Monday Message

"The revelation to produce and store food may be as essential to our temporal welfare today as boarding the ark was to the people in the days of Noah." (President Ezra Taft Benson)

At the time I am writing this post, we are in a flood watch - funny that the quote mentions the ark. This will be the first real test of what we put together for the sump pump... I hope it works...

I was reading an article that gas prices will go up yet again before midterm elections here in the U.S. At this time our gas price in my town is $4.19 a gallon but more troubling is diesel prices are $6.23 a gallon and are to rise. This effects everything we purchase.

So keep putting in storage. Be mindful of your spending and of your trips in the car. We live ten miles out from the town north of us and seventeen miles from the church we go to in the southern direction. So our church had a potluck in the evening on Sunday. We went to church services but it would be too costly for us to go back in evening. And the things we go north for we try to stack errands so we don't have as many trips. Like one trip will be next week. We go to the first errand then there is a little wait for the next one so we go to the library till we can do the second one. This library has some free mystery books and magazines and they put books leftover from their library sale out for free. I have gotten some quilting and recipe books.  It is nice and we don't have to sit and wait in the car. This is what I mean by stacking.

In an article that I read, they said that people are cutting way down on food and getting generic brands, no longer go out to eat or have entertainment, cut out hobbies, and make less trips in the car. So now we will be paying even higher prices. More will have to be cut. It also mentioned 42,000 jobs have been cut due to Canada tariffs of late and I am sure more will be happening as well. We need to help where we can. This is a very hard time here in the states but also in other countries. We are all connected.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lihaIOw7z-Y - this is way cheaper than buying t-shirt yarn from the store. The thing I would add is don't buy t-shirts, use some you already have that are well-used.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zoAzb3yA-14 - here she saved up grocery bags. My sister made me a rug from bags.

She used the grocery bags too but wove the rug. I have seen where you could crochet them.

I put on the red bed covering.  

I have moved things in our bedroom so I could have better access to the bond knitting machine as I wanted things easier for me to use. It is the one with the white cover. I want to make some sweaters for winter pretty soon on it.

In order for me to do this, I had to move the bond to the other side of Toyota. It has the purple covering on it. I had to slide down the watercolor desk to make room and had to move the printer. In the end, it was very hard work but it works for my plan to make my life easier.

That being said, I had my weaving magazines on top of the tall bookcase. Why? I have no idea. It would have required me to climb the step ladder - not easier for sure! So I took all those down and put in two canvas cube boxes I had and put by my chair, that makes it easier on me.  And that is what I am working toward making my life easier as I age.

You can see the cats like it. They also love it when I am doing hard work. They call it free entertainment. The room looks better and works better and only cost my energy and time using what I already had and it entertained the cats.

As I was working, my mind kept drifting to gifts as Christmas is coming up fast. I thought I would add somethings here...

https://thecottagepeach.com/blog/homemade-gifts-for-everyone-on-your-list - this has a really nice list of things one could do.

https://thispilgrimlife.com/handmade-gift-ideas-for-all-ages/ - this has great ideas. I loved the outdoor Jenga game. When you click on it don't give up, keep scrolling down till you find it - what fun that would be!

https://ahundredaffections.com/easy-small-christmas-gifts-bulk-coworkers/ - this has ads popping about but cute ideas. I like the whisk with kisses in it, that is so cute.

https://www.iheartnaptime.net/top-50-neighbor-gift-ideas/ - this is food things. I liked the mini cookie snow globe but loved the balls of frozen cookie dough.

Showing you my shelf to show ideas for open-shelving. This we got from a friend years and years ago. It was on their burn pile and they knew when we moved here there were no cupboards in the kitchen. They asked if we wanted it and we said yes. I painted it up. It is a pie safe type cupboard. At any rate, just showing you that you can decorate using your everyday items. They can be pretty as well. You can see a mixing bowl, cookie cutters jars for brown sugar, cocoa and powdered sugar.

https://amongbrendasquilts.com/upcycle-clothing-from-your-own-closet-or-a-thrift-store/ - I wanted to throw in some remaking clothing sites.

https://1dogwoof.com/easy-repurposed-t-shirt-burp-cloths/ again with old t-shirts.

https://therenegadeseamstress.com/2023/12/02/diy-flannel-mittens-your-easy-step-by-step-guide-to-upcycling-an-old-shirt-into-cozy-winter-accessories/ - step by step recycle to make mittens.

https://mypoppet.com.au/makes/7-ways-to-make-a-rag-rug-from-old-clothes/ here is a good idea.

https://www.instructables.com/Duplicate-your-existing-clothes/ - I actually have three t-shirts waiting for me to make a pattern.

I threw these in to give you ideas. Don't forget - shop your own closet first. You can make your kids clothes from your old ones.

I know this is a lot of sites. Pick the ones you are interested in or that would be of help.

Missy says keep working at getting in your storage, it will bless you!

Tippy Longstockings says look for more ways to be frugal.

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!

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 here, just waiting for cooler fall weather.

It is harvesting time here for sure. Last week was rhubarb - this week, tomatoes. Our neighbor gave us peaches from his trees. Ours had no peaches this year.

They aren't quite ripe but soon they will be. I will do jam with some of them for sure...yum!

I also worked on tomatoes.

The tomatoes refused to wait for cooler weather so today I got all the ripe ones sliced and in the dehydrator.

I also got my annual ear infections - both ears, boo :( Whatever is my allergy outside creates this for me - not a fan.

Happy to report though that the basement continues to stay dry even though we have had storms. That is a great thing in my book.

I have froze chopped green peppers and jalapeno peppers are in the freezer as well. How I do those is I pop off the stem end, wash and freeze. And when I need one, I take it out, cut it frozen, and this works for what I need. Plus, with all the recalls going on right now, I am happy to have my own safe ones. I always say poverty has its perks. Poverty has saved us from many a nasty sickness.

I plan to take the tomatoes I am drying and turning them into tomato powder - a very nice thing to have on hand.

We still have plenty of tomatoes and salsa and pizza sauce, so powder is what I plan for this year.

What are you harvesting right now?? Let us know in the comment section below.

I know everyone is getting ready for kids to head back to school...so you are busy for sure. Remember the thrift stores for clothing, backpacks, even school supplies and also winter gear.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDxj0zrGdf0 - this gal is very helpful on dehydrating. If you need information, go to her channel and just click on the purposeful pantry under the video, then hit videos, and there are so many helpful things.

https://nchfp.uga.edu/how/make-jam-jelly/jams-jellies-general-information/general-information-on-canning-jams-jellies-and-marmalades/ - this is a great place to start when you want to learn to make jams and jelly. I always think that learning to do jam is the best place to start your canning journey.

https://extension.umn.edu/cooking-home/food-preservation - here is a helpful site for preserving food.

If I can give you only one tip on canning it would be to follow sites that are teaching the right way to can, like the ones I've put in here. In some videos, people just doing willy-nilly things they say they have been doing without fail and some say they are canning rebels - do not follow these people!! You need to can safely and properly.

At best, it costs a lot in time and hard work and money to just throw it out the window, at worst, it makes your family sick or can cause death because of not following professionals. I say call your county extension service to get accurate up-to-date canning times and pressure.

I think keeping a journal of what you can is good idea too.

Ask family members if they have jars, if they are done canning, also put out the word you are looking for free canning jars. That has helped me in the past.

The prices of groceries are continuing to rise. Putting up your own food is a great way to save.

Winter will be here before you know it (and I will be complaining of the cold instead of the heat) but prepare for it while you can, get or grow produce cheaper.

Continue to haunt those thrift stores for needed items - look at sheets as well for fabric. Going to thrift stores is a huge savings compared to new prices. It isn't just groceries that are going up.

Missy says that getting things ahead for storage should not just be done when hard times are on you but in good times too when money is more - that is best time to stock for when hard times come. So don't wait - prepare all along the way!

Tippy Longstockings says forgo going out and use that money to put things in storage - you will be glad you did!

\

Monday Message

"Let us be in a position so we are able to not only feed ourselves through the home production and storage, but others as well." (President Ezra Taft Benson)

This week, I have still been reorganizing my storeroom which has fabric, yarn, my fiber that I spin, our games and puzzles, the dehydrator, empty jars, etc. I got that done then retweaked it. In my mind, I would love to put my sewing room in there but haven't figured out a way, so in the back of my brain I am working on it. Though it is all good where it is. Leave well enough alone, right? But still my brain works on it.

We have a break in the hot weather today and tomorrow. So I will need to get stuff ready for six days of heat. Seems that is the pattern for now.

I made this form of ice cream sandwiches...

Puddingwiches 

1 1/2 cup peanut butter DIVIDED

3 c. Cold milk DIVIDED - I used cold powdered milk (already mixed with water)

2 c. Cool whip DIVIDED

1 small package vanilla instant pudding

1 small package chocolate instant pudding

One and a half boxes graham crackers

Foil line two 9x13 pans

Mix one set of divided ingredients together with the instant vanilla pudding mix and spread in one pan.

Mix the rest of divided ingredients with chocolate instant pudding mix and spread in other pan.

Freeze

Then I cut mine to fit each one on the half of the graham cracker and the other to fit the other side, like in the picture. Or you could stack the slabs on top of each other and cut to fit half the graham cracker.

Either way or do all plain, all chocolate and all vanilla - suit yourself but they are yummy!

Having something cold on a hot day is sooooo nice.

Prices were up yet again! I do not know how families are doing it. I don't know how anyone is doing it. I don't know how we are doing it but yet we all push through, right?

Everything I see or read says they will continue to go up.

We had old apples left before I got groceries this time, so I made apple rings and put them in water with some lemon juice then into the dehydrator they went. These I will use in winter to put in oatmeal. I also put in sourdough discard on sheets to dry. When they are dry, I will put them through the blender and into a jar. This then can be used for starting a starter if I should lose mine some how and can be given as gifts for others who want to start sourdough. 

Also, I am picking tomatoes just as they start to turn to get them before bugs and critters get them. I will be slicing and drying those this year. So far I have almost picked a bushel.

How are your gardens doing? My tomatoes have never been this big! I would get one this big occasionally but most all of them are big. Maybe has to do with those flooding rains??

Our phlox are doing well and spreading and look fantastic this year!

I am still weaving when I can. It is coming along nicely.

https://extension.usu.edu/preserve-the-harvest/files/Food-Storage-Booklet.pdf - here is a helpful booklet on storage.

https://sarahscucinabella.com/2020/02/27/a-guide-to-food-storage-basics/

https://diyjoy.com/sewing-projects-diy-gift-ideas/ - school has probably started and soon you will turn your attention towards making gifts for the holidays. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWsDzesoMcA - this gal is doing a great job teaching you how to make your clothing that you have now into patterns. She's very good teacher.

https://www.pinterest.com/rachris/homemade-gifts/ - lets make homemade gifts this year.

https://www.youtube.com/@RobynOnTheFarm - this gal makes all kinds of fabulous breads. In each, there is a tutorial she will guide you through and is very good.

I think it's time to start learning to make bread and she is a great place to start, you can even make biscuits.

Keep working at your storage to save money with prices continuing to go up.

I know everyone is busy with back to school for now, so I wanted to make this short and sweet so you can still feel inspired as you are collecting all those lists of supplies. When supplies go on sale, if you can, get some for someone you know who is struggling as a care package. I am sure it would be appreciated - these are hard times.

Missy says be kind, even it you meet someone grouchy - say a prayer for them and be kind. So many are having hard times.

Tippy Longstockings says work on those skills and find time for yourselves.