Monday Message

"Our Heavenly Father created this beautiful earth, with all its abundance, for our benefit and use. His purpose is to provide for our needs as we walk in faith and obedience. He has lovingly commanded us to ‘prepare every needful thing’ (see D&C 109:8) so that, should adversity come, we may care for ourselves and our neighbors, and support bishops as they care for others." (All is Safely Gathered In pamphlet)

We are still hot at the time I am writing this which is two weeks ago from when you are reading this.  We see though that the weekend coming will be cooler and that is finally a light at the end of the tunnel.

Our General Conference is the first weekend in October. You can watch it if you wish www.lds.com - if you go to this site you can get info plus you can get it in your native language as well. I love this conference so much. It is held two times a year (in April and October). I put chili in the crockpot and make cinnamon rolls and I watch with feet up and a knitting project. I really need to have it calm my soul at this time and so nice to watch something that brings peace.

So this week finds us digging into a sinkhole we have looking to check pipes - it's better to do while the ground is not frozen.

I have continued to work on mixes... I have gathered my favorites into one spot for easy access.

Plus, my favorite brownie mix is in Make-A-Mix.

I love the Baker's Flower book, it's the best. You make one mix (it is like Bisquick) all the book uses is that one mix to make so many different recipes. You can check it out through your library or get it used for very little.

As I mentioned last time, SOS mix is great https://extension.usu.edu/fscreate/files/2023-26-staff/SOS-Mix-Recipe-Book-PR.pdf worth printing this off to put in your binder.

Do you have a favorite mix you make? Write it in the comments!

I love the pumpkin pie spice (recipe below) and, of course, it's time to make my favorite pumpkin muffins.

Pumpkin Pie Spice

1/2 c cinnamon

1/4 c ginger

2 tbsp nutmeg

2 tbsp cloves

I put in small canning jar, shake and label

Pumpkin Streusel Muffins

I mix and set aside the topping

1/3 c. flour

3 tbsp brown sugar

2 tbsp cold butter

In bowl mix...

1/4 c. soft butter

1/2 c. sugar

1/4 c. brown sugar

2/3 c pumpkin

1/2 c. milk (I add tsp of vinegar to it)

2 eggs

1 tbsp molasses

Mix well.

Then I don’t stir again till all dry ingredients are measured in.

2 c flour

1 tsp dried orange peel

2 tsp b. powder

1 tsp b soda

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/4 tsp salt

Then stir well and divide between twelve regular muffin cups, I use liners but whatever works for you.

Then I spoon divide the topping evenly over all.

Bake in a preheated oven at 375 degrees for 20-25 min.

The garden is done now. I am glad to be done with that though it seems way too early.

I have been still doing some organizing and cleaning through, which I seem to do every fall for some reason.

I have also been working at getting in some water in. It has been on my mind for awhile but when the United States water plants got hacked it made me step it up. At great sacrifice, I was able to work my grocery budget around getting this water by adding storage to fill in the difference. Also, since the Canada problems they have the stuff that helps us make toilet paper, so I got 48 rolls of that plus six boxes of Kleenex as we're heading into cold season. I always try to get a 25 lb bag of flour. So around these things we will eat from our storage to have gotten them in. Storage helps us be able to do this very thing.

I chose bottles as gallons like milk cartons break down. And believe me, I have dealt with enough water this year.  

We do have water stored for cleaning and flushing but I needed drinking water. So my grocery budget isn't a lot for a month of groceries. I chose twelve cases of 40 bottles each, that was the most for the least amount of money. From Walmart, I think it was $65 just for the water. That is also the limit they will let you buy.  

I tell you all this so you can see how storage helps us and that sacrifice on my part is required but now I can stop stressing on the water. Was it hard work?? You bet it was! My arms still hurt from carrying them in. We used the wheelbarrow (remember we got a ruined free one for its parts - thrifty was that). We put a couple cases from the car into it and wheeled it to house and that's how that went. I'm very thankful we found the wheelbarrow that day because we have used it so, so many times since.

So keep working on your storage, things are about to get a lot worse. Get some flour put in as it will go higher in price. I store mine in plastic food-grade buckets. I set two bay leaves on the flour, put on the lid date and label it. When I open it, I know I am looking for two bay leaves that I take out and put flour in my using can.

Beef, as you have probably notice, is going to go higher because we don't have enough cows at this time. They need time to build the herds. I am a little nervous at eating beef from another country right now because of different standards that countries have but that is just a me thing. But be working actively on stocking up.

I saw that they are telling people to stock food in the UK to prepare for the strong El Nino https://www.msn.com/en-gb/news/other/do-we-need-to-prepare-ahead-of-extreme-el-ni%C3%B1o-winter-a-sensible-and-simple-list-of-what-to-stockpile/ar-AA2byFuS?ocid=BingNewsSerp I like that they are getting people prepared. You may get ideas on the list. I wish our country would do this as well.

https://tinyfarmbigfamily.substack.com/p/10-pantry-mixes-to-make-instead-of-buying-homemade-shelf-stable-budget-friendly-staples-your-family-will-love

https://www.mommyskitchen.net/2024/02/the-homemade-pantry.html

https://tipnut.com/baking-mixes-seasonings/ - this is one of my favorite sites.

And because Christmas is coming and prices are going up, try this - https://tipnut.com/free-gifts-in-a-jar-recipes/ so many ideas!

I think giving a gift of food is helpful to all. We have a neighbor who gives us cookie mix in a jar for Christmas every year - love it we do!

I know I have hit on mixes two weeks now, they are frugal and may just help your budget too.

Missy says keep working on stocking up - it will really help your budget.

Tippy Longstockings says with her very cute wisdom looking way - put things in now for help to you and your family later and remember your pets when stocking up.

Monday Message

"Today, I emphasize a most basic principle: home production and storage. Have you ever paused to realize what would happen to your community or nation if transportation were paralyzed or if we had a war or depression? How would you and your neighbors obtain food? How long would the corner grocery store—or supermarket—sustain the needs of the community?" (President Ezra Taft Benson)

I think we all are seeing the effects of war and things President Benson mentioned. So we see what we thought might not happen most assuredly did happen.

We need to keep an eye out for those we know or see that may need some help. We have a table at church that people bring food or needed items and set on the table and anyone who needs them can just take what they want. This was started by a youth. So maybe at your church you can do the same. Or start those pantry boxes that are like little libraries. Times are hard but officials are saying it will get so much harder, prices are to go up quickly. I guess we will look back at these high prices as low compared to what is coming.

Still hot here, oh my! I am so tired of the heat.

There was a request about peanut butter chips for baking...

https://culinaryadventuresinthekitchen.wordpress.com/2012/02/24/peanut-butter-chips/ - here is the recipe and yum! Plus, hubby said delicious - high praise, I say!

I like that it takes all things I already have on hand.

I have noticed that a lot of videos of late are talking about basics.

https://www.littlehouseliving.com/scone-mix-recipe.html#scone-mix-recipe - I will tell you that I love this gal and love this mix (note - no eggs)

https://www.littlehouseliving.com/ooey-gooey-brownies-mix-edition.html - this, too, doesn't use eggs.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96L_ljjz0Ko - this is another favorite (note - there isn't eggs)

I think it is good to find recipes that become fast favorites and no eggs needed for these three are fantastic. I am not anti-egg but given how many recalls there are right now, these are an excellent option.

Plus, easy enough for kids to make up as well.

The girls are wondering if they could make them...

https://www.littlehouseliving.com/wprm_print/chocolate-muffin-mix-recipe - this is a great recipe as well. 

Make your own mixes I say. This is the time of year, I make sure to have mixes made up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UkwIOoGvMiE - I love this gal too. Here she shows you how to make sweetened condensed milk.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dhgxGcBBdQ - here she shows you how to make powdered sugar and brown sugar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFUJLgJ2-aY - how to make sour cream.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRTZJLY4R0o&t=1s - make your own chocolate syrup.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11RxOKaITMc - how to make your own mayonnaise.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ez-JBMDrBiI&t=2s - how to make heavy cream from milk and butter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHmF84navi4 - how to make baking powder in a pinch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jatFYqq8dMc - self rising flour, cake flour, bread flour. 

Tippy Longstockings thinks the more we can make ourselves, the more we save!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzZGg6SF2qI - she shows how to make onion soup mix.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DdrDO7n_dVg - alfredo mix.

https://extension.usu.edu/fscreate/files/2023-26-staff/SOS-Mix-Recipe-Book-PR.pdf - this is my all-time favorite, I keep a jar right by the stove.

https://ourjourneywestward.com/homemade-mixes/ - do you see mixes here that you normally purchase? Things are high and going higher.

So I added lots of mix recipes here in this post to help us have cheaper options. Yes, a little effort to make them but if you have things on hand that you could use instead of running to the store, that is helpful. 

Missy says it is always good to have these ingredients on hand to be able to make your own.

Missy says please be kind to each other. Help however we can, even if just being able to pray - things are very hard for so many.

Tippy Longstockings says take care of yourselves as well, cause you are important too.

Monday Message

"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 may affect any of us. We have a great welfare program with facilities for such things as grain storage in various areas. It is important that we do this. But the best place to have some food set aside is within our homes, together with a little money in savings. The best welfare program is our own welfare program. Five or six cans of wheat in the home are better than a bushel in the welfare granary." (President Gordon B. Hinckley)

I hope your week was great.

I spent three days doing an overhaul of my sewing space...

I moved the furniture around. Then I rolled all the fabric in the wire drawers. I had fabric folded in the drawers but would have to rifle through looking for what I wanted.

So I thought rolling it would be better, no rifling. I can see all of the fabrics. This is way better but took soooooo long (too long) but worth it now.

In these pictures, you see all my machines except for two treadle machines in the dining room. Plus one in the cabinet - it is a very old singer black.

This now is very organized. Half of the room is sewing and the other half is stamping for making cards.

I gave the children's patterns I had to a young mom who sews for her kids which freed up space. I used what I had on hand to organize this space - being frugal and elbow grease and lots of sweat, it was soooo hot.

Looks to be getting warmer again. I am really anxious for cooler weather.

The garden is coming to a halt.

Keep working on your storage. Prices will still rise so stick storage away to help you when you need it. Our gas is still over four dollars. We have to pick and choose where and if we go.

The kids are back in school, so on we go to the next part of the year...

https://www.sixfiguresunder.com/inexpensive-handmade-gifts/

https://www.pinterest.com/thepeacefulmom/diy-gifts-on-a-budget/

We need to gear up for winter. Even though it is soooo hot, I have drained the rain barrel and we are preparing for winter because it's going to come in these parts of the world.

Missy says be actively building your storage and pick up water with it. Just do the best you can.

Tippy Longstockings says try to keep your spirits high, find free fun each day. She plays with Mr. Wiggles, her mouse toy.

Monday Message

"Our bishops storehouses are not intended to stock enough commodities to care for all the members of the Church. Storehouses are only established to care for the poor and the needy. For this reason, members of the Church have been instructed to personally store a year’s supply of food, clothing, and, where possible, fuel. By following this counsel, most members will be prepared and able to care for themselves and their family members, and be able to share with others as may be needed." (President Ezra Taft Benson

Don't let up on building your storage - storing water is equally important and that is what I need to beef up here.

What areas do you need to beef up?? Let us know in comments below.

I worked up most of the peaches I had left after making jam.

Every little bit helps. I also dried the skins of these peaches. They have a very faint peach flavor. I could see them as chips off side of a sandwich but I think I'll puree them next time and add a bit of Jell-O powder to flavor them. I think they could be a fruit leather - maybe even add a peach or two.

I think we need to be wasting nothing right now.

https://www.everydaycheapskate.com/34-ways-to-make-meals-from-leftovers/?utm_source=Everyday+Cheapskate&utm_campaign=686daea6d1-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2026_08_06_05_58&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_-686daea6d1-67795555

Zero waste kitchen....

https://www.pinterest.com/zerowastedoc/zero-waste-kitchen/ - here are some ideas.

The peaches I canned in the picture above was zero waste. I canned the peaches, dried the skins, and the pits I buried in a hole by the compost bin with a marker trying to see if I can get peach trees of this variety, they were such big peaches - yum!!

So nothing went to waste.

I am still drying tomatoes this week but they soon will be ending. My garden feels like it does in late fall. Things feel weird this year.

Tomatoes - I am drying skins and all to then turn into tomato powder. Once they are powder, I will vacuum seal it in jars.

No waste there either.

https://foodwastefeast.com/no-waste-strategies - here are a few helpful ideas, I like the eat-first box idea.

https://foodprint.org/blog/zero-waste-cooking/ - it is good to be reminded to save and use.

https://jrfood10.com/blog/zero-waste-cooking-tips-for-beginners/ - there are some good ideas.

But it isn't just about food. We need to be like our ancestors - use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.

https://www.fdrlibrary.org/documents/356632/390882/certificateV1.pdf/56db3b72-c970-4dad-a9ea-f0a48a622122 - this is cute to track.

https://www.sixfiguresunder.com/make-it-do/ 

https://www.myjoyfilledlife.com/40-ways-use-wear-make-without/ - this is fantastic, a must-read with great ideas.

https://modernmama.com/use-it-up-wear-it-out-make-it-do-or-do-without/ - there great ideas here as well.

Tippy Longstockings says her bag is very frugal, try to find frugal ways.

https://zenhabits.net/the-cheapskate-guide-50-tips-for-frugal-living/ - Tippy suggests you read this one.

They are still saying food costs will go up even into next year so keep working on your storage. Every time you go into a store, pick up something for storage. It will add up quickly.

Missy says do the best that you can. Doing a little at a time adds up.

Tippy Longstockings says she knows you can do hard things and we don't need to be fearful - it will be okay!