Winterize Your Medicine Cabinet

 

This is the time to get your medicine cabinet ready for the winter weather and flu season. If you look at your supplies you can make a list of much needed items that are missing. This will vary according to every families needs.

I remember bundling up sick children having high fevers and diarrhea at 1 or 2 am looking for a 24 hour Pharmacy. Throw in a winter storm or other weather event and its a nightmare. You can prevent these kinds of scenarios. By simply planning ahead so you wont have to leave your home when you or someone in your house hold becomes sick. 

Throw in the strains of of job loss, inability to pay bills, inability to get food, or simply trying to keep a roof over your head. All these will take an effect on your health as well. Lowering your immune system. Stay ahead of the game.

Get fresh air, take long/short walks locally, sit in the sun for 15-20 minutes daily (wear sunscreen). Take your medicines and vitamins, exercise (according to your ability), and drink water. 

Here is a list of common items you may need:

Toilet Paper

Pain Relievers: (Adult/Children's) Pills, liquid, and body patches (for targeted areas).

Thermometer: takes temperature 

Face Masks: store bought or homemade

Tissue

Alcohol: Spray masks after use and let dry between washing (washables only)

Vitamins: Adults and Children

(Multi-Vitamin, C, D)

D is a common vitamin people are low on during the winter months. Due to lack of sun exposure.

Cold/Flu Medicine: Adult and Children (Your choice), Throat Lozenges, Throat Sprays, Vicks Vapo Rub, Humidifier

Stomach Issue': Adult and Children 

(Pepto Bismal etc)

Gatorade for rehydration

anti-diarrhea pills/liquid

Hemorrhoid treatments

wipes

First aid kit

Eye Care: your specific needs

Allergy Medicines Adult and Children's:

Benadryl, Allergy (Daily your choice), creams, 

Calamine lotion

Dizziness: Dramamine etc

Women's: cranberry pills, yeast infection treatments, UTI treatments, pads/tampons/cup, AZO

Oral Hygiene: 

Tooth Brushes, Tooth Paste, Mouth Wash, Floss, Oral Pain reliever (cankers sores etc..). mouth guard's. Peroxide for mouth and toothbrush cleaning

Foot Care: Powders, Cracked Heal treatment, Foot Fungi's sprays, epson salt.

Hand Wash/Soap/Anti-bacterial Gel/Liquid

Other: Ankle Sprain supports, knee leg, arm, hand etc.. Everyone 

Here is the Truth Food Bank Lines Miles Long

People standing in mile long lines to get food from Food Banks. Cars as far as the eye can see. They are packed with families in lines that go for miles. Waiting for their turn to get much needed food for their homes. Many are ashamed and unwilling to go to these places. Some unable to even leave their home from a disability. 

Our government cannot relate to the struggles of the average American. Many Americans refuse to acknowledge the problem themselves.... those that are lucky enough to still have a jobs. States are stacking food to the roofs of warehouses waiting for the impending rush when no food will be found in the stores. If there is no problem... why are States filling up warehouses of food. Competing with other states for the same products. The Department of Agriculture knows so does our President, Senate, and Congress. The untouchables. They would not go hungry while their constituents suffer. 

We need to prepare our homes to the best of our ability. Get a little here and there to build up food reserves and buy seeds. Buy the seeds for foods that your family would enjoy eating. Study the growing times in your state/area. There are lists available by states of the best plants to grow and when. Do a simple online search for your state. Lastly, become pro-active it won't happen magically over night. Everything takes time from food growing along with pantry prepping. If your working towards it your ahead of the pack. The average American family only has 1-3 days of food in their home.

Senior Officials Sound Alarm over Food Insecurity, Warning of Potentially ‘Biblical’ Famine, in Briefings to Security Council

https://www.un.org/press/en/2020/sc14164.doc.htm   April 21, 2020

Wisconsin Food Bank Warns: "We're Not Going Back To Normal Anytime Soon

https://www.zerohedge.com/personal-finance/wisconsin-food-bank-expects-spike-hungry-people-recovery-falters

‘Instead of Coronavirus, the Hunger Will Kill Us.’ A Global Food Crisis Looms.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/22/world/africa/coronavirus-hunger-crisis.html  April 22, 2020

Deadly wildfires rage in California, Oregon and Washington

https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/west-coast-wildfires-09-10-2020/index.html September 10, 2020

US West Coast wildfires: Nearly 100 fires run rampant

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-54097598 September 10, 2020

Monday's derecho damaged 10M acres of crops in Iowa; 600K still without power in Midwest

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/08/12/derecho-storm-damages-crops-corn-iowa-thousands-power-outages-midwest/3354939001/    August 12, 2020

Dry Soup Mixes Staples for your Pantry

These are some options for those that have a tight space in their pantries. Dry Soup mixes are a great way to go. If you make them and store them in glass jars they can last up to 1 year. The dry soup mixes with fats do not last as long. If you place your mixes in glass jars and remove the oxygen. It can last much longer. You can change the flavors by adding your favorite herbs. 

Cream of Soup Recipe

2    Cups of Nonfat Dry Milk

3/4 Cup Starch

1/4  Cup reduced sodium chicken bouillon

1    teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/4 teaspoon dried pepper

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients. Store in an airtight container.

For 1-1/2 cups soup:  Whisk 1/3 cup mix and 1-1/2 cups water in a small saucepan until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened.

Potato Soup Dry Mix

1 3/4 Cup Instant Mashed Potatoes    1 1/2 Cup Dry Milk Powder               

2 Tablespoons Chicken Granules/Bullion    2 Teaspoons Minced Onion 

1 Teaspoon Dried Parsley

1/4 Teaspoon White or Black Pepper

1/4 Teaspoon Dried Thyme

1/8 Teaspoon Ground Turmeric

1 2/2 Teaspoon Seasoning Salt

                         

Directions

Instructions Checklist

• Combine potato flakes, dry milk, bouillon granules, onion, parsley, pepper, thyme, turmeric and seasoning salt in a bowl and stir to mix. Pour into a 1 quart jar.
• Place 1/2 cup of soup mix into pot. Then 1 cup of boiling water and stir until smooth.
• 
  

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. ...

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.

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!

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.  

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. 

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. 

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

What am I sick with?

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

Vanilla Depression Era Cake No Eggs No Milk No Butter

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.