The Dollar Tree Store Food & Product Shrinkflation is Real and Deceptive Be Aware

 I'm a loyal Dollar Tree shopper and Youtube Hauler over 9 years. I have seen slowly over the years food, drink, and various product size's shrinking at the Dollar Tree Store. 

As families continue to struggle they are faced with more food insecurity. The Dollar Tree store is a go to for food, medicine, health hygiene, beauty, cleaning products and so much more. They help make ends meet when every little penny counts. 

This is what I found on my recent shopping trip. My video (above) I share how a go to product for our family Hungry Jack Pancake mix is being effected This is what is happening.

Hungry Jack Pancake Mix 16oz $1.25

Hungry Jack Pancake Mix 14oz $1.25 

(In the same box size) very deceptive

(These above are being phased out) 

Now it will be Hungry Jack Pancake Mix 12oz

$1.25

Please be more aware when shopping friends.

Prepping Possible Wheat Shortage a List of Items to have in your Pantry or Stock Pile

Winter wheat is off to a rocky start in 2025, with major production states like Nebraska, Texas, and South Dakota reporting poor early conditions, according to the first USDA Crop Progress report of the season released April 7. 

Nationally, 31% of winter wheat is rated good/excellent. But in some states, rough weather and dry soils are threatening yields just as the crop is entering key spring growth stages. 

What does this mean to you or your family? What should you consider adding to your pantry or stock pile. Remember the general rule keep your food in a cool, dry, and dark place for longevity. 

Next time you go shopping look at the ingredients you maybe surprised to see wheat in the ingredients. Here is a list of items to consider.

Common Wheat-Containing Foods:

• Breads: All types of bread, including white bread, whole wheat bread, rye bread, sourdough, biscuits, and bagels. 
• Pastas: Spaghetti, fettuccine, lasagna, ravioli, and other wheat-based pasta dishes. 
• Breakfast Cereals: Many breakfast cereals, though some are specifically labeled gluten-free and pancakes. 
• Baked Goods: Cakes, cookies, muffins, pies, pastries, and other baked goods. 
• Crackers and Biscuits: Various types of crackers, biscuits, and snack foods. 
• Pizza: Pizza crust, dough, and some toppings. 
• Snack Foods: Granola bars, energy bars, some types of chips and pretzels. 
• Process Meat and Deli Meats: Many processed meats, sausages, and deli meats may contain wheat-based ingredients. 
• Seitan: A meat substitute made from wheat gluten. 
• Soups and Sauces: Many canned and boxed soups and sauces may use wheat flour as a thickener. 
• Malted Drinks: Some malted drinks, like beer and ale, may contain wheat. 
• Other: Many other foods may contain wheat, including ice cream, soy sauce, and even some personal care products. 

Important Considerations for Wheat Allergy and Celiac Disease:

• Cross-Contamination: Be mindful of cross-contamination, especially in restaurants and when preparing food. 
• Hidden Wheat: Wheat can be hidden in unexpected places, such as in sauces, salad dressings, and processed foods. 
• Read Labels: Carefully check ingredient labels for wheat and its derivatives. 
• Gluten-Free Alternatives: Look for gluten-free alternatives to wheat-containing foods. 

Foods That May Contain Wheat (Check Labels):

• Couscous: Made from semolina, which is a type of wheat.
• Spelt: A type of wheat.
• Triticale: A hybrid grain between wheat and rye.
• Farro: An ancient grain that can be used like wheat.
• Semolina: A type of wheat flour used in pasta. 

Easy DIY Dollhouse Miniature Tudor Bed Using Recycle Materials Like Cereal Boxes

 

I have several videos I am posting for reference to create the 1:12 scale Dollhouse Miniature Tudor Bed from recycled materials. This particular video above you will see a few easy projects to enjoy as well. In particular sewing bolts for a sewing room or store project. 

In this video (above) you will see how the Dollhouse Miniature 1:12 scale Tudor bed come's along and my decision to add the beautiful fabric to the bed's canopy. 

Lastly, I decided to go ahead and create the pillows from the same beautiful thick fabric. I hope you subscribe to my Youtube channel 

https: //www.youtube.com/channel/UCVxLh79y_e-7gAGMyrhvW5gas 

I have chosen the Dollhouse the bed will reside in. The particular room will need a complete re-do. I hope you subscribe to see the transformation. 

US Postal Service suspends incoming parcels from China and Hong Kong

 

CNN’s Rashard Rose contributed reporting.

https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/04/busine...

The article below is a copy of the above link:

CNN Reports: The US Postal Service says it has temporarily suspended the acceptance of incoming international parcels from China and Hong Kong until further notice. It did not provide a reason for the suspension, but said in a statement Tuesday the flow of letters will not be affected. The Postal Service did not provide any additional information on the suspension when contacted by CNN. The announcement comes just days after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order that terminated the “de minimis” exemption, a long-standing rule that allowed anyone, including exporter The new rule is likely to affect e-commerce sites like Shein and Temu, which have built their gargantuan business models around this exemption. The relaxed restrictions and tax exemptions on cheap products have allowed more than a billion packages to pour into the US at low prices for consumers looking for deals on clothing to household goods. s, to ship packages worth less than $800 to the United States without duties or needing to undergo inspections. While it is unclear whether the suspension was related to the executive order, experts have told CNN the delivery of international parcels into the US would be “slowed down” if every package must be examined. Currently, US Customs and Border Protection has the authority to open and inspect all international packages, though in practice it doesn’t open every single item. This is a developing story and will be updated.

Me: I found it very interesting that Youtube creators that participated on the Temu affiliate program were reporting their accounts had been suspended. This helps to put the puzzle pieces together. This will have an affect on outstanding in transit orders and those who are creators. I'm sure we will see a shift in the tide as this gets worked out. Additionally, we as small business owners Auto/Equipment Repair we will feel this pinch as well. Let's hope for the best and its gets resolved quickly. We may have to begin paying shipping on Temu and Shein orders as well other over sea's company purchase/orders.

Canada unveils list of products covered by first round of 25% tariffs by the USA it's Shocking!!!!

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2025/02/list-of-products-from-the-united-states-subject-to-25-per-cent-tariffs-effective-february-4-2025.html  Click See Full List to access the complete list

https://edition.cnn.com/politics/live-news/trump-tariffs-presidency-news-02-02-25#cm6nw28h200563b6nvps5ixm1 Click see full list here to access the complete list 

The link's above are provided by cnn.com                

I encourage  you to visit this extensive list that will affect the USA and it's families. This is just one country Canada and it's alarming to say the least. Let me know your thoughts below.

Homemakers Challenges in 2025 & Dollar Tree Prepper Haul

I've been away for a while. I had been concentrating on my personal life and Youtube but now I'm back! Regardless of what side of the fence you stand on your choice of government or President. 

We all will be feeling the effects of the unsurmountable amount of debt the USA is in. We all are in the same ship for higher prices and it's challenges. 

 

Homemaker's are always in the fore front of my thoughts. As we

are the core to so many things in our homes. We are cooks, nurses, accountants, doctors, farmer, teachers, cleaners, carpenters, counselors, designers, seamstress/sewers, and so much more. 

Now, we are tasked at making miracles happen with tight food budgets and smaller pantry sizes. 

This is our opportunity to shine. We can challenge ourselves to do the uncomfortable. Learn new skills that will help you grow as a person and provide it's fruits to your family. I know many of us... 

I myself included will be fearful of starting something new out of fear and failure. We must acknowledge it's just a feeling and go beyond it. 

Make a list of new skills or projects. Give yourself a start date and just do it. I need to do this myself and not live in fear of failure or dismay. It's all a learning process for sure. I will be sharing here what are the new things I am doing along with a list later on this week. I may tweek it here and there as my days go. Until then friends. Have a Blessed Day.

Blondie on a Budget 1940 Full Length Movie Comedy Blondie And Dagwood

I love this movie simply click on it and select YouTube to see

it in full screen. It's a great family friendly movie that I personally enjoy. Have fun watching.

 

Merry Christmas Homemakers

 

Merry Christmas to All

I know I have been gone for a while. Sometimes life sends you curve balls. My mother became very sick to the point we thought she would not make it with much prayer and many months later she is still with us. Although, she is still unable to walk and her Alzheimer's keeps progressing. The weight of this journey was unlike anything else I experienced before. 

My family is doing well and today we are tucked in at home. This year we did 1 gift per child and it's working out great. We truly wanted to focus on the reason for the season. 

I know in many states there is alot of snow. Maryland is a chilly 34 degree's with no snow. I had hoped for snow it's been a while since we have had any. New fallen snow gives such a magical feel.

I will be posting on the regular at least once weekly for all you again. I will be adding new journeys on my page. I feel with everything that is happening with the weather and devasting effects it's important to grow food. I don't have a green thumb to save my life so this will be fun and amusing all at the same time. Thank you again for supporting me.

Prepping On A Budget Dollar Tree Finds * Harvest Creek White Chicken Salad Shelf Stable *

 

                              https://www.harvestcreek.com

Harvest Creek Premium White Chicken Salad at the Dollar Tree for $1.25 also available for a limited time at Aldi (price may vary).  I'm always looking for shelf stable items for my kitchen and towards my preps that are adult and child friendly. As a family of 6 this is always on my mind. I came across Harvest Creek and looked them up. I found they have other flavors as well shown below.

Distributed by Crider, Inc. is a US-based company that manufactures canned and frozen poultry, and other food products. The company is located in Stillmore, Georgia and was incorporated in 1983. Crider, Inc. is a veteran-owned small business that has received federal contracts from the USDA to supply food to low-income populations and Indian reservations. They also supply products to retail, foodservice, school, and institutional customers. 

I'm loving that it is USA made product!!! The packaging is easy to open... just tear and eat. The shelf life date up to 2 years. Their products are gluten free. You can easily add this to any meal. A wonderful addition to any shelf. 

This is an easy grab in a SHTF and adverse weather conditions when you lose electricity for days on end. Great for you bug out bag, boat, office, and car emergency kit.

This would had been a wonderful addition when my husband got caught in a winter storm and all traffic on the highway stood still. It took him over 16 hours to get home for a normal 40 minute drive. Remember to update your car kits according to season my friends. 

Lastly, I had my children taste test it and they all loved it and asked for more. Bonus you can buy these in Bulk just visit their website www.harvestcreek.com  I hope you enjoyed my video review and this more detailed post. Keeping prepping my friends.

Southern Living Old Fashioned Apple Pie

 

     https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/old-fashioned-apple-pie

I was looking through some of my Southern Living Books and decided to share this recipe in honor of Christmas In July! I encourage you to visit their site and read the article. It gives some wonderful insights into options to create this masterpiece. 

Old-Fashioned Apple Pie

This double-crust apple pie is the perfect way to welcome fall.

By Southern Living Test Kitchen 

 

Updated on October 13, 2023

Active Time:

 

30 mins

Chill Time:

 

2 hrs

Cool Time:

 

1 hr

Total Time:

 

4 hrs 40 mins

Servings:

 

8

Ingredients

Crust:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for work surface

• 1 cup cold unsalted butter or cold vegetable shortening, cut into small pieces

• 1 tsp. kosher salt

Filling:

• 9 to 10 tart apples such as Granny Smith or McIntosh (about 4 lbs. total), peeled and thinly sliced

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon

• Dash of kosher salt

• 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Directions

1. Prepare the Crust:

   Using your fingers, mix together flour, butter, and salt in a large bowl until butter is well incorporated. Gradually sprinkle 2 to 4 tablespoons very cold water into mixture, kneading as you add water, until dough just comes together. (You may not need to add all the water.) Turn dough out onto a lightly floured work surface; knead until it forms a smooth ball, 2 to 3 times. Divide dough in half, and shape into 2 disks. Wrap each disk in plastic wrap; chill at least 2 hours or up to overnight.

2. Add dough to pie dish:

   Unwrap 1 chilled dough disk, and place on a lightly floured work surface. Let stand at room temperature until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with flour; roll into a 12-inch circle. Carefully fit dough round into a 9-inch deep-dish glass pie plate, leaving a 1 ½-inch overhang around edges. Refrigerate until ready to use.

3. Prepare the Filling:

   Preheat oven to 425°F with oven rack in lowest position. Stir together apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt in a large bowl until apples are evenly coated. Spoon mixture into prepared piecrust; sprinkle mixture with butter.

4. Make lattice topping:

   Unwrap remaining chilled pie dough disk, and place on a lightly floured work surface. Let stand at room temperature until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with flour; roll into a 12-inch circle. Cut into 12 (¾-inch-wide) strips. (Discard remaining dough scraps, or use for another purpose.) Arrange strips in a lattice design over Filling; trim strips as needed to meet the bottom Crust overhang. Fold dough edges under, and crimp using your fingers or a fork.

5. Bake pie:

   Place assembled pie on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake in preheated oven 15 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (leaving pie in oven); continue baking 45 minutes. Cover loosely with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning; continue baking until juices are thick and bubbly, crust is golden brown, and apples are tender when pierced with a long wooden pick, about 30 minutes. Transfer pie to a wire rack, and cool at least 1 hour.