Food & Product Shortages Hitting USA

 

Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine the USA having food and product shortages. Going to the stores finding empty shelves and signs with limits on product per person. Having to wear a face mask because of a pandemic (Corona Virus). Having to stand 6 feet apart. Using Lysol wipes on everything, hand sanitizer every day, washing my hands constantly and watching for any kind of symptom my body may exhibit. Watching our country shut down for months. Trying to make ends meet with finances, food, shelter, gas, and utilities. Staying home....for many families this meant virtuall learning for children. I had no clue what Zoom was but I learned it and so much more. 

Everyday I see more warnings on the news around the world of shortages. I see the struggle in many countries and its at our door. The average family has 2-3 days of food in their home. A frightening thought. We should aim to have several weeks, months, or year of goods in our homes. To safe guard our families.

Shortages on vegetables/fruit. Look into growing your own food in pots or using hydroponics. What in the world is Hydroponics? It is a way to grow food using nutrient rich water and no soil. They can grow in doors all year round or outdoors in a Green House. I have a Aero Garden it has its own grow light and sits on my kitchen counter. On a tight budget there are a ton of videos on YouTube to help you create your own Hydroponics system economically. 

 

Shortages on meat have been in the news. The best way to combat this is canned meats, beans/lentils/legumes and other protein rich foods. 

Shortages on toilet paper and other goods. Think of your families needs.... the amount of  usage then look for sales and get these goods into your home. 

At the end of the day it's about being pro-active, smart, and goal oriented. Make a list keep it on your person and when sales pop up take advantage for the necessary goods for your home. No need to panic just change your way of thinking and doing things to adapt to the current situation at hand. Prepping your home is the best insurance that always pays it forward to your benefit.

Walnut Pumpkin Pie With Crumble Topping Recipe

 

I recently posted a photo of the Walnut Pumpkin Pie with Crumble Topping I baked on my Youtube Community page (https://www.youtube.com/c/OnlyInMyDreams/featured). I looked around my pantry shelves and gathered what I had. I chose a different boxed cake mix topping (spiced cake) because I didn't have vanilla cake. It turned our great. I didn't use a graham cracker crust either didn't have it on hand but it still worked out. As a prepper I am always looking for ways to use what I have into meals, bakes, and deserts. The pumpkin I used had a best by date of 2018. It was just fine. I have written articles on food safety and steps to follow when using canned goods past the best by date. Here is a link: https://www.afrugallifenow.com/2020/08/real-facts-dry-foods-vs-canned-our-new.html

1 can of pumpkin 15oz

3 eggs

1 can of evaporated milk 12 fl oz

1 cup of sugar (I used half)

1/2 tsp of salt

4  tsp of pumpkin pie spice

1 package of yellow cake mix (I used spiced cake)

3/4 cup of butter (melted)

1 cup of chopped walnuts

1/2 tsp vanilla

Graham cracker crust pie (pre-made optional)

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease one 9 x 13 inch pan (preferably metal).  (I used a pyrex glass pie plate)

Step 2

In a large bowl, combine pumpkin, evaporated milk, eggs, sugar, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix well. Pour batter into the prepared pan.

Step 3

Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the pumpkin mixture. Melt the butter or margarine, and drizzle it over the cake mix. Sprinkle walnuts over the top.

Step 4

Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until done.

Dollhouse Miniatures Do What You Love

 

In this video you will see the before and after of my Buttercup kit house. I changed up the living room and bedroom of this charming little cottage towards a Christmas Winter Theme.

  Often times we forget the little things that bring us joy. I have been lovingly curating Dollhouse Miniatures 34 years. It all began at age 16 when I visited Franks Nursey that no longer is around. They had pre-built dollhouse's on display along with dollhouse kits, accessories, and more. Their dollhouse section was clearing out from its store. I jumped at the chance to buy my 1st dollhouse at age 16 with the money I had saved from doing odd jobs here and there. 

                                  This is my 1st Dollhouse that began my life long hobby.

  I remember the excitement of it all very clearly. I teeter tottered the huge dollhouse on top of a shopping cart. I had a small 2 door car. As I struggled to make it fit I tried every which way to make it happen ..at lass it didn't. I felt defeated. 

 I had to ask a friend with a SUV to help. He came and helped me load it into his vehicle and get home. This is when my life long love began for dollhouse miniatures. 

  As time passed and seasons changed in my life so did my ability to enjoy my hobby. There were  times I had to put them away for what felt like years while I worked full time and had children.

 Just within these past few years. I have been able to re-discover them once again. The peace of mind and relaxation I get from them is wonderful. 

Note: We moved around alot. Each move proved loss's of broken miniatures and houses. Basement floods that had even more loss's than I care to think about. The artisan hand made pieces are bitter sweet loss's to say the least. This still did not douse my fire and enthusiasm for my hobby.