U.S.A. CBDC (Central Bank Digital Currency) The New World Order

 

This morning I woke up to article on CNN for Central Bank Digital Currency (https://www.cnn.com/2022/03/11/tech/us-digital-dollar-cbdc/index.html). I had researched this subject a few years ago when other countries decided to go into the same direction. This brought up alot of concerns and red flags. I find it interesting that during this time of uncertainty the Federal Reserve has stepped up the process via the U.S. government/banks to implement the use of Digital Currency (CBDC). This digital currency would allow direct payments to others without a 3rd party as well. False, the true 3rd party is the government. 

The White House President Joe Biden's Executive Order fact sheet on Digital Currency https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2022/03/09/fact-sheet-president-biden-to-sign-executive-order-on-ensuring-responsible-innovation-in-digital-assets/

The red flags for me are the ability for the government to track all purchases and basically your foot print. If we go further into harder times they could limit the our ability to make certain purchases on goods, services, food, fuel, and more. They would have the ability to de-activate or limit the use  of your card if you didn't pay your taxes (state or federal) or if you were not in good standing with debt of any kind. These are all plausible scenarios that could happen.  We would be at the mercy of the government. 

This digital currency would gain wind under its sails with Crypto investors. These investors that are Billionaires/Millionaires also known as whales shift their weight on the daily markets to make massive gains and drops at a heart beat. Making some smaller investors wealthier and others broke. 

It's my understanding Ethereum's block chain technology/platform is the most compatible at the moment for this digital currency CBDC for the USA. This certainly could change in the futiure. They are trying to eliminate the U.S. paper dollar from being created or used. While all this happens Gold and Silver will rise to new heights. But that is a topic for another day.     

These countries have begun or will be using a form of Digital currency CBDC:

China:  renminbi or Digital Currency/Electronic Payments (DCEP) 

Bahamas: the Sand Dollar, a digital version of its Bahamian dollar

The Marshall Islands: plan to launch Marshallese Sovereign

Sweden: piloting a CBDC called e-krona

Europeon Union: European Central Bank (ECB) has also explored releasing a CBDC, the digital euro

Singapore: (MAS) Project Ubin

These other countries South Korea, Japan, the United Kingdom, Canada, and others are considering launching CBDCs as well. 

Here is the possible platform not yet confirmed that maybe used by the USA (below). 

Here is a bit about Ethereum via Wikipedia: Ethereum is a decentralized, open-source blockchain with smart contract functionality. Ether is the native cryptocurrency of the platform. Among cryptocurrencies, Ether is second only to Bitcoin in market capitalization. Ethereum was conceived in 2013 by programmer Vitalik Buterin. 

ShopmissA Haul Video and Winner!

ShopmissA has been a go to place for picking up accessories like jewelry, rings, scarves, face mask Korean Beauty and more for years. I have really enjoyed their AOA line of cosmetics that have on trend colors, quality, and performance. 

Here is my link for ShopmissA:

http://www.shopmissa.com?rfsn=1713538.a199ad7

Im posting below the last few Youtube ShopmissA videos I recently have posted below along with the winners name.

The Winner is Drum Roll Please!!!! The Winner please email me at onlyinmydreams@yahoo.com with your mailing information. I will confirm by replying with a secret code for you to reply back to via the original comment to secure it is you.

Karla SmootCOMMENT:

I love the cute green and gold snake earrings.

Shein Is It A Good, Safe or Recommended Site: My Personal Experience Buying From Them Over 3 Years Youtube Videos

 I have buying from shein.com for many years now here is my link: https://shein.top/mznrurk   I really enjoy the economical finds and trendy fast fashion options they provide. I have purchased plus size clothes, children's clothing, home, jewelry, car accessories, shoes, purses, crafting/stationary and more. Their site is massive and can feel a bit over whelming. If you take your time you will find many treasures. I do recommend for clothing to check each items measurements they vary from item to item. The description provides material information and if it stretches or not. I am a size 24 bottom and 26/28 top and have been able to buy clothing between 4x to 5x on their site successfully. The children's clothing I found run about 2 sizes small just a heads up. Their shoe department I feel runs on the small size as well so keep that in mind below you will see my videos for Shein plus size try-on and more!

Canada Quebec Proof Of Vaccine to Enter Walmart Costco Ikea

 

This was a topic of discussion that was of great concern. I learned the entry of non-vaccinated person into Walmart would require an employee to walk with them. If you disagree to the employee walking with you entry will be denied. The non-vaccinated person will only be able to shop in the food and pharmacy department. If you have a prescription you would need to stand in a plexi glass box (box of shame) while you wait for medications and accompanied by an employee. Once your done the employee accompanies you to check out to make sure you do not attempt to buy from any other department. 

Check out the discussion above.

Great Depression Era Grocery List and Prepper Pantry

 

The Great Depression Grocery List (see below). I  wanted to include the reality of Rations and Victory Gardens as well. For families this meant cooking from scratch. Alot of the ingredient's used were grown, canned, preserved, dried, bartered, and bought (with limits).

Self sufficiency was a necessity. Many grew Victory Gardens.

These gardens would carry families through the year. Their efforts to grow vegetables, fruit, and herbs would allow them to preserve fruit/vegetables (canned or dried), and add herbs to their meals. Any surplus was never wasted. Bartering among neighbors after having a successful Victory Garden Harvest was common. 

Here is the Great Depression Era Grocery List:

Rice: this stretched out alot of meals from pasta, meat loafs and everything in between.

Beans/Legumes: used a bulk for meals and to stretch them with larger families

Potatoes

Peanut Butter & Jelly

Grits

Mayonnaise: used in many odd recipes and sandwiches during that time

Macaroni and Cheese/Pasta: Surprisingly Macaroni and Cheese became very popular for a advertised 9 minute meal to feed a family of four. It sold for 19 cents a box.

Powdered Milk 

Cured Meats Spam/Hot Dogs: I must expand on this one.

Hot Dogs were a common street food and bought for only a nickel/5 cents. This was promoted for as alternative to meats that were difficult to obtain for meals. 

  

Canned Vegetables

Flour: biscuits/cakes/bread (no egg or milk cakes)

they had to be very creative. Since eggs and milk were rationed.

Corn Meal

Dried Fruits

Baking Powder/Yeast: place yeast in refrigerator it will last longer. They made biscuits/breads/and bread crumbs. Breads used in meals and stretched meat loafs. 

Soups/Stews

Honey

Lard: nothing was wasted from cooking this included lard from meals to be used again.

Oatmeal

Spices and Salt

Preservation: drying herbs, homemade jellies, homemade jerky, salad dressing, dried fruits, mayonnaise and more.                        

This is a line for Sugar Rations. Could you imagine the hours spent standing in line just to get your ration and hope they don't run out before your turn. 

Other Rationed Items:

Sugar      Coffee     Butter      Fish       Eggs   

Canned Goods       Cheese     Shoes    Rubber 

Gasoline     Tea

Many people see similarities to what is happening now with food shortages, limitations on food and products and price increases. We should all take a active stance and look at our pantry's. See what maybe missing that can carry our families during these uncertain times. Get those shelves stocked up.

Doll House Miniature Kitchen Foods & My 1st Dollhouse That Started My Life Long Hobby

 

The simple joys of Doll House Miniatures. It's a never ending journey for me. It all began at the ripe age of 16 when I bought my 1st Doll House from Ben Franklins Nursey. They had a section just for Doll House Miniatures. A man that worked there would take kits home build them and put them on display. This particular day I remember going there because they had a clearance sale for the entire section. The company was no longer carrying Doll House's, furniture or accessories anymore. I worked and had money that I had saved. I saw a Doll House that the man had built and was on display. They never were for sale. This day everything had to go. I pulled a shopping cart and placed it on top. Of course it didn't fit inside. The Farm House was big it held 8 rooms. I made it to the register and teetered tottered towards my car did I forget to mention it was a 2 door,lol. Well I tried and tried to make it fit to no avail. I ended up calling a friend with a SUV and waiting patiently with my new Doll House as other people smiled and pitied my feeble attempt to make it fit. Once it made it home I found a table to set it on and that's where my life long love with the Doll House Miniature Hobby began. The video below is a sneak peak into my very 1st Doll House. I haven't done much to it. Since the earlier days. Almost like a time capsule of sorts. I promised myself to one day truly begin the journey to update, decorate, and display my true favorite Doll House.  

Homemakers New Financial Challenges In The Kitchen And Home

 

  As the picture depicts a frazzled homemaker. All around the world this is a common theme now. We are struggling to make ends meet. The demands feel heavier than normal with less options for relief. After home schooling our children for a year in the state of Maryland with Covid shutdowns. I found myself with little in ways of escape. Limited mobility and rules. Now 1 year later the children are back in school. 

Now we are faced with new challenges of limited availability of goods that includes everything from food, clothing, appliances, car repair parts, home repair parts and the list goes on and on. 

  As I sit here at my dining room table I've opened my windows to let my home breath its a 46 degree's and it feel wonderful. I hear a bird singing and it brings a smile to my face. At the same time a show on the TV that my son is watching. He is staying home with tummy troubles. My husband rummaging around upstairs getting ready for work.

 What is my point this fine morning. I feel like a frazzled homemaker today.  I'm thinking of possible meals to make. You may be thinking I am sitting with a planner/notebook of some kind diligently writing a strategic meal plan. Let's keep it real I don't really meal plan. I just don't have it in me. Never been the planner type person. More of a free spirit and that's okay. 

Our Big Challenge is Food Prices are Rising! As I type and even breath they rise. What I used to pay for example Vienna Sausages 6 pack $2.49 now are $3.47 at the Walmart. It's crazy leaving me and most families with less options. The odds are stacked against us. Honestly, the prices will only continue to rise and rise. They will not go back down. We as homemakers will be spread thin. Many families are already struggling with food security. 

Now, let's keep it real. Alot of people don't cook now a days and head straight to fast food with the best meal deal. I'm soo Guilty,lol They feel this is a time saver although costly and free's them up to do other things. The honest truth is the cost for a meal deal would equate to several meals from the grocery store. So, families need to get back to the basics. Cooking at home and learning to use left overs in creative ways so nothings goes to waste. Getting back to basics. This will be a up hill battle for many but it will happen my friends. We have no choice. Encourage those around to cook. Share your knowledge with your families, friends, and groups. It will be indispensable information that can be carried on from generation to generation. 

Disturbing Reports Of Fake Food In U.K. Grocery Stores

 

Food shortages are being felt around the world. The United Kingdom is feeling the effects with Brexit. The grocery store shelves are being lined with fake food. Check out my video above.       

Homemaker's Tip's For The Home While USA Food Prices Surge

 As most us have seen food prices have gone up. You carry out less  and less food while paying more. A easy way to combat this dilemma is to shop smart. Look for sales, coupons, deals and in season fruits/vegetables. This will help with your bottom line. 

Now, most will not like to hear this. Cooking at home will save you money. Going out to eat cost's more than buying groceries that can be spread out for several days. It's important to be smart during these uncertain times. 

                               I can feel the eye rolls and sighs,lol. 

Many of us are stressed, over worked, and literally burnt out by the days end. We have to push ourselves for the betterment of our families. Cooking at home will save you money and believe or not bring your family closer together. Keeping simple meals to 5 ingredients or less. Crock pots are a great cooking tool. When you get home the dinner is ready for the family. Cooking larger batches of rice, soups, breads, beans etc. That you incorporate into other meals will save you time. 

Cook with purpose and re-use left overs. Go online for recipes (allrecipes.com) or cook books at home. Write down the meals you especially enjoyed with your family so you dont forget. Keep them in a note book, box, or folder for easy reference. 

These difficult times are pushing more families to cook at home. Embrace it and enjoy the journey. Involve your children and sit down together for meals. Talk about your day or things to come. It's a by gone tradition for many families. Lets take on this challenge for cooking at home and enjoy the new connections that you will make with your family. 

20 Ingredient Substitutions A Must Have

I found this information on Food Network By Leah Brickle. Here is the link below: https://www.foodnetwork.com/how-to/packages/food-network-essentials/the-20-ingredient-substitutions-you-need-to-memorize

Baking Powder (double-acting): For 1 teaspoon, combine 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar and 1/4 teaspoon baking soda. The two combined will produce carbon dioxide gas which will make baked goods rise and puff as they bake.

Baking Soda: For 1 teaspoon, use 3 teaspoons baking powder. Baking powder will give a similar lift to baked goods — though it won’t neutralize acidic ingredients (cocoa powder, brown sugar) like baking soda does so the taste may be slightly different.

Breadcrumbs: Crushed crackers, crushed pretzels or crushed potato chips work nicely. Alternatively, for 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, grind 1 slice of bread in a food processor.

Brown Sugar (light and dark): Try turbinado or muscovado sugar, which are both less refined than granulated sugar (muscovado also has some natural molasses just like brown sugar). Alternatively, for 1 cup, combine 1 cup granulated sugar with 2 to 3 tablespoons molasses. The resulting baked goods may be crunchier and sweeter.

Chicken Broth: Vegetable or beef broth. Or try water seasoned with a little soy sauce, bouillon cubes or bouillon granules — or even water by itself, if the recipe requires a cup or less. Water is amazing: it provides the same moisture and volume as broth and can be easily seasoned to taste.

Half-and-Half: For 1 cup, combine a scant cup of whole milk and 1 tablespoon melted butter. Alternatively, combine 3/4 cup whole milk and 1/4 cup heavy cream.

Heavy Whipping Cream: You can only make these substitutes if you're not actually whipping the cream. Try Half-and-half or, for 1 cup, combine 3/4 cup milk and 4 tablespoons melted butter.

Herbs: For 1 tablespoon fresh herbs, use 1 teaspoon dry herbs. This applies to both woody (rosemary, thyme) and tender herbs (parsley, basil).

Honey: Maple syrup, light or dark corn syrup. All have about the same consistency (though maple syrup is thinner), but the flavor of your finished recipe will vary.

Kosher Salt: For 1/2 teaspoon, use 1/4 teaspoon iodized (table) salt. The granules of iodized salt are smaller than kosher salt so they can’t be evenly exchanged — 1/2 teaspoon of iodized salt is saltier than 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt.

Lemon Juice: Orange juice or lime juice. All citrus adds acid and a little bit of sweetness.

Milk: Yogurt or sour cream thinned with water to a pourable consistency.

Nuts: Most nuts can be exchanged for each other especially in baking recipes like quick breads and muffins. If the flavor of a nut is important to a recipe — like with pecan pie — then it may be better to wait and get the nuts you need.

Sour Cream: Plain yogurt, Greek yogurt or creme fraiche. All 4 of these are fermented dairy products that will provide a similar tang and creaminess.

Soy Sauce: For small amounts: Worcestershire sauce. For larger amounts (like for a dipping sauce): Tamari, coconut aminos or liquid amino acids. While all of these are fermented sauces, Worcestershire sauce has such a distinct flavor that, if replacing a large amount of soy sauce, will be too distinct. The others will all meld and won’t overpower.

Tomato Paste: For 1 tablespoon, simmer 3 tablespoons tomato sauce or pureed tomatoes until very thick, then cool.

Vanilla Extract: Maple syrup, bourbon, brandy or rum. Pure vanilla extract is made by soaking vanilla beans in ethyl alcohol (vanilla essence or imitation vanilla also contains alcohol). All the suggested substitutions will help enhance the other flavors in a recipe — just like vanilla.

Vegetable Oil: Canola oil, olive oil, avocado oil, melted and cooled coconut oil or ghee. All of these have a similar smoke point: the temperature at which a fat will stop shimmering and start to smoke. Butter has a very low smoke point (which means it will burn quicker) so is not a good substitute for sauteing or frying. However, melted butter can be substituted for oil in quick breads and muffins.

Vinegar: Lemon juice or most other vinegars. Every vinegar will take on the flavors of what it was originally fermented from (white wine, red wine, raspberries). Keep those subtle flavor differences in mind though balsamic vinegar is a tad sweeter and more distinct than most.

White Wine (dry): Broth or stock. Alternatively, water with a squeeze of lemon or a splash of vinegar.

USA Food Shortages Rolling Black Outs and Increased Energy Costs Basics

Food shortages are the new norm for the USA. Many still walk around in a daze of misbelief. For many that have stood in mile long lines for a free bag of groceries understand the reality clearly. It will knock on every Americans door. 

Now, we are facing shortages of not only food but clothes, electronics, vehicle car parts, home goods, shoes, toys, and medicine. Top that off with different forms of energy (oil, gas, electric, natural gas) with sky rocketing costs. These costs will determine if a family gets groceries for the week or not.

I felt it was important to remind everyone of the basics and what will come in handy with shortages, rolling black outs, and high living expenses that most are not prepared for. In the USA we have a few states that experience rolling black outs these events do not allow you to keep foods cold in a refrigerator safely. You need to change your way of thinking. Shelf Stable goods will be your go to items! Before we go any further Water is a Must Have!!!!

!!!!!Have Water!!!!!Have Water!!!!Have Water!!!!Have Water!!!!!

when it gets bad water becomes priceless. Look at the different weather events where the electricity was gone and water went from 

$4.00/$6.00 a case to $40-70.00 a case Cash Only

!!!!Have Cash!!!!Have Cash!!!!Have Cash!!!!Have Cash!!!!

When the electricity is gone no one will be able to do a purchase unless you have cash in small bills. Don't expect to get money back.

Here are a few of my articles that maybe helpful:

https://www.afrugallifenow.com/2019/03/real-facts-dry-foods-vs-canned-in.html

https://www.afrugallifenow.com/2019/04/emp-are-your-really-ready.html

https://www.afrugallifenow.com/2019/08/the-signs-of-recession-are-clearare-you.html

Food: canned good are your best choices!! They require no rehydration (water) shorter cooking periods and no refrigeration. Some foods are ready to eat ( chicken, chilis, fruit, corn, and many more). 

Canned Goods List:

Canned meats: tune/chicken/ham/vienna sausages/jerky/fish

Cereals

Shelf Stable Milk- regular/evaporated canned

Protein or Granola Bars

Peanuts/Nuts

Dried Fruit of any kind/Canned Pickles/Beets/Apple Sauces/Fruit Cups

Peanut Butter/Smaller Jam Jars that can safely used with a few days time

Snacks (Chips/Crackers/Cookies/breakfast bars)

Pre-packaged meals like Hormel that are already cooked. 

Home Canned Meals/Meats

Canned Soups 

Canned Beans

Jarred Ghee (butter)

Canned Cheese (Bega)

Save fats from meals example meats/bacon to use again. If I have missed anything please leave a comment below.

The next article we will discuss keeping warm or cool. Looking at what is happening in the world and how people are coping around the world.

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.