Monday, December 29, 2014

Monday Message

Now's the time to start planning your garden!
"Brethren, I wish to urge again the importance of self-reliance on the part of every individual Church member and family. None of us knows when a catastrophe might strike. Sickness, injury, unemployment... I do not predict any impending disaster ... yet prudence should govern our lives ... We can begin with a one week food supply and gradually build it to a month, and then to three months. I am speaking now of food to cover basic needs. ... I fear that so many feel that a long-term supply is so far beyond their reach that they make no effort at all.  Begin in a small way... gradually build toward a reasonable objective." - Gorden B. Hinkley, Priesthood Session

This is the time of year we say, "next year I shall work on Christmas earlier."

This is the time of year we tend to set new goals. I feel like we should set them all year long and that goals are the stars to steer by not sticks to beat us.

http://us5.campaign-archive2.com/?u=174ddbeb0d5689543e624c877&id=08750bf3a8&e=f758bfd784 - I have been following this for the past weeks. Some great info in here - watch her clips. She probably doesn’t know about storage so cut her some slack and stock up as you can. Lots of times we need to have our storage even when things might “appear to be going well." 

Sometimes people are motivated to stock storage when things look bleak and get complacent when things are good. When things are good that is the most important time to stock up. In our work we had to stock in the good times for the bad times were always close. Things never stay the same that should be written somewhere.  

Think to your self... what if I could not go to the store for a month due to lack of funds? What would that be like? On what you have stored? Would you have the normal foods you have now? Or would you have wheat and beans, some salt, and a few odds and ends... which would you like to have? What would you wish you had gotten when you had money to do so? This part is just the easy one. Now what would month two be like, is it getting harder? What about month three, are you now really worried? By the end of month four you are now out of about every fresh fruit and veggie, cheese is getting low and you are rationing it. In your recipes by now things are getting harder, you are having to make most everything from scratch. So your time now is sparse as you expend more time in food prep.

Maybe you will never have to do this but if you have to get by for a time I want all of you to be able to get to the end of month four saying I am out of fresh fruit and veggies but I have canned and dried versions. I can still make do with what I have. That is what I want to hear that you can still make do.

It is not easy but lots in life is not easy.

I am here to say most things you get no warning that you are about to get blindsided so don’t just prepare when you are warned, do it all the time. Yes, it takes time to gather but I know you are in the store anyway grab a bit extra. It needs to be on the same level as brushing your teeth. You do it automatically and you don’t wait for the one day you feel great. Same with storage. Work all the time on it, don’t wait for the day you will have more money. Believe me that happens only for few and that also has its challenges. So in short I am telling you not to wait for this or that do it steadily. Yes, some self denial will have to happen for the greater good.

The best welfare program is your own home storage make it so you are covered or you can help others but store what you eat and eat what you store doing the rotation makes things a lot easier

Learn from others learn learn learn

Start planning your garden. What rumor have you heard? Sister Shook hates gardening with a passion. Yep, I hate every aspect of it. It hurts me for weeks just getting it in. It is dirty, hot, buggy. I usually get hurt besides the weeks to feeling good enough to walk well again, the whole of it is awful...then why do I do it? Well number one is a Prophet said to plant a garden and so I do. I will suffer and do it. Second is it helps us to store food for the bad times and helps us through these bad times it does. I have always hated gardening. My sister is a master gardener, my grandma and aunts gardened wonderfully and then you have me... I grumble and gripe but do it I must.

I push on. Things will never always be fun, full of roses and chocolate. If that is what you are looking for you may be very disappointed. We cannot sit around and wait for things to happen, we have to do keep pushing on.

I am proud of all you do. Keep pushing on. Share ideas with each other, share sells with each other. We are all here together to support each other and help each other. If you don’t know how to do something find out, ask those who do, teach yourself with library books or the internet, what ever works. Yes, there is only so many hours in a day but little bits here and there... it all adds up - same way with storage.

Keep working and learning!

Monday, December 22, 2014

Let's sit by the fire


President J. Reuben Clark (Church News, 1953) –
“When we really get into hard times, where food is scarce or there is none at all, and so with clothing and shelter, money may be no good for there may be nothing to buy, and you cannot eat money, you cannot get enough of it together to burn to keep warm, and you cannot wear it.  You can’t eat money, but you can eat your three-month supply of food – IF YOU HAVE IT AND KNOW HOW TO USE IT."

Having it and knowing how to use it is a huge thing.

Having basic skills like how to mend, or sew your own clothes, or even refashion old ones, how to darn your socks, how to knit socks, how to make bread , how to cook from scratch, how to be content with what you have, how to make do….this list goes on... household repairs and basic car repair and many many more.

It is all so very much and looks impossible to accomplish but take it a bit at a time.

Today with computers you can learn how to do things.

Learn that there are alternatives… need tires? You can go pay for new ones but if money is tight you can go to the junk yard and buy used.

You can buy new clothes and sometimes one has too but don’t rule out thrift and consignment stores.

You could just buy name brand groceries or you can go to Aldi's who carry some of those same brand names in another package.

You could go out to eat, no cooking, no dishes right? Well price check against a meal at home and doing the cooking and clean up as helping to save. But what if you really love what they offer? Try to learn to make it at home. If you don’t like to cook during arsenic hour use your crockpot or make up your supper to have it ready to pop in the oven, you can’t do that with every meal but you can do it with a lot of meals.

I overheard a mother ask her daughter what she needed. The reply was a coat, now clearly she was wearing a nice coat already so we need to learn our wants from our needs.

I guess in short as this year ends think how can I balance life better, what is most important, how do I run my life or do I let life run me?

When life runs us we are flustered, we are too busy, we have no time for anything.

Right now as you are filled with all the hustle and bustle, picture yourself sitting by the fire. Dinner is in the crockpot and just saying this sentence makes you say aaaaah, sounds relaxing right? 

Sometimes we put our kids in all sorts of things to give them opportunities maybe we did not have ourselves. 

When Laura was just a baby we knew someone who had a twelve year old girl. She was in about anything one could be in, this girl had something going every minute and homework as well. I remember thinking all those years ago that this girl had no time to be a kid and that soon as kids grow up their schedule will have to be more but for a time it is nice to be a kid. I know.… "well so and so is doing this or that and so my kids need to as well," don’t pack so full with good things that the best things slip by like water through your fingers. Sometimes it is okay to say not this year, lets do things together.

Have fun family nites where you teach some of the basics like sewing on a button. Not long ago I was asked to teach a class of girls how to sew on a button, how to hem and such. I know you are thinking boring but they had a lot of fun.…you can make it boring or fun, just like you help set the mood for the day.

Be yourself, don't be unhappy because you don't have this or that like someone else. Be content with what you have and enjoy life or you will wake up later in life and say oh my goodness I could have been happy. Life is hard don't make it harder.

Do the best you can.

If you cannot afford to take classes try to learn on your own. Believe me there are so many things to learn. We can learn everyday. I have so many things I personally am trying to learn. The things I am choosing to learn at this time may not be of interest to you and that is okay. We don't need to be the same, how boring would that be? Once you master something, move to something else. You can do it. 

What I am learning is how to weave on floor looms, how to tat with a shuttle, how to use a toyota knitting machine, different techniques in spinning fiber, to better my sewing skills. Can I learn them all in a day? Nope but I learn when I can. By the way these are just a few things I want to learn.…slow and sure. Do I want to be the best at these things? Nope I just want to further my skills and make do with what I have been blessed with.

I love how diverse we all are. We are like the beautiful threads in the tapestry. All by ourselves we are beautiful but together we are breathtaking.

So as you sit by my fire, remember we are each unique and we can just be ourselves and know that those around us love us for who we are and that it does not matter if we don't have fine clothes or if we do, it doesn't matter so be the best you that you can be.

That is my fireside chat for today. Live a full life, you make a difference to many.

If you want a certain item covered in the Monday Message let me know.

http://www.honeybeepantry.com/topics/view/51cbfc92f702fc2ba812dddf/ this lady is soooo neat, we can all learn from her as we do from each other.

http://www.honeybeepantry.com/topics/view/51cbfc9bf702fc2ba812f3a3/ make your own

http://www.honeybeepantry.com/topics/view/51cbfc92f702fc2ba812dda1/ great to know

http://www.honeybeepantry.com/topics/view/51cbfc9bf702fc2ba812f492/ window pane test

http://www.honeybeepantry.com/topics/view/51cbfc9bf702fc2ba812f4d0/ grinding grain

These are helps and guidelines that will help you to learn to make good bread.

I have a neat friend who puts her bread in the bread machine but takes it out to rise in her loaf pan. That works great too and of course you can do the whole thing in the bread machine too. So many ways to get good healthy breads. For gluten free I see that they even make a special pan to help with rising so no one is left out of fantastic bread.

My caramel corn recipe

2 c. unpopped popcorn (pop it and set aside in a big roaster)

In medium pan put....

2c. brown sugar
1c. butter
1/2c. corn syrup
1 tsp salt

measure and set aside
1/2 tsp b. soda
1 tsp cream or tarter

Bring the ingredients in the pan to a boil stirring then boil 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add the soda and cream of tarter all at once, stirring all the time this will foam up. Once it is well stirred pour it over the popped corn stirring well to coat the popcorn.

Put in a preheated oven of 250 degrees for 1 hour and 20 minutes stirring every 20 minutes. When done spread out on cookie sheets or wax paper to cool. When cool, store in airtight container.

This is a family favorite!

So make some caramel corn and sit by the fire. :)

Monday, December 15, 2014

Monday Message

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the Shooks!

I saw this and thought it sounded like a good idea so passing it on to you http://www.foodstoragemoms.com/12-christmas-meals-bags/


http://www.pinterest.com/pin/11892386491999982/ - a great food storage gift, you can see the tutorial.


http://christmas.organizedhome.com/crafts/christmas/blessing-mix  - nice to remember our blessings and tastes great too!


http://www.instructables.com/id/Basic-Sewing-By-Hand-Tutorial/ - this is a good tutorial to teach our children.



http://theartofsimple.net/back-to-the-basics/ - this looks good but I wanted you to see the video clip, scroll down. I think you will find something you can relate with.

Remember, it is not about who has the best decorations. It is not about comparing yourselves against someone else who seems to wake up and walk out of a magazine, whose house is like a page from a magazine. These images are not the real picture. Every house has a kitchen sink for dirty dishes, so if you really live in your home things really are not like the magazine page.

I once looked at a magazine thinking hmmmm that is soooooo nice then looked closer and in the different pics was the same stuff used over again taken so you would not notice, plus someone who did have their pic of their house put in a magazine said not much was hers and that they moved out her stuff and put in their stuff just for the pic.

So what I am saying is sometimes we don’t see the whole picture. What might look like the perfect family with the perfect kids is not that way at all but yet we have a tendency to beat ourselves up for not being as perfect. If you do that you only end up with boo boos.

I one time asked my grandmother how she was doing and she said well I can't clean the closets as well as I use to... I responded for her not to worry about them, no one looks in them anyhow. Many years later I get it. I know just what she was saying as I have arrived.

Life is hard enough without adding unnecessary stress. Enjoy life so there are toys all over the floor. I actually love to go to a home with toys all over the floor, it says fun happens here!

Christmastime can get out of hand stressful .

When our kids were little we would read aloud The Little House on the Prairie series in order from beginning to end.

Even now my tradition is when we get the first really bad winter storm I will read The Long Winter from that series. Nothing will make you want your food storage in more except to live it perhaps.

So pick up a copy and join me in reading it this year when we get the first real bad "stay indoors" storm!

So if you are feeling overwhelmed you can cut back on everything, you have permission!

Keep your eye out for someone who isn’t feeling well or doesn’t have the Christmas spirit this year. You don’t have to look far. The economy is pinching all and bring them some of your cheer. Opportunities are out there to brighten..…

Maybe there is someone who is ill in your family circle or have had hard times fall on them. Start there and work your way out. There is plenty of suffering all over, even a kind smile will warm a weary heart.

Monday, December 8, 2014

Monday Message


We asked the kids long ago if they would like a Christmas dinner or have a snack day, you can guess what they chose. So we would spread the table with our favorite snacks and we watched movies, played games, ate snacks and had punch and that became a tradition. What was left we froze and brought out again for New Years Eve. They loved it :)

Traditions are so fun to make your own and bring with you the ones from home.

If I still had kids at home I would do the elf on the shelf, it looks so fun….

http://tatertotsandjello.com/2013/12/happy-holidays-neighbor-gift-idea-youve-been-snowed-on.html#qk6hHfDMDjyZvlCB.32 fun to do for neighbors.

We have the nicest neighbors! They had a deer out back to practice bow hunting, I always wanted to go out and dress it in different things like a wig, scarf and sweaters, just to keep them guessing but I figured they would catch me too fast. I would've left foot prints. I should have tried to do it, I think they would have had fun :) So think of fun things to do.

http://www.thirtyhandmadedays.com/2013/07/random_acts_of_kindness_ideas/  I love seeing what people come up with. I used to be a nurse's aid and worked in nursing homes. Families would come in and carol, the people loved it so. Also school kids would color placemats and bring in, they loved those too and cards. You never know who really needs some kindness that very day. And I add keeping doing things all year long, the kids will love it and it is as much for them as the recipient.

http://simplykierste.com/2014/11/25-days-of-family-christmas-activities.html#_a5y_p=2846185 - family fun

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/212021094933509143/ I want one of these.

We also would have eggnog and I would make cinnamon knots. For family night we decorated the tree. You could do from scratch or you can take the canned breadsticks roll in melted butter then roll in sugar and cinnamon. Tie in a knot and bake... an instant hit with all! Plus we thinned the eggnog with plain milk, better tasting and less expensive too!

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/212021094933504286/ - always fun to make things with pancakes. I made them purple one April Fools morning served with green eggs and ham.

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/212021094933389600/ - cute idea

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/212021094933083406/ - cute idea for your apple cider

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/212021094933023904/ I always thought this a nice thing to do.

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/212021094931355192/ - inexpensive idea

http://www.livingwellspendingless.com/2012/12/20/easy-to-sew-pajama-pants/ thrifty way to use that sewing skill!

My favorite new recipe….

Pumpkin Waffles

2 eggs
2 tbs brown sugar
1 c. milk (I used powdered)
4 tbsp melted butter
1 c. flour
1 1/2tsp b. powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pumpkin pie spice (I used my recipe I gave you before)
1/2 c. canned pumpkin

Mix up and make waffles, so yummmmmmm!

Keep working on your storage. Build memories with your families. Enjoy the season! Don’t use credit and slow down. How is that for a homework assignment?

I tried to find you fun and inexpensive ideas for this message with lots to choose from for inspiration.

Most of all just make fun memories with your family!

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Liza's Wheat Bread


Liza’s wheat bread

1 c. lukewarm water
2 tbsp yeast
1 tbsp sugar
stir these together and let sit to proof…it should foam

In a mixing bowl add:

5 c. warm water
1 tbsp liquid lecithin... (I got it at the health food store, keeps well)
1 c. brown sugar
6 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tbsp salt
3/4 c. vital wheat gluten
I grind one cup of white wheat berries

I mix these last two ingredients together and set aside but everything else went in a mixing bowl.

Mix well and add white flour then the wheat and gluten mixture. Mix well keep adding flour till it is kneadable, knead ten minutes …I let this rise one hour in the mixing bowl just cover it but if you use a Bosch mixer you can put the cover on but do not lock it as it will rise up or just cover with sprayed plastic wrap.


I then shaped three loaves and a pie tin of rolls, cover and let rise two fingers above the rim of pan at least. And I spray the loaves and rolls and cover with plastic wrap.

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees when it is up to temp. I bake 35 to 40 minutes. Take out to cool, brush with butter while hot. When cool, I slice with an electric knife.

Monday, December 1, 2014

Monday Message

Looking for a tradition to start for the holidays? Try reading "The Candle in the Forest" with the family. 
As this is a very busy time for all I thought I would share this site which is my favorite have used this for years.

http://chickensintheroad.com/cooking/homemade-hamburger-helper/

As long as I am on this topic, I do not like the huge macaroni that the real helper has in their boxes so here you can go back to the normal ones……  with just having a few ingredients in the house a quick meal can be made.

http://chickensintheroad.com/cooking/how-to-make-homemade-dough-enhancer/ if you purchase dough enhancers here is a mix for one you need something if you use wheat in baking bread.

Kid gift ideas, I am one for thinking a hobby is good or something that promotes creativity
http://www.iheartnaptime.net/diy-mason-jar-monster-kit/

I keep a craft box on hand for the grandkids, Miss M calls it the scissor box
http://mamapapabubba.com/2013/11/16/craft-kit-gift/

Encourage skills http://smashedpeasandcarrots.com/diy-beginner-sewing-kit-gift-idea-tutorial/

This looks like so much fun and you have time to collect the things http://www.modernparentsmessykids.com/2014/01/how-to-create-an-upcycled-building-box-for-hours-of-open-ended-play.html

This could be made into a kit as well, what fun! http://amomwithalessonplan.com/pvc-pipe/

We have always been big on puppets and dress up boxes…http://www.handmadecharlotte.com/10-fun-ways-turn-gloves-fun-designs/

Make play dough kits with wooden dowels and cheap cookie cutters homemade play dough is best.

Family gift idea…graham crackers frosting and candy make gingerbread houses then eat them.

http://www.alannageorge.com/2011/11/28/handmade-holidays-finger-puppet-kit/ too cute you can use those unmatched gloves you have leftover.

We always had a puzzle going through the holidays.

You could make a musical instruments kit

you could make an art kit
you could make a spy kit
you could make a favorite book kit with bookmarks and treats
a movie kit

You can see that there is lots of fun to be had coming up with things within your budget.

Don’t forget others. We did a food storage twelve days of Christmas. Be inventive, golden rings were cans of pineapple, doves we did dish soap but now they have dove candy. You could even do one of each as a family. We picked someone who needed it then the fun began on how to do it to fit we had them wondering how it would be but we all had fun. You can do it on the sly, we have done that but this time we didn’t as we visited as well, fun was had by all.

Explain why do we have our traditions? How did they start….
one of ours was to read the candle in the forest. Apparently others do this too as I stumbled across a family reading it for one of their far away kids…https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZVyNzBQYAs4 they only read part of it on this clip.

Go check it out from the library it is by Temple Bailey. I think everyone should read it before you get stressed with the Christmas demands.

It goes right along with what what this blog is all about, living within our means and being content with what we have and enjoying life.

So read the story, it is not long it might just help you through the season

You could read the whole thing while your family picks out books, it is about a five minute read.

Enjoy being with your family, that is our most precious gift.

Keep working on your storage, perhaps you and your husband can take the money you would spend on each other pool it and get a storage item.

Monday, November 24, 2014

Monday Message

With winter on the way now is the time to brush up on bread making skills. An electric knife is super helpful for getting thin slices. Scroll down to find out how to start baking bread.
With winter here already and promising to be bad http://www.foodstoragemoms.com/planning-food-disaster/ this will have ideas to help when bad storms come.

This is a good time to review or learn bread making skills http://www.kingarthurflour.com/videos/bread-101-basic-white-bread-getting-started this takes you from beginning to end. My tip: you can make bread with a basic wooden spoon no need for anything fancy.


http://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/pumpkin-cinnamon-rolls snow days were our favorite days, try making these yum!


If times are tight or not for you here are great ideas http://thehappyhousewife.com/home-management/homemade-christmas-gifts/


http://www.mysimplerlife.com/blog/a-less-expensive-more-meaningful-Christmas


http://thinkingthrough.wordpress.com/2007/09/11/101-gift-ideas-on-a-budget/  switch coffee for hot cocoas. I love hot cocoa as always, use things that apply.


http://www.buynothingchristmas.org/alternatives/index.html


http://www.singingthroughtherain.net/2012/11/ideas-for-a-low-budget-christmas.html


http://www.thenewhomemaker.com/keepingchristmassimple again switch to making hot cocoa mixes, I love what this lady has in her books, worth checking out of the library.


http://www.organizinghomelife.com/archives/824 great ideas.


These have many ideas but the best thing is have fun and make memories, they last for a very long time.


Our fortunes turn on a dime when we least expect it so learn well the skills that will help you through the tough tides of life. We can be always sad and down or we can choose not to be and help those around us by our being strong. Most of all don’t make yourself feel less then you are or that you must not have learned something that is not how it is. We are subject to life’s experiences. Most times we can help others get through because we have been there and can help them navigate. 


Keep working on your food storage build it when you can because it is hard to build it when you can’t.


Don’t go into debt. This time of year things tug at your heart but these ideas can be used in place of the credit card. We don’t have to get things now only to suffer hardship later.


Make sure you are set for any storm we get and be thankful we are not getting six feet of snow.


Make traditions..…  it takes not too much to make caramel corn and play a game, fun is as simple as that.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Scarf on the loom

In these pictures I have the scarf warped and ready to come off of the warping board. After tying it off I chain it up.
In the picture below you can see the chain. Because I'm doing the same pattern I'm using the tie-on method. You can see my first scarf on there in a different color ready to come off.
You can see a close up of where it's tied on. It was a touch and go most of the time - eek! Being my first time tying on it was a little scary.
Tada! It's on and ready to start. The old scarf is now completely off.
I'm using window blinds as spacers.
Now you can see the beginning of the scarf. So far I'm really happy and can't wait to see it finished!





Thursday, November 20, 2014

Reorganizing tatting basket

Recently I reorganized my tatting basket. It's now easier to take it along when I go up and down the stairs to work on a project.



Monday, November 17, 2014

Monday Message

Handmade gifts make the best Christmas presents plus they're easier on the wallet! Check out how I made this Angry Birds set HERE.

http://www.johannarundel.de/2014/07/diy-selbstgenaehte-schuesselcover-perfekt-fuer-den-sommer-aus-stoff-und-wachstuch/ - this is a great idea though to read you will need to use your translator button but the page has great pictures you can figure them out. 

https://www.lds.org/ensign/2008/01/happily-living-within-our-means?lang=eng a good reminder

http://www.livingwellspendingless.com/2012/11/01/how-to-save-on-food/#_a5y_p=1003645 - ideas for saving on groceries.

http://premeditatedleftovers.com/deals-money-saving-tips/101-ways-to-save-1-00-a-day/#_a5y_p=2108581 - this has great ideas pick the ones that apply.

http://premeditatedleftovers.com/naturally-frugal-living/thrift-store-christmas-gift-ideas/ - this has wonderful ideas for Christmas gifts.

http://premeditatedleftovers.com/naturally-frugal-living/money-saving-tips-spending-habits/ - good ideas. It is insane what they charge for late bills.

http://premeditatedleftovers.com/naturally-frugal-living/7-ways-to-simplify-the-holidays/ - this will help with the rush rush of the season.

http://www.hopefulhoney.com/2014/09/frozen-olaf-inspired-hat-crochet-pattern.html - cute crocheted hat patterns.

http://ourinspirationstation.wordpress.com/2013/11/30/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles/ - a cute free scarf to crochet.

https://extension.usu.edu/foodstorage/htm/book - this is a free food storage book from Utah State University Extension. This is the best book I have seen in a long time. If you don’t look at anything else this is the best!

http://www.thriftyfun.com/Frugal-Christmas-Gift-Ideas-1.html - frugal gift ideas.

http://thefrugalgirls.com/gifts-in-jars-recipes - great ideas here for teacher and those we visit teach.

http://avirtuouswoman.org/2013/11/27/ultimate-frugal-christmas-gifts-kids-older-children/ - fun ideas, I love the fort kit.

http://www.thriftynorthwestmom.com/frugal-living-diy-ideas/ - great ideas where they apply.

Keep working on your storage. When you get time read the Utah State University Extension which I listed above.

Remember to find time for yourself during this busy season.

Keep up the good work and remember food storage makes a great gift!

Sunday, November 16, 2014

The beginnings of my 2nd scarf


I'm working on the beginnings of a second scarf warping on the warping board. It was the first time I did it by myself, my sister helped me with the first. And it's a little scary :p The red thread dangling in the top left corner is used to help count.


You can see the different colors being added to the warp.


In the picture above you can tell I'm tying it off getting ready to braid it. 


I inserted my lease sticks and braided it. Now it's ready to put on the loom and become a scarf. Look for an update in another post coming soon.

Monday, November 10, 2014

Monday Message

Having appliances already out and utensils ready to go saves time when working in the kitchen.
What if you had something change in your life where you had no funds for groceries? How long could you go on your storage? If you have storage, did you rotate it or is it not good any more? Food for thought. How long could you go? would the meals taste good? Or would your lack of storage make the suffering harder? Keep that in mind. I used to tell myself if I had no money what would I wish I had gotten and how would I feel if I would make a purchase that was not a need? Would I grow to hate the purchase? Stuff to think about.

I know I have had this up before but it has great ideas http://old.homemakerschallenge.com/20-tips-for-grocery-shopping-every-two-weeks/ We should review it often to keep us on track.

http://successfulhomemakers.com/bulk-cooking-sloppy-joe-meat/ - this is some that is very helpful. Just yesterday I made Anadama bread and it was the same amount of work to do four loaves as it is to do two. And when I make cookies I double the batch so I can bake some and make cookie dough logs for the freezer. I will be able to make some when I am too busy or on a cold and snowy night.

http://old.homemakerschallenge.com/tips-for-cooking-from-scratch-without-going-crazy/ - the other day while making cookies, which pretty much ties you to the kitchen, I was thinking what would streamline this kitchen and I was able to rearrange my counters in a way that helps me so much more than it did. When I started making the cookies, I always have my appliances plugged in and ready to go, since I have Fibromyalgia conserving my energy is paramount. So when you see the pictures of my house you see all is out, my mixers, the wheat grinder, my sewing machines. I cannot pull things out everytime I need to use  them so you might check and see if that helps you. Yes my spaces are small but having to get them out and make room everytime I need to use is energy spent often at times I have already spent it.

Cooking from scratch takes time and must be planned for. Last week I gave you a site in how to make a binder with your recipes in. I went ahead and worked one up and so far it is the best way I have done so far with my working working recipes. I call it my working cookbook.

I have a section in front with important misc. In that section I have a chart for powdered milk measurements, spice mixes I always have to hunt down and use a lot, chart on cooking grains in pressure cooker, my favorite tortilla recipe…. things to save me from “THE DREADED SEARCH.” Then I put my favorite breads and rolls, then comes my breakfast recipes followed by main dish, then soups, salads and last desserts. You can set up yours to help you best.  Did it take time to do this? Yes it did, but it is invaluable to me. I have places that as I try new recipes and we like them I can add to it. Start by just adding your family favorites.

As I use this it will help me in meal prep. While putting finishing touches on supper I can be getting dry ingredients ready for morning muffins. If you have a meal plan you will see what you are having tomorrow and if you have need for onions or celery both days or even several days ahead you can cut them while cutting today's - saves time down the road. I tell myself I will thank myself later.

I store items to make things I use like taco mix.  This is the one I use…

Taco Seasoning

1 1/2 c. chili powder
1 c. paprika
7/8 c. cumin
1/2 c. onion powder
a bit less then 1/2 c. garlic powder
2 tsp. cayenne pepper
2 tsp. salt

I mix this together and store in a jar. I know you are looking at the amounts and having a melt down but this is a recipe we like, you can use it to taste or same amount as what is in a pkg from the store, about three tbsp roughly and add water as you would for that.

I store these ingredients in my storage and Ameraherb in Ames has the best bulk prices, for example a lb of chili powder is just a bit over three dollars…..so knowing what your family likes store the ingredients to make it.

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/114630752991014821/ dry ranch dressing mix, I store all these ingredients.

Pumpkin Pie Spice

1/2 c. cinnamon
1/4 c. ginger
2 tbsp nutmeg
2 tbsp cloves

I mix these ingredients together and store in a jar.

Lately I used it here - http://www.kingarthurflour.com/recipes/pumpkin-cake-doughnuts-recipe  I shook them in this spice and sugar as well…they were yummy and cost way less then their counterpart.

http://www.bloglovin.com/viewer?blog=3987709&post=3702738337





Chocolate Souffle Mix

one chocolate cake mix
one angel food cake mix

Mix together and store in jar or container with a lid.

To make….

in a two cup microwave safe bowl put……

3/4 c. mix
3 tbsp water

Stir and microwave one minute only.

I will add chocolate chips any flavor, or nuts, or mint anything you want to stir in before you microwave. This is a fast dessert!

Keep working on your storage and living with in your means ……you're doing great!

Monday, November 3, 2014

Monday Message

Keeping the skills you learn organized with binders! I have tatting notebooks, several on food storage, many on knitting and so on!

http://www.honeybeepantry.com/topics/view/51cbfc93f702fc2ba812df76/ - this will help you to remember why it is important to do storage. I love her site. You can also see a link to her files on the www.beckysbacktobasics.com site or you can click here http://www.beckysbacktobasics.com/provident_living/ if you want to print them, be advised it fills a big binder but they are the best you will find on storage ever!

http://www.littlehouseliving.com/scone-mix-recipe.html - this would be great to have on hand.

http://www.littlehouseliving.com/homemade-pancake-syrup-made-apple-peelings.html save your apple peels - you can make jelly from the juice as the Amish do or you can make this syrup as she does here. Waste nothing should be our motto!

http://www.littlehouseliving.com/homemade-rice-roni-mix.html make your own rice roni mix which is cheaper then its counterpart.

http://www.littlehouseliving.com/recipe-for-taco-seasoning.html - make your own taco seasoning.

Remember you can get herbs and spices at the best price at Amrera Herb in Ames. You have to buy by the pound which if you are doing storage is no biggie. Cinnamon is like $3 something a lb, how much is it at the store?

It is no problem if you don’t live in Iowa the business is mail order. Just Google them and leave your name and address on their answering machine. Also, tell them you want their catalog and they will send one to you.

http://www.littlehouseliving.com/homemade-pancake-and-waffle-mix.html a good thing to have a mix made up for.

http://www.littlehouseliving.com/make-perfect-oatmeal-add-ideas.html  this is great!

http://www.littlehouseliving.com/meal-planning-binder-easiest-method-meal-planning-ever.html I love this idea it was what I tried to tell you before.

These is her menus for November - http://www.littlehouseliving.com/november-december-month-freezer-cooking-food-budgeting.html

http://www.littlehouseliving.com/8-ways-to-reuse-mason-jars.html she has good ideas.

Well I just picked a few things out of her blog that I think would be very useful. There are more on here, just look around.

Someone may have a great idea that doesn’t quite fit, just change it and make it work for you :)

Our lives get so very busy, too busy to try to find time even if it would help. I do understand. Many times I feel that way too even now when the kids are grown up. Each station in our life has new challenges. When we feel that way we need to ponder and analyze what is making us feel this way and what can I cut down on. Do a personal energy budget - we do not have endless amounts of energy!

Make a list on what would charge your tired batteries, then balance things out. It is no different then our budgets.

http://www.beckysbacktobasics.com/aboutthehouse.php?File=1271461651&search.x=33&search.y=20 I use binders a lot to organize things. They can be readily found at thrift stores and yard sales.

Keep learning, never stop!!  Keep working on storage building, using, and always rotate.

I am proud of you all working so hard to follow the Prophet! :)

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

English Muffin Bread



English Muffin Bread

5 1/2 c. flour
2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp baking powder
mix and set aside

In a bowl put:

1/4 c. warm water
1 tbsp honey
2 tbsp yeast - yes this is correct amount
2 1/2 c. warm milk i used powder milk and warm water

Mix together and add one cup of mix above, mix well then add the rest of dry mix. Stir and divide between two sprayed bread pans. You can sprinkle the pans with corn meal. I also sprinkle on loaf when ready to bake but let it raise till double and bake in a preheated oven 425 degrees bake 20-25 min. Remove from pans to cool.

This is sooooo good, it now replaces all other recipes I had used before!

Monday, October 27, 2014

Monday Message

A collection of things I use when making cakes from scratch and vintage cake and pie carriers to haul cakes and pies around to social activities. 
I think working at living within our means is a goal worth working on. This a great how to & well worth the read!

http://dontwastethecrumbs.com/2013/12/creating-a-frugal-grocery-budget-a-series-part-1/  signing up on her site gets you a free 22 page download and two pages to help with budgeting, great recipes in the download too - it is great tool.

http://dontwastethecrumbs.com/2014/10/8-tips-for-stretching-a-bar-of-soap/ unwrap your soap when you get it home, just make it a habit. You can put them in a basket, just have them unwrapped. The longer it goes the longer your soap lasts. I learned this years ago in Relief Society.

Start a binder as you find recipes or free downloads to try. Have it divided up with tips like the soap and start collecting frugal tips. Have budget as a section, have recipes in a section. You can do this. It will be something you go to all the time. A hard copy is the best. Plan your meals in one section. Add articles on how others succeeded in a section so you can reread them to keep you inspired.

Here are some great sites to help….

http://www.livingonadime.com/
http://dontwastethecrumbs.com/2014/10/frugal-real-food-meal-plan-october-2014/
http://theprudenthomemaker.com/
http://theprudenthomemakerblog.blogspot.com/
http://www.awomanthatfearsthelord.com/search/label/frugal%20living good to see what others do
http://www.onehundreddollarsamonth.com/
www.frugalmeasures.blogspot.com this is my site if you have not gone around I suggest you do
http://thepeacefulmom.com/ noodle around

I tried to be diverse in the selection to help :)

http://thepeacefulmom.com/2014/10/13/gluten-free-weekly-menu-easy-gluten-free-recipes-1013/  I thought this would be helpful to some.

http://thepeacefulmom.com/2014/10/10/how-i-turned-1-hour-29-pounds-of-meat-into-2-weeks-of-meals/

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/cake-mixes-from-scratch-and-variations/ 

http://farmersalmanac.com/food/2011/06/06/make-your-own-ketchup-mustard-mayo/

http://www.bloglovin.com/frame?blog=3397549&group=0&frame_type=b&frame=1&click=0&user=0 this everyday food storage is a favorite of mine. This roll recipe would be good to try using your food storage.

Instead of spending money on paper towels, cut up an old towel you can sew around the outside to keep from unraveling. Store in a drawer or basket in your kitchen, use and toss in the wash.

I know that you are thinking what good amount could be saved but it all accumulates. 

If you do not knit or crochet but sew this would be a helpful winter item http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-sew-a-hooded-scarf-or-scoodie/

Keep working on your storage. Prepare for winter by stocking up to make it through some bad weather. Make sure you have stuff on hand to make chocolate chip cookies on those snow days. Try to live within your means.
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