I will be speaking with Jennifer Reese author of Make the Bread, Buy the Butter.

This is a fun book for family and friends who are budget conscious and who may or may not be ready for a fulll blown food storage plan. 

Jennifer spent a year researching and experimenting with recipes to replace items we all routinely purchase.

What does this have to do with food storage? EVERYTHING!

First, learn when you really save money by making from scratch. That savings can then be used to add to your General Store.

Second, during a time of financial crisis or during a disaster won't it be great  to be able to enjoy the foods your family loves. Graham crackers, hummus, yogurt, bagels, marshmallow, the possibilities are endless.

Third, when we cook from scratch be know exactly what is in our foods, no added chemical preservatives, no added soy or other foods for which we may have an intolerance or allergy.

Join us as we talk about the surprises and benefits Jennifer uncovered. 

Today just a quick add to our General Store. Since we are almost done with the year and we are now adding our last items and since it is holiday time we are adding 6 desserts this week. There are all sorts of possibilities here. Cake mixes and brownie mixes are on sale right now. Candy, chocolate and other varieties of chips,  are on sale too. Purchase desserts or the ingredients to make  at least 6 desert and don't use them during the upcoming  holiday season. 

Don't forget to take advantage of the special deals at Totally Ready, only one more week! Don't know what the deal is? check out your November Newsletter or last week's READY OR NOT.

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Listen to Carolyn's radio show READY OR NOT…every Tuesday night 9:00pm Eastern, 6:00pm Pacific…if you missed some listen now.

Current show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper

Past shows: http://www.bepreparedradio.com/category/prepper-podcasts-preparedness/ready-or-not/

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 Don't slow down on your food storage preps just get wiser about your purchases. 

1. We've been talking about this for the past year so you should be aware that packaging sizes are shrinking. Be observant. Yogurt sizes have shrunk so instead of looking at the price look at the price per unit. The more expensive jar of peanut butter may actually be the better buy at a cheaper price per ounce. All grocery stores have the unit price on the shelf label.

2. Look down and look up. The less expensive products are usually on the lower shelves or on the top shelf. Shelf space is purchased by manufactures so those who do not pay those fees get the less desirable shelf space. 

3. Buy in bulk. By this I don't mean to purchase cases but rather to purchase the larger size and not the individual serving size. Yogurt, chips, crackers, cookies, fruit snack, applesauce, pudding, among other things, are cheaper to purchase in a large package and to divide into individual servings yourself. Now that school has begun it is so tempting to purchase lunch box sizes but take the time to divide those chips yourself. Purchase small single serve containers for items such as yogurt and pudding. The initial investment will be saved the first week of doing your own dividing.

4. Stretch your meat. With the price of beef and pork increasing think about some substitutions. Instead of beef consider using chicken or turkey. Instead of using ground beef substitute half with ground chicken and still have the flavor of beef.  

5. Learn to can meat. Watch for sales on meat and can your own. It's not hard and it tastes wonderful. Soon turkey will be the cheapest it will be all year. Some stores even offer a free turkey when you spend a specific amount in the store. Be sure to plan your trips so you can get more than one free and can or divide it up and freeze it.

6. Speaking of the holidays, there are foods which are sure to be on sale for holiday cooking. Flour, sugars, canned milks, pumpkin, vanilla, cranberry,stuffing mixes, broth,  all go on sale. Keep track now of the items that need to be replaced in your General Store and wait for those sales. Combine sales with the free turkey offers and you will save huge amounts. Last year I spent $40.00 on $130.00 worth of food and that was without coupons, just buying on sale, getting a free turkey and buy one get one free offers.  

7. Buy fruits and vegetables in season, better yet plant your own. You will be amazed how much you can grow in pots on your porch. If you live in an area with a harsh climate consider a green house. We are working toward a self reliant life style but we also need to remember there are threats out there like EMPs and solar flares as well as natural disasters and terrorist attacks which could cause grocery store shelves to remain empty for days or weeks. We have been stashing cash the past three months for a large preparedness purchase. Why not a green house?

8. Add spices and herbs. If you don't like canned and frozen foods try adding spices and herbs to create more flavor. Purchase in bulk. Winco is a great place for this but if you don't have a Winco close by search the internet for bulk spices and herbs in  your area.

9. Never throw out food. If you have left overs freeze them for a  quick meal on a busy day, take them to work for lunch or recreate them into a new meal by adding a sauce, placing them in a wrap or creating a casserole.

10. Purchase cheaper cuts of meat and use your crock pot. Slow cooking will tenderize meats and make cheaper cuts perfect.

11. Purchase in the ethnic foods section. You can purchase a huge jar of bullion, for example, in the Mexican foods section, for the same price as a small bottle in the spice isle.

12. Learn to cook from scratch. Not only will this help with your budget but also with food allergies. You can bake a loaf of bread for 30 cents. I make bread mixes and put them in ziplock bags so all I need to do is add the yeast and then liquid and making bread is fast and easy. There are directions for making a master mix from your own recipes in the January 2010 Newsletter or http://blog.totallyready.com/master-mixes-from-your-own-recipes/01/21/

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Listen to Carolyn's radio show READY OR NOT…every Tuesday night 9:00pm Eastern, 6:00pm Pacific…if you missed some listen now.

Current show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper

Past shows: http://www.bepreparedradio.com/category/prepper-podcasts-preparedness/ready-or-not/

Subscribe to our Newsletter: http://blog.totallyready.com/announcing-the-totally-ready-newsletter/

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Contact Carolyn at: Carolyn@TotallyReady.com

This is just a quick summary of the information I presented on Ready Or Not this past Tuesday. There are more statistics on the show than in this post. Please take time to listen to the show to kick start your food production and storage efforts.

Oil prices were up 6% on Monday and 8% Tuesday and oil up to $100.00 a barrel by Wednesday. It's still too early today to know what will happen by the end of the day's trading. In the United States we do have oil that is just sitting due to inadequate pipelines to get the crude to the refineries. Monday the average gas price was $3.17 with the price last year at $2.54. If you are an average driver and don't fuel up more than once a week, I really don't know who that is, the increase is costing you $378.00 per year per car, more than last year and with the p[rice of crude up again that is sure to go higher.

Airline prices are going up as well. "As the carriers have tried to keep up with rapidly rising oil prices, they have already increased their fares four times since the start of the year, compared with only three increases for all of 2010. The airlines have also raised some of their fees, imposed summer peak-time surcharges and added hefty fuel surcharges on international flights". http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/24/business/24fare.html?src=busln

Food prices are up also:

cocoa up 42% since September

Since June just seven months, world prices have gone up:

wheat 75%

sorguhum 88%

Rice 17%

corn 73%

sugar 73%

edible oils prices (soybean, corn, palm…) up as much as 43%

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates corn used for ethanol will rise from 31% of U.S. corn output in 2008/9 to a projected 40% in 2010/11.

Don't be fooled, prices have already gone up, 9% in the U.S. and 10% in England. Check the size of the containers your food comes in. Has it gotten smaller. If not check the number of ounces in the container. Have they gotten less? If you paid $2.00 last year for 16 ounces of cereal and this year $2.00 for 12 ounces of cereal that is a 20% increase. Some cereals are now only 12 ounces. Have you noticed that? The same is true of less yogurt in a cup, fewer slices of cheese in a package. Don't be fooled!

If food prices were to increase 10% this year, and according to experts that is very optimistic, if you spend $100.00/week on groceries now you will be spending $40.00/month and $480.00/year more by the end of the year. Some experts are saying some food prices could rise as much as 40% but even a compromise of a 20% increase would mean $960.00 per year more. Now how many of you with a family only spend $100.00 per week.

If you are currently eating out at all now is the time to stop! Take that money and invest it in food storage. There will continue to be coupons and sales for food and IF you have your General Store stocked for three months you will NEVER have to pay full price for any of your food.

This is the time to get serious. It's time to plant a garden, no matter how small. It's time to learn to can what you grow. It's time to learn to bake and cook from scratch. We can help.

In the yahoo group this week we have been talking about how to make your own hot cereals from grains. What would you like help with? Take time to listen to Tuesday's Ready Or Not and commit now! Start looking on Craig's list, asking friends, family, and everyone you know, for old canning jars. Find a gardening buddy and share your harvest. What sacrifices will you need to make in the future if your grocery bill goes up 20%. Will you need to give up music lessons, sell your second car, move to a smaller home or apartment, eliminate a favorite hobby, get rid of satellite TV or internet on your cell phone? Sacrifice a little time now to make a plan and a little time and effort to work the plan.

Listen to my radio show READY OR NOT…every Tuesday night 9:00pm Eastern, 6:00pm Pacific…if you missed some listen now.

Current show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper

Past shows: http://www.bepreparedradio.com/category/prepper-podcasts/ready-or-not/

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Back issues: Totally Ready Newsletters July 2009- June 2010

This week I have heard and read more and more about the possibility of hyper inflation within the next two years. When my husband noticed the price of cookies is now $4.00 a package, when he shopped with me the other night, he flipped! He could not believe it would cost $4.00 to buy a bag of cookie. I can't believe it either. Since so many have "forgotten" how to make cookies and breads I will be posting some master mixes for these items that can be made by busy moms and dads, and even the kids. The mixes will require that you simply add the wet ingredients, add them to a pan, or form cookies, and you are good to go. I will begin that tomorrow, so watch for that.

I have received a new price list for the canneries sponsored by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the prices have gone up by as much as 9%. Many of you are familiar with these facilities and if you are not you should become acquainted. They are open to the public but in some areas you must go with a church member. The prices are very good and the quality of the food excellent. The Church does not make a profit on the food so when the price goes up 9% you know it has gone up 9% to them, another clue that the 1.9% claim is way off base. During past food inflation the canneries have become very busy so if you are interested you should call and schedule time soon.

This week add 5 pounds/ person of powdered milk to your food storage. Again, remember, if you can't afford to do it all, do some. If you are stocking your non food shelves add rope and clothes pins. I know I mentioned this when we were talking about living off the grid but I mention it again as part of the list so you and I can check it off as being done!

The following is an article to further help you understand the food crisis:

The world's biggest economies are working to find ways to bring down soaring food prices, a G20 official said on Friday, as top exporter Thailand vowed to keep rice supply steady and avert a repeat of the 2008 food crisis.

Global food prices hit a record high last month, outstripping the levels that sparked riots in several countries in 2008, and key grains could rise further, the United Nations' food agency said this week.

Policymakers are concerned that, if unchecked, rising food prices could stoke inflation, protectionism and unrest.

High food prices and unemployment were blamed for a second day of rioting in Algeria Friday with police deployed around mosques and authorities suspending football matches.

Rhee Chang-yong, who represents South Korea at the G20, said working-group talks were under way aimed at improving global cooperation to resolve food security problems.

"France is emphasizing food security. As a former host country of G20, we would like to deal with the price volatility problem thoroughly," Rhee said.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has asked the World Bank to conduct urgent research on the impact of food prices, a source familiar with the matter said.

French Prime Minister Francois Fillon said this week that one of France's priorities at the G20, where it holds the rotating presidency, was to find a collective response to "excessive volatility" in prices of food and energy.

I have been doing lots and lots of research on food prices. As I look at the reports from the USDA and other government sources they claim food prices have risen bu only 1.9% during 2010. This just did not make sense to me as I shopped and watched prices increase, it seemed weekly. So…I did more digging. It is true that food prices have increased very little if you look at the amount paid to farmers for crops. It is not true that food prices in the store have gone up 1.9%. There are two major reasons that increases have not been recognized as such.

One concern is that high food prices could hit consumer spending in fast-growing emerging countries that are leading the revival of the global economy.

CEREAL PRICES UP IN 2010

Last year, wheat futures prices rose 47%, buoyed by bad weather including drought in Russia and its Black Sea neighbors. U.S. corn rose more than 50 percent and U.S. soybeans jumped 34%.

The U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization said in a report Wednesday that sugar and meat prices were at their highest since its records began in 1990. For wheat, rice, corn and other cereals, prices were at their highest since the 2008 crisis.

During that crisis, riots broke out in countries from Egypt to Haiti. Import prices jumped, forcing many countries' trade balances into a deep and costly deficit, and several governments in Asia imposed export restrictions on rice.

The U.N.'s World Food Program which was feeding some 100 million people last year, noted that cereals including rice had not hit 2008 price peaks, but that sugar and cooking oil were pushing up the food index.

It is a new year and thus we begin stocking new shelves in our General Store. This week add two pounds of cheese per person to your store. This can be in the form of blocks of cheese. It keeps for a long….time unopened in the fridge or freezer, or you can wax it. You can also add cheese in a jar or processed cheese like Velveeta. Some of these provide more nutrient than others but they will all add interest to yor food during a time of emergency and let's face it cheese is a comfort food, especially for kids.

Also this week add Christmas to your store shelves. If you cannot afford to do food and non food items do the food, but if you already have your three month supply or if your have budgeted this year and made it a goal to become prepared, then do both. Yesterday I got wrapping paper, gift bags, tissue paper, gift tags, M&Ms and ornaments for 70% off. For those of you who listened to READY OR NOT on December 21st, you know how important I believe traditions are in a great self reliance plan. If you did not listen to the show please take time to do that. One of our traditions is giving a new ornament each year to each of our children. If you have or would like to start that tradition now is the time to get the ornament. The pickins are slim now but the prices are all really….low. Look at gift wrap and bags with an eye toward other occasions. Red bags are great for Valentines day or for anyone who loves red. Gold and silver bags and wrap are great for weddings. Remember our goal is to have a General Store in our home so we don't have to run to the store for anything, including gifts and gift wrap. I have also gotten Christmas socks for grand kids next year, lotions, which will be great for small gifts for friends, seasonal note pads, again a great small gift or stocking stuffer.

I'm off to fight ants! Please join me tonight on READY OR NOT 6:00pm Pacific—9:00pm Eastern. Call in number: 347-326-3946

TOTALLY READY NEWSLETTER SPECIAL:

When you order a two year subscription to the Totally Ready Newsletter

I will send you a copy of my food storage ebook, Mother Hubbard:What She's Doing Now

and a copy of the first 12 months of Totally Ready Newsletters (144 pages),

a $47.00 value for $24.00.

The ebook will answer the questions, where do I store, how can I afford this, what do I store and much more. The newsletter subscription will provide disaster preparedness tips, tutorials for survival, recipes and answers to many more questions. If others have told you, after listening to Glenn Beck, that they want to get started consider purchasing this package as a gift for them or let them know about this great deal.

Listen to my radio show READY OR NOT…every Tuesday night 9:00pm Eastern, 6:00pm Pacific…if you missed some listen now.

Current show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper

Past shows: http://www.bepreparedradio.com/category/prepper-podcasts/ready-or-not/

Subscribe to our Newsletter: http://blog.totallyready.com/announcing-the-totally-ready-newsletter/

Join Our Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TotallyReady/

Back issues: Totally Ready Newsletters July 2009- June 2010

Now you all should know by now that I don’t coupon. Makana has been helping me by posting couponing tips but this week I am hooked, at least for this week. I wanted to share with you the bargains I have found.

This week there is a coupon for Chex Cereals. We have all enjoyed Chex Party Mix and it makes a great treat to take to a party or to put in a fancy bag and give as a gift. This week I purchased Chex cereal at Winco for $1.98 a box. The coupon requires you to purchase two boxes so I just use two varieties of cereal in my mix instead of three. If you don’t want to make the mix yourself there is also a coupon for the ready to eat Chex Mix.

Next there are coupons for Pillsbury rolls, cookies, pie crust and more. All these are great for quick treats and the pie crust would be perfect for those freezer meal chicken pot pies. Remember we want to avoid purchasing food because we are too tired to cook or it is too late because we have been gone all day. Make those freezer meals!

Progresso soups, these are also on sale this time of the year and if they aren’t in your area this week just wait a week or two and they will be.

Betty Crocker muffin mix, perfect for a quick breakfast treat with scrambled eggs.

Bisquick great quick breakfast or biscuits to go with that hash we made yesterday.

M&Ms $2.00 off the purchase of three bags. No problem here as they were on sale buy one get one free. Remember I told you chocolate is a must in a well stocked General Store? I got my stash!

Lil Smokies. Who doesn’t love these for a fast appetizer when more guests than expected arrive or aunt Sue forgets her contribution to the buffet.

Making Rice Krispie Treats? No problem, get marshmallows free with the purchase of the cereal and use those frugal M&Ms to give them some color and a chocolate boost.

If you don’t get a newspaper do an Internet search and you can print off the coupons. Print off more than one if you are going to purchase multiples and the coupon allows you to use more than one.

Yes, this week is good, coupons I will actually use!

When you order a two year subscription to the Totally Ready Newsletter

I will send you a copy of my food storage ebook, Mother Hubbard:What She’s Doing Now

and a copy of the first 12 months of Totally Ready Newsletters (144 pages),

a $47.00 value for $24.00.

The ebook will answer the questions, where do I store, how can I afford this, what do I store and much more. The newsletter subscription will provide disaster preparedness tips, tutorials for survival, recipes and answers to many more questions. If others have told you, after listening to Glenn Beck, that they want to get started consider purchasing this package as a holiday gift for them.

Listen to my radio show READY OR NOT…every Tuesday night 9:00pm Eastern, 6:00pm Pacific…if you missed some listen now.

Current show:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper

Past shows:

http://www.bepreparedradio.com/category/prepper-podcasts/ready-or-not/

Subscribe to our Newsletter: http://blog.totallyready.com/announcing-the-totally-ready-newsletter/

Join Our Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TotallyReady/

Back issues: Totally Ready Newsletters July 2009- June 2010

Two weeks ago Makana began a series of posts to help you better understand how to get started and stay motivated to use coupons and special offers and reduce your household expenses. Her second step …Organization.

I decided to begin with this questions because if there is no money there is no food storage. With all of us on much more limited budget right now we must be creative in our approach to stocking our General Stores. Following are a few ideas:

1. For homework I asked you to get a notebook and record every penny you spend this week. I think you will be surprised what you spend. I know it is a holiday week so you may want to do this for two weeks to get a better picture of your spending habits.

You may discover you purchase items because you are shuttling kids. This is a huge budget buster. We have all been there. You pick up the kids from school and it’s off to soccer practice or music lessons. On the way the kids are hungry and thirsty so you drive through and pick up a quick snack. Make it a habit to keep a few drinks and snacks in the car. You can even purchase bottles for water and fill them when you know there are errands to be run. This saves on the cost of using bottled water all the time.

You may discover you run to pick up a pizza because you are just too exhausted or you have no time to fix a meal before another meeting in the evening. Spend one afternoon, evening or Saturday each month making freezer meals. Then when you are in a pinch pop a meal in the oven or microwave. We have had recipes for these in past newsletters and there will be more recipes and tips in the December Newsletter next week. These can save you lots and lots of money and as with the previous tips are much more healthy than the fast food stop.

2. Save your change. Each night take the change from your pockets and purses and place it in a bottle. This is money for food storage only!

3. Serve breakfast for dinner one or two nights a week. Everyone loves breakfast foods and they are  much less expensive.

4. Rethink gift giving. Everyone loves gifts from the heart. As an example:

Canning Kit: ( almost free). Give a case of canning jars, either new, or used with new lids – include a few of your favorite canning recipes and a gift certificate for a lug of fruit from your local orchard or your own tree next summer, and a day of canning help. If you have your own fruit trees, this gift is free except for the lids.

Canning Season Order Form: (free if you ask for return of the jars!). Create a gift certificate that is an order form for next canning season. Label the top of the certificate “Redeemable from Summer 2011 Crop”. Directions on the certificate: “Choose one from each section” Then create sections for items you normally can. For example, “Fruit” – choose from pears, applesauce or peaches. You could include a jam and jelly section, vegetable section, and a “Just for Fun” section which could include such things as pickles and spaghetti sauce. Then next summer deliver their selections all canned and ready for the shelves of their General Store.

Disaster Preparedness Kit: (free). Send for, or download, information concerning natural disasters known to occur in your area. This information should also include counsel on what to do to be prepared for such emergencies. Wrap it in a gift bag and add a gift certificate from a provider of 72-hour kits and preparedness items or collect items from around your home such as a backpack, whistle, flashlight, and roll of TP to begin their kit. You will not only have “warned your neighbor”, but will have provided them with a way to act on the knowledge they have gained.

Again, there will be a longer list in the newsletter…

5. Trade for items you now pay for. What can you trade the person who cuts your hair? Maybe you could mow their lawn, pick up their kids from school, teach them or their children to sew or take them dinner or a freezer meal once a month!

6. Organize a swap meet. Why purchase new toys when you can trade? I have known people who have even traded furniture. Sick of your jewelry? Trade!

7.  Meet needs. Do you know someone who works and needs help to pick kids up from school? Know someone who would pay you to hang their Christmas decorations? What about teaching a class, cleaning a garage, inventorying someone’s food storage?

Right now…BABYSIT… Just think,  babysitters make $5.00 an hour or more so why not take a day of two and offer babysitting in your home while mom and dad get to go Christmas shopping. Make it a 10:00am  til 5:00pm  day, watch a Christmas movie, decorate cookies and eat lunch and the day is gone! Set a reasonable rate per family and I will bet you get plenty of takers.

8. Ask for food storage for Christmas from family and friends. Send out an email and give them a list of items you would like. Explain that the best gift you could receive this year is the gift of peace of mind, which having food for a rainy day will provide. Sitting around the Thanksgiving table is the perfect time to make this request.

I hope that provides you with a few ideas, and I hope you will share your tips too. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

When you order a two year subscription to the Totally Ready Newsletter

I will send you a copy of my food storage ebook, Mother Hubbard:What She’s Doing Now

and a copy of the first 12 months of Totally Ready Newsletters (144 pages),

a $47.00 value for $24.00.

The ebook will answer the questions, where do I store, how can I afford this, what do I store and much more. The newsletter subscription will provide disaster preparedness tips, tutorials for survival, recipes and answers to many more questions. If others have told you, after listening to Glenn Beck, that they want to get started consider purchasing this package as a holiday gift for them.

Listen to my radio show READY OR NOT…every Tuesday night 9:00pm Eastern, 6:00pm Pacific…if you missed some listen now!

http://www.bepreparedradio.com/category/prepper-podcasts/ready-or-not/

Subscribe to our Newsletter: http://blog.totallyready.com/announcing-the-totally-ready-newsletter/

Join Our Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TotallyReady/

Back issues: Totally Ready Newsletters July 2009- June 2010

You may have heard recently that the cost of food will be rising again. You may have also heard that this is just not the case and a scare tactic by those trying to sell you something. Prices really are going up on food, believe it. I can give you an example very close to home, almonds. You may not realize the bulk of the world’s almond supply comes from California. This year we had a cooler than normal summer which lead to a late harvest. We had an early rain which led to almond damage as many very still on the trees and not yet safely stored in warehouses. This is a problem as the almonds will rot if not properly dried. This adds to the cost as it is another step which must be taken before the nuts can be sold. Now, this may not seem like much of a problem as almonds are more of a luxury food, but the ramifications are tremendous.  Do you normally purchase candy as gifts or as holiday treats? They contain California almonds even if they come from Italy or Switzerland. Almonds are in breakfast cereals, breads, breadings, Thanksgiving stuffing and much, much more. Almond milk is consumed by many with milk allergies. The final kicker is that the Chinese are buying up large quantities of both almonds and walnuts further forcing up  prices on both almonds and walnuts.

With the growing wealth of the Chinese government they are now purchasing more and more food which would normally have been part of the food chain we depend upon. Many apple orchards have been pulled out the past few year because China is now producing cheap apples for export. Can you believe we are buying apples from China?

Last year we had lengthy “discussions” here about the federal government limiting water to farmers in California. This has left many without jobs and has created a dust bowl on farms where some of the best soil in the nation once existed. If this continues what do you think will happen to food prices?

In the United States 99% of all almonds and walnuts, 93% of broccoli, 89% of carrots, 94 % of tomatoes, 95% of apricots, 90% of strawberries, 93% of nectarines, 100% of olives and olive oil, 93% of plums, 78% of lettuce, 84% of avocados, 82% of dates, 98% of figs, 97% of kiwi, and 89% of lemons come from California. Still think it’s no big deal? Maybe we can do without purchasing figs but go without pizza? Yes, the price of pizza will go up as the price of tomatoes which are used to make pizza sauce goes up. Don’t be fooled. Food prices are going up.

We haven’t even begun to consider that the price of wheat is up 47% due to infestation and poor weather conditions in foreign nations. Those people have to eat too and they will pay more to get our wheat, thus our price goes up as well.

Recently Glenn Beck has been advocating storing food. No matter how you feel about his politics he is certainly right about this! I hope someone will direct him to our General Store.We all need to be stocking our own in home store now! Prices will not go down and your General Store will be your best investment and yield the greatest return on your  money going forward. As you will need to replace items you can then buy only when they are on sale, thus always shopping at last year’s prices. But it’s not just about food.

Did you hear the news yesterday that cotton prices are due to increase by 30%? That means clothing, blankets, curtains, furniture (upholstery), TP, swabs, bandages, will all go up in price. Cotton seed hulls are used for animal feed so meat prices will rise. Now, some of these products will rise a few cents and be almost unnoticeable by themselves but add up 5 cents per roll of TP and 5 cents per pound of meat and 5 cents per feminine hygiene products and you can see over the course of a year you are talking real  money.

If you are serious about saving money stock that General Store. When tough times come you will be prepared to meet your own needs, help others, and barter for items you may need. You will be in control as you will have the items more valuable than gold; food, medical items, fuel, and many other supplies which will be in demand. Join us every Monday as we stock our shelves. Now is the time to prepare, before you need it!

Listen to READY OR NOT…every Tuesday night 6:00 Pacific…if you missed some listen now!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper/2010/11/17/preparedness-radio-11-16-2010

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Back issues: Totally Ready Newsletters July 2009- June 2010

Now for Makana…

Couponing, as I well know, can be time consuming and intimidating. I hope that these next series of posts will guide you to embracing the world of couponing with ease.

Happy Saving!

To Listen to past broadcasts of READY OR NOT visit:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/search/carolyn-nicolaysen/

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Back issues: Totally Ready Newsletters July 2009- June 2010

Saving money is easy to do. Just shop sales and you are saving money. You are also spending though. And while I am a big proponent for deals and coupons, it should not come at the expense of your well planned budget.

Also check out this website for a great calendar free! Would be a terrific gift.

It’s that time of the year when we are all beginning to think of the holidays and just how we can afford them this year. With the election still two weeks away we still don’t know if we all face big tax increases in January. Many of us are still our of work and many looking for more work to pay the bills. Unfortunately many of us still have foods in the fridge that look like science experiments. Let’s recover that money instead of adding it to the trash at the end of the month. Following are a few creative ways to use leftovers without the family suspecting a thing!

Twice “Baked” Potatoes
Left over mashed potatoes
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup grated cheddar cheese
4 strips bacon (could be left over also)
1/4 cup chopped green onion
1. Cook bacon and set aside to drain. Cool and dice.
2. Combine 3/4 cup of grated cheese, sour cream and green onions.
3. Combine warm potatoes and cheese mixture
4. Spray muffin tin with cooking spray.
5. Spoon potato mixture into cups making a small well in the center.
6. Sprinkle with remaining cheese and diced bacon.
Bake 325º until warmed through and cheese is browned

I remember when my nana used to make little tea sandwiches. She would make the first layer egg salad and the second ham spread. They were so yummy and just the right size for little hands.

Ham Spread
1 pound cooked ham
2 teaspoons pickle relish (dill or sweet…try some of both)
1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard
1/4 cup creamy salad dressing (Miracle Whip type)
1. Cut ham into bite sized pieces.
2. Place into food processor, grind on pulse until very coarse.
3. Add pickle relish and pulse a few more times.
4. Combine mustard and salad dressing.
5. Combine ham and dressing and mix well.
Serve on crackers or make old fashioned tea sandwiches. Tea sandwiches are so much fun for a little girls tea party.
Option 2: Leave out relish and serve on toast topped with a poached egg. Really yummy!

Left over chili or taco meat:
Pizza: Using a store bought or homemade crust spread with meat, top with diced tomatoes, black olives and green onions. Sprinkle with grated Colby jack marbled cheese. Bake 375º until cheese is melted.
Nachos: Top tortilla chips with warmed meat, diced onion, olives, salsa, melted cheese and sour cream.
Potato Bar: Slice hot baked potato beginning and ending 1/2 inch from each end. Squeeze inward from the ends forming a bowl. Add meat, grated cheese, sour cream.
Taco soup: Combine 2 cans diced tomatoes, 1 can corn, 1 can tomato sauce, 1 can green beans, chili or meat. Heat through. Add more taco seasoning if desired.

Chili Tamale Pie
Left over Chili
1 Can corn
1 Can diced tomatoes
1 Small can diced chillies
1 Cornbread muffin mix
1 C grated cheese
1. Combine chili, corn, tomatoes with liquid.
2. Place in oven proof dish.
3. Make corn bread according to package directions.
4. Drain chillies and combine with corn bread.
5. Spoon cornbread over chili.
6. Sprinkle with cheese.
7. Bake according to package direction until cornbread is done.

Sounds yummy right? Have a favorite way to use leftovers? Why not share your recipe and be entered to win the great give away prizes.

What could be more frugal than winning prizes that you would really like to own? Share a recipe or a comment for a chance to win!

Self Reliance Expo November 5th and 6th in Salt Lake City

I’ll be there and hope many of you will be too and that you will come and visit our booth.

Comment on any post for a chance to win:

Tickets to the Self Reliance Expo

Kathy Clark’s new book: Dinner is in the Jar

or

Janet Wayman’s Dutch oven cooking DVD

Every comment is another chance to win!

To Listen to past broadcasts of READY OR NOT visit:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/search/carolyn-nicolaysen/

Subscribe to our Newsletter: http://blog.totallyready.com/announcing-the-totally-ready-newsletter/

Join Our Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TotallyReady/

Back issues: Totally Ready Newsletters July 2009- June 2010

Self Reliance Expo November 5th and 6th in Salt Lake City

I’ll be there and hope many of you will be too and that you will come and visit our booth.

Comment on any post for a chance to win:

Tickets to the Self Reliance Expo

Kathy Clark’s new book: Dinner is in the Jar

or

Janet Wayman’s Dutch oven cooking DVD

Every comment is another chance to win!

The economic news was horrible again today with a new budget deficit of 1.3 trillion dollars! That is unbelievable and very frightening. Even more scary is the fact that 21.4% of that was due to stimulus spending. Spending which has not created new jobs or improved spending power. Last year Germany, who is pulling out of their recession spent 3.4 % of their GDP on stimulus plans, we spent 6% and we are further in the hole then when the year began and far from pulling out. The stimulus plans last year cost every American $11,000.

From 2007 to 2008 food prices rose 43% on basic necessities. These prices have remained at that level and had grown even further. If you had stored food in 2007 you would have saved 43% on your food bill for those items and been able to replace them when they were on sale. Where else can you “make” that kind of return on your money. If your food storage plan has slowed down now is the time to ramp up your efforts again.

DON’T FORGET TO MAKE THOSE COMMENTS!

To Listen to past broadcasts of READY OR NOT visit:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/search/carolyn-nicolaysen/

Subscribe to our Newsletter: http://blog.totallyready.com/announcing-the-totally-ready-newsletter/

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Back issues: Totally Ready Newsletters July 2009- June 2010

Benjamin Franklin said  “a penny saved in a penny earned”.

This week’s tip is to save those pennies. This week don’t spend any money. Try going for an entire week without spending money. You may pay bills and put gas in the car but other than that, nothing! I tried this several months ago and thought it would be so easy since I work from home and truthfully, don’t get out much. The first day was easy. I stayed home. The second day I had to mail a copy of one of my books on CD to a customer so I had to leave the house. I was good until I finished filling the gas tank and thought “It’s already 5:00 and I didn’t take anything out for dinner I’ll just stop”. NO. I was so tired and really…just wanted a quick taco. I went home empty handed and made toast and eggs, quick, easy and cheaper than eating out. The remainder of the week was the same. I picked up a prescription and really wanted something for my food storage that was a BOGO. I didn’t do it and when I got home I discovered I already had plenty of barbecue sauce in my three month supply.

Make it a goal this week, no spending money. Jot down every time you are tempted and by the end of the week you will be shocked just how much you saved and…you are still fine, healthy and happy! Now you have that money to invest in food storage or stocking your emergency kit!

Tip # 15

Take your driver’s license, car insurance policy and birth certificates and make copies for your important documents file. We had a great show last night with tips and info about collecting important documents and just why it is so vital. If you missed the show download it and listen today.

For those who were listening don’t forget to follow the directions on the show and get your name in the drawing for the office kit from Healthy Harvest.

If you would like a copy of Joyce’s ebook at the special price for Ready or Not listeners go to:

http://emersonpublications.com/?page_id=197

Review…Tips

For more specifics about each tip please visit the former posts.

#1:  Find an out of area contact.

#2: Gather maps.  Get several different colors of highlighters and mark at least three different routes out of the city and  ending at the home of your out of area contact.

#3: Collect all your flashlights. Check  to make sure they are all working properly. Make note of any batteries you need to purchase.

#4  Post important phone numbers and your own address by each phone.

#5  Place a pair of good shoes under each bed where they can be reached in the middle of the night.

#6  Place a glow stick next to each bed.

# 7:  Listen to READY OR NOT. If you can’t listen tonight the show will be available for download at the same link as the live show. Hope to hear from you tonight!

# 8: Stash some cash, about $100.00, for each adult kit.

# 9 Inventory your kitchen, everything.

#10 Inventory your Family room/living room.

#11 Inventory your bedrooms.

#12 Inventory Office and formal dining room.

# 13 Inventory and update 72 hour kits. If you are just beginning collect back packs for every family member.

#14 Sort through medicine cabinet. Replace expired medications.

To Listen to past broadcasts of READY OR NOT visit:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/search/carolyn-nicolaysen/

Subscribe to our Newsletter: http://blog.totallyready.com/announcing-the-totally-ready-newsletter/

Join Our Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TotallyReady/

Back issues: Totally Ready Newsletters July 2009- June 2010

September Newsletter:

Let’s Play…a look at things to do during a power outage to keep sane.

Food Safety…keeping foods safe during a power outage.

Frozen Food During a Power Outage, when to save and when to throw away.

Dutch Oven Cooking…How to Control the Temperature

Haybox Cooking…one more way to cook when the grid goes down.

Recipes: This month all the recipes are from 1850. They are fun and easy to make and perfect during power emergencies, after all our great grandparents didn’t have electricity!