December 2010 Part 2

Apply these to your concept of Preparedness!!

 

1. Unless you change how you are, you will always have what you’ve got.

 

2. When you know what you want, and you want it badly enough, you’ll find a way to get it.

 

3. If you care at all, you’ll get some results. If you care enough, you’ll get incredible results.

 

4. Goals. There’s no telling what you can do when you get inspired by them. There’s no telling what you can do when you believe in them. There’s no telling what will happen when you act upon them.

 

5. We all need lots of powerful long-range goals to help us past the short-term obstacles.

 

6. If you don’t like where you are, change it! You’re not a tree.

 

7. If you just communicate you can get by. But if you skillfully communicate, you can work miracles.

 

 

 

December Part1 Brownies, Holly Jollies, and cookies!!!

To peek your interest:

To me preparedness is not about storing lots of food, ammo, or creating a 72 hour kit....

...preparedness as a state of independence

Independence—being able to rely on one’s own resources rather than...

We’ve seen firsthand that the sun doesn’t always shine like we need it...

...is the person I believe is truly prepared.

Read the entire article:

http://www.preparednesspro.com/blog/preparedness-is/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+PreparednessProBlog+%28Preparedness+Pro+Blog%29

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Bake-Not Brownie Bars

 

38 squares graham crackers, finely rolled (about 2 1/2 cups)

2 cups miniature marshmallows

1 cup chopped walnuts

6 ounces semisweet chocolate morsels

1 cup evaporated milk

¹/2 cup light corn syrup

¹/4 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon butter or margarine

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

 

 

Mix graham cracker crumbs, marshmallows and nuts in large bowl; set aside.
 

Blend chocolate morsels, evaporated milk, corn syrup and salt in 2-quart saucepan.
 

Stir over low heat until chocolate is melted.
 

Increase heat to medium; heat to a full boil, stirring constantly.
 

Boil for 10 minutes; stirring constantly.
 

Remove from heat; stir in butter or margarine and vanilla.
 

Immediately stir chocolate mixture into crumb mixture.
 

Spread in a greased 9x9x2-inch baking pan.
 

Refrigerate until set, about 3 hours.
 

Cut into 36 1 1/2" squares.

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BEANS, BEANS, BEANS

When you soak beans overnight, soak 3 or 4 times as many as you plan to use for a meal. In the morning drain them and package the extra in 2 or 3 ziploc freezer bags. Then pop the pre-soaked beans in your freezer on a cookie sheet. Once they are frozen remove the cookie sheet. The flat packages (having been frozen on a cookie sheet) will not only stack better in the freezer, but because it's flat and even they will be easier to defrost and use - much easier than a big lump.
When you need beans the next time you just dump your pre-soaked frozen beans into the recipe. Very fast.

 

How to Stress Less This Season

9 Foods You Need to Stay Fit

According to researchers who recently reviewed the risks associated with coronary heart disease (CHD) in women, a poor diet was linked to 20 percent of all cases of heart disease. Factor in diet’s effect on other chronic diseases like diabetes and osteoporosis, and it’s obvious that good nutrition has huge women's health benefits. One way to immediately turn your health situation around is through the foods you choose to eat. Here are nine foods that you'll want to make part of your daily diet.

1. “Berries, and a lot of fruits, are an excellent source of antioxidants and water-soluble vitamins,” says Julia Hincman, MS, RD, LDN, a registered dietitian with Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. “They are important for the prevention of cancer and to maintain your weight.” They may also lower your risk of coronary heart disease. One of the many studies done on the benefits of berries looked at blueberries, a known powerhouse. Researchers found that all their benefits remained even after cooking. The serving size is one-half cup of fresh berries (or one-quarter cup if they are dried).

2. “The more colorful the vegetables — and fruits — the more nutrients you’re going to get in your diet,” says Hincman. And green leafy veggies, like turnip, collard and mustard greens, kale, Chinese cabbage, and spinach, all rich sources of vitamins and minerals, are a great place to start. Many are also a good source of iron, important for women’s health, especially after menopause. One serving of cooked leafy greens — a half a cup — is not a lot, considering that just around two and one half cups of veggies, or five servings in total, is all you need each day.

3. It sounds counterintuitive, but fatty fish are actually good for you because they deliver omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), fats with cardiovascular and anti-inflammatory benefits. While fish oil capsules will help you meet your PUFA needs, studies have found that fish itself offers even more nutritional benefits, including vitamin D, selenium, and antioxidants. Among the best choices are salmon, albacore tuna, herring, and trout. Recommendations are for 1 gram of PUFAs daily for people with coronary heart disease and at least 250 to 500 mg daily for those who want to prevent it.

4. “Whole grains help with digestion and are excellent for your heart, regularity [because of the fiber content], and maintaining a steady level of blood sugar,” says Hincman. “They are also a great source of energy to power you throughout the day.” Whole grains, such as oats, also help improve cholesterol levels. While food manufacturers are adding fiber to all sorts of products, whole grains, like whole wheat, rye, and bran, need to be the first ingredient on the food label of packaged foods, she stresses. Watch your serving sizes, however. Current guidelines are for six one-ounce equivalent servings per day (five if you’re over 50). One ounce of whole-wheat pasta (weighed before cooking) is only one-half cup cooked.

5. “Nuts are a great source of protein and monounsaturated fatty acids,” says Hincman, as well as much needed vitamin E. Examples of great choices include walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts. Nuts are also very calorie-dense, however, so you need only a palmful for good nutrition and to feel satisfied — just one-half ounce of nuts is considered equivalent to one ounce of a typical protein choices, like chicken or beef. Hincman suggests extending the volume in a serving of nuts by adding in raisins or dried cranberries.

6. Beans are another nutrient powerhouse, providing you with a reliable protein alternative to meat as well as the fiber needed for good digestion and prevention of chronic diseases. Beans — including navy, kidney, black, white, lima, and pinto — are part of the legume family that also includes split peas, lentils, chickpeas, and soybeans. Many are good sources of calcium, important to prevent osteoporosis, especially after menopause. If you’re new to beans, add them gradually to minimize gas. Count each one-quarter cup of cooked beans as one ounce of protein.

7. Nutritionists recommend choosing a rainbow of fruits and vegetables because each one provides a unique blend of nutrients. Within the color spectrum, yellow or orange veggies are great sources of vitamin A for skin and eye health and better immunity against infection. At the top of the list are carrots, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, and the many types of squash. While it takes just one whole carrot or six baby carrots to make one serving (one-half cup), you’ll need only half a starchy sweet potato.

8. Call it a vegetable or a fruit, the tomato is in a food class by itself. Interestingly, cooked tomato products, like tomato paste, puree, stewed tomatoes, and even ketchup, deliver more of its well-known antioxidant lycopene, a cancer fighter, and potassium than when eaten raw. Tomatoes also have vitamins A and C and phytochemicals that make it an nutrition essential for women’s health.

9. Calcium is extremely important after menopause when your osteoporosis risk increases. But it’s actually vital to women’s health at every age, particularly while the body is still making bone. For optimal bone health, you need three daily servings of dairy products (for example, eight ounces of milk or yogurt, or one and a half ounces of cheese per serving), which also provide other nutrients, like protein, potassium, magnesium, and zinc. “If you can tolerate dairy, low-fat sources are extremely important,” says Hincman. Besides low-fat or skim milk, try calcium-rich Greek-style yogurt, which supplies twice the protein with less or none of the sugar of traditional yogurt varieties, she says.

 

 

Where to put my food?

How to be self reliant!

What to do with my used #10 cans?

 

Have a great Holiday Season!

Be Prepared!

 

Creating a Food Oasis

 In a true desert the salvation to both man and beast is the Oasis. We can create a Food Oasis or place of refuge in our own homes, by storing food and necessary items for our families.  If you have not yet started, start small. Imagine an unexpected Ice storm taking out your power for a week, what could you feed your family? Do you have blankets, fuel and light sources?  Start by just storing enough food and water for that one week. Then move on to something more. There are many ideas in the Prepper’s Pantry. Consider giving food storage gifts to your family this year -- nothing says “I love you” like five pounds of honey. (Replace the lump of coal threat with cans of creamed spinach.)

(this may not be a scenario for us here in the south, but is a good example to follow)

In February my family endured and an ice storm-induced power outage for just 36 hours or so. We had food, blankets and a heat source. However it did not take me long to realize what things we were missing, especially when the “Mom, I’m board...” reached a crescendo.  So I have another suggestion for your home oasis--games or puzzles that are for emergency use only.  You can find them on sale now at almost any store in your area.

Another way to create a Food Oasis is to give to your local food bank or church.

We don’t have to live in a desert. Create your Oasis today.

 

 There are times when a pot of stew
is worth more than a pot of gold. 

 

Invest in food to ensure you can feed your family during a crisis.

 

* * *

Food Tastes Better Than Gold. 

 

 

Holly Jollies Quick and Easy!

For Each Batch (about 36 mini muffin sized holly jollies):

1 Package Almond Bark (white or chocolate)

36 mini muffin papers

2 Cups of one or more of the following (get creative!)

• Salted Peanuts
• Rice Krispie Cereal
• Dried Cranberries
• Raisins
• crushed candy canes
• Other salted nuts
• Your favorite dried fruit, chopped to the size of raisins

Line a mini muffin tin with mini muffin papers. Place almond bark in a large microwave safe bowl. Microwave for a minute and a half; stir. Return to microwave and microwave for about thirty seconds at a time, stirring each time, until bark is smooth and creamy.* Remove from microwave and stir in two cups of your choice of add in. Spoon into mini muffin papers and allow to sit until cool and hardened. You can put them in the refrigerator to speed up the process if you like.

Package and give with a smile on your face and a grateful heart.

*Note: Take special care not to allow even the tiniest drop of water to get into the bark as it will clot up if you do.

 Pecan Nougat Cookies
(Shortbread Snowballs)

• 1 cup softened butter
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups finely ground nuts of your choice (I’m using pecans)
• Confectioner’s sugar

Cream butter, sugar, and salt until fluffy. Add flour and vanilla, mix well, scraping down sides as needed. Add nuts and mix until well incorporated. Shape into one inch balls (mine are bigger because I use a little cookie dough scoop) and place on ungreased baking sheet. Bake at 325 for twenty minutes, but don’t let them brown.

Cool cookies. When cooled, roll in confectioner’s sugar.

 

Hi Friends...here we go (From Karen)

 

A preparedness mindset does not go away at Christmastime; Here are some deals to attain food line by line (grocery store lines that is!) PUBLIX-things to buy this week

FREE download of the details of the creation of HANDEL'S MESSIAH here from Christian Audio, CLICK HERE to see details

other FREE things, like Wendy's new fries, FREE $5 off Hallmark stuff,  etc.

Spiritual thought for the week

 

 

Don't forget to stock up on drug store items too... food storage is first, never go into debt to gain storage, but what would life be like without toilet paper? CVS and WALGREENS are also on Southern Savers...Karla, you're beautiful for sharing! Yesterday I got 8 free scotch tapes and 50 cent panty liners, Quaker variety oatmeal packs for 50 cents, a dozen command strips and hooks and it was all another 15 % Off (one day only) because of an ad that Gina told me about on Southern Savers...THANKS GINA! I spent a whole 1.25 when my bill started out at almost $30! I told the cashier it was my other part time job so I could stay home with my kids! <grin> I can hardly accept any excuse of funds keeping me from my preparedness...ONE DOLLAR TWENTY FIVE????? Extreme couponing is very lucrative! I cannot tell you the deals I have gotten lately, and you probably wouldn't believe me anyway...unless you're doing the same. KNOW that in these tough economic times there is recourse to saving BIG on things we use everyday! Gina and I are also contemplating doing classes on extreme couponing as a sideline...more info later or ask if you're interested!

 

 

 

PUBLIX-BOGO (buy one get one free) Pitted Prunes, GREAT storage item and they make great CAKES too...Uncle Ben's Rice, GREEN GIANT canned veges are 14 cents each with a coupon, without, they are only 64 cents, half price but you must buy at least 2. Olive oil, Idahoan instant mashers are FREE when you use printable coupons in addition to the bogo. CLICK Here and scroll to Idahoan Mashed Potatoes and don't forget to print2 for each computer in your house so you can stock up. These are great thickeners for soups and stews if you don't like instant mashers as a side dish. RONZONI is free again when you use coupons. I just canned a couple of cases 2 weeks ago so I'm ready for more for my pantry. go to the previous link for coupons and prices, not only is it FREE, but you make a profit! Chocolate chips (we must have CHOCOLATE in food storage, don't freeze and avoid white coloring. Use your foodsaver and leftover jars and lids to triple storage time) There is so much more, take the time to look up deals and be wise with your funds, then come along on our next trip to the cannery and use those savings for your long term storage.

 

HANDEL'S MESSIAH

This audiobook also includes selections from Handel's Messiah.

Handel's oratorio Messiah is a phenomenon with no parallel in music history. No other work of music has been so popular for so long. Yet familiarity can sometimes breed contempt — and also misunderstanding.

This book by music expert Calvin Stapert will greatly increase understanding and appreciation of Handel's majestic Messiah, whether readers are old friends of this remarkable work or have only just discovered its magnificence.

Stapert provides fascinating historical background, tracing not only Messiah's unlikely inception but also its amazing reception throughout history. The bulk of the book offers scene-by-scene musical and theological commentary on the whole work, focusing on the way Handel's music beautifully interprets and illuminates the biblical text.

 

FREE STUFF

get a $5 off Hallmark for that special card...HERE

 

Click here, not on the picture

 

Well friends, I'm swamped so this isn't a very substantive newsletter, BUT the good news is that the Lord is watching over us all. In my daily D&C study, I have found so much counsel to remind me of this...to remind me to be fearless and that all is going along as planned. This scripture has been particularly comforting to me now...D&C 67reads...  

2Behold and lo, mine eyes are upon you, and the heavens and the earth are in mine hands and the riches of eternity are mine to give

 3Ye endeavored to ^abelieve that ye should receive the blessing which was offered unto you; but behold, verily I say unto you there were fears in your hearts, and verily this is the reason that ye did not receive

I'm getting rid of my fears and am handing things over to Him. Continue in hope  and the love of Christ, this month and all year long!

love,
Karen