Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Tariff Wars Are Affecting What You Can Get! Canned Food Shortage!!!!!

 

Food shortages


No ones ever thinks of Aluminum/Tin and its daily use in our lives. The lack of it can effect the ability for our families to eat, function, or get around. Although, I have spoken of this on my youtube channel. I'm bringing it up again because the seriousness of the issue.

The Tin/Aluminum Shortage is acknowledged by the White House document listed below August 8, 2020 https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-adjusting-imports-aluminum-united-states-080620/ After, omitting Tariff to Canada for said product for 1 year. The White House decided to re-instate the tariff on Canada our largest Aluminum provider. This makes no sense at a time when we need it most to get goods to the people. Canada now in return has placed 2.7 billion on USA goods via tariffs https://www.cnbc.com/2020/08/07/canada-to-impose-tariffs-on-2point7-billion-in-us-goods-after-trump-reignites-trade-feud.html

All this is happening at the worse of times for our country and people. Knowing this I urge you to Prep and buy extra canned goods your family. A couple of cans here and there add up quickly. Please fortify your homes. Below you will see a small example of uses for aluminum and information on it.

 Aluminium is used in a huge variety of products including cans (food, drinks), foils, kitchen utensils, window frames, pots and pans, beer kegs cars, car parts, and air plane parts. CDs refrigerators, kitchenware, electric power lines, packaging for food and medicine, computers, furniture,  bike frames, ladders, mail boxes, staples, nails, computer parts, golf clubs, sinks, faucets, screen door and window frames, patio furniture, pots, pans, gates, fencing, and car rims and so much more!

Advantages of Aluminium
  • Aluminium is an extremely versatile metal with a number of advantages, it is recognized for being both lightweight and flexible. ...
  • Light Weight. ...
  • Corrosion Resistance. ...
  • Electrical and Thermal Conductivity. ...
  • Reflectivity and Ductility. ...
  • Odorless and Impermeable. ...
  • Recycle-ability. ...


Wednesday, August 12, 2020

Real Facts Dry Foods vs Canned Our New Norm


Hello Friends,

It's been a while. There has been so much happening within the past few months. Never in my wildest imagination did I expect to see America in state it's in. Covid-19 has swooped down and taken many lives. It shut down our country with stay in shelter orders. Food and product limitations. Face mask requirements for any daily outing. Home schooling. Loss of jobs and business's. It has many homeless or struggling. Those touched by Covid-19 may struggle with new health conditions. 

The world around us suffers from the same. Many countries have experienced catastrophic weather events that has decimated crops. Countries are trying to outbid one another for what crops are available. Our economy is in a downward spiral. We have a tin shortage (canned food). We have a food shortage that most Americans want to continue to deny. We have a medicine shortage because China is a main supplier. The USA is dependent on so many other countries for goods/foods/equipment/machinery/services. 

What can we do? PREPARE Here is an article I felt needed to be repeated that I wrote on last year:

Real Facts Dry Foods vs Canned in a Emergency

Dry Goods vs Canned Friend or Foe


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 energy and 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.


Friday, July 3, 2020

Growing Food What Worked And What Didn't

I have never had a green thumb. This is all new to me. I'm not sure what kept me from trying before...maybe failure. But how can I experience failure without trying first. So, I stepped up and planted some seeds.


Who knew that Squirrels dig and eat seeds. I didn't but I learned quickly when none of my seeds grew.  One morning looking out my window with a daunted look on my face. What am I doing wrong? 
I watched a fuzzy grey squirrel dig through the soil and eat the remaining seeds he hadn't found. I was dumb founded how could this be dont they eat nuts or something,lol. 

Now, I have answers. I am not a failure but a victim of a cute furry squirrel eating his morning meal. I had to think of a new strategy. After speaking with my husband we decided to get a few plants that just started to grow in starter pots from the stores. This little furry squirrel wasn't going to beat me. My husband chose a few and came home to see if they would survive our new house guest.
Some of them didn't make it with the high heat and but a few did! 

Although, the pictures below are not from my garden if you want to call it that. It's a bit to hot outside for me this morning and dealing with my Hot Flash's they don't go hand in hand (Big Smiles). I promise to share real time pictures soon.

Rosemary: its so fragrant we are using to cook with its wonderful. The plant is doing well. The rosemary tasted so much better than the kind from the store. Fresh picked is amazing! 




Cucumbers: they are just starting to come around. I am happy to see the progress. I will share better pictures later. When I water them by hand their furry prickly skin is uncomfortable when grazed. I try to get to the roots and move the yellow flowered long green leaves that lay sprawling and low to the ground. Although, a short uncomfortable visit for watering they will pay off at our dinner table.



Lastly, our tomatoes they are just coming in and need to moved to a better location. A project for the hubby this weekend (wink wink). Ours are still green but they are a joy to see!



I did print out the schedule for my area for planting times and types that grow the best. I need to make a binder and place it inside for future reference. I hope you all enjoyed your short visit to my new adventures. I'm am far from being a farmer. But I tell ya it feels good!

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Homemaking and Life



Hello Friends,

Our new norm maybe a real wake up call for families. Many are working from home, teaching/home schooling, constant interactions, cooking, cleaning, budgeting, and making sense of it all. 

Many families that normally do not see each other much now interact all day long. Children look to you for attention, love, schooling, and understanding. While you still need to cook, clean, home school, organize, work, and so much more. 

I encourage you to embrace these changes with love and patience. 
Let this be a beautiful time for you and the family. Let your voice be gentle and words kind. Let love be the word everyday. Picture God and Jesus sitting in the room with you watching your interactions with your family. Being proud of your love and guidance during difficult times. Taking a time out when you want to yell/scream or curse. Say a prayer and re-group breathe and keep calm. It makes a real difference in the day. Less stress and a happy environment. 

Many families incomes have come to a halt. Now, they are struggling with making ends meet or even putting food on their tables. You see the short comings of your pantry and home needs.
You have a clearer picture of what you really need to have when you cant get it.

This is the time to take note of your experience and what your family needs and your plan how to get it. Pulling together with family, friends, community, food centers, church pantries, and school lunch distribution location. Figuring out how your family will eat, keep warm/cool, shelter, medicine, clothes, electricity, utilities, cell phone, cable/internet, car notes, and insurance (medical/car) and more.  Looking at your real needs and getting rid of non-essentials (bills). 

There are ways to get help:
Unemployment
Food Stamps (Snap)
Medicaid (Medical)
Food Pantries
Church Pantries
Social Service's Programs
Many States have instituted No Evictions for Rentals/Mortgagee's
(Some States do not have to Pay Rent/Mortgage During the State of Emergency)
Stimulas Money: Buy Food
Selling Your Items You Do Not Use/Need
Grow Food
Barter with Neighbors/Friends
Coupons/Ibotta and other Apps/Youtube Couponers for deals/rebates

Note: when you dont Pay Rent/Mortgage: These payments may become a lump sum due as soon as the 
State of the Emergency is Over. You could be quickly Evicted. There are no clear rules of how those affected would proceed with monies due when everything gets back to normal. Something to think about and work out with your Landlords/Mortgage Companies.

Covid-19 will be here for a long time and it will have its ups and downs on infection rates. We may have another Stay At Home Order during the Winter Season. If so would you/family be able to eat, keep warm, and have shelter. Think about these things now! 

I pray that you all are embracing these changes and settling in.  A hug, smile, and gentle words create beautiful memories during hard times.  









Wednesday, May 6, 2020

FOOD SHORTAGES START PREPPING NOW! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?


Hello Friends I know it's been a while. Covid-19 along with all the new rules, school, store, business closures have taken a toll on me and my new norm. I feel a bit more balanced now. I want to  reach out to all of you about the Food Shortages not only here in the USA but around the world. Our economy is on the brink of collapse. We will be looking at a Great Depression and Hyper Inflation. Where normal food and product may become so expensive we will not be able to afford it. Prep your homes and pantries now!!! While product and prices are still attainable.  

When we first found out there was going to be a stay at home order there was a run on all food stores. Shelves where cleared of many staples. Here is a list of items that where difficult to find in my area and continue to be for certain items:

Toilet Paper
Facial Tissue
Hand Sanitizer
Lysol or Clorox Wipes
Disinfectant Spray
Rubbing Alcohol 90%
Aloe Vera
Face Mask's
Gloves
Large/Small Bags of Rice
Large/Small Bags of Dried Beans
Canned Goods
Pasta (varies kinds)
Eggs
Milk
Bottled Water
Emergency Freeze Dried Foods
Medicine various kinds
Prescription Drugs (most main components come from China)
Meat (Shortage Current)

Does your list have something different? Please share down below.
All these where items that I had great difficulty in obtaining even prior to all the business shutting down except for Essential Stores. 
Although, shopping is difficult with limits at almost every store some varying from 2/4 of each item or just 1. Currently, we are facing a shortage for meat and its by products like milk/eggs/butter.  

I encourage you all to make a list of items/food your pantry needs and keep it with you for easy reference when shopping. Build up your food supply have several weeks to months worth of goods. You see how quickly things can change from having a job and being able to live a normal life. To the complete opposite trying to figure out how to get food, pay bills, keep your home/apt/rental.
How to keep the heat, ac, lights on! This is just a glimpse of things to come. 


Thursday, March 26, 2020

Countries Hoarding Food and Supplies


   I was reading and came across some very disturbing articles of what countries are doing with their food supply. Please take the time to read a few (listed below) and get ready to prepare your homes, pantries, cold cellars. We will not be receiving the normal imports of food like we used to. You can see the effects already with bare shelves. This will not resolve itself any time soon. We are looking at food shortages and depression (economic). As well Convid19 will come back during the winter time with a vengeance. Please prepare your homes so you will not have to be out with those that are not prepared. Slow and steady buying a little extra here and there will make a big difference in your pantries. Many shoppers experienced frustrated people that were angry and physically violent. 

Consider growing your own food. Learn simple recipes and write them down for reference in case there is no internet. Learn to cook simple meals. Challenge yourself to mend/sew coats, clothing, and home items. Recycle old fabric, clothing, pillows, comforters/sheets/blankets make them into something new. Challenge yourself to Learn a New Skill that will help you and family. Countries Starting to Hoard Food, Threatening Global Trade

Bloomberg:
Countries are Starting to Hoard Food Threatening Global Trade
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-03-24/countries-are-starting-to-hoard-food-threatening-global-trade

Bloomberg videos:
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2020-03-25/governments-try-to-curb-food-hoarding-video

Feed and Grain
http://www.feedandgrain.com/news/countries-starting-to-hoard-food-threaten-global-trade


Monday, March 23, 2020

What am I sick with?

 I just saw this posted on wtop.com and I wanted to share it with you all. 


how coronavirus compares to other illnesses

Saturday, March 21, 2020

Vanilla Depression Era Cake No Eggs No Milk No Butter

Vanilla Depression Cake Recipe

Good morning friends. I want to begin sharing recipes I have found through recipe books and on-line. I encourage you to visit the site below to see hints and tips on the comment section and other great recipes that can be found. 
Site Name:  Premeditated Leftovers
https://premeditatedleftovers.com/recipes-cooking-tips/vanilla-depression-cake/

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour*
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons oil
  • 2 cups water
Directions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease 2 – 9 inch round cake pans.
  2. Add the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt to a large bowl.
  3. Add the water, oil, vinegar, and vanilla. Mix with a whisk until well-blended. Do not overbeat. It will still turn out even if there are a few small lumps.
  4. Divide the batter between the 2 greased cake pans.
  5. Bake on a middle rack of oven for 35 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.


Saturday, February 29, 2020

It Started!!!! The Run on Food!!!!

Panic has set in my friends. Yesterday, I decided to stay home because my back hurt. Although, I still had a list of things to buy for my pantry. I read a article online that titled A Run On Food and Empty Shelves. The article shared how lack of imports for food/product that in turn (empty shelves) would cause prices to rise due to the effects of the Coronavirus and Economy.


I immediately cringed knowing that my simple tasks for getting supplies will no longer be simple. I knew that people who are unprepared would panic and flood the stores. That is exactly what took place where my sister lives in Virginia. Her Walmart was a scene from Christmas Time (Shoppers) x10!!!!! The shoppers were loading up on shelf stable foods (canned, cereal, bars) etc. It was so bad that they left quickly do to the overwhelming amount of people wanting the same thing FOOD!

I am blessed because I have been prepping for a while now so I am not experiencing the panic as others. I reached out to my family expressing a warning for them to prep for their families needs well before this time.. It fell on deaf ears. Now, they are experiencing the reality of a Food Run with possible shortages. Let's top it off with a Quarantine and Economic Collapse! The true test of preparedness. I wonder if they really thought things through when making purchases. Did they cover their needs:
1. Water
2. Food
3. Medicine
4. Seasonal Needs (generator/gas/camp stoves/propane)etc.
5. Cash on hand in case a bank holiday

USA thinking it's untouchable to anything from a lack of food, virus, bank runs, and economic collapse. It's all happening at once. 

I truly feel we are in times of judgement. I pray that all of you have a strong relationship with God to get you through the hard times ahead. Read your Bibles and strengthen your spiritual armor.  

It's still not to late to get what you and your families need. Remember if your family is struggling go to Food Banks and get Food Stamps. It's there for a reason no family should ever go hungry. 


Sunday, February 16, 2020

SHTF Knocking On Our Doors! What Are You Waiting For!!!!


In the past several weeks I have watched the numbers of those infected with the Coronavirus rise. I've seen truly heart wrenching videos. One particular of children who had passed ages no less than 4 years old and below. The bodies placed side by side in one body bag along with their coats/clothing. I cried, prayed, and prayed again. I am no stranger to these types of scenes as I was a Safety Defects Analyst and received fatalities reports from around the world for review, report, and investigation daily. But these scenes of these children with no parents around to comfort them. Surrounded by doctors in full dress for infection barely trying to touch them unless only out of necessity. I wonder if they had any comfort from a loved one to hold them and stroke them so they knew they were not alone. We know the answer No. That could happen here in the USA with our loved one and infected children. 

I've seen videos of people being forced into a mode of survival like non-before. Some of these videos are disturbing to say the least. I wish we could do more to help these people as our day here in the USA will come for us. 

The CDC (Center Disease Control) has clearly stated the USA will be affected and it's communities. Quarantines may become common place in the USA. The CDC stated the virus will be with us well past 2020. 

The DOD (Department of Defense) has already began to set up Quarantine Stations these are the ones we know of...I'm sure there are many more not being announced:
The new quarantine centers are:

  • JB Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii (HNL)
  • Great Lakes Training Center Navy Base, Illinois (ORD)
  • Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base, Texas (DFW)
  • March ARB, California (LAX)
  • Travis AFB, California (SFO)
  • Dobbins ARB, Georgia (ATL)
  • Fort Hamilton, New York (JFK)
  • Naval Base Kitsap, Washington (SEA)
  • Joint Base Anacostia, Washington DC (IAD)
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey (EWR)
  • Fort Custer Training Center, Michigan (DTW)
                                                      Graph above provided by Forbes.com

Articles are being written as I type of expected empty shelves do to lack of inventory Walmart, Target, Safeway, and the list goes on etc.. The articles are stating empty shelves or lack of supplies as early as April 2020. The USA leans so heavily for imports food/product from China and other countries is beyond comprehension. 

Graph above is provided by the balance.com

If imports don't pick up Food Prices will Rise. Get your pantry
stocked up now while the availability is there and prices are reasonable. 

I urge you to have several weeks if not months worth of water, food, and supplies you normally use. If your community is affected with Quarantine you/family will fair better. Now lets no stop there the economy is being shook up as well. So, play it safe have some money in small bills on hand in case things happen that are not the norm. I pray you all are investing in your in preps so that no matter what happens you and your family will be good. 


Tuesday, February 11, 2020

My Pantry Goals This Week

Having a list of items needed or goals for your Pantry is important.
Times will become hard and well all will lean on our Pantries much more than usual. Setting up some goals will help to build it up. Here is what I wanted to accomplish this week: 

1. Red Feather Butter (Repeat Purchase)
I have been wanting to order more Red Feather Butter this is from New Zealand. So, I saved my money and placed an order $164.00 for a case of 24 cans. These are not cheap but worth every single penny. Great for times when things are lean and butter can be pricey. The butter is real butter and taste just like Sweet Cream Butter but in a can that stays shelf stable till opened. I already have some in my pantry but wished to have more. Just received it yesterday. 

I ordered mine from Pleasant Hill Grain link is below:
https://pleasanthillgrain.com/red-feather-canned-butter-storable?_vsrefdom=gpshop&gclid=CjwKCAiAvonyBRB7EiwAadauqa13kAiYmlC13RVQSO5ZG0N26Yi0ub-GudpsagaQDGep24xhcRm8hxoCIEMQAvD_BwE

2. Augason Farms Flour 17lbs Buckets 2:
These have been on my list for a while. Flour can get very messy when transferring from packaging to long term buckets. So, my husband chose to order to 17lb pound buckets for our long term storage. I can make bread in a pinch. Its Winter and the weather is cold and perfect time to let them sit in the garage so the cold temps can kill eggs etc.. He bought them from Amazon. It has been recieved.

3. Canned Foods:
Now, this is a constant for me since we are a large family. Today, I visited for the 1st time Lidl. 

I was pleasantly surprised to see some good deals. I bought 6 cans of Lidl Premium Chunk 
Chicken Breast in water 12.5 oz for $1.55 each. These normally run for over $2.09 in other stores. Dates out to November 2022. Can shown is not Lidl brand but used for reference. 

Additionally, I bought 6 cans of Hearty Stew Beef 20oz (1lb 4oz) these are like Dinty Moore Stew but cheaper. The cost of these were $1.69 on sale normally $2.00. These all have dates out to October 2022. 
4. Butter:
We use Sweet Cream Butter Salted and Unsalted. I found them for a excellent price at Lidl as well $1.79 (4 Sticks 16oz). I bought 2 Salted and 2 unsalted. Picture below is for reference not Lidl Brand.
5. Bega Cheese (Canned): This is a Australian product therefore its been difficult to get now with the wild fires. I set up a pre-order via Pleasant Hill Grain so when it comes in I will get a case of 36 for $112.00. My family truly enjoys cheese. Cheese as well can be expensive. To have this in my pantry for my family during hard/leans times will mean a great deal. Estimated time now for arrival is 3/2020



Saturday, February 1, 2020

What exactly do you have?

       This is the time to see what you really have.
No matter what your pantry looks like it's important to take stock of what you have on hand. Food is a type of insurance that every family or individual should invest in. Check out my Article on Real Facts Canned verses Dry in a Emergency (Right side Bar) and how they have their place in certain kinds of situations like Coronavirus/Yellow Stone Super Volcano Eruption, Hurricane or Job Loss etc... 

America has grown very dependent on other countries like China for food and general products. The Coronavirus has taken a major toll on China it's people and companies. Thus taking an effect on the production and exports of goods to other countries. A little known fact is a vast amount of medicine and ingredients are provided and sent from China. We are looking at a possible shortage of medicine as well. We will feel the effects soon. 

This article was written in September 2019:
https://www.nbcnews.com/health/health-care/u-s-officials-worried-about-chinese-control-american-drug-supply-n1052376

This article was written on January 13, 2020
https://www.forbes.com/sites/sap/2020/01/13/prescription-drug-shortages-could-plague-the-2020s/#4c0271d22ff8

This article written January 15, 2020
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/drug-shortages

Alaska Prepper on Youtube shared a video on several major companies Augason Farms, Emergency Essentials, and Patriot Supply showing all the long term packages (1 year or more) are completely sold out. I have never in my many years of prepping seen this happen. 

Between the Coronavirus, Yellowstone Super Volcano, Economy, Food Reduction (Grand Solar Minimum) and general life events. We are facing more uncertainty than ever. Most Americans only have a few days worth of food in their homes. This number is a sad reality. I encourage everyone to work on your pantry's and have several weeks worth of food. After that work on more. 

Buy: Water
Buy Food: canned or long term
Grow your own Food (vegetables/fruit/herbs)
Canning Foods: this is not an option for everyone
Food Pantries: Church or general Food Pantry locations
in return volunteer your time
Recipes: Look for 5 ingredients or less
Cooking at home will save your money

Go to your local area's stores that have the best food deals. Look at the advertisement's, cut coupons, use apps (clipless coupons). Use apps that earn you money on certain buys. Like Ibotta, Fetch, Rakutan, and more. Look at videos on youtube for couponer's and how they worked their deals to help save you time and money. 

Don't buy food that you or your family will not regularly eat because it's on sale. It's important to have a pantry that makes sense for your family in real needs.  
No matter what your shelves look like it's important to see what you have verses what you need. Make a list and work towards them.





Friday, January 3, 2020

A New War with Iraq 2020?

The remains of a vehicle hit by missiles outside the Baghdad airport. The commander of Iran’s powerful Revolutionary Guards Corps, Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani, was killed.
Credit...Iraqi Prime Minister Press Office, via Associated Press

Alot has happened last night. A air strike took place in Iraq via USA. All Americans are urged to leave Iraq immediately. The attack will leave ripples of its effects on the USA and other countries. I'm thinking of our troops their families and children. This saddens me knowing what will happen next. Our Men and Women that serve our Country will be injured and killed in this kind of conflict. Lets all take time to Pray for our Country, Men, Women, and Children. 

See article below CNN Business by Paul R. La Monica. 

Gold, crude oil and other "fear trades" spike

Most stocks on Wall Street slumped this morning on the news of the US drone strike in Baghdad that killed Iranian general Qasem Soleimani. But investments that tend to do well during times when traders are nervous about geopolitical turmoil shot higher.
  • Gold rose more than 1% to about $1,555 an ounce.
  • Bitcoin surged 4% to $7,250.
  • The VIX, a volatility measure often dubbed Wall Street's fear gauge, was up 7%.
  • Crude oil prices rose nearly 4% to above $63 a barrel.
  • Dow oil stocks Exxon Mobil (XOM) and Chevron (CVX) were each trading higher.
  • Top defense stocks, including Lockheed Martin (LMT), Raytheon (RTN) and Northrop Grumman (NOC), were all up in early trading.
Meanwhile, the CNN Business Fear & Greed Index, which looks at seven indicators of market sentiment, plunged this morning after hitting a record high yesterday.
CNN Posted:

What you need to know

  • Iranian military leader killed: Qasem Soleimani, top general and one of the most powerful men in Iran, was killed in a drone strike at Baghdad airport early today. His deputy was also killed.
  • Trump ordered the strike: Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the airstrikes disrupted an "imminent attack" in the region that put American lives at risk.
  • Iran's response: Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vows for "harsh revenge."

Thursday, January 2, 2020

2020 Goals and Reflections


Hello Friends, 

Looking back at 2019 I can see where I can make positive changes. 

Spiritual:
I want to grow closer to God. I want a strong Spiritual Armor.

Family:
Slowing down and keeping up with traditions. Enjoying the small moments and celebrating them.
Changing my way of doing things at home so it can make more sense. Putting my children first before those dirty dishes that are not going any where. Letting the dust bunnies visit a little longer so I can play with my children encourage their growth and answer those million questions they have. 

Social Media:
I already closed down my Facebook account. I have Instagram but never post. I do read emails and spam alot of them that are time wasters. I want to focus on my Blog A Frugal Life Now and Youtube. 

Jobs:
As a full time homemaker and business owner. I see that I need to work on my other outlets of income. Everyone should have several streams of income. All Billionaires and Millionaires have their hands in more than one pot (several streams of income).

Health:
This I am already working on and see positive results. I want to make healthier life decisions in general. 

Prepping:
I want to continue learning and adding to my food storage with long term foods. I call them get it and forget it. You know it's there when you need it. Call it Food Insurance. 

Growing Food:
I have never had a green thumb in my life. This year my husband I want to grow food for our home. 

Reading and Crafting:
I want to read more books. I want to craft more and enjoy my hobbies.

Cooking:
I want to challenge myself to try new recipes. 

Donating:
I want to step up my game in donations. I believe in giving back to the community and the places I normally shop. I want everyone to find treasures just like I do.