Newsarticle entitled "Hurricane Irene and being prepared"

The Deseret News published an article by Seth Saunders today on how preparedness helped him and his family through hurricane Irene. He said, "We were all calm. The reason we felt so calm was that we felt prepared." He also stated, "I was less worried about what we needed to do because we had already done it it."

You can read the full article here.

A Great Life and a Bright Future

Here's a portion of an uplifting article by Elder Paul V. Johnson in the Ensign, January 2011 issue. He talks about how we live in challenging times, yet there have always been challenging times. Sharing examples from his own family and the scriptures, he says, "None of these people allowed the challenges they faced or the conditions of their world to determine the trajectory of their lives."

"There are no better days than these days, because “these are [your] days” (Helaman 7:9). You are here on earth at this time for a reason. You have what it takes. You have skills, knowledge, and natural talents given to you from God. If you live righteously, you will have access to the inspiration and strength you will need to triumph over any challenge you face. You will have the protection of a worthy life; guidance from the Lord through the Holy Ghost and prophets, seers, and revelators; and the power of sacred promises that are yours because you keep your covenants.

Take these things that are yours and have a great life!

The reason I am so confident about your ability to find a bright future in the midst of a challenging world isn’t because I know each of you individually, but because I know that the Lord lives and loves us. He is the real reason each of us has a bright future. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (see Philippians 4:13). Because we are children of our Heavenly Father and because of the Atonement of Jesus Christ, I know our futures are bright."

So take heart--make yours a great life and have a bright future!

Merry Christmas 2010

Holiday Safety

Some good ideas from the SLCPD for cutting down on holiday crime can be found at:

http://www.slcpd.com/assetts/images/getinformed/brochures/holiday-safety.pdf

Their ideas include tips for safety At Home, Traveling, Out and About, Decorating, and Donating.

Caramel Corn

This is my favorite recipe for crunchy caramel corn. It's easy to make and it's a delicious way to use popcorn from your food storage.

CARAMEL CORN

Combine in pan:

1 stick butter or margarine

1 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup white corn syrup

1 teaspoon salt

Bring to boil; boil 5 minutes.

Remove from heat and add:

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon baking soda

Pour over 12 cups popped corn.

Spread on cookie sheet. Put in 250 degree F. oven for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

Disaster-Proof Your Important Papers

In case you have to evacuate your home in an emergency, keep copies of your most vital papers in a portable container you can easily take with you.
There would include:

• Birth certificates and adoption records
• Marriage certificates and divorce decrees
• Drivers' licenses
• Passports/Visas/Green cards
• Social Security cards
• Titles, deeds and registrations for property owned
• Wills and trust documents
• Mortgage and loan information
• Insurance policies
• Bank account records
• Investment account records
• Credit card numbers

Keep original copies of difficult-to-replace documents, such as birth certificates and titles, in a safe deposit box. Make sure the box is held in more than one person's name. While information regarding bank accounts, insurance policies, and investments can be reproduced from account numbers, having immediate access to hard copy may be helpful.

Keep a list of all the documents you have and where they are located.
Make sure that those who need access to them know where to find this master list. Kiplinger's Your Family Records Organizer (www.kiplinger.com/organizer; 800-280-7165, Operator 89) is a CD-ROM product created to help you keep track of all these documents.

Key contact numbers to carry in your wallet: Doctor...employer/spouse's employer...children's schools...banks...insurance agents...minister, rabbi or priest...close relatives, friends and neighbors...utility companies...alarm-system company.

(Source: Barbara Hemphill, "Kiplinger's Personal Finance -Taming the Paper Tiger at Home," pg. 90)

How Would One Prepare Financially for Hard Times?

Let's face it -- times are tough -- and they will most likely get tougher before they get better. (Not what you wanted to hear, but something you probably knew already.)

We can feel peace even when there is trouble around us. There are things we can do to help us make it through these turbulent times. The following is a re-post from an article printed in the June 1980 Ensign and suggests some timeless ideas on how to prepare financially:

1. The breadwinner in the family should make every effort to stay employed and keep earning wages or salaries, profits, and benefits.

2. Try to build tenure or seniority with your employer, and demonstrate both creative and productive skills.

3. Keep knowledge and skills current through continuous upgrading; thus, you can compete with the best and offer the best service or product available in your field. Even family members not employed should do the same. Where possible, everyone should have or work toward a potentially marketable skill or product.

4. Protect yourself during a recession—or times of inflation—by keeping monthly expenditures well under control. It is no time to have any excessive debt or large installment payments. Also, you may not be able to borrow money for major things like houses, farms, or businesses. Wait until money is more available and the interest levels are moderate.

5. Have an emergency cash reserve. The longer or deeper the economic downturn, the greater the need for ready money in such cases as unemployment, reduced income, illness, or injury.

6. As much as possible, get ownership and clear title (or deed) to cars, major appliances, homes, farms, businesses, etc. During a recession or depression, repossession, foreclosure, and garnishment—and the resulting risk of bankruptcy—are more likely since cash demands continue and income may stop. Ownership of your major possessions would provide you with great security.

7. Have an adequate one year’s supply of food and clothing. It takes most families months and even years to build a good supply and learn how to store and rotate it properly. Get started now.

8. Be willing to make significant life-style changes. Economic hardship could force you to sacrifice many comforts and luxuries such as recreation, travel, nonessential clothing, eating out, entertainment, and gifts; can you make some of these changes voluntarily now? Expenditures might have to focus on essentials such as food, housing, utilities, health care, and transportation.

9. Organize your extended families to give help to each generation as needed.

10. Self-reliance is important. Knowing how to make bread, sew clothes, make gifts, toys, and home decorations, paint the house, fix the plumbing, etc., will become increasingly valuable. As much as possible, be able to sustain life. Grow a garden, cultivate fruit trees, keep animals, etc., wherever practical, or have access to these resources.

One of the best defenses against a recession or a depression is owning things like food surpluses (such as grain, sugar, corn, rice, beans, and dried fruits), precious metals and gems, coal and wood, land, etc. They have intrinsic value, demand for them stays high, and they can be used in many ways.

11. Be good friends and neighbors. During hard times, you’ll be exchanging products and services much more.

(Source: “Questions about Coping Financially: Welfare Services Suggests Some Answers,” Ensign, Jun 1980, 12)

*Previous posts on FINANCES

Preparing Your Family for an Earthquake

When preparing for an earthquake, plan on having enough supplies to get you and your family through at least the first 72 hours. After a major earthquake, there's a good chance that traditional emergency response teams will be too busy to take care of you and your family. You need to prepare your home and neighborhood.

The Plan
*Stock up on at least a three-day supply of food, water, clothes, medical supplies and other necessary equipment for everyone in your family. Make sure everyone knows where to find them.

*Decide where and when to reunite your family should you be apart when an earthquake happens.

*Choose a person outside the immediate area to contact if family members are separated. Long distance phone service will probably be restored sooner than local service. Do not use the phone immediately after the earthquake.

*Know the policies of the school or daycare center your children attend. Make plans to have someone pick them up if you are unable to get them.

*If you have a family member that does not speak English, prepare an emergency card written in English indicating that persons identification, address and any special needs such as medication or allergies. Tell that person to keep the card with him/her at all times.

*Conduct Earthquake: Duck, Cover & Hold drills every six months with your family.

*Know the safest place in each room because it will be difficult to move from one room to another during an earthquake.

*Locate the shutoff valves for water, gas and electricity. Learn how to shut off the valves before a quake. If you have any questions, call your utility company.

*Make copies of vital records and keep them in a safe deposit box in another city or state. Make sure originals are stored safely.

*Before a quake occurs, call your local Red Cross chapter and Office of Emergency Services to find out about their plans for emergency shelters and temporary medical centers in case of such a disaster.

*Establish all the possible ways to exit your house. Keep those areas clear.

*Know the locations of the nearest fire and police stations.

*Take photos and/or videos of your valuables. Make copies and keep them in another city or state.

*Include your babysitter and other household help in your plans.

*Keep an extra pair of eyeglasses and house and car keys on hand.

*Keep extra cash and change. If electricity is out, you will not be able to use an ATM.

General Tips
*Stay away from heavy furniture, appliances, large glass panes, shelves holding objects, and other large decorative masonry, brick or plaster such as fireplaces.

*Keep your hallway clear. It is usually one of the safest places to be during an earthquake.

*Stay away from kitchens and garages, which tend to be the most dangerous places because of the many items kept there.

(Source: http://ussc.utah.gov/pdf/prepare/eq_family.pdf)

Breakfast Recipes

I love breakfast! It's one of my favorite things about getting up in the morning.

Breakfast foods are usually simple to prepare and can be inexpensive. We sometimes have "breakfast" for dinner. Here are three of my family's favorite breakfast recipes:

EVERYDAY PANCAKES
I use 1/3 cup non-instant powdered milk and 1 cup water in place of milk. Mix non-instant powdered milk with dry ingredients, mix water with liquid ingredients.

3 eggs
1 cup milk
3 tablespoons vegetable oil or melted shortening
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, stirred and measured
3 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar

Beat eggs thoroughly; stir in milk, shortening, and sifted dry ingredients just until blended. Bake on lightly greased griddle. Makes 8 to 10 pancakes.

Variation:
Apple Pancakes: Stir in 1 cup finely chopped apple.

Blueberry Pancakes: Stir in 1 cup fresh, frozen, or canned and drained blueberries.





FAVORITE WAFFLES
I use 2/3 cup non-instant powdered milk and 2 1/4 cups water in place of milk. Mix non-instant powdered milk with the dry ingredients, mix water with the liquid ingredients.

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, stirred and measured
3/4 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons baking powder
1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
2 beaten eggs
2 1/4 cups milk
1/2 cup melted shortening or vegetable oil

Stir together dry ingredients. Combine eggs, milk, and shortening. Combine liquid and dry ingredients just before baking; beat until smooth. Bake in hot waffle iron. Makes 12 waffles.






GRANOLA
8 1/2 cups 6 Grain Mix (Rolled - Red Wheat, White Wheat, Rye, Oats, Barley and Sunflower Seeds)
1 cup shredded coconut
1 1/2 cups finely chopped mixed nuts
1/3 cup packed dark brown sugar
3/4 cup water
3/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup molasses
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 cups raisins, chopped dates or other dried fruit, if desired

Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. In a large bowl, combine 6 Grain Mix, coconut, and nuts, if desired. Stir until evenly distributed. In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, oil, honey, molasses, salt, cinnamon and vanilla. Heat and stir until sugar is dissolved. Do not boil. Pour syrup over grain mixture. Stir with a large wooden spoon until syrup coats other ingredients. Spread mixture in two 13" x 9" baking pans or on 2 large baking sheets with raised sides. Bake 20 to 30 minutes in preheated oven, stirring occasionally. Bake 10 minutes longer for a crunchier texture. Cool on racks. Stir in raisins, chopped dates or other dried fruit, if desired. Spoon into a 10-cup container with a tight-fitting lid. Seal container. Label with date and contents. Store in a cool dry place. Use within 6 months. Makes about 10 cups.


MORE BREAKFAST RECIPES

Help People in Haiti

22 January 2010 The First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints issued the following statement today:

Our hearts are filled with sadness as we have watched the suffering in Haiti in the wake of the devastating earthquake. We turn to the example of Jesus Christ who reached out to “lift up the hands which hang down” and “strengthen the feeble knees.” We are keenly aware that many in America are dealing with economic challenges caused by the recession. However, we are appealing to members to donate to Church Humanitarian Services as their means allow in order to help our Haitian brothers and sisters. Many have already contributed and others are anxious to do so.

Money is not the only need in Haiti. People are frightened, bewildered, and wholly uncertain about their future. In addition to what people can do in helping with food, water and shelter, there needs to be a calming influence over that troubled nation. We invite our people everywhere to supplicate God for a spirit of calm and peace among the people as urgent aid and reconstruction efforts continue.

(Source: www.newsroom.lds.org)

Self-Reliance Link

"Self-reliance is a simple concept that encourages each of us to take responsibility for our own needs—physical, emotional, spiritual, social, and economic." Check out a new link with excellent information on Self-Reliance here.

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, too!

Neighborhood Christmas Food Drive in Lieu of Neighbor Gifts

This year our neighborhood is trying something different...and fun. Love it!!!

Dear Friends and Neighbors

At Christmas time we like to give
to friends and neighbors dear,
but maybe we could think of those
less fortunate this year.

Instead of giving neighbor gifts
we'll fill the Food Bank's shelves. ...
Let's warm the hearts of those in need
like Santa's little elves.

As friends we'll join together
and bring food in cans galore,
non-perishables are very best
because of how they store.

Monday Night, December ____
will be the time we meet,
from 6 - 7:30
it's cocoa, donuts & heat.

__________________'s
is where we're going to be.
Dress up warm, we'll be outside
and bring the family.

But if you cannot make it -
no big deal, you see,
we'll still be glad to take your food
to the Food Bank charity!

Just drop it off on __________'s porch
or _____________'s will do,
up to a week beyond the date -
Merry Christmas to YOU!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

The Rest of the Story...

Perhaps you remember Lynn Crapo who did a guest post earlier this year. She sent me an email a few days ago and updated me on her situation. I requested her permission to share it on this blog so that other readers may be uplifted by her faith and ability to count her blessings. Thanks again for sharing Lynn! You are INSPIRING! We'll keep you and your family in our prayers.

Hi there.

I am sure you remember the guest post I did for you back in Feb. of this year.

Life has been fast paced and hectic since then and I almost forgot about it (the post and our no spend month) until just today.

My husband DID actually lose his job. A little earlier than we expected. He went to work one day back in August and was surprised to find that the entire department had been laid off..........just like that. No warning. The whole place was in a shock. They actually took all the employees jobs from that department and gave them to a company in the Philippines to do for them. It was kind of ironic.......as we have MANY members of our ward from the Philippines over here searching for work. They are taking any job they can to provide for their families they left behind. It's so sad. And now my husband and many others have lost their jobs to those who are there. It's so strange.

Anyway.....I just wanted to update you, as you had always asked how we were doing and were so kind with your comments.

I wanted to let you know how blessed I feel. I know. I bet you weren't expecting that.

But I do.

My dad (64 years young) just had a heart attack last Thursday. My mom has been with him every day in the hospital. She is plum worn out. But she made the drive up here (2 hours) to pick up my brother from the airport with our help, (flew in from England) to go and surprise my dad with a visit. We are so excited and can't wait to hear how that surprise went.

You see........my brother, Mike who just came over here, is a Bishop there in his ward. Earlier this year he suffered a brain infection and went crazy. He almost lost his life. It was a horrible and scary time for the entire ward, and his wife and kids. And of course the rest of us here, feeling helpless so many miles away. But my dad and my mom did what they could to get over there to say their good byes. The doctors didn't know if he would make it.

But he did. With my dad's love and help. (And of course a priesthood blessing and loads of people praying for him.) He has come SO far in his physiotherapy. My brother had to "show" his brain how to read and write all over again.

Now here he is.....returning the "favor" for my dad. : D I can't wait to hear how that meeting went. My dad is not eating these days, as it's too hard on his heart to do anything since the attack.

However, with prayers and a blessing, my dad is also receiving a miracle. You see......his heart is creating it's only blood vessels around the area that is 100% blocked. These little tiny blood vessels that are new are working like mad to grow and mature and pump his blood for all it's worth.

I feel SO blessed.

Now for one more thought on being blessed.......

I just remembered my post for your blog tonight...........when my mom and brother and my brother in law who drove my mom up to the airport........... came over for a hot meal (it's SO cold these days) before I sent them on their way back home (2 hours drive again). I felt blessed when I realized that all I had to do was to go down to our basement and get what I needed from our food storage. IT was all there. No worries for things needed to feed others.

...

I have faith that things will work out. It's been 4 months now that my husband was laid off........but things will get better. We know it.

I just had to share this with you.

Thanks again for all you do.

Lynn Crapo

Edible Thanksgiving Favors

If you didn't get a chance to see Alisa Bangerter demonstrate how to make these cute edible Thanksgiving favors on KSL Studio 5, have fun watching it here:

Studio 5 Holiday, Party and Ideas Contributor Alisa Bangerter shares six fun ideas.
__________________________________________________

Fall Leaf:
Divide homemade or purchased sugar cookie dough into three or four portions. Color each portion a fall color such as red, orange, terra cotta, copper, olive green, yellow, tan, etc. using paste food color. For brown color, use cocoa powder. For each cookie, press together several colors of dough and roll out so the colors mix slightly and the dough has a variegated look. Cut using a leaf shaped cookie cutter. Bake and cool. If desired, use melted chocolate or chocolate icing and a pastry bag with a writing tip to write the name of each guest on a cookie. Place a cookie at each place setting with several candy acorns. Tip: dust cookies with gold luster dust for a beautiful sheen. Luster dust is available at baking supply stores.

Candy Acorn:
Mix together 1 cup of creamy peanut butter, ½ cup of margarine and 3 cups powdered sugar and mix well into a soft dough. Roll a 1" ball of dough into an acorn shape. Dip the top of the dough shape into melted chocolate or almond bark and press into finely chopped nuts to form the acorn cap. Break a stick pretzel in half and insert in top to create acorn stem. Set on was paper until chocolate has set. Display at each place setting with leaf cookie.

Indian Corn:
Create a dry mix of items that would resemble Indian corn with a mixture of fall colors. Use items such as: cold cereal, popcorn, nuts, candies, dried fruits, etc. Take a square (approximately 12" square for a large favor) of cellophane and place approximately 1 cup of mix in the center. Tuck cellophane around mix and fold in back if needed to wrap the mix into an oblong shape. Tie cellophane closed with tan string. Cut cornhusks (available in the Mexican food isle of grocery stores) into long strips with pointed ends. Wrap ends on corn husks around end of mix and tie with string. Wrap ends with a ribbon and tie a bow. Attach a nametag or small photograph if desired and set at each place setting.

Cornucopia:
Place sugar ice cream cones in a steamer basket over hot water. Let each cone steam for a few minutes which will soften it. Carefully bend end up to form a cornucopia shape. Cone will harden quickly. Fill with a mixture of fruit shaped candies, nuts, pretzels, etc. If desired, place a ribbon around the opening of the cornucopia and attach a tiny name tag to serve as a place card.

Pilgrim Hat:
Dip large marshmallows in melted chocolate or almond bark. Set onto flat round chocolate covered cookies (chocolate covered graham rounds, fudge-striped cookies, chocolate ginger snaps, chocolate wafers, etc.). Let set until chocolate is hardened. Wrap marshmallow "hat brim" with a black ribbon. Using a rolling pin, roll out a yellow Starburst candy and cut into a square to form a "buckle". Attach to ribbon with a tiny amount of melted chocolate or icing.

Turkey:
Dip the bottom of a chocolate crème drop candy into melted chocolate or almond bark. Immediately attach the candy to the bottom of a leaf shaped or round cookie (I used Dare brand maple leaf crème cookies or you can use any round type cookie). Attach a candy corn point down to the top of the crème drop using melted chocolate. Attach a red hot candy to the side of the candy corn to become a "wattle". Adhere a small pretzel under the crème drop to create "feet". (Option: Instead of a crème drop you could also use a chocolate covered cherry, an unwrapped caramel, an unwrapped peanut butter cup or any other chocolate covered candy about 1" in diameter.)

(Source: KSL Studio 5)

Preparing for Holiday Gatherings

I love this time of year with Thanksgiving fast approaching and Christmas just around the corner. Some of my happiest memories include holiday gatherings with family and friends. By planning and preparing now to entertain, we can help "make the season bright" for others as well as ourselves.

In an article entitled "Please Be Seated" by Shari Well, she writes, "People often avoid entertaining because they assume it's too expensive, too time consuming, and possibly outdated. But psychologists tell us that it is important for our mental and emotional health to gather friends at the dinner table and entertain. If you keep entertaining simple and fun, it can become a wonderful family tradition."

Shari shares tips on:

• Getting Organized for a Party
• Making Purchasing Decisions
• "Painting" the Table
• "Painting" the Plate
• Desserts

She concludes with, "After working all week, many may not feel like entertaining. Yes, it's a little extra work, but there are many benefits. You have an outlet for creativity, you will form closer friendships and family relationships, and you'll have an opportunity to make new friends. Remember to cook with your heart and record the memories and the recipes for your loved ones."

(Source: Shari Wells, "Please Be Seated", LDS Living Magazine)

For some other fun holiday gathering ideas check out these posts from Skip To My Lou:

Breakfast With Santa
Pajama Party

Great Christmas Gift List

Someone has put together a "Great Christmas Gift List" for 72-hour kits at: http://www.farmington.utah.gov/downloads/services/72_hour_kits.pdf.

One Year Anniversary

I've learned a lot about preparedness and food storage during this past year and hope you have, too. Here are some good reminders from last year's post:

1. BEGIN WHERE YOU ARE:
Think about what you are already doing and what you have already in store.
Make an inventory of what you have.
Make a list of what you need.

2. SET GOALS:
Decide what you want to work on (ie. three-month supply, drinking water, financial reserve, longer-term supply, 72 hour kit, etc.)
Set reasonable goals (ie. weekly plan, monthly plan)

3. DO SOMETHING:
We can't do everything all at once, but we can do something.
Begin today!

Best wishes in your quest to prepare and enjoy the peace that preparedness brings!

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds (Tutorial)

Got pumpkin seeds? We do! This year I decided to try roasting some (never have before.) So I got online and looked at a variety of recipes and kind of came up with one of my own.

As we were carving our pumpkins from our garden Saturday afternoon, I saved about two cups of seeds. I carefully washed and rinsed them in a colander with small holes and let them drain. Then I lined my cookie sheet with a non-stick cooking sheet and spread out the seeds to dry.

One recipe I read recommended letting the seeds air-dry for 24 hours. (My drying time turned into two days.) This step helped make it easier to clean the pumpkin residue from the seeds. Some people prefer the extra pumpkin flavor, so leaving it on is entirely optional.

ROASTED PUMPKIN SEEDS

2 cups pumpkin seeds
2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon cinnamon (or 1 teaspoon: cayenne, garlic powder, cumin, curry, any favorite spice)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon ground sea salt

Remove seeds from pumpkin and rinse with water to remove any remaining pulp.

Spread seeds on a cookie sheet and let dry 24 hours.

Heat oven to 350 degrees F.

Mix oil with spices and/or salt and toss mixture with seeds.

Spread coated seeds over a baking sheet.

Bake seeds approximately 25 minutes or until crisp and very lightly browned,

tossing occasionally.

Let cool. Makes 2 cups.

ROASTED PUMPKIN SEEDS
2 cups pumpkin seeds
2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
1 teaspoon cinnamon (or 1 teaspoon: cayenne, garlic powder, cumin, curry, any favorite spice)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon ground sea salt

Remove seeds from pumpkin and rinse with water to remove any remaining pulp. Spread seeds on a cookie sheet and let dry 24 hours.

Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix oil with spices and/or salt and toss mixture with seeds. Spread coated seeds over a baking sheet. Bake seeds approximately 25 minutes or until crisp and very lightly browned, tossing occasionally. Let cool. Makes 2 cups.

Do you have a favorite Pumpkin Seed recipe?