Sunday, October 31, 2010

Organizing and Doing Inventory

One of our tasks for our stake preparedness week was to take inventory of our food storage and preparedness items. If you did it great!!! If you didn't then perhaps take some time over the next few days to consider some of the following and then put it to action.

Gather a small binder or notebook. You can either categorize it alphabetically or according to categories, which ever you feel will work best for you. The categories you will put into it will be the items you already have and then those that you need to have and those that you want to have. If you are unsure of these, then you should make a list before hand so that you have an idea of all of your categories.

Under each heading also make a small note about how to properly store this item, it's shelf life, and any other particulars that go with it.

Make sure to keep it all in pencil because this notebook / binder will change many times as you gather more information and your storage changes.

Under each category make a note for each one as to what your goals are. Write down the dates of the inventories you are taking and perhaps a date for the goals you have.

As you purchase items, update your notebook regularly.

Take a formal inventory every three months to keep on top of it so it doesn't become such a large task. Also this way you will always have in the back of your mind the things that you are needing and your goals.

Well that should keep you busy thinking this week. Have fun with it!!!

Wilford Woodruff, Journal of Discourses 18:111

There never was a generation of the inhabitants of the earth in any age of the world who had greater events awaiting them than the present. And an age fraught with greater interest to the children of men than the one in which we live never dawned since the creation of the world.

Ezra Taft Benson, The Teachings of Ezra Taft Benson, 106-107. There is a real sifting going on in the Church, and it is going to become more pronounced with the passing of time. It will sift the wheat from the tares, because we face some difficult days, the like of which we have never experienced in our lives. And those days are going to require faith and testimony and family unity, the like of which we have never had. We must prepare for the great day of the Lord. This preparation must consist of more than just casual membership in the Church. We must be guided by personal revelation and the counsel of the living prophet so that we will not be deceived.

Gordon B. Hinckley, Gen conf, April 1995. This is a time to be strong. It is a time to move forward without hesitation, knowing well the meaning, the breadth and the importance of our mission. It is a time to do what is right regardless of the consequences that might follow. It is a time to be found keeping the commandments.

"Being a little bit prepared is a whole lot better than not being prepared at all. Being well prepared is better then being a little bit prepared." Barbara Salsbury author of Preparedness Principles





Wednesday, October 27, 2010

“In mercy the Lord warns and forewarns. He sees the coming storm, knows the forces operating to produce it, and calls aloud through His prophets, advises, counsels, exhorts, even commands – that we prepare for what is about to befall and take shelter while yet there is time. But we go our several ways, feasting and making merry, consoling conscience with the easy fancy of “time enough” and in idle hope that the tempest will pass us by, or that, when it begins to gather thick and black about us we can turn back and find shelter.” James E Talmage, The Parables of James E. Talmage, p. 50

A Soup Project – An Idea to think about
I came across an awesome idea to think about and perhaps incorporate into your family's preparedness plan in whatever way it suits you. For Christmas, or another family gathering, prepare and vaccum seal enough soups for one hearty meal a day for one year for each family. Use 6 of your favorite soup recipes, x 60 for 360 meals. Make the dry meals, and seal them with the instructions either on the front of the bag or on a recipe card tucked inside the bag. Then you know you and your families will have at least one healthy hearty meal a day set aside for one year.
Soup ideas could include:
minestrone soup, bean soup, lentil soup, vegetable soup, taco soup, potato / corn chowder, split pea soup, beef barley, etc. Be creative!

Sunday, September 26, 2010

September 26

Basic Long Term Storage
Per adult for one year


Grains: 400 lbs.
Legumes*: 60 lbs.
Powdered Milk: 16 lbs.
Cooking oil: 10 qts.
Sugar or honey: 60 lbs.
Salt: 8 lbs.
Water (2 wks) 15 gal.

*Legumes include dry beans, split peas, lentils, etc.
Source: First Presidency Letter, 2002


March 2009 Ensign:

  1. Gradually build a small supply of food that is part of your normal daily diet until it is sufficient for three months

  2. Store drinking water

  3. Establish a financial reserve by setting aside a little money each week, and gradually increase it to a reasonable amount.

  4. Once families have achieved the first three objectives, they are counseled to expand their efforts, as circumstances allow, into a supply of long-term basic foods such as grains, legumes, and other staples.

"This new program is within everyone's grasp," explains Bishop Burton. "The first step is to begin. The second is to continue. It doesn't matter how fast we get there so much as that we begin and continue according to our abilities."


Self Reliance Tips


#1. Find an out of area contact. If there is a local emergency, your family should have a contact that each person knows the number to. This way no matter where you are, everyone knows that this is the person to contact to let them know how and where you are and to also find out about the others in your family.


#2. Gather maps for your area, and any other areas you may go in an emergency or on a daily basis. This way you will be able to review any alternate routes should you have to evacuate the city, or skirt around a disaster that might have happened. Highlight the routes you may take, and share these routes with your family.


#3. Gather all of your flashlights and check the batteries. Make sure they are fresh, and instead of keeping them in the flashlight, maybe keep them in a ziploc in the same location as the flashlight. Make sure the flashlights are easily accessible and in places where you might need them if the power is out.


#4. General Conference time of the year is a great time to check the batteries in your fire alarms, and recycle your water storage. Use up your water that has been sitting. Water your plants, inside and out, and fill up the jugs with frresh clean water.


#5. Post important phone numbers close to your phone. Also put your own phone number and address close for a quick reference for your children, babysitter, or visitors if they need to know it in case of an emergency.

Monday, September 20, 2010

September 19

Okay, I have had lots of people ask me how I get by on such a small food budget in a month. I will share some thoughts. First off you need to learn to buy things in bulk. For example: if you like pasta, and it goes on a great sale, and you would normally buy 2 packages, instead buy 20 packages or 40. Whatever your budget will allow you to buy, do it. For example, this week
I just purchased 100 lbs of brown sugar, and 75 lbs of pasta. Now I don't have to buy pasta again until it comes on sale the next time, or my store starts running low. If you get into the habit of doing this, pretty soon you will have yourself a grocery store in your storage room and you will never have to purchase things (except fresh stuff), unless it goes on sale. And if it doesn't go on sale, then only purchase it in bulk, like a 50 lb bag instead of a 1 kg bag. When I first started on this way of purchasing we ate alot of pasta and rice in the beginning until we built up a supply of other things, but now we do not HAVE TO buy anything unless it is on sale or in bulk.

Sometimes we still impulse buy, and that is soooooo not good, but we are getting better! So start changing your mind set on how to smart shop, you will be amazed at how fast it can build up. And if you have any questions, please call me because I would love to tell you more about it, and how to store it, and all that jazz!

Challenge for you this week:
Whatever is at the top of your priority list for your storage, locate the best place to purchase it, figure out how much you need, and go for it. Start shopping smart! Start your own store. No more excuses!


Following is a brief outline of what the prophets through the years have couselled us concerning food storage. It is in no way a complete list, as much has been said, lots more recently that I have not included. Search the past few years of Ensigns and church articles on the lds.org website and you will find many more that are recent.

1856 – Brigham Young – store 3 to 5 years of wheat
1857 – Brigham Young and Heber kimball – store 7 years of wheat, pumpkin, squash, currents, apples, peaches, beans, peas and others
1864 – President Young – store 7 years of wheat
1867 – George Albert Smith – store 7 years of wheat
1868 – President Young – still 7 years of wheat, oats, barley, corn, vegetables, and fruit
1891 - George Q. Cannon – still 7 years of grains and fruits
1893 – George Q. Cannon – 1 to 2 years of grains and fruits
1916 – Charles Nibley – 1 year supply of food
1936 – President McKay – 1 year supply
1942 – First Presidency – 1 year supply
1954 – Bishop Buehner – 1 year supply
1958 – July Improvement Era – Counsel Regarding Food Storage - long term & short term storage – parable of the 10 virgins
1959 – September Improvement Era – Wheat 300 lbs, pwd milk 100 lbs, sugar 100 lbs, salt 5 lbs, vitamins 365, water – per adult
1966 – President Lee – 1 year – think what it would take to survive
1973 – President Benson – 1 year of leather and bolts of cloth
1973 – First Presidency – 300 lbs grains, 100 lbs sugar/honey, salt 5 lbs, first aid items, fuel, sewing stuffs
1973 – President Benson – clothes, and sewing stuff
1976 – President Kimball – 1 year supply
1978 – President Packer – 1 year
1980 – President Benson – 1 year supply and grow stuff and be self sufficient with fuels and sewing
1982 – Elder Busche – oils, honey, and pwd milk – 1 year
1988 – First Presidency – 1 year – clothing, fuel, grains, etc, etc,
1995 – Elder Perry – Life sustaining foods
1995 – Elder Perry – If ye are Prepared ye shall Not Fear
2007 – Bishop Keith B. McMullin – Lay up In Store
2007 – August Ensign – Are You Prepared?
President Hinckley November 2005 Ensign
If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear
“If anyone has any doubt concering the terrible things that can and will afflict mankind, let him read the 24th chapter of Matthew. Among other things the Lord says: “Ye shall hear of wars and rumors of wars..... “For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. “All these are the beginning of sorrows.....
“For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.”
We can so live that we can call upon the Lord for His protection and guidance. This is a first priority. We cannot expect His help if we are unwilling to keep His commandments. We in this Church have evidence enough of the penalties of disobedience in the examples of both the Jaredite and the Nephite nations. Each went from glory to utter destruction because of wickedness.
......the best storehouse is the family storeroom.....”organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing. (D&C 109:8)
Now what I have said should not occasion a run on the grocery store or anything of that kind. I am saying nothing that has not been said for a very long time.
Let us never lose sight of the dream of Pharaoh concerning the fat cattle and the lean, the full ears of corn, and the blasted ears; the meaning of which was interpreted by Joseph to indicate years of plenty and years of scarcity.

Friday, July 30, 2010

Taking the Month of August Off!

Sorry, but due to my holidays and the craziness of the next month..........I am taking the month of August off. I will however be back in September, because I have some great ideas, and will keep updated on the world happenings. See you all then!

Monday, July 26, 2010

7 Mistakes of food storage by Vicki Tate Issue #55

7 Mistakes of food storage by Vicki Tate Issue #55

I found this article and it has some great advice in it. Worth the read. Follow the link. For a short overview, here are the seven mistakes she points out.

1. A variety of food is important
2. Extended staples
3. Vitamins
4. Quick, easy, and psychological foods are important
5. Balance, don't buy too much of one thing and not enough of others
6. Store in proper containers
7. Use your storage, don't let it sit and go to waste

Friday, July 23, 2010

Safety Tip - Is your home safe when you go on vacation?

A good message from Get Prepared Canada
 

Is your home safe when you go on vacation?

 

For many people, summer means vacation and a vacation can mean leaving your home for a longer period of time than usual.

Many people who go on vacation wonder if their house will be safe while they are away. When you go on vacation, the last thing you want is a phone call telling you that your house was robbed- or even worse- coming back from vacation and discovering damage and loss. Here are some tips for securing your home.

  • Before you leave, check every door and window to make sure that everything is locked and sealed, including your garage door, shed, and basement windows. Also, make sure that you have no spare keys lying around that are "hidden" under a mat or under a rock. Burglars know where to look and a key gives them easy access. If you have a sliding window or door, put a piece of wood or a long metal rod on the track so that it can't be pushed open.

 

  • Set timers on lights outside of your house. The darker it is outside your house, the more appealing it is going to be for burglars because they cannot be seen. Also, timers help give the impression that someone is home.

 

  • Make sure that your newspapers and mail are picked up or put on hold. If papers and mail are piled up outside your house, it is obvious that someone has not been home for a while.

 

  • Leave some blinds or drapes open. If your house is completely closed off, it is going to look like no one is there. If you make it appear more normal, it is less obvious that you are away.

 

  • Arrange to have a trusted family member, neighbour or friend to check on your home. Even if it means having them going into the house to water the plants, they can take a peek around to make sure that everything is okay.

 

  • Going on a vacation is an excellent reminder to ensure you have an updated inventory of household goods which may include appliances, jewellery, firearms, and other valued items.

 

  • If you have any cash, jewellery, or any other valuables in your home, take them out and put them in a safety deposit box. It costs money for this service, but it is far better than if someone were to break into your home and find your valuables.

 

  • If you are a firearms owner, please ensure you secure and store all firearms in accordance with the Firearms Act and Regulations.

 

  • Set timers on electronics inside your house. Put one on a lamp or even a radio. If someone is watching your home and sees that there is no activity going on inside your house, it is a clear indicator that you are not home.

 

  • Make sure that your home security system is on. Don't forget to tell your friend or family member the code so that they do not set off the alarm when they check on your home.

 

A vacation is supposed to be a relaxing time. There is no reason why you should have to spend time worrying about the safety of your home, as long as you make sure to take the necessary precautions.

 

Assess — Then Address

Assessing your home's security is an important initial step in crime prevention. Essentially, your home should look protected, well-maintained and appear to be occupied at all times. Visit the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation website and complete their checklist, most homeowners will find that there are many areas requiring attention.

This tip has been brought to you by Public Safety Canada and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, with information from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

To learn more about how to become better prepared to face a range of emergencies, visit www.GetPrepared.ca.

If you no longer wish to receive monthly tips, please reply to this email with "unsubscribe" in the subject line.

Follow us on Twitter: @Get_Prepared

 

Sunday, July 18, 2010

Some serious things to research and think about............

I want to point your attention to a few different things..........which to me are reasons to keep on preparing.  Sure I have a two to three year supply of most things, but the more I read........the more I listen........and the more I follow what is going on in the world today, the more I realize that what little bit I have............IS NOT ENOUGH!  Because as I realize that ssoooooooooo very many people around me have nothing, it makes me want to prepare even more.  Now many people think of me (and like minded me's) as fear mongers and a bit crazy............but over and over the prophets have told us to watch for the signs of the times, and be prepared so that we are not in the same situation as the 5 foolish virgins in the Parable of the Ten Virgins.  So my question to you is which side are you on????.......the five foolish or the five who were prepared with oil in their lamps?  I think I would rather go overboard on the preparedness end of it than be scrambling running and looking for the oil in my lamp when the time had already run out to get prepared.  So on that note, I want to point you in the direction of a few things that I find of interest.  Now take them for what they are worth and note that I don't point them to instill fear, but to instill the will to get prepared.
 
We have had the most crazy weather and seasons globally, this year.  Flooding and drought in the same countries at the same time.  Crops not being planted at unreal amounts of land.  Grasshopper problems, crop plagues, etc. etc.  All one has to do is to do a little research to find that we are on the brink of some serious stuff. 
 
 
Now what about the grasshopper problem?
 
 
More articles to follow in the next few days......

New Blog to follow

For those of you who have been faithful followers, and I haven't been a faithful blogger for the past couple of months, I would love to point you in the direction of a new blg we have going also. It is a food storage experiment blog. You can find it at the top right hand corner of this blog, the link, or click here www.foodstorageexperiment.blogspot.com

There are some great stories, recipes and pictures, and things to think about.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Fw: [Getprepared] Safety Tip - Eight ways to participate in Emergency Preparedness Week!

Here is an email from Get Prepared Canada, as you all know that this week is Emergency Preparedness Week.  Check out the links and see what else you can do in your homes to get just a bit more prepared.
 

Eight ways to participate in Emergency Preparedness Week!

 

Emergency Preparedness Week (EP Week) began 15 years ago as a way to raise awareness across the country about the importance of being prepared for an emergency. This year, EP Week is being celebrated May 2 – 8 and we're asking Canadians to take action!

 

A flood, extended power outage, hazardous material leak or other disaster could affect water supply, cut electricity and phone service for days or even weeks.  Emergency responders will be on the scene, but they can't reach everyone right away.

Being prepared means being ready to cope for at least the first 72 hours of an emergency while those in urgent need are helped first. It can also make real situations less stressful for you and your family.

There are lots of quick, inexpensive things you can do to prepare your family (some of them take less than five minutes)!

1.      Know the risks – learn about local risks and plan for those that are more likely to occur. Is there spring flooding? Forest fires? Earthquakes? To find out more click here.

 

2.      Make a family emergency plan – since your family may not be together when an emergency happens, a plan will help you and your family know what to do and how to reach each other in an emergency. Click here to check out our NEW "Making a Family Emergency Plan" video.

 

3.      Talk to your kids about emergencies. Teach them basic personal information so they can identify themselves if they become separated from you, and who to call like 9-1-1 or your local emergency number, to get help.

 

4.      Get an emergency kit – find out exactly what goes in a kit by watching our short video, "Preparing a Family Emergency Kit in Plain English," then share the link with friends or family.

 

5.      Take part in a local event – this year marks the 15th anniversary of EP Week, during which provinces and territories across the country join the Government of Canada and other partners in raising awareness about the importance of being prepared. To learn more about EP Week activities in your province or territory, please contact your emergency measures organization.

 

6.      Download and read a publication or visit your local Service Canada Centre to pick up a copy of Your Emergency Preparedness Guide.

 

7.      Take part in a contest from a "72 Hours" campaign supporter, Energizer, for a chance to win an emergency kit www.Energizer.ca/beprepared.

 

8.      Participate on Facebook – select an emergency preparedness button and change your Facebook profile picture; write on your wall about how you have prepared for an emergency; or create your own emergency preparedness fan page.  The button and lots of great information for your fan page can be found at GetPrepared.ca

 

So, do your part! Take time this Emergency Preparedness Week to get the whole family involved and have fun getting prepared!

P.S. Stay in the loop year-round and become part of the growing number of Canadians who want to share experiences and learn more about how to prepare for emergencies by following us on Twitter @Get_Prepared.

 

Monday, February 15, 2010

Cinnamon and Honey

Some interesting facts about cinnamon and honey.  I am not sure where this information originated, but was handed to me from someone, who got it from someone,.....well you all know how that goes.  But I figured that I totally understand the healing properties of honey and cinnamon on their own, but never realized how effective they could be when combined together.  It is worth the try, because they certainly won't do any harm.  And so my recommendation............store lots of honey and cinnamon in your food storage!
The article.........
CINNAMON AND HONEY
Honey is the only food on the planet that will not spoil or rot.  It will do what some call turning to sugar.  In reality honey is always honey.  However, when left in a cool dark place for a long time it will do what I rather call "crystallizing".  when this happens you loosen the lid, boil some water, and sit the honey container in the hot water, turn off the heat and let it liquefy.  It is then as good as it ever was.  Never boil honey or put it in a microwave.  To do so will kill the enzymes in the honey.  Bet the drug companies won't like this one getting around:  It is found that a mixture of honey and cinnamon cures most diseases.  Honey is produced in most of the countries of the world.  Scientists of today also accept honey as a "ram ban" (very effective) medicine for all kinds of diseases. 
Honey can be used without any side effects for any kind of diseases.  Science says that even though honey is sweet, if taken in the right dosage as a medicine, it does not harm diabetic patients.  Weekly World News, in its issue dated 17 January, 1995 has given the following list of diseases that can be cured by honey and cinnamon as researched by western scientists:
ARTHRITIS:  Arthritis patients may take daily, morning and night, one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder.  If taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured.  In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon of Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week, out of the 200 people so treated, practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain, and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.
BAD BREATH:  People of South America, first thing in the morning, gargle with one teaspoon of honey and cinnamon powder mixed in hot water, so their breath stays fresh throughout the day.
BLADDER INFECTIONS:  Take two tablespoons of cinnamon powder and one teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water and drink it.  It destroys the germs in the bladder.
CANCER:  Recent research in Japan and Australia has revealed that advanced cancer of the stomach and bones have been cured successfully.  Patients suffering from these kinds of cancer should daily take one tablespoon of honey with one teaspoon of cinnamon powder for one month three times a day.
CHOLESTEROL:  Two tablespoons of honey and three teaspoons of Cinnamon Powder mixed in 16 ounces of tea water, given to a cholesterol patient has been found to reduce the level of cholesterol in the blood by 10 percent within two hours.  As mentioned for arthritic patients, if taken three times a day, any chronic cholesterol is cured.  According to information received in the said Journal, pure honey taken with food daily relieves complaints of cholesterol.
COLDS:  Those suffering from common or severe colds should take one tablespoon lukewarm honey with 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder daily for three days.  This process will cure most chronic cough, cold, and clear the sinuses.
DIABETES:  Cinnamon has been shown to reduce blood sugar and stabilize A1C in diabetics.  Blood sugar can go from 'pre-diabetic' to normal in six months of adding cinnamon to your morning oatmeal.
FATIGUE:  Recent studies have shown that the sugar content of honey is more helpful rather than being detrimental to the strength of the body.  Senior citizens, who take honey and cinnamon powder in equal parts, are more alert and flexible.  Dr. Milton, who has done research, says that a half tablespoon of honey taken in a glass of water and sprinkled with cinnamon powder, taken daily after brushing your teeth and in the afternoon at about 3:00 pm when the vitality of the body starts to decrease, increases the vitality of the body within a week.
GAS:  According to the studies done in India and Japan, it is revealed that if honey is taken with cinnamon powder the stomach is relieved of gas.
HEARING LOSS:  Daily morning and night honey and cinnamon powder, taken in equal parts restores hearing. 
HEART DISEASES:  Make a paste of honey and cinnamon powder, apply on bread, instead of jelly and jam, and eat it regularly for breakfast.  It reduces the cholesterol in the arteries and saves the patient from heart attack.  Do this process daily and you will be kept miles away from the next heart attack.  Regular use of the above process relieves loss of breath and strengthens the heart beat.  In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients sucessfully and have found that as you age, the arteries and veins lose their flexibility and get clogged;  honey and cinnamon revitalize the arteries and veins.
IMMUNE SYSTEM:  Daily use of honey and cinnamon powder strengthens the immune system and protects the body from bacteria and viral attacks.  Scientists have found that honey has various vitamins and iron in large amounts.  Constant use of honey strengthens the white blood corpuscles to fight bacterial and viral diseases.

Safe Multipurpose Cleaning Recipe


A great recipe for cleaning.  Thanks Judy.  Save money, your health, and your environment too! 
Safe Cleanser Recipe


Mix together 1 tbsp of Borax powder (find it in the laundry aisle of your supermarket)
3 tbsp of white vinegar
2 cups of water
1 tablespoon of dish soap
1 drop of essential oil such as peppermint for fragrance (optional)
Pour it into a spray bottle you bought at the hardware store, give it a shake, and you are ready to clean. For windows, use white vinegar wiped down with newspapers, and to disinfect toys and other kids' products fill a spray bottle with non-chlorine bleach (3% hydrogen peroxide) and wipe with a paper towel.
Bonus: Cleaning out harsh chemicals is not only better for your health, it's good for the environment, because you drastically cut back on your plastic use by eliminating all those bottles of mildew cleaner, window washer, bathtub scrub, and more.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Laundry Soap Recipe

I have had a few requests for this recipe, so here it is.
Home made laundry soap
Here is what you need:
  • 1 bar of soap - Whatever kind you like; I used Sunlight bar soap and it is found in the laundry aisle.
  • 1 box of washing soda - Look for it in the laundry detergent aisle at your local department store - it comes in an Arm & Hammer box and will contain enough for six batches of this stuff.
  • 1 box of Borax - This is not necessary, but I've found it really kicks the cleaning up a notch - one box of borax will contain more than enough for tons of batches of this homemade detergent.
  • A five gallon bucket with a lid or a bucket that will hold more than 15 liters - ask around - these aren't too tough to acquire.
  • Three gallons of hot tap water.
  • A big spoon to stir the mixture with.
  • A measuring cup.
  • A knife.
Put about four cups of water into a pan on your stove and turn the heat up on high until it's almost boiling. While you're waiting, whip out a knife and start shaving strips off of the bar of soap into the water, or grate it with a grater. Keep the heat below a boil and keep shaving the soap. Eventually, you'll shave up the whole bar, then stir the hot water until the soap is dissolved and you have some highly soapy water.
Put three gallons of hot tap water into the five gallon bucket - the easiest way is to fill up three 1-gallon milk jugs. Then mix in the hot soapy water from step one, stir it for a while, then add a cup of the washing soda. Keep stirring it for another minute or two, then add a half cup of borax if you are using borax. Stir for another couple of minutes, then let the stuff sit overnight to cool.  You could also add some essential oils at this time if you want to have a nice scent - like lemon, orange, peppermint, or your favorite
You're done! It will go kind of slimy, or gel a bit, that is normal and good.  You just scoop out about 1 cup of the gel and use it in your wash.   I figured that you will get about 48 loads out of three gallons, and if you do up six batches of this, you will do about 288 loads of laundry and you will save about $60+ dollars from buying other laundry soap.  It just makes sense $$$. 
Have fun!

10 MORE THINGS

 10 Things to Know About Food Storage

Learn from others mistakes and others wisdom. That is always the best possible way. Why do we always think we know better? This article comes from www.preparednesspro.wordpress.com I am summarizing the article and also adding my own wisdom and learning curves. Don't make our mistakes, do better!!

  1. Yeast does last indefinitely if stored in the freezer. On the shelf, it doesn't have much longer than a one year life, but in the freezer........forever!

  2. Food storage is out there to get for really cheap or free even if you look around. Don't be afraid to ask people for those apples falling off the tree, or for excess produce in their garden. Most are more than willing to share. Be willing to work for food. I have had many opportunities to work for food. Offer to weed for a day at a market garden in exchange for produce. Offer to barter whatever services you have for food. You will be surprised how well this can work for you. Look for opportunities to glean food, they are out there always.

  3. Learn to can with a pressure canner. I am always surprised how many people are afraid to use them. But once you get the knack of it, you will find that it is your best friend. Ask someone to show you how. You will love it. You can can meats, beans, and absolutely anything if you just cross this bridge and learn how. You can put up all of those free foods that you have worked so hard to gather. One of my favorite things that I have canned it potatoes and carrots together. They are so nice to just dump into a batch of cooked hamburger, or beans, or chicken or whatever, and you have an instant very tasty meal. And the potatoes and carrots can be free!

  4. Learn to make your own things like cheese! There are so many things that can be made from your own basic food storage items, you just need to learn how. Food storage doesn't have to be yucky stuff, it can and should be delicious.

  5. Learn how to use your food saver! If you don't have one, you might want to get one. It is a great investment. You can preserve all of the short term storage items, like chocolate, for many years, if you ahve them sealed in a jar or in a sealed bag. I have many ready made meals in jars and sealed bags, as well as spices, and things sealed in jars, that will have an 8 – 10 year shelf life instead of a one year life, simply because they are vaccum packed and sealed. Awesome invention!

  6. I know they say – ONLY store what you eat – but my theory is this – definitely store what you eat – and learn to eat and use what you should be storing. Learn how to use the survival foods. Just learn it and do it – practise it and make it a way of life for you. Then when time comes to live off of it for survival – you will already be doing it. There is a real thing called appetite fatigue and it can kill people who are not used to eating certain foods and then are forced to eat them. JUST LEARN IT AND USE IT!  You may think that you would never eat wheat anyways, but reality is.....if that is all there is to eat, you will eat it, and you will get sick off it, because you didn't learn to eat it when you should have.

  7. Make your preparations now for your easy meals, your easy recipes, and make things readily accessible so that you can rotate and use what you store.  Get a binder or  notebook and put your favorite food storage recipes in it, and make it readily accessible.  Also add to it, possible food storage substitutions, and other information.  The use it!!

  8. Food storage tools like, solar ovens, wheat grinders, food savers, pressure canners and the like are worth every penny we invest in them. And in these situations, for these tools, cheaper is not always better. Buy quality, and you will never disappointed. Buy cheap things, thinking you are getting a great deal, and you will likely be frustrated and disappointed.

  9. Your food storage containers are so important. If you can't keep out the bugs, rodents, and moisture, you will lose alot of your food. These are your worst enemies. Keep your food dry. Keep is sealed. Don't spend thousands of dollars on food storage and then not take the proper measures to store it. You can find free or cheap buckets at restaurants or ice cream shops or other places like this. People are often more than willing to give them away. Just do a little foot work and you can be assured your storage is safe.

  10. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Ask friends and neighbors. Ask people who have knowledge. And most importantly ask Heavenly Father to help you. I have a firm testimony that if you ask HIM, you will see miracles happen that you would never have dreamed of. Are you brave enough to ask..........and then act?

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

10 Areas of Preparedness

 

Ten Areas of Emergency Preparedness

There are 10 basic areas of being prepared. It is much more than "food storage", so here is a list of some of the other ways we can be prepared. Take these ideas and see how you can implement them in the life of your family.

  1. Spiritual – The very first area of preparedness that we should all focus on is our Spiritual Self Preparedness. We simply cannot ignore this area, thinking that if we have our food, then we will be okay. There is no chance of us making it through the tough times, unless we have a spiritual foundation to draw from. It is our spiritual strength that will help us, and others, have an understanding and strength to get through anything, whether it be natural disaster, famine, war, financial colapse, or what have you.

  2. Mental / Emotional – This area carries with it a few different dimensions. We can actively be gaining education to strengthen our knowledge of emergency preparedness, survival skills, and whatever else is needed to prepare ourselves. This will help to give us a peace of mind that we have knowledge and skills for survival. It will emotionally strengthen us and others that depend on us. Read books, watch movies, take classes, involve yourself in study / prep groups, do whatever you need to do, to get the valuable information you need.

  3. Physical – How is your physical ability to survive if you had to? Could you push or pull wagons, hike long distances, carry a pack on your back, camp out in the wilderness, and do whatever is necessary to keep you and your family alive? Do you know something about nutrition and diet, so that you can keep healthy now and then? Exercise is important for your physical preparedness. You just never know what will be required of you. Take the steps now, to be prepared for when you need.

  4. Medical – First aid supplies and sanitation supplies are so vital to survival. Study up on alternative medicine options and procedures as well as the modern day ones. There are lots of options available. If you are actively working on your physical health as well, you might want to work on getting rid of any prescription meds that you have and could possibly do with out. Many of these meds, can be eliminated with healthy eating, physical exercise, and alternate herbs, vitamins, minerals, and others such things. For sanitation, think this one through and how you would help your family through a crisis situation with no sanitation facilities. There are alot of "what if's" to consider in this, so go through the scenarios and decide what will work best, and put the plan into action. Get prepared!

  5. Shelter – clothing also goes along with this area. Shelter and proper clothing are what will keep you alive. You can have all the food you want, but if you freeze or cook, you will still die. There are many possible reasons as to why you may have to evacuate your home. Could you do it quickly? Do you have shelter that will be quick and easy to transport and put up? Will your clothing and shelter keep you alive if the weather is really cold? Make sure you have clothing for all ages that are in your family. Have them ready in your go bags, so you don't have to hunt for the survival clothing. Hats, gloves, for both warm and cold weather, sturdy shoes, or boots, all necessary for survival in different temperatures. Think of what you will need to reinforce your shelter, even if it is in your own home, things like: duct tape, nails, plastic sheeting, and so on.

  6. Water – I want to stress the fact that I feel very strongly that a two week supply of water, is bare minimum, survival amount, and it is not enough! You will have no cleaning, washing, bathing, or any other water than just to drink and survive, if you only store your minimum two weeks amount. Water is the ONLY thing that will keep your organs functioning properly. You will need it whether it is cold or hot out. You just NEED water. I can't stress this one enough. You need water, NOT juice or milk or other fluids, it really needs to be WATER. And in addition to storing water, store a few really good quality water filters. Store paper eating products, because then you don't have to waste your water with washing dishes. Store Chlorox Bleach, unscented for water purification. Even stale water is better than no water, but stale water can be aerated by a simple process of pouring it back and forth in containers.

  7. Food – Know how to use the food you store. Know how to cook it without power. Make sure the food you store has high nutritional value, because under stress you will need all of the strength and energy you can maintain. 90 days of food storage, is short term and is for emergency disaster survival. This has a totally different purpose than the one year supply of long term survival foods. That one year supply is a minimum, and don't stop there. Keep on going, the more you have the longer you and your loved ones around you will live. But I stress, know how to live off the food you have and the tools you have to cook it or use it. Don't wait until the crisis hits and then try to figure it out. You won't have the patience or energy to even care to figure it out at that point.

  8. Fuel – Collect as much fuel for as many as the tools you have as possible. Make sure that every family member knows how to use these tools and their proper maintenance. Know the proper methods of storing the various fuels you will need. Also charcoal and wood are always a good thing to have on hand because they are so versatile with cooking and heating. Think of cooking, lighting, and heating. Make a plan and act on that plan of how you will do these three things for an extended period of time.

  9. Financial – Being out of debt is important, but not always feasible for all of us. We should all be working as hard as possible for this, but there is even more to it. Pay your bills and taxes on time. Be honest in your dealings. Also have some goods that you would be willing to trade / barter, such as wheat, sugar and other staples of food. Have small amounts of cash on hand, but large amounts aren't going to be a lot of good, because soon money will have no value in certain long term situations. You will not be able to buy things because there will be nothing to buy.

  10. Communication – Comminicating to others serves a couple of purposes. You should have a communication plan for your family in case you are ever seperated in a disaster. There should be a specific gathering point that all of your family knows. And they should all have the emergency contact numbers in our emergency kits. How will you communicate to make sure that your friends and family out of area are safe? Do you have an out of area contact that you will all call or reach as a home base? Think through the different scenarios and decide what will work for your family, and then make it happen.

Monday, February 8, 2010

Another 10 Things


10 Ways to Stretch Your Grocery Dollars

  1. Buy produce in season and can or freeze your own for the year. Or even better yet, grow your own garden and put away your vegetables and fruits for the coming year. Local farmer's markets, and local growers are a great source to purchase fresh produce, if you don't have the space to grow your own.

  2. Shop the sales. I can't stress this one enough. This is the best way to build up your food supply and actually save a whole lot of money. Look through your fliers each week, and when you find something that is a great deal, buy several of them. Don't just buy one or two cans, especially if you know that it is something that you use often, because two weeks from now you will just have to buy another one at full price. Buy a case of them or two, then you know you will make it without buying that item again until it is on sale again. After you do this for a few months, you will amazed at how quickly your shelves will fill at home, and then pretty soon you will find you only shop for things when they are on sale.

  3. Buy and cook in bulk. Take advantage of bulk shopping. If you participate in bulk buying clubs, it can save you money. Buy items by the case lots. For example, don't spend $6 on a small bag of rice, when you can purchase a 25lb box for $8. It just makes sense to purchase food this way. Cooking in bulk and freezing or dehydrating meals, can also save money and make life easier as well.

  4. Save on protein foods. There are a lot of meat substitutes that are way less expensive than always eating meat. Beans and legumes are the most common ones and are readily available almost anywhere. There are also things like eggs, tofu, textured vegetable protein, wheat meat, and grains. If you will substitute any of these for meat at least a few times a week, you will find that you will save money on your meat bill.

  5. Go generic. Most often buying generic brand products will save you money too. Yes, there are certain things that the "brand" might make a difference in the taste, however for most things, a generic or store specific brand is just as good and over the long run, they will save you a ton of money. Often companies will purchase brand name products and simply put their own labels on it.

  6. Make things from scratch. If an item is on a great sale, then by all means by a whole whack of them, but if you are buying a package of "Hamburger Helper" for example, when you could make it at home for 1/8 of the price, then it just makes sense to make it yourself. Another example is cake mixes or ready made cookies and things like this. They all cost far more to purchase them ready made than to make from scratch. Find your favorite scratch recipes and keep them in a binder where it is easy to find the recipes and then you will save both time and money, and nutrition – to avoid the preservatives and chemicals.

  7. Waste Not. Before you are filling up your shopping cart with perishables, go through the process of knowing how you will use these things. Americans / Canadians generate approximately 30 million tons of food waste each year. Food wasted, is money wasted. Take note on these things and how you can stop the waste of money and food in your home. Also as you are making meals, learn how to be creative with leftovers. Make sandwiches, soups, casseroles, etc.

  8. Plant a Garden. I mentioned this briefly in #1. There are so many benefits that go far beyond the fact of saving money, when you plant your own garden. There is nothing better than fresh produce from you own garden. There is nothing better than getting your hands and feet dirty and communicating with the Earth. I always feel this is my best therapy. If you don't have space for a garden, try growing things in containers. There is a whole lot of information you can find on this, out there on the internet. Plus don't forget the fact that you can freeze, can, or dehydrate your own preservative free, healthy foods.

  9. Make a menu plan. Make a menu plan for the week or month, then go through your recipes and write out a grocery list. Stick to the list! Too often we go shopping and the biggest problem is our impulse buying. We walk down an isle and something looks good so in the cart it goes. We don't have a list or any idea of what we really need, so we just fill up the cart. This is the worst thing that we could do. We waste so much money this way, and often end up spending more than we had planned. And to top it off we have no idea why we have purchased half of the stuff in our cart.

  10. Don't go shopping hungry. Never go grocery shopping when you are hungry or craving something. This is shopping suicide. You will impulse shop, spend way too much money, and get home to find that you have nothing of any nutritional value in your cart and nothing that will last for any length of time. You will then have to go shopping again too soon to get the things that you never got the first time around.

10 Things

 

Okay, so i got sidetracked temporarily from the water storage...........but only for a moment, because I have decided to write a few lists of 10 things each! A great friend of mine is good at lists, and so am I, but I tend to lose my lists, because I am not organized.......so if I share them with you, I won't loose them!! :)


So here goes..........


10 Food Storage Staples

  1. Rice is the most versatile staple in your pantry! Rice can be used for hot or cold dishes, all flavors and varieties of ethnic dishes, and combined with another protein, it will make a complete protein. It will sustain life for a long time compared with a variety of other proteins or vegetables.

  2. Pasta is definitely one of the cheapest meals you can make. Much like rice, the the options for mix and match are almost endless. It also offers the carbohydrates that we all need and crave to keep us going!

  3. Beans are really a powerhouse of nutrition. And when combined with another protein such as rice or grains, they form a complete protein needed by the body. They are relatively inexpensive to purchase, and really easy to use, once one practises just a bit. They are a great substitute for meat if you have issues with eating meat. And they are really nutritious, especially if you learn to sprout them.

  4. Rolled Oats is another grain that is so versatile. It can be used as cooked or cold cereal, mixed into cooking like meatloaf and hamburger, or used greatly in baking. It can be ground into flour and replace wheat flour in any recipe. It is very inexpensive and very nutritious, and has a long shelf life.

  5. Canned meats are fairly inexpensive, especially if you buy them in bulk when they are on sale. The are a cheap source of protein and can be used in sandwiches, casseroles, salads, and a variety of other foods. They have a fairly good shelf life and a great variety, such as tuna, ham, chicken, turkey, salmon, and others. You can can your own meats, dehydrate meats, or use other meat substitutes as well.

  6. Sugar is a must. I know some of us think we can get by without much sugar, however it is necessary in our diets, especially if we are doing our own baking and cooking from scratch. We need the calories, and we need the SWEET! It is an essential food for cooking and for comfort. Don't underestimate the power that a variety of sugars could have. White, browns, powdered, syrups, honeys, among others are the options available out there for sugars

  7. Seasonings are important, because let's face it, rice and beans with no flavor are going to get pretty boring after awhile. They will keep you alive, but you won't be enjoying the journey. Dried or powdered garlic is probably one of the best and most versatile flavorings to have. Then remember some dried onions, oregano, salts, and peppers, and whatever your family's favorites are, have a supply of them so your family can stay happy!

  8. Oil is another staple. We are always told to have this in our food storage supply. And until you do alot of baking and cooking yourself, and you all of a sudden run out, you don't realize the value of it. It doesn't have a really long shelf life, but is so important.  It also carries the valuable fats that your body will need when in survival mode.

  9. Powdered Milk is another essential that will offer important viatmins and nutrition, especially if you have small children. It is something that can be used as a drink, but also in so much of your baking and cooking. It is easy to hide in recipes, because when combined with other foods, people can't "taste" it. But speaking from experience, when you use it often enough, you will get used to the taste, even the kids will drink it.

  10. Wheat is my final, but not least important item. Wheat is vital to sustaining life for a long period of time if you are actually in that type of situation. It can be used in so many ways. We think that we can only grind it into flour, but it can be used as a great meat substitute in so many ways. Wheat when sprouted is a powerhouse full of nutrition and contains all of the essential vitamins and minerals needed to survive, including being packed with vitamin C! Wheat is definitely a grain that will sustain life for a long period of time.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Water

 WATER!  WATER!  DO YOU HAVE WATER?

"You are the generation that must be prepared! You live in the midst of economic, political, and spiritual instability. When you see these signs, unmistakable evidences that His coming is nigh, be not troubled, but Stand in Holy Places and be not moved until the day of the Lord comes." - President Ezra Taft Benson

Without water, life would cease to exist.  Yet today, nearly one billion people, approximately 1 in 8, lack access to clean water.  More than twice that many don't have access to a toilet. 

Hopefully, (wishful thinking) we will never find ourselves in a similar situation to some that I will talk about this week.  I have decided to put together some information this week on the water crisis facing our world, in hopes to spur those of us who can prepare, to prepare......so that hopefully we will not find ourselves in a water crisis situation.  Keep checking back for more updates as I find more info throughout the week or so.  The updates will be here at www.todaywhilethesunshines.blogspot.com .  I have also found some great school curriculum to help teach us about water and the water crisis in our world, at http://water.org/learn-about-the-water-crisis/lessonplan/ Check it out if you are looking for ideas to teach your kids, yourself, or great Family Home Evening lessons on the importance of water.

Then take the time to ACT in whatever ways you can.....whether preparing your family......or helping someone else.  There are many charitable organizations out there that help to build wells in underdeveloping countries, and lots of opportunities like that, but even if we look around us, we will find that we have ample opportunities right in our own communities to help out.

A few water statistics (taken from water.org) 

1. Without food a person can live for weeks, but without water you expect to live only a few days. 

2. The daily requirement for sanitation, bathing, and cooking needs, as well as for assuring survival, is about 13.2 gallons per person.

3. More than 3.5 million people die each year from water-related disease; 85 percent are children, ages 0-14.  43% of the water related deaths in all ages, are due to diarrhea, which 90% of these are children under 5 years of age, mostly in developing countries .  Nearly all deaths, 98 percent, occur in the developing world.  Children in poor environments often carry 1000 parasitic worms in their bodies at any time.  1.4 million children die as a result of diarrhea each year.

4. 884 million people, lack access to safe water supplies.  Approximately one in eight people.  Lack of access to clean water and sanitation kills children at a rate equivalent of a jumbo jet crashing ever four hours.  The water and sanitation crisis claims more lives through disease than any war claims through guns.

5. Lack of sanitation is the world's biggest cause of infection.  At any given time, half of the world's hospital beds are occupied by patients suffering from a water related disease.

6. Millions of women and children spend several hours each day collecting water from distant, often polluted sources.  This is time not spent working at an income-generating job, caring for family members, or attending school. 

5. An American/Canadian taking a five-minute shower uses more water than the typical person living in a developing country slum uses in a whole day.

5. 443 million school days are lost each year due to water related illness.

 

http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,1953379_1953494_1954584,00.html  Post earthquake water crisis in Haiti.  A good article that talks a small bit about the crisis that Haiti faces with water right now.

 

Water Storage And Purification Author Unknown


In Honduras 9,000 people died in the hurricane. In the 5 weeks following, 35,000 people died from bad water. A good water filter or chlorine to purify water can mean the difference in life or death. Without this, you only have a couple of days. Drinking "bad" water can be fatal and usually is fatal if the Medical system is down. Lack of water will kill in three days... and after 36 hours, your judgment is seriously impaired.

The Church has set guidelines to store one gallon/per person/per day for two weeks. This means you need to store 14 gallons for each member of your family. Folks, this is not enough water to meet the needs of most families in crisis. We use more water than that. The average person uses 72 gallons per day for all their needs including cooking, drinking, and cleaning.

You must also have the ability to purify water after your initial supply has been exhausted. This can be as simple as chlorine and a simple pool testing kit. This is inexpensive and very effective. Be sure to store your water supply in a cool dark area on pieces of wood (not directly on concrete or dirt) [see Issue #13]. Be sure to use the correct storage container. A good water container is airtight, breakage resistant (no glass), and is made of material that won't rust or affect flavor. Bacteria growth will be discouraged if the container is both airtight and opaque, as bacteria needs both air and light to grow. Algae is green, but isn't harmful, just unsightly.

Remember that water weighs approximately 8 lbs. per gallon. Do not store more than 15 gallons of water (about 125 lbs) in any container that is meant to be portable. Rotate water storage every year. The water does not go bad; it just gets flat and tastes bad. It can get green algae, and makes the water a "hard sell" to children and even some husbands. Green Kool-Aid will disguise it.

This storage is of course a band-aid on the big problem. After your storage is used up, you will need to replenish the supply. A good filter or chlorine to purify water can mean the difference in life or death.

Storage methods: 55 gallon plastic barrels are a great way to store water because they store the most water in the least space and require the least effort for rotation. You need a hose or siphon pump to get the water out, and these barrels are great to collect new water such as rainwater from your roof downspout. Use only brand new barrels. Used barrels will continue to leak out the product that was first put into those barrels.

Water purification methods: Clorox Bleach - Please do not use; unless you have nothing else! At best - it will cause diarrhea, vomiting, cramps, and on the worst side, bleeding ulcers. Your great, great grandmother might have had to use this product because it was all they had to make water pure, but this is not true today. The part of Clorox Bleach they sought was Chlorine. That is the part we want. But there are so many other ingredients in this product that hurt and do not heal.

Boiling - minimum of 10 minutes, and up to 20 minutes; so you must have stored a lot of fuel. It requires 20 minutes or more to kill giardia. Water tastes very flat after this kind of boiling. Very effective if done long enough. Needs a huge storage of fuel. Store flavoring for your water: tang, powder drink,etc.

Iodine - bad side effects such as thyroid storm in some women. It has a peculiar odor and taste that some people cannot tolerate. Never use for more than 72 hours at any one time. During a nuclear crisis, iodine may provide the added benefit of preventing the thyroid gland from radioactive disruption.

Purifiers - cost lots of money and are very slow. The filter should be a maximum size of .02 microns or it will be no good for giardia. A Porcelain type is used by the Red Cross to the Green Berets. This will take out types of Radiation (Alpha and Beta).

Chlorine - this is the way almost all cities do it - very cheap and it works - available at any spa & pool store. In the "Joint Chief of Staff Anti-Terrorism report of October 2002", put out at the start of the war, February 2003; this is what they report works and is what they recommend. You must buy a measuring kit as well. It is very slow acting, so time is needed to allow it to work. It needs about 24 hours to work and repeated if there is no measurable free-floating chlorine. To remove the chlorine taste, cover loosely, and let stand for another 24 hours and the chlorine evaporates. Be sure to measure the chlorine before you allow it to evaporate. If there is no measurable chlorine, there may still be bacteria in the water. Store flavoring for your water: tang, powdered drink, powdered milk, Kool-Aid --- Something!

Colloidal Silver - The Micro Silver Bullet of the past AND the future. History: In the milking industry they often use a silver milk pail on a warm day; the milk will not spoil quickly. Plagues in Europe: Wealthy families gave their children silver spoons to eat with and they did not catch the "Black Death". Pioneers used to put silver dollars in canteens and water containers. Pioneers used to suck on silver dollars when they felt ill. Proven that it works with water purification, as well and against many diseases.