Monday Message - Building food storage

Provident living class will be Jan. 14 at 9:30 at the Shook's, it will be on sourdough.
 Consider the important (food storage) program which we must never forget nor put in the background. As we become more affluent and our bank accounts enlarge, there comes a feeling of security, and we feel sometimes that we do not need the supply that has been suggested by the Brethren. . . . We must remember that conditions could change and a year’s supply of basic commodities could be very much appreciated by us or others. So we would do well to listen to what we have been told and to follow it explicitly" (Spencer W. Kimball, in Conference Report, Apr. 1976, 170; or Ensign, May 1976, 124). 

http://blog.bitsofeverything.com/2011/07/52-weeks-of-food-storage.html - here is a site that breaks down getting storage in, you can adapt it to what you like to store. It is a little harder now with the huge change in the church's home storage centers. If you look at the order form you will notice that it is harder now but I still say not impossible to keep working on it as you can.
 
A reminder that the new Walmart in Ames carries 25 lb bags of white wheat. They never have many out but they do carry it and this is now the cheapest avenue to get wheat that I have found tho Brother Gardunia once told me that one can get from the elevators, so you can ask him as well.  If your Walmart does not carry the wheat ask them to get it for you.

Prices are higher and with so much taking chunks out of our pay it is hard to stay afloat on the groceries let alone working on storage, so you just have to keep at it. I think Costco and Sam's still have good prices on bulk bags of beans and rice.

http://preparedldsfamily.blogspot.com/2009/06/3-month-food-storage-90-menu-ideas.html - this is helpful for you to get your three month storage in with menu ideas.

http://preparedldsfamily.blogspot.com/p/12-monthly-food-storage-lists.html - if you are past three month storage this has some ideas on it for twelve month storage (I think this gal looks like Sister Watson)

Since we will be starting a new year this would be a good time to follow her plan or one like it. I also like how she has it broke down into spiritual prep and the other stuff one needs so give this a good look and see if it is something doable for you.

http://preparedldsfamily.blogspot.com/2009/03/new-church-home-and-food-storage.html - a four step approach.
 
http://preparednessadvice.com/food_storage/dehydrating-frozen-vegetables/#.UrxfRNJDshM this is my favorite thing to dehydrate as it is the easiest to prep. All you have to do is dump the frozen veggies on the tray and really it is done by next day, so you can do this any time of the year. So for a few dollars depending on the size of your dehydrator, and they are wonderful to have on hand. I make a veggie chili soup which I do in the crockpot and the dried veggies and when it is ready to eat you would not know I dried them as they taste wonderful like I just pulled them out of the freezer. So if they are frozen, why dry them right? Because they take space needed for other things i.e. meat and by next month they develop freezer burn so storing in the freezer is not a good long term storage solution for the veggies.

I put the dried in jars and vacuum seal them to keep them longer and really they do have a sale on them quite often so if you have a dehydrator you can put these in for some of your veggie storage. Nice to have things stored differently i.e. dried veggies, canned veggies, home canned veggies... you get the idea (not having our eggs all in one basket). Some like freeze dried too but not having any or tasted them, you might check those out too.

As you watch the ice storm in Maine and Canada, it is easy to see what things you need to improve on by hearing their story.. so I thought for one thing http://www.rootsimple.com/2012/03/a-rocket-stove-made-from-a-five-gallon-metal-bucket/ this would be good but you would be using it outside. NEVER run your generator in your garage or in your house or you will die!! So keep that in mind and this would be a way to cook if you had electric stove and no way to cook, this would be good and looks fairly easy to make.
 
http://www.killerbdesigns.com/homemade-hamburger-helper-jars/  I think this would be a good idea to have on hand on busy days and days like I am having where I am getting a cold  and this way you would not have all the chemicals.
 
http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/pumpkin-pie-spice-recipe/  this is less expensive then its counterpart.
 
http://thrivewithkelli.blogspot.com/2012/06/shake-n-pour-pancakes.html this looks good, it has the quick mix in the paragraph above the jar. What a fun thing! Hand it to the kids to shake it :)

Now that Christmas is over, winter gets hard. I wanted to throw in cabin fever ideas..
 
http://notjustcute.com/2013/12/17/10-activities-to-beat-cabin-fever/

http://wearethatfamily.com/2010/01/print-this-when-cabin-fever-hits/

http://www.wyominggirlcoastiewife.com/2013/02/5-ideas-to-beat-cabin-fever.html

http://redtri.com/ways-to-beat-cabin-fever/

http://www.learning4kids.net/2012/03/22/play-dough-cardboard-tubes/

This should give you some ideas. We always like to make a fort by covering the table with huge blankets :) Have fun!

Keep working on your storage and learning the skills that will help your family find ways to live on less and enjoy life!

Christmas snacks - Julekaga & Jerky

Here's some yummy favorites we like to have around Christmas! Enjoy!!

Julekaga

This recipe makes five loaves. I baked two and froze three before the rising part so later I will take out one when I want and let it rise, then bake and enjoy…

8 - 8 1/2 c flour

2 packages of yeast (or 4 1/2 tsp) as I buy it in bulk

2 tap cardamom

3 c milk

1/2 stick butter

1 c. sugar

2 tap salt

1/2c, raisins

1 c chopped almonds

Small container of candied fruit

I mix my powder milk with warm water, you could warm your milk add yeast and stir.

Add my butter cut up. Mix some in mixer, add half of flour and salt, mix with dough hook or by hand. Add flour till dough cleans side of bowl or if by hand till kneadable. Knead five minutes then add fruit and nuts. Then shape into five loaves, I wrap three for freezer now and the other two I spray and cover with a towel, let rise one hour. Bake 375 for 35-40 minutes longer if needed.

Put on cooling rack and ice with 2 c powder sugar two tbsp. Butter 1/2 tap almonds flavoring stir together with enough hot water to make icing ice the loaves and quickly add chopped almonds can also put maraschino cherry halves which I did not do today.

Jerky

1 bottle soy sauce I just use the regular size (med)

1 bottle of liquid smoke

Mix this around

Slice a large or two med rump roast (to do this you freeze the roasts take them out of freezer morning of the day before making this will slice great)

Put slices as you go into above mixture

Dry in dehydrator. I have 9 trays filled here they will be ready by tomorrow morning. It is our traditional Christmas jerky!

Monday Message - Making a budget

Provident Living - Jan. 14 will be our next class at 9:30. It will be on sourdough.

Ezra Taft Benson, “Prepare Ye,” Ensign, Jan. 1974, 68
Let us not be dissuaded from preparing because of a seeming prosperity today, or a so-called peace. I have seen the ravages of inflation.I shall never forget Germany in the early 1920s. In December 1923 in Cologne, Germany, I paid six billion marks for breakfast. That was just 15 cents in American money. Today, the real inflation concern is in America and several other nations.
“The time is about ripe,” said President Lee, “for the demonstration of the power and efficacy of the Lord’s Plan which He designed as ‘a light to the world, and to be a standard for my people, and for the Gentiles to seek to it.’ ” (Deseret News, Church section, December 20, 1941, p. 7; see also D&C 45:9.)

http://everydayfoodstorage.net/2008/10/12/pumpkin-blender-wheat-waffles-with-caramel-sauce/food-storage-recipes - this is a good food storage site, she shows how to use it in everyday living.

http://www.tothemoonandbackblog.net/2012/04/groceries-on-budget-aka-why-we-dont-eat.html - this has some grocery getting on a budget ideas on it

this is her recipe collection you might like seeing http://www.tothemoonandbackblog.net/p/recipes.html

this is useful if you still have pumpkins  http://www.tothemoonandbackblog.net/search/label/homemaking

http://www.momsbudget.com/monthlybudget.html a budget sheet

http://creativesavingsblog.com/frugal-living/budget_basics/how-to-track-your-expenses/ tracking expenses

http://craftmenot.blogspot.com/2013/06/free-household-budget-planner.html another sheet

http://freebiefindingmom.com/3-free-printable-budgeting-worksheets/ can print free budget work sheets

I gave you sites for sheets so you would not have to buy any but I did want you to see how this lady put hers together. I like the reciepts in the page protector http://acultivatednest.com/2013/06/home-sweet-frugal-home-making-a-budget-binder-a-list-of-free-printable-financial-planning-pages/

http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/2013/07/monthly-budget-ultimate-life-planning.html another work sheet

This is the time of year I feel like getting more organized this has lots of ideas http://acultivatednest.com/category/organization-in-the-home/

Here is a fun family nite frugal idea... I happen to like the flavor of gingerbread and if I were going to do this I would get the gingerbread flavored graham crackers but then there is choc flavored ones too hmmmmmmmm - http://thepeacefulmom.com/

After all that hurrying around and tending to a lot of things now it is time to mend and take care of you here are a few things in this that sound great, tho I am not a tea drinker give me a hot cocoa and am sooooooooooothed
http://girlsguideto.com/articles/25-ways-to-have-a-spa-day-at-home#_a5y_p=838642

http://theparsimoniousprincess.blogspot.com/2013/01/100-more-painless-ways-to-live-frugally_31.html this has quite a few things to look at but maybe there is some helpful things in there to help you be frugal too...

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/47217496067209441/ click here and click on the gal and there are homemade cleaners lots of money to be saved in this area.

I want you to know though it looks like I just pick whatever every week, I assure you I pray to find what might be the most helpful for all of you... I hope that you are benefiting from these provident living messages and that it saves you time and helps you learn though sometimes you cannot make it to the classes and want to.

So that said, I want you to know I am proud of you and tho life seems to just keep dealing us hardships and things that make life harder. We must just keep pushing on and staying close to our Father in Heaven and do what He has asked us to do we will be blessed. If you notice others having a hard time see if there is something you can do to lighten their load, even a smile helps when the spirit is sad. There seems to be so many who have difficulties I think that it is good we all have each other. I used to think, wow it must just be us having it hard and a bishop once told me that the devil wants us to feel like we are all alone and on an island and that no one cares about us but it is not true, everyone has difficulties... everyone, I think there is no evading them.

Keep an eye on each other, check up on each other, do your visiting teaching as we sometimes do not know what pain others are suffering.

I will tell you something about Alice Herker you maybe did not know, those who have been here long enough did know her she was wonderful but one thing she did that I really admired, she would sit in sacrament meeting and she would write on the back of her program the names of people she did not see that week in church and then she would check up on them... I think how neat to have gotten to sit next to her to see that. It has left a mark on me.

We are all hear to help each other so push on, I think life is hard right now ....

Thanks for all you do and thanks for working hard on your storage to take care of those you love.  I love hearing all the things you do - YOU all inspire me!

Monday Message - What's for breakfast?

What's for breakfast? Check out some great ideas in the links below or try out my favorite breakfast cake!

Provident Living Class:  Tuesday Dec. 17th  at 9:30 at the Shook's. We will have the continued crochet ear warmer class. Even if you were not here for part one, come and join in anyway!

“The revelation to store food may be as essential to our temporal salvation today as boarding the ark was to the people in the days of Noah.” Ezra Taft Benson – Prepare Ye – Ensign, Jan. 1974, 69

We have been advised (and warned) to store food for about 60 years now, whether for financial or natural disaster reasons, it doesn't even matter as to why..... the mere fact that the Lord's prophets and apostles have spoken so directly and passionately about it...should be good enough for us!

http://parmafoodstorageblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/trim-budge-black-bean-sloppy-joes.html

What is for breakfast??????  I thought you might like some easy ideas and also ideas using storage. There are some great things in these links...

http://be-it-ever-so-humble.blogspot.com/2013/06/a-week-long-breakfast-menu-for-food.html

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BzGbOm1Bwsx9WWFaSXFvc1JwQm8/edit?pli=1

https://docs.google.com/file/d/0BzGbOm1Bwsx9bEhWdUxsU1BsMmM/edit?pli=1

http://parmafoodstorageblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/trim-budget-breakfast-bargain-breakfast.html

http://parmafoodstorageblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/bulk-whole-wheat-pancake-mix.html

http://be-it-ever-so-humble.blogspot.com/search/label/Breakfast

http://be-it-ever-so-humble.blogspot.com/2013/07/recycled-wrappings.html - recycled wrappings

http://homemakerschallenge.com/20-tips-for-grocery-shopping-every-two-weeks/ - helpful ideas 

http://be-it-ever-so-humble.blogspot.com/search/label/Tips%20and%20tricks - this is so full of ideas and helps

Here are just a few things this week so that when you get a break and can sip hot hot cocoa, you can look through the sites I found for you and try some of the great recipes.

It has some helpful ideas and has food storage recipes. Maybe you will find a breakfast to have Christmas morning!

Keep working on your storage when you can and remember to breath and rest. You need to unwind when you can with so much to do and things going on. It is hard to take care of us we are last on our own lists, but I encourage you to take care of you as well as all the others. 

German Honey Cakes

German Honey Cakes

 

1/2 c. honey

1/2 c. molasses

3/4 c. br sugar

1 egg

1 tbsp lemon juice

2 3/4 c. flour

1/2 tsp b. soda

1 tsp cinn

1 tsp cloves

1 tsp all spice

1 tsp nutmeg

1/3 c. raisins

1/2 c. chopped nuts

 

You mix from top to flour all together then put in flour, spices, soda and mix well. Then add the raisins and nuts. It is a brown sticky mess. I like to refrigerate overnight even more now then I used to, it breaks up my tasks with fibro.

 

Then roll out, cut in squares. Bake at 400 degrees. You can press on the top to tell when done. It does not take long, you do not want to overbake.

 

But I do not start baking until I boil together 1 c. sugar and 1/2 c. water to 230 degrees. When it reaches that I put in my cookies and mix 1/4 powder sugar into your sugar mixture and mix it with a fork or so. Then when the cookies come out of the oven I have them go to wax paper that is under the cooling rack. Place the cookies on rack and when hot, you ice them with the sugar mixture. Yep it keeps you hopping at that point to keep doing them before the syrup hardens. If it does harden, add a fourth to a half cup water and boil till all dissolves and brush on the hot cookies as before.

Monday Message - Last minute Christmas!

Here's a DIY ornament that's easy to make - Get the tutorial here.

Provident living class:  Dec. 17 at 9:30 a.m. at the Shook's will be part two of the ear warmer. You can join us even if you were not here for part one, I will catch you up.

 

“There is a portent of stormy weather ahead to which we had better give heed…No one knows when emergencies will strike…Set your houses in order. If you have paid your debts, if you have a reserve, even though it be small, then should storms howl about your head, you will have shelter for your wife and children and peace in your hearts. That’s all I have to say about it, but I wish to say it with all the emphasis of which I am capable” (CR, Gordon B. Hinckley, Oct. 1998, 70-72; Ensign, Nov. 1998, 53-54).

 

http://www.lds.org/topics/food-storage - food storage info on Church site

 

http://www.honeybeepantry.com/topics/view/51cbfc93f702fc2ba812e008/ - How to cook beans

 

http://www.honeybeepantry.com/topics/view/51cbfc93f702fc2ba812e012/

 

http://www.honeybeepantry.com/topics/view/51cbfc93f702fc2ba812e014/

 

I know it is a lot of sites but I wanted to save you from having to search. These sites above are from Joanna Ebanks, she has such wonderful knowledge.

 

Then I wanted for you to have some ideas on different traditions to start with your family to add to the ones you already have....

http://www.theidearoom.net/2009/11/christmas-advent-calendar.html - traditions/memories

 

http://www.the36thavenue.com/2013/11/25-christmas-traditions.html

 

http://christmas.yourway.net/12-days-of-christmas/

 

http://www.lemonsqueezyhome.com/2010/12/wrap-up-of-our-christ-centered.html

 

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/220957925441355803/

 

http://momlifetoday.com/2012/12/3-ways-to-simplify-the-holiday-season/

 

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/273312271110318040/

 

Last minute and frugal gift ideas as things get more hectic for you...

 

http://www.squawkfox.com/2008/12/02/holiday-gifts-8-homemade-gifts-in-a-jar-with-free-printable-gift-tags/

 

http://innerchildfun.com/2008/12/frugal-last-minute-gift-idea-for-kids_19.html

 

http://beingfrugalbychoice.blogspot.com/2011/12/another-fast-last-minute-holiday-gift.html

 

http://innerchildfun.com/2008/12/frugal-last-minute-gift-idea-for-kids_15.html

 

These below are wonderful ideas for maybe stocking stuffers... They are broken down by age groups.

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/96897829456569928/

 

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/96897829456569938/

 

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/96897829456569935/

 

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/96897829456569921/

 

And last but not least we are running ourselves ragged, take time to look at these to see if anything can help you to simplify and I want you to find time to rest, eat well and get sleep cause it gets crazy!

 

SIMPLIFY

 

http://www.newdream.org/blog/reader-submissions-how-i-simplify-the-holidays

 

http://thehippyhome.blogspot.com/2013/11/simplify-holidays-and-end-madness.html

 

Remember to keep adding a little at a time to your storage it will add up in a big way

 

Remember to visit your Sisters. I know I appreciate when I am visited by my visiting teachers, it always helps uplift.

 

Remember those who are less fortunate even if all you can afford is to pray for them!

 

I am thankful for all I have learned in this calling and hope in some way I have been helpful to you.  I am proud of you when I hear good stories of neat things you do for each other and for those in need and what you are doing to live the gospel. It makes me proud to be in our ward.  Thank you everyone.

Monday Message - Thrifty Christmas toys

(This was a fun handmade gift for my grandson. Check out how to make them here) 

Provident Living:  Tuesday Dec.5th at 9:30 a.m. at the Shook's. We will be making a crocheted ear warmer with flower, bring a size H hook and regular cheap worsted yarn in your favorite color!

Learn to Use What You Store 

"Every father and mother are the family’s storekeepers. They should store whatever their own family would like to have in the case of an emergency. . . . Some have said, “We have followed this counsel in the past and have never had need to use our year’s supply, so we have difficulty keeping this in mind as a major priority.” Perhaps following this counsel could be the reason why they have not needed to use their reserve. By continued rotation of the supply it can be kept usable with no waste" (James E. Faust, in Conference Report, Apr. 1986, 26; or Ensign, May 1986, 22). 

"A year's supply of food storage is beneficial in several ways: 

1. It provides peace of mind as we obey the counsel to store. 

2. It helps ensure survival in case of personal or natural disaster. 

3. It strengthens skills in preparing and using basic foods" ("Home Storage: Build on the Basics," Ensign, June 1989, 40). 

Now that the Christmas Season is here, remember to keep the meaning alive in your home.

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/216454325814167565/ - this would be a fun thing to do at supper or breakfast when all are together around the table

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/216454325812089160/ - this is a clever idea

http://tsjphotography.com/blog/random-acts-of-christmas-kindness-summary/ - this is a really a wonderful way to give service

http://kimmccrary.blogspot.com/2010/12/activities-advent.html#.UpjTlNJDshM - this has nice ideas too

http://suzyssitcom.com/2013/11/5-cool-kids-diy-kitchen-sets.html  - make toys

http://kvbarn.blogspot.cz/2013/02/lego-travel-box.html - this is a cute gift

http://tottreasuresnorthbay.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-to-make-mouldable-sand.html - this would be a great gift

http://www.sheknows.com/parenting/articles/967135/diy-collapsible-cardboard-playhouse

http://thatscountryliving.com/2012/04/how-to-make-homemade-silly-putty-2-ingredients/

http://jocelynandjason.blogspot.com/2011/11/mr-potato-head-quiet-book-pages-10-11.html

http://www.modernparentsmessykids.com/2012/05/play-dough.html

http://tottreasuresnorthbay.blogspot.com/2012/01/easy-and-fun-diy.html

http://greylustergirl.com/on-the-fifth-day-of-christmas-5-lacing-cards/

http://growcreative.blogspot.com/2012/10/cereal-box-sketchbook-tutorial.html

http://www.thriftyandthriving.com/2011/12/homemade-holiday-diy-marshmallow-shooter-kit-great-gift-for-boys-or-girls/

http://nuncamasaburrido.blogspot.com.br/2012_10_01_archive.html

http://www.lbg-studio.com/2010/12/quick-and-easy-tutorial-mini-coloring.html

http://www.familyhomeandlife.com/2013/02/peanut-butter-jelly-game.html

Another fun gift is to make a craft box with papers, scissors, glue, stickers, and make it specialized. I think it would be a great idea.

http://sometimescreative.blogspot.com/2010/12/snowman-kit.html

http://www.iamjustlu.com/2010/11/felt-game-board-tutorial-part-1.html

http://tipjunkie.com/post/handmade-kidchristmas/

http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/48254/t-shirt-stencil-kit-fun-diy-gift

http://kidsactivitiesblog.com/47679/felt-shape-game-for-kids

http://theimaginationtree.com/2013/08/first-sewing-basket-for-kids.html

http://www.lilblueboo.com/2012/11/the-gift-of-art-diy-art-box-and-free-artwork-download.html

This should give some ideas to help you get ideas of your own!

http://childparenting.about.com/od/healthsafety/a/holidaystress.htm

Start a new tradition. One of my favorites is we would read "A Candle in the Forest" beside the Christmas tree. We also used to have cinnamon knots and egg nog and decorate the tree. We also read the real Christmas Story from Scriptures before we opened gifts.

I want to stress also to remember your neighbors and remember shut-ins, those also who don't get out or are alone or those who are having harder times.

It does not take very much to make someone happy and feel loved.

http://crazylittleprojects.com/2012/11/fun-christmas-service-ideas.html

http://todaysfabulousfinds.blogspot.com/2010/12/15-gift-ideas-under-2.html

http://peppermintplum.blogspot.com/2010/12/miniature-christmas-symbols-kit.html

http://katherinemariephotography.com/blog/archives/7437

When I worked in the nursing homes I  know that the men and women there loved placemats the children had drawn and colored, so that can be something too!

http://gigglesgalore.net/12-days-of-christmas-service-day-6-six/

http://www.sugardoodle.net/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1912&Itemid=200008

I know I have given you lots to look at but don't stress out, just being helpful and giving you ideas that can help make your gift giving less expensive and more meaningful :)

Keep working on your storage and do what you can. I am so proud of all of you trying to live your lives in righteousness, I thank you for it.

Monday Message - Bread!

Making bread warms up the whole house! Check out my favorite wheat bread recipe here.

Provident living:  Tuesday, Dec. 3rd at 9:30 a.m. will be a class on crochet. We will be making an ear warmer with a flower on it. You will need a crochet hook size H and some worsted weight yarn in your favorite color.

"As long as I can remember, we have been taught to prepare for the future and to obtain a year’s supply of necessities. . . . I believe the time to disregard this counsel is over. With the events in the world today, it must be considered with all seriousness. . . . Create a plan if you don't already have one, or update your present plan . . . We are not in a situation that requires panic buying, but we do need to be careful in purchasing and rotating the storage that we're putting away." (L. Tom Perry, in Conference Report, Oct. 1995, 47; or Ensign, Nov. 1995, 36).

This is a good time of year to stock up even if for a few months. Cranberries are something I stock up at this time of year. I freeze them and use them in scones and salads all year long.

Turkey is something I like to store this time of year as well, however, I was somewhat dismayed to see the prices not come down by much and limits placed on them.

I always make sure I have one untouchable turkey in the freezer. This one will be eaten for next Thanksgiving if we are unable to get a turkey. It has more to do with income than shortage and believe me it has served us well to do this!

Squash and potatoes are good to get some ahead and watch the sale flyers, sometimes a canned veggie or chicken stock or something like that goes on sale. Also, those fried french onion rings to make green bean casserole. I like to have one for next year in case I cannot afford to get one that year, I also use it in a veggie casserole.

So as you go to the store and you pick up one can of pumpkin, what will it hurt to get two or more?.. Or more than one package of cranberries? I think I have made my point! :)

So keep working on storage! 

This is a great time to work on your skills. Developing homemade bread from scratch even if you have a bread machine. I would love for everyone to know how to make it from scratch and have it be wonderful. Once you can do that then you can go to mixers and machines as long as no matter what, you know how to do it by hand... and teach the wee ones how to do it too! It may well benefit them wherever they go.

http://www.thesimpledollar.com/homemade-bread-cheap-delicious-healthy-and-easier-than-you-think/

http://www.craftsy.com/class/artisan-bread-making/104 - this shows some interesting lessons

http://www.bartleby.com/87/0004.html

http://baking911.com/learn/baked-goods/bread

http://jezebel.com/5881847/how-to-make-easy-fast-foolproof-bread-from-scratch - this looked interesting

http://www.frugallivingnw.com/frugal-homemaking/amazing-no-knead-bread-step-by-step-recipe/ - this is a very good bread and an easy method, the bread is more like what you get at the table of a restaurant but not like you would make for toast or such.

http://www.bakedbyrachel.com/2013/01/cinnamon-swirl-bread/ - this is good to have in the morning

http://www.thekitchn.com/bread-baking-tip-how-to-tell-w-156772

http://www.thekitchn.com/-home-hacks-108771 - this one is excellent on showing how to knead. The only thing I do different is I do all the kneading and rising in the same bowl, you mix it in... keeps the mess to a minimum.

http://www.farmgirlfare.com/2011/01/farmhouse-white-easy-basic-white.html

So give making bread a try during these cold months and it will warm up the whole house!

Keep working on stocking your storage. Remember - use it, replace it, plus one... a good system to remember on stocking your storage.

Keep up the great work I am proud of you all! :)

Organizing the sewing room

Re-organizing my sewing room was on the list of things I wanted done before winter. It took a lot of work, but I'm pretty happy with the result!

Monday Message - Gifts from the Kitchen

Provident living: Class will be Tuesday the 19th at the Shooks at 9:30 a.m. The class will be on gifts from the kitchen. Bring ideas to share things given to you or that you have given.

"Acquire and store a reserve of food and supplies that will sustain life. ... As long as I can remember, we have been taught to prepare for the future and to obtain a year's supply of necessities.  I would guess that the years of plenty have almost universally caused us to set aside this counsel.  I believe the time to disregard this counsel is over.  With events in the world today, it must be considered with all seriousness."  L. Tom Perry, "If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear," Ensign, Nov. 1995

Since many of you will not be at the class but want to know what we will be talking about I shall list some of the gifts from the kitchen for you to have some ideas....

http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2012/11/25/peppermint-crunch-puppy-chow/

Also, think about giving a roll of homemade cookie dough for the freezer, a slice and bake one of your favorite and the recipe to go with it.

http://www.instructables.com/id/5-minute-Chocolate-Cake/ - can you see this with a candy cane sticking out of it?

http://www.thekitchn.com/13-easy-mug-cakes-that-are-all-grown-up-195159 - You could put a little recipe book together and give a cup with one of the cakes in it!

http://www.theidearoom.net/2012/02/mint-chocolate-chip-cookies.html - they make those Andes mint chunks now for cookies that would be wonderful in these.

http://tastykitchen.com/recipes/desserts/amye28099s-raspberry-almond-thumbprint-cookies/ - these would be pretty.

http://amybayliss.com/2011/11/how-to-make-christmas-holiday-desserts-in-jars/ - lots of neat things in   canning jars can be done.

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/185351340885354945/

http://www.thegunnysack.com/2011/10/everything-in-jar-handmade-gifts.html

http://beeinmybonnetco.blogspot.com/2011/09/apron-in-jar.html - this is so cute, but make sure your recipient sews... but what a cute thing!

http://amybayliss.com/2011/11/mason-canning-jar-mix-recipes-great-for-christmas-gifts/ - more fantastic canning jar ideas.

http://thefrugalgirls.com/gifts-in-jars-recipes

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/89227636340516686/

Now I want you to remember your sisters you visit teach. I love visiting teaching and so I will put a few in here...

http://www.pinterest.com/barbarayork/visiting-teaching-gifts/

http://www.pinterest.com/valwien/visiting-teaching-gifts/

http://www.pinterest.com/louise3163/visiting-teaching/

http://www.pinterest.com/jamiecrafts/visiting-teaching-ideas/

http://www.sugardoodle.net/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1602&Itemid=200028

The last one there is, an all year thing it is always nice to find something to help with ideas.....

I tried to pick things that had a range of expense to fit into any budget,

http://www.pinterest.com/PDXHilljilly75/graciously-gifting/

http://www.theyummylife.com/Natural_Room_Scents

http://www.pinterest.com/pin/95631192060577617/

http://asouthernfairytale.com/2011/09/15/chocolate-peppermint-crunch-cookies/

This Monday message was all about Gifts from the Kitchen but I offer it as an alternate to over-spending on the season.....be frugal in what you do..

Keep working on your storage as you can. Look for sales!

I apply the "when you walk into any store get one item for storage" no matter how small, it helps to build the storage or divide a cost. I am trying to pick up two boxes of canning lids when I go into a store as they have gone up so much. So in order to be ready for next canning season, I do just two at a time and this way when canning season comes again I shall be set. It might have to be a yearly thing now to do so for me but there are times in the winter a meat might go on sale and so I will can some. So just apply that to your storage to get a little something every time even a box of salt or baking soda or jello... it does add and build your storage.

Remember to keep being frugal and live providently and not let the gift giving take over and own your budget.

I keep hearing great things on what you are doing with your storage and how wonderful you all are! I am proud to be in a ward where you all are such wonderful people doing great things and living the Gospel. Thanks!

Monday Message

Dish towels are a great way to re-purpose those stained tablecloths that are lying around.

Provident living: our next class will be gifts from the kitchen at 9:30 a.m. at the Shooks. Bring any ideas to share that you have given or received....Nov. 19.

President Ezra Taft Benson - "Plan to build up your food supply just as you would a savings account... We urge you to do this prayerfully and do it now."

I have been thinking about this weeks message and as we are approaching a tight season of our year I thought of a few things...

http://gogingham.com/2013/01/budgeting-track-expenses/ - this is a wonderful three part on your budget, I think anyone will find it helpful.

http://simply-saving.com/50-tips-for-frugal-living/ lots of frugal ideas here.

http://gracefullittlehoneybee.blogspot.com/ - scroll down, I like how she dried her apples. You can do this too down farther some fun ideas.

http://www.thecountrycook.net/2012/09/wham-bam-pie-crust.html#more - if you do not like rolling out pie crust or fussing with it... this looks like an easy alternative especially if you have your kids lined up to do several pies.

A note here I want to add... I know it is tempting to get mixes and frozen meals and all manner of convenience, we are soooooooooooo busy, I get it. But I have been thinking this week as I have been so busy I can hardly think... that I should not be so busy that I need to think of simpler times, how can I get my life into simpler times. For me, it is slow down hard to do, I am wired for high. I need to rethink what I do, I shall try to ease up a bit.

I worked so hard getting Christmas done that now I am set on fast, I need to slow. This is the time of year that I feel like I need to get my house better organized as I will be in it all winter long. Really what I am saying, it is more than knowing how to cook from scratch, it is a money saving thing as well. So rather than get a mix for muffins, get out a favorite recipe or email me for mine. Then before you go to bed put all the dry ingredients in the bowl and if you want a list and amounts of what wet things need to be added yet. So you do that and stir together, you still have saved time in your morning. Only now you also have cooked healthy, have used your storage to rotate and saved money now you are a frugal queen! If you look for ways to do that with all you do, I think you will find it is easy to save on this end. It may mean a bit more time in the kitchen but the savings are worth it.

http://gracefullittlehoneybee.blogspot.com/ - this is a good way to do your apples. Keep in mind if you still have apples on grocery shopping day do this then get fresh ones. I have mentioned before, if I have celery and carrots left or even potatoes, I will dry them then. Get fresh, sometimes I use more sometimes less but what is left is still good, so I dry them.

http://emeals.com/meal-plans/classic-meals/ - make a plan and stick to it. Also I will add, have several things in the freezer that you had either leftovers i.e. huge pot of soup makes great freezer meals, so that when you have a day that is too busy for what you planned pull out the item from the freezer and have the meal you planned for tomorrow.

http://www.sustaincreateandflow.com/frugal-made-easy-part-one/ - more frugal information.

Now this may all seem like work, but it does pay off. Living within your budget will give you no sleepless nights or worry wrinkles, how is that? Seriously, you will find a good peace from living within your means.

http://econobusters.com/guest_post_-_healthy_frugal_eating_tips/

http://www.mommysavers.com/how-to-cut-your-grocery-bill-in-half/

http://oneincomefamilyliving.blogspot.com/2011_11_01_archive.html - this is something with great information. Not everyone can be the same but we can learn from others and adapt things to fit our family.

Keep working on  your storage keep trying to live providently, you're doing fantastic!