Hello, my name is Ana I'm a wife and mother. I'm always looking for ways to better myself and my family. I love crafts especially Dollhouse Miniatures in 1:12 scale, fashion (Plus size), cooking, reading, jewelry making, and boating. You can easily find me on the hunt for treasures at thrift stores and deals at the Dollar Tree. We are a 1 income home our budget is tight.
Today, at the Dollar Tree I was able to find the Duncan Hines Perfect Size for 1 Value Pack 10 individual packages. These normally are price at the Walmart 5.48 per package. I paid $1.00 each and bought 4. A savings of $17.92. These savings allow me to spend that money in other preps. Additionally, they only require 3 table spoons of water to cook. When we think of Prepping we think of Water, Food, Medicine, and a means of self defense. However, we often forget in high stress situations/lean times comfort foods/items will give you and those around a boost in morale. Comforts foods/items can be sweets, hearty stews, home made breads, coffee, wine just as an example. Give your Pantry and Food Supply a quick peek and see if you have any comfort foods/ or items you may need to add.
I bought several of these Jolly Time Yellow Pop Corn Kernel bags from the Dollar Tree. I want to save these for long term use. Corn Kernels are considered a Almost Forever Food. All you have to do is place them in a glass jar then keep them in a cool dry place. These Do Not Need Oxygen Absorber(s). They need to retain their moisture in order to pop. Oxygen absorbers will deplete their moisture and will make them only good for home decor. I like to re-use glass jars I have saved from sauces, salad dressings, pickles, jelly jars, etc.. These are very useful and economical for long term storage. Make sure they are clean and dry. Glass jars work great for pop corn kernels, rice, salt, sugar, pasta, and the list goes on and on.
How to cook these corn kernels. Personally, I found a Whirley Popper in a thrift store several months ago in like new condition. This will work great with my Popcorn Kernels you add different flavors/spices to customize your treat. There are several other ways to cook these up. Here is a link to the Pioneer Woman and her secrets to popping corn
I can recall visiting my grandmother and seeing her sewing machine in the small room. There would be projects and a basket sitting beside it.
Sewing was common place. I came to visit at age 5 and seeing a small stack of fabric for a simple project on her dining room table and next to that a cookie tin. As soon as I saw that cookie tin I knew I was in for such a treat. I struggled to pop open the lid to only find sewing supplies.
I knew from then on that I would not be having any Butter Cookies when I saw that tin. Although, I was a bit disappointed I forged through that tin with such curiosity. Trying to figure out what these small tools where meant for. I ran my fingers against the thread and zippers taken off of old clothing turned to rags. I shook a small container that held random buttons some of metal, ornate, simple, big/small, and shapes that delighted my eye's. I felt like found treasure. I can remember seeing prices of $.10 cents or $.25 cents for buttons, threads, notions. They cost so much more now.
The Lost Art of Sewing and Basics My mother was not a sewer nor do I ever recall her mending anything. My first lessons where watching my grandmother. Later in life middle school to be exact I learned sewing in Home
Economics. I learned to cook, sew, budget, balance a check book, and shop for food on a budget while in class. My first project was a tan cotton bag with handles. I was terribly proud of it although it was a bit lop sided. I made it myself and that's all that mattered. It was a wonderful class for life basics. Sadly, many schools don't have it within their curriculum's any more.I feel a lot of us myself included have forgotten to pass on these simple lessons that mean so much when our children leave the nest to live on their own successfully. Learning to budget, cook, clean, and repair instead buying something new. Making do with what you have or getting creative with food in the pantry for meals on a budget. Lets encourage our children, grand children, and the community to embrace these basic life skills. Planting to seed for pride in ability, responsibility, and frugality.
Looking at the information above provided by the U.S. Census. It easy to see that America is a consuming country. A throw away mentality. If something breaks just buy another why even try to take the time to fix. When is the last time you went to a Shoe Repair/Cobbler or Vacuum Repair. Its a sad way to live when people do not appreciate nor value the goods they own or buy. A false sense of security has been built. We shop and visually feel secure of the abundant supplies of food and product that we reach for when shopping. Never truly fearing a day that the shelf may be empty at the store. What should we be concerned about? These tariffs will not be paid by the companies bringing over the product. We the consumers will pay the cost so who really is hurting here. The average American consumer will be hurt. Its effects will be felt in every purchase we make or no longer will be able to afford. Do not be surprised if the items you normally reach for are higher in price or simply no longer available. The increase will take a hit on our budgets. This will decrease the amount of money we normally have to allocate on bills, electric, heat, food, medicine, doctors, car payments, insurance, mortgage, rent and the list goes on. The unseen victims American farmers that are struggling with already ruined crops and financial loss's. They are going to get another blow to their business and families lives. The effects of the crop loss's are felt around the world with unusual weather causing crop devastation. Prepping will be vital for all our regular needs. Focus on the important things and set aside money to get your home and family in a better place for food, medicine, and all your normal needs.
Today, I bought Dollar Tree items and did a comparison with prices at Walmart. The savings are incredible. The money I saved allowed me to make a purchase of Augason Farms long term food that was on sale. I also noted that Walmart prices in a particular have risen in just a matter of a few weeks. This is a sound of alarm and concern. I hope you all make mental notes or have a binder/folder keeping track of your purchases location and price. This will help you make better purchasing decisions and keep track of whats happening in the economy.
As most of us know the Big Box stores will steadily raise prices in small increments so its not such a big sticker shock. I knew this would occur with everything that is happening around the world with the Farmers and the effects of the weather. Food has declined in production due to harvest devastation. Gas prices have risen already hand in hand with the food prices. Its a cycle that cannot be helped but must be noted and acknowledged. I hope you all are taking the time to get ready with Water, Food, Medicine, and all your others needs. These small steps in preparation will be a blessings for days ahead when times are hard.
This Clip above is from War of the Worlds and the Effects of an EMP (Electro Magnetic Pulse)
An EMP is a difficult event to understand since this can happen either by the Sun or Man. In either case we will lose alot of modern day conveniences. Example:
-No Light
-No Phone
-No Vehicles will work
-No Water
-No Clocks/Watches
-No Cooking/Microwave/Refrigerator
-No Computer
-No Heating
-No Cooling
-No Generators
-No leaving your immediate area unless on foot
-No Sump Pumps working
-No Batteries will work
Possible Scenarios:
Planes, Helicopters, and Space Satellites, fall from the sky. Boats,Transporters, Cruise Ships stop working in the Oceans/Seas. No communication for help or ability to get it.
No working fire trucks, ambulance, or emergency assistance. No immediate law enforcement to help.
Nuclear Power Plants cannot cool themselves and fail!
No Medicine that requires cooling
No Bridges can rise or go back down (if caught in open position)
The list go's on and on
Now is the time to Plan. Practice 1 or 2 days of no electricity in your homes. How would you use your supplies. Do you have enough water? The water will not be working. Do you have a way to cook/heat food. Is it hot or cold outside? How will you deal with cold weather? What foods do you have on the ready for easy consumption/cooking. Do you have back up light source (candles/oil lamps). Do you have enough lighters/matches. Have you thought of the bathroom Baby Wipes for cleaning (many options). Cleaning soiled clothes, First Aid Kit, Medicines. Do you have a place close buy to forage fruit trees. Do you have a garden use it and beware that others may help themselves. Does your library have books on natural healing, cooking, first aid, medicines, and more. Keeping your home clean is very important it will reduce the chance of illness/disease. The list goes on and on....
Keeping yourself busy will help if its cold outside. Keeping children busy and occupied will be best.
Thinking ahead of time for meals, weather, and anything your home may need to get by and getting it done as soon as you can.
Wood stoves and fireplaces will be your heating source and cooking area. If yo have neither think of what options are out there. I just wanted to give you all a bit of food for thought. I know I haven't covered everything but I wanted to plant the seed.
10 [a]A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands. 14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. 15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. 16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. 19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 31 Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
This is a simple front door Basket of Blooms I wanted to share from the Gooseberry Patch Book titled all through the Seasons recipes & crafts (Collectors Edition).
Choose a wire basket made to hang on a door. Line the basket with Spanish moss,then fill it with potting soil. Following the planting instructions for your climate, fill the basket with your favorite spring bulbs. Now, keep it watered...before you know it you'll have springtime color that will brighten your home.
When looking at emergency situations and events there are several things to consider. #1 You need Water!!!!! You cannot survive without water. Now, that water is out of the way. Lets dive in.
Dry Goods Pro's -They can last a long time if properly stored -They can give you energyand nutrition you will need -You can store alot without to much for spoilage -You can buy them now at a reasonable price. -You can trade for other goods Con's -You need water hydrate -They need time to hydrate -They need time to cook -They may need Spices -You will use more of your cooking heat source to cook wood,propane, or gas -You may suffer food fatigue -You can't eat it raw Canned Goods Cons: Canned goods have a shorter life span compared to dry goods. If not used within a reasonable amount of time they can be comprised (look below Can Safety). You need a can opener. Pros: Most canned goods need no water. If your stressed out and can't get yourself together. Canned goods will be your friend. They can provide a quick way to eat and not use alot of your heat sources. Some canned foods can be consumed with no heat. Canned goods provide a different flavors that may help in a high stress situation and provide a form or normalcy.
Having a variety of canned goods is important. Now, remember canned goods with high acidity have a shorter shelf life (tomato sauce, canned fruits, pasta sauces). You will need to consider your families likes and needs. We have canned soups (various), beans, chicken, spam, corned beef hash etc.. I like to have foods that are pre-seasoned (canned) so that's less step to think about.
Can Food Safety! All cans have a best by date here in the USA. These are a date provided by the food manufacturer to guarantee taste and nutritional value. Canned foods last well past their best by dates. I have consumed canned goods 2 years past the best by date. They were just fine. Remember to rotate your supply of food using the oldest first. Important: If your can is Bulging Throw it Away! If your can doesn't sit evenly Throw it Away! If your can is rusting Throw it Away! If the can is leaking Throw it Away! If the air tight seal is gone Throw it Away! If your can has none of these possible issues open it look at it and smell it does it pass your visual, smell and taste test. Then your good to go.
Tip: in a Emergency situation use and keep all fluids that maybe normally drained from your cans to use for preparation of meals to lesson the use of your limited water. My Personal Opinion: I feel its important to have both dry and canned goods as they both serve a purpose in different situations and life needs.
I bought this Science for Kids kit from the Dollar Tree for $1.00. They normally bring them out during the warm months of the year. The kit contains instructions and the gel ball pack (sealed). The instructions are easy place in a container add water and watch them grow. I added a little over a cup of water and it took 30 minutes for them to get to the full size. I wanted to do this and see the difference from a Amazon Gel Ball kit I bought year ago and I can honestly say that these are just the same but cheaper. Check out the video for the short review. The enjoyed the size, colors, and consistency of the gel. Would I buy these again Yes! This would be a fun thing to do during the summer, trips, sleep overs, and picnics bring them in a zip lock baggy and let them play. If you squeeze them hard they will will turn to mush that is part of the fun for kiddos too.
These are the items used: kit, kitchen towel, scissors, glass measuring cup, and a little over 1 cup of water into the measuring cup.
This is the sealed package containing the 100 gel balls.
This is what the gel balls look like dry inside the measuring cup.
After 25-30 minutes all the water has been used to form the 100 gel balls featured below the colors are vibrant and fun.
I saw this on the Victorian Trading Co. Blog. Victorian Trading Co. is a online store which I buy from and they have nice craft projects on their Blog. I saw this posted and wanted to share. I hope you enjoy finding your magical name.
March 11, 2018, I posted a quick Dollar Tree DIY for a Easter Egg Wreath. I wanted to re-post it here for all to enjoy. This was a quick and easy DIY. This can be found on my DIY Playlist as well on my channel Youtube. I really enjoyed the the beautiful glittered pastel colors. I did note in the video to hot glue the eggs on the sides to one another for a more secure display. My wreath is still in great shape. I am planning on sharing a few easy DIYs for Easter and Home soon. Items Needed: Hot Glue Gun Glue Sticks Wreath (of your liking) Eggs from the Dollar Tree (your choice)
January, I presented myself with a challenge of sorts. I wanted to up cycle some clothes that didn't fit correctly, unflattering, or a bit damaged. I wanted to keep items with good fabrics, color, and condition to re-create a new looks. I still have not started..... What am I afraid of? I had not started my projects and they sit in a pile staring at me. What is holding me back? I am not afraid of the fabric or messing it up.... well maybe a little. I am afraid of failing. I see I will need to push through this feeling and just start 1 project from start to finish. I will pick something simple. I already did my bedroom curtains which I lined with the white cotton center of a queen size bed ruffle. The thick tapestry ruffle left over will be valences for my home.
So, this week I am pushing myself out of my comfort zone to create something more personalized for me. Something Unique and Different. I will share on my channel what I am going to do and steps I will take to make it happen. I will start and finish this regardless of how good or bad it may look,lol. Wish me luck!!! Anything I cannot capture on a video I will post photos here on my Blog.
Thanks to Becky Smith from North Canton, Ohio, for sharing this recipe!
1/4 c. butter 1/3 c. sugar 1 egg, beaten 2 c. all-purpose flour 4 t. baking powder 1/8 t. salt 1 c. skim milk 2 t. vanilla extract 3-3/4 c. strawberries, hulled and sliced Garnish: light whipped topping, powdered sugar
In a large bowl, blend together butter and sugar. Add egg; mix well. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking powder and salt. Add flour mixture to butter mixture alternately with milk. Stir in vanilla. Spread batter in a greased 9"x13" baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. Cool; cut shortcake into squares and split. Place bottom layers of shortbread squares on dessert plates. Top with strawberries. Add whipped topping if desired. Add shortcake tops and more berries. Add more topping if desired. Makes 12 servings.
Nutrition Per Serving: 163 calories, 5g fat, 3g sat fat, 26mg cholesterol, 203mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate, 2g fiber, 9 sugars, 4g protein Exchanges: 1 starch; ½ fruit; 1 fat; ½ other carbohydrate
I was going through Pinterest this fine morning and came across a few items that I thought were food for thought. The first photo above shows a wonderful way of growing your own herbs inside. Beside is a short list of common herbs found in our kitchens that can provide healing properties. Most of us forget the ways of our ancestors and natural healing. Embracing the old to become the new of our everyday.
Lastly, I wanted to share this leaf identification. This is information most should know. I plead guilty I do not nor my children. My husband is another story he can identify alot of trees and leaves. In this day and age most young people and children cannot identify a indigenous plant,tree, birds, or animals for their immediate area or state. But these young people and children can identify clothing and shoe logos for hundreds of manufacturers. Times have changed but not in a good way the basic knowledge of our ancestors needs to embraced and re-introduced to our young people, children, and grand children.
Lets, talk about quick easy and cheap food options. Alot of families are struggling right and will be in the future. Although, these may not be the most nutritious choice's out there this will provide full tummies. Always look for Sales, Coupon, Cash Back (offers), Rebates, and don't be afraid or prideful and visit a food bank. They are there to help. When you get back on your feet give back with either your time or food. Cheap Foods List: Oatmeal Rice Pasta (Many Kinds) Pasta Sauce Top Ramen (change up the sauce, meat, or make into a cold salad) Eggs Beans (dried or canned) Bread Peanut Butter Jelly Cheese (grilled cheese sandwiches) Hot Dogs Canned Soups/Veggies Tortillas (Eggs, Lunch Meats, Rice/Cheese, Meats(Wraps) Pancake Mix Syrup (on sale or Dollar Tree) Lastly, lets not overlook spices. Spices can elevate your meals to whole other level of enjoyment and satisfaction. Tip:
1. Canned Chili will serve well with Hot Dogs also on Baked Potatoes, or inside a fajita wrap with rice/cheese
Sale Only items:
Potatoes Apples, Grapes, Bananas, Carrots, Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, Lemons, Pineapple, Leaks,etc.... (Apples can be made with Peanut Butter as a treat). Save Gas run all errands on 1 trip. You will need to organize yourself, coupons, list for a effective day.
There are a ton of recipes online,library, and in books you may have in your library at home. Its time to open them up and make something new with what you have at home.
Here are a few of my video's that I have posted on my Dollhouse Miniature Hobby in the past you may not have seen. I will be posting new ones soon. Enjoy This is a Tour of 1 of my Dollhouses: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UZwPqB9T04 This is a Lace Bed Tutorial DIY: https://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&video_id=XWrcSpHqehk 2 Room Tour of My Pink Cottage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BsirQNoCVd8 DIY Bench Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOeodKYExRU
Today, has been a interesting day. As you know my word for the year is Home. I decided to start in my kitchen. The kitchen is a area where most families cook, eat,share meals but also hang out. My kitchen has been a bit of a struggle for me I will admit. So, today I challenged myself to clear certain areas that were cluttered. As I went through the different sections I felt a sense of freedom, calm, and happiness. I threw away a box of items. Recycled another box and changed/stored certain items in their new homes. My kitchen is rather large so this will be a challenge lasting about 1 week. Lets break down what I accomplished so far: 1. Cleared the clutter on the floor behind a chair(it was alot). 2. Scrubbed the wall, trim, and 2 doors in the kitchen. 3. Cleared all items off the large ottoman and placed a blanket to cover the fabric that has seen better days. This also is a storage unit. 4. Moved all my soap making supplies (melt and pour, molds, cutters, shea butter, scrubs, and essential oils to a new home). 5. Placed all my various Honey's that I have into a large basket for easier access/use. 6. Washed Dishes by hand and put them away 7. Cleaned the lint trap of Dryer with Vacuum. 8. Placed all loose Emergency items into a box to find a home later this week. 9. Bagged up all the children books and toys. 10. Swept the Kitchen Floor then vacuumed. 11. Pile of Magazines went through them and recycled after tearing out what I wanted to keep. 12. Table Cloth threw away plastic flannel back cloth that had seen better days with a fresh Red Plaid Cotton table cloth. 13. Took down Christmas items from the kitchen into container 14. Placed vacuum sealed cereal into plastic zip lock large bags for storing (bought these from Dollar Tree). 15. Cleared the front of the refrigerator and top.
and of course in between this cooking,watching the kiddos, approving comments, and watching netflix as I cleaned,lol. I still have a long way to go to complete the kitchen project. I hope you all are taking active steps towards your goals.
The average family was not well off. They would live in a 1 room house with no separate bedrooms, kitchen, or closets. All the family activities where typically around the homes fireplace. As homes were cold and drafty most did all their activities during the cold season by candle light and wood fire. The average family had a small fire place that was badly designed and most of the heat would escape. The fire place served as the kitchen too. Some families with children would create a loft with wooden ladder for children to sleep in. One of the ways they kept warm were sleeping side by side (body heat). They kept all their clothing on no matter of cleanliness. Also, the heat rising from the fire place would help. The parents would sleep below to keep an eye on the fire and keep it going. This would provide a bit of privacy for the parents as well. The examples above is a typical home found in the USA. There are many different kinds of homes depending on your families financial status.
Other ways people kept warm were by keeping busy. Daily chores would not only provide task completion but warmth by moving the body. At night to help warm their beds stones or coals placed inside linens or bed warmers (see below) were used. These were used between sheets and blankets. Average home would have many homemade quilts and blankets that would be piled up on top of one another for warmth at night.
Clothing and hygiene was different during those times as well. The average person would not bathe weeks, months or just 1/2 times a year. Which did not help with illness and disease.
The clothing of the average family or working person was made for functionality. It would serve for warmth during the cold but not comfort or fashion. The outer layer of clothing would be made of wool (typically itchy) underneath the linen would help with the scratchiness of the wool. The linen fabric would serve as a layering piece as well. Most of the time these where not washed or removed for extended periods of time. It was said they believe the smoke/peat from fires would act as a deodorizer for clothing worn. So, it would not be surprising if most smelled of smokey clothing and body odor.
Coats consisted of wool and animal skins. Hoods and smaller interior hats of linen would keep the head and body warm. Coats/Capes where typically made of wool and animal skins. Hunters would have leather (animal skin) pants and jackets that would be worn during all kinds of seasons. These would keep skin dry from snow and rain. They also wore mittens during those times made of leather or wool.
I like to have foods that are pre-seasoned (canned) so that's less step to think about. 
They normally bring them out during the warm months of the year. The kit contains instructions and the gel ball pack (sealed). The instructions are easy place in a container add water and watch them grow. I added a little over a cup of water and it took 30 minutes for them to get to the full size. I wanted to do this and see the difference from a Amazon Gel Ball kit I bought year ago and I can honestly say that these are just the same but cheaper. 
I was going through Pinterest this fine morning and came across a few items that I thought were food for thought. The first photo above shows a wonderful way of growing your own herbs inside. Beside is a short list of common herbs found in our kitchens that can provide healing properties. Most of us forget the ways of our ancestors and natural healing. 
Rice
Potatoes Apples, Grapes, Bananas, Carrots, Lettuce, Spinach, Kale, Lemons, Pineapple, Leaks,etc....
My kitchen has been a bit of a struggle for me I will admit. So, today I challenged myself to clear certain areas that were cluttered. As I went through the different sections I felt a sense of freedom, calm, and happiness. I threw away a box of items. Recycled another box and changed/stored certain items in their new homes. My kitchen is rather large so this will be a challenge lasting about 1 week. Lets break down what I accomplished so far:
The average family was not well off. They would live in a 1 room house with no separate bedrooms, kitchen, or closets. All the family activities where typically around the homes fireplace. As homes were cold and drafty most did all their activities during the cold season by candle light and wood fire. The average family had a small fire place that was badly designed and most of the heat would escape. The fire place served as the kitchen too. Some families with children would create a loft with wooden ladder for children to sleep in. One of the ways they kept warm were sleeping side by side (body heat). They kept all their clothing on no matter of cleanliness. Also, the heat rising from the fire place would help. The parents would sleep below to keep an eye on the fire and keep it going. This would provide a bit of privacy for the parents as well. The examples above is a typical home found in the USA. There are many different kinds of homes depending on your families financial status. 
