closed between uses (another duh). When it has been used to your comfort level securely close bag. Use the bucket to carry it out to a holding container out side your home.


Container: any container with a tight fitting lid, such as a trash can (might line this with a large heavy trash bag). After an emergency contact (or this may be on the news) city officials( I tried to find a phone # for this but...) to find out how dispose of this waste. If the emergency situation goes on for an extended period of time you may need to dig a whole at least 2-3 feet deep to dispose of you waste. This needs to be at least 50 feet away from your home and all water sources.

Food Storage Friday

Family Home Storage

"Our Heavenly Father created this beautiful earth, with all its abundance, for our benefit and use. His purpose is to provide for our needs as we walk in faith and obedience. He has lovingly commanded us to “prepare every needful thing” (see D&C 109:8) so that, should adversity come, we can care for ourselves and our neighbors and support bishops as they care for others.
"We encourage members world-wide to prepare for adversity in life by having a basic supply of food and water and some money in savings.
"We ask that you be wise as you store food and water and build your savings. Do not go to extremes; it is not prudent, for example, to go into debt to establish your food storage all at once. With careful planning, you can, over time, establish a home storage supply and a financial reserve."—The First Presidency, All Is Safely Gathered In: Family Home Storage, Feb. 2007, 1

Three-Month Supply

Drinking Water

Financial Reserve

Longer-Term Supply


Okay so I copied this from LDS.org but I thought it would be a good intro to food storage Fridays. Plus we had a really busy day but I will save the details for next Friday!

Thrifty Thursday

10 Ways to Save Money

1. Make a budget and stick to it(most of the time).
2. Clean house! Yes clean out the toy bins, kids dressers, playroom, and the garage. Anything there you would pay money for? Have a garage sell, post it on Craig's list. OR donate it, who doesn't like a tax write off. This site will tell you how much it's worth.
3. Cook at home. Plan a menu. Plan your grocery trip. And save $$$$. When you have it planned out it is easier to avoid the drive-thru. You might even look forward to dinner.
4. Brown bag it. Yes take your lunch to work. Taking your kids to the park, pack the snacks. Taking a trip, take a cooler(truck stops are spendy!! Believe me I know.) Don't forget the drinks!
5. Date nights in. Next flixs, redbox, and on demand are all cheaper than a theater. Put the kids to bed (save on a baby sitter!) and pop some popcorn or eat ice-cream right out of the container(the kids aren't watching). Plus you can snuggle better at home.
6. Plant a veggie or herb garden.
7. Check it out....at the library! Make it easy go on line and reserve the DVD or book you want. They put it on the self and you just run in and pick it up. 5 minutes or less. Cheep(free!!) and fast.
8. Do it your self. Yes you! You can do it. Need to know how? Look it up on the web. There is everything from plumbing to car repairs.
9. Read The Bargain Jargon it's not only groceries. It is everything!!
10. and most important.......Tell yourself you can save money. You have to want it and believe it to do it.

Other link I thought were great but didn't want to copy! #1 #2 & #3

Working Wednesday

Job Search Internet Site

In addition to your ward Employment specialist we also have the world wide web. Here are some job search engines that are worth a peek. You know at 2am when it would be so not nice to call Brother Caruthers. Yeah, look here and call him in the morning!

Indeed.com

Simplyhired.com

Linkup.com

Jobster

Jobfox

CareerBuilder

Side note here is a cute blog entry about creepy resumes! It's a great reminder to KISS (keep it simple silly).

A new month

Here we are and it February already. WOW time flys.

I was able to attend the Preparedness Fair in Orting this past weekend. WOW the LDS crowd was out in full force. LOL!! We has the Beehive Bookstore, an LDS RS group from Orting taking turns at a Provident Living table, a group off LDS men running a table on alternate cooking sources, and Brother Cox at the ham radio booth. I also ran into Sister David. They seemed to have a great turn out. I snatched up a lot of awesome information I hope to sort , organize and pass on to you.

So keep peeking in to see whats going on. More stuff in the works.