Unless you begin with good, active, yeast all the tips in the world will do you no good. If you are unsure how long you have had your yeast or if you haven’t used it in a while then test it before getting started. Place a 1/2 cup of warm water, 110º to 120º in a small bowl. Sprinkle with a 1/4 tsp. of sugar and 1/4 tsp. yeast. If the yeast begins to bubble then you are good to go, if not run to the store for new yeast. I like to purchase yeast in large, vacuum sealed, blocks and store it in my freezer until I open it. Then I keep it in a plastic covered container in the fridge.

Next, be sure the water you other liquid you use in your recipe is not too hot. Use a candy thermometer to test the water until you get used to how it should feel. If it is too hot to put in a bottle and feed a baby it is too hot. Remember that all hot liquids can kill your yeast so if a recipe calls for melted butter let it cool before adding it. With a little practice this will become second nature.

When the water is ready add part of the sugar (about 2 Tbsp.) to the water and then the yeast. Sugar will feed the yeast in a process called proofing. If your recipe calls for adding the yeast and flour together without proofing that is fine too. That recipe has been designed for a longer rising period.

For a lighter textured product try adding mashed potatoes or use the water you have boiled potatoes in as your liquid. Yeast loves potato causing it to eat more and become bigger, making the bread lighter and fluffier.

Never add salt with your yeast and water because the salt will kill it. If you salt is part of the recipe mix it with the flour and don’t add it directly to the liquid and yeast mixture.

Begin with all your ingredients at room temperature.

Never add all the flour a recipe calls for. This is probably the biggest mistake I see people make. Your dough should be sticky. If the dough remains very sticky after it raises you can place more flour on the surface of your counter and knead in some more. Still your bread should remain slightly sticky or you will end up with a dense, heavy bread.

Once your dough is ready knead away. You can’t knead bread too much. I have a friend how owned a restaurant and had a large industrial mixer. She would put her dough in there and knead it as she did dishes or other things around the house, easily 15-20 minutes. You don’t have to do this but don’t worry that you have overdone. Knead until it is very smooth and elastic.

Let your dough rest and raise until about double in size. Place in a bowl and cover with a dish towel. On cold days I turn on the oven to warm, wait until it reaches temperature and turn it off. Then I place my bowl in the oven with the door slightly ajar and let it raise. If there is a fire in the fireplace I place my bowl on the hearth.

Place your dough into a loaf pan or form into a round or oblong loaf and place on a baking sheet. Let it rise again until it is about double in size again. Be patient. They say you should press your finger into the center and if the dough pops back you are ready but I never have done this. If it looks double or a little less I bake it.

If your bread is getting too brown, cover it with foil and continue baking. If you thump on your loaf and it sounds hollow, it’s done.

When you freeze or store your finished loaves be sure to wrap them well. Wrap in plastic wrap and then in foil. Bread can lose moisture.

Most bread doughs can be frozen. Mix and knead as usual and let them rise once. Shape into loaves, or rolls. Let them rise, punch down and form into loaves or rolls. Place on cookie sheet and let freeze. Place in zippered freezer bag, squeeze out the air and place in freezer. Roll will not stick together.

When you want bread remove from freezer and place in appropriate baking pan. Let rise and bake as you normally would. It will take hours for them to rise so plan well ahead of your meal. Rolls usually take about four hours and bread about six. Bread will keep in the freezer for about six month before the yeast begins to deteriorate.

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Holding a swap meet is a great way to clean out cupboards, attics and garages while at the same time,  getting items you may need, or even finding an unusual item for a gift. All this, without the hassle or expense of a garage sale or an Internet sales site.

To have a successful Swap Meet it’s all about thinking outside the box. This is not the time to empty your “stuff” into a big box and show up at a friend’s home. It’s time to make it an event and to get together with those who have similar goals and needs.

1). Make it fun. Plan a potluck, dessert potluck or cookie exchange. In addition to bringing items to swap everyone bring food to share. For a cookie exchange have some brown paper lunch bags ready for everyone to take home some goodies.

2). Before you send out invitations, outline some ground rules.What is acceptable to swap? For example, all clothing should be mended, washed and ironed. All appliances must be in working order. Decide how to handle disagreements over items. What happens if more than one person wants an item? What happens to things that don’t find a home by the end of the party. Will everyone be responsible to dispose of their own extras or will you call Goodwill or someone to pick them up?

3). Draw up some guidelines about how the swap will work. You could pull numbers from a hat and each person will be able to choose one item at a time, or you could hand out numbers as people arrive, those who come early to help get priority. You could count how many items a person brings and they get to take home the same number. Once everyone has chosen then anything left over is up for grabs.

4). Invite the right people. You could have a free for all with anything allowed or you could be specific as to the items people can bring. Get together people with similar interests and you meet will be more fun and more successful.

Consider:

A clothing swap

A children’s items swap

A home furnishings swap

A garden swap ( seeds, tools, plants)

A book swap

A talent swap (cooking, baking, sewing, babysitting, canning, hair cuts, etc.)

A school supplies swap (great for school teachers or Sunday school teachers or home schoolers)

A swap for a cause: How about a swap of music and art items to benefit your high school band program.

5). Invite enough people. If there are those who need items but don’t have items to swap they could bring freezer foods to swap or make up some IOUs for babysitting or housecleaning.

6). Choose a place. A home is usually the best location as it will allow you to set up and to keep items displayed without a time limit for getting cleaned up. Be sure to have plenty of large tables for display and also some boxes or bags to take home items. You may want to assign people to bring additional folding tables.

Finally, make a list before the day arrives, of items you want to be on the look out for. Swap meets are great for getting those items or services you would otherwise have to pay for, remember that is the objective. Remind yourself you are looking for specific items but you are also looking to make room in your home for more important items, like food and emergency supplies!

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Yes, prom season is almost here. Start your planning now. I have always have a love hate relationship with Prom. When I went to prom I wore a dress that I had worn as a bridesmaid. I wore it for two years! That would be unthinkable by many now. For me this is another case of priority. I did not marry either of the guys I went to prom with, in fact I never saw one of them after he graduated. I had a great time at prom but in reality it really was just another date.

It is time to end the idiocy of prom. I was blown away when my oldest told me some of her friends were going to rent a limo for the EIGHTH GRADE DANCE!! Prom and eighth grade dances can be memorable, fun nights on a budget.

Boutonnieres and corsages are easy to make. Our son was invited by a friend to prom. It was her senior year and she hadn’t been asked. They decided they were going to enjoy the dance and friends but that they were not going to spend a fortune on a prom that was just a night to have fun. They both thought spending money was crazy. I told him he had to have a corsage and we were going to make one. I went to the yard and picked some miniature roses and wild flowers and made a wristlet. It was gorgeous and cost us nothing. There are plenty of places on line to get directions for corsages and boutonnières of all types.

Make your own jewelry. Rather than have others give you strange looks prom night you will more likely be the one who is the talk of night with unique jewelry which perfectly matches your gown. Again there are lots of directions on line.

Instead of renting a limo, borrow a car. Someone in your family is bound to have a car that will blow people away, a convertible, classic car even a classic truck. If you just have to have a limo, go for it but split the cost with friends.

Hold a Spa Day with friends. Let’s admit it half the fun of prom is being with your girls friends.
Keep your hairdo simple and do each others. Don’t stop there, do each other’s makeup, manicures, and pedicures.

Have a group dinner at a home. We have done this several ways. Our son and his friends all chipped in $5.00 for the cost of food and I made a fabulous four course dinner. We had candles and flowers on the tables, used our best dishes and served as waiters. Another year the girls all got together and made dinner. Again we served and of course, we did all the cleanup.

Host a dress swap. If you don’t sew ask a friend or family member to help alter a dress to change the look or to update. Adding sleeves, adding a scarf or sewing on some pearls or rhinestones can completely change the look and no one will ever notice that it is the same dress a friend wore previously. If you have family member who live in another area swap dresses with them. Dresses can also be rented or just borrowed. You can also check out discount store, bridal shops and even consignment stores. One year I got a winter formal dress for my daughter at a bridal shop that was marked down from $149.00 to $29.00!

It is also lots of fun to go vintage. Check the attic and closets of family members for their old dresses. My bridesmaid/prom dress was multicolored and looked like someone had taken a paint brush and just flung the paint. It was turquoise and pink….today’s hot colors!

And then there are shoes. Be comfortable. Prom dresses are usually long and a date is not paying attention to your shoes. I know so many girls who have gotten flip flop or other simple sandals and added rhinestones for a unique, comfortable, look.

Skip the photos. After dinner at home we would set up a camera on a tripod and take lots and lots of pictures. Couple pictures, group pictures and pictures that were designed to highlight the hobbies and interests of the couple. One of our son’s friends is an awesome musician. We took his picture with his date at the piano. This is what we do with wedding pictures. We don’t stand the bride and groom in front of a phony backdrop.

Hold the after party at a home. Many families now have theaters in their homes or at the least, big screen TVs. Show a fun movie and serve popcorn and root beer floats. If you have a home with a pool, ping pong table, foosball…what more could the kids want? If you don’t have those things but a friend does, borrow them. Host an after prom breakfast. Make a buffet with pancakes, fruit, eggs, muffins, juices, hot chocolate…. When I went to prom one year we all went home after the dance and slept for a few hours. At 9am the guys picked us up and we went to the beach for the day. That was the best! We were somewhat rested, got out of those uncomfortable formal clothes, and had a terrific time, twice.

Everyone can enjoy prom and create wonderful memories while not breaking the bank. Give kids a budget and tell them what they save they can keep! Make the budget small enough for you to be comfortable.

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This week I heard about a friend who had a collector car. It was one of those “hot rods” every boy wanted to own in high school. He sold it this week because of the tough economic times. Really? I guess our definitions are very different as his wife still gets manicures and pedicures, makes trips to the mall so she will have the “right look” and belongs to the gym. All of that would be fine but they have no food storage and still have kids at home. When are they going to understand tough economic times means we need to put the credit card back in our pockets and we need to cut out all the extras that most people in the world live without. I continue to get my hair done but I barter for the luxury. My hair dresser has accumulated 72 hour and car kits for her family and I feel pampered.

Another friend of mine, who is a single mom, had her daughter move out this week and decide to go live with a friend. Life became too hard at home as mom actually expected her to go get a job to help pay for her own cell phone. This girl had no chores around the house except to do her laundry and keep her bathroom clean. What has happened to our society when our kids move out when asked to do simple things? Even more important is the question when did a mom allow someone else’s child move in? All of this makes me very frightened for the future.

It is time for all of us to take account of our priorities. Do we really NEED the items we want to purchase? Today I spoke with a friend who has lost her job. We were discussing another friend who is having a hard time financially. My friend mentioned that this second friend only shopped at the thrift stores for her clothes. That is great but does she really need new clothes? No, she doesn’t, so why is she spending any money at all, even if it is only a few dollars?

The best way to save money during this tough time is to really questions every penny we spend. Last year I asked you to commit for one week to spend no money except on gas to get to work. I told you the very first day I wanted to stop to get hamburgers off the dollar menu. That was cheap but I didn’t do it. The next day there was another temptation. It was hard to walk away but I did. Since that time I have really tried to analze my purchases and the real reasons I was making those choices.

If we want our children to thrive during the next years we must help them to learn to work, earn and save. We must. If you are afraid your children and grandchildren will rebel, well, just expect it, they will. I have never met an adult who complained about their parents making them work and save. I have met many who never learned because their parents wanted to be friends more than they wanted to be parents. Those children suffer as adults. They feel cheated because they don’t know how to manage money and therefore never seem to get ahead, unless they charge it! We have seen that “charge it” mentality grow over the last few decades, and in the end, many of those people are now losing their homes, having cars repossessed and having to sell furniture to pay bills. May I be so blod as to say that if you really, truly love your children and grandchildren you will teach them to work and to save.

We can discuss thousands of ways to save money. We have already talked about dozens. None of this will really relieve the problem until we question every purchase we make and ask ourselves, do we really need this? As your children see you practice this you will save money on all the things they think they needs as they learn to determine if they really have a need or just a want.

Many do not understand how to help to teach the work ethic or how to teach saving. Will you please share what you have done in your family or how your parents taught you.

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We have talked in the past about baking and cooking from scratch as a great way to save big on your budget. Last week we had several in our Yahoo Group who requested a bread recipe from one of our own. Carol Ann sent that to me and it follows along with a recipe for yummy pancakes from wheat flour.

I also have a request. I have been asked to bring a large pot of chili to a church dinner this weekend. While I love chili I have never found a recipe I love. Does anyone have one they would be willing to share with us? I really want to make something a little different and more traditional than the normal stuff found in a can. Can you help me? Please….

Basic Whole Wheat Bread

a Bosch recipe Adapted by Carol Ann Shepherd

Grind 11-12 c. of hard white winter wheat just before making bread. I use very high quality wheat. Measure all other ingredients and place next to mixer.

Yeast Mixture:

1 c. warm water

3 T. dry yeast

1 t. white sugar

Place in covered bowl; stir slightly. Let rise until doubled.

In the meantime:

5 + scant more cups of very warm water

2/3 c. oil (Canola)

2/3 c. honey

8 c. whole wheat flour

2 T. Dough Enhancer 2 T. Vital Wheat Gluten (both heaping tablespoons)

2 T. salt (sea salt is best)

In mixing bowl of a stand mixer, combine warm water, oil, and honey. Then add 8 cups of whole wheat flour. On top of the flour add Vital Wheat Gluten & Dough Enhancer. Put the outer lid on the bowl securely. Jog on and off to mix.

Add yeast mixture, 2 more c. whole wheat flour & salt, and mix on and off. While the machine is running, slowly keep adding at least 2+cups of whole wheat flour until the dough is very firm and not sticking to the sides of the bowl. It should be still be sticky and elastic to the touch. Keep working the dough down into the blades. Mix for 9 minutes. Pull out the blade. Let the dough raise in the bowl until it is above the rim of the bowl. (takes about 20-30 minutes)

Punch down the dough and release onto clean surface. Divide the dough into five equal balls. (I weigh each loaf: 1 lb. 14 oz. or so) Punch each ball into rectangle shape and roll up tightly like a cinnamon roll. Place in 5 greased 8” bread pans; cover. I use very high quality “dimpled” bread pans from Bosch. (Bread never sticks.) Let the dough rise again until rounded off nicely.

Place in cold oven; set heat to 325° and bake for 28 minutes (check toward the end until each loaf taps with a hollow sound-do not let loaves get too dark) Release from pans, butter spray tops, and let bread cool on racks, standing up before slicing or placing in plastic bags. That freshly baked bread-smell permeates your whole home. This can be frozen nicely. Light, moist, & delicious whether fresh or toasted & buttered. Wheat is the staff of life! This takes 2½ hr. from start to finish. So fun and so delicious!

Whole Wheat Pancakes

2 ¼ c. whole wheat flour (cut recipe in half for 2 people)

1 heaping t. soda

1 t. salt

2-3 eggs (I use liquid Egg Starters)

3 c. buttermilk (You may use more to thin batter)

Substituting milk for buttermilk will make a heavier pancake and not nearly as light and appetizing. To make buttermilk from powdered milk see your November 2009 Totally Ready Newsletter.

Mix dry and wet ingredients separately. Combine and stir adding buttermilk to desired consistency. I usually add a little more buttermilk so the batter is not too thick.

Fry on preheated HOT griddle. Serves 4 people. SOOO good. These pancakes are light and very filling. Serve with syrup or jam.

And one of my own:

Germade Bread 2 lb. Loaf

germade is a grain like cream of wheat, which may be substituted

1 1/3 C warm water

2 T butter

2 ½ tsp. Salt

2 beaten eggs

2 2/3 C white flour or 2 1/3 C white wheat flour

2 ½ T sugar

1/3 C powdered milk

1 1/3 C germade

2 ½ tsp. Yeast

If using a bread maker place in bowl in order listed. Because of eggs in this recipe do not use timed bake cycle.Bake on light setting or set to dough setting, remove and place in greased bread bread. Let rise until nicely rounded.

Bake 325 degrees 45 minutes or until golden. Bread should sound hollow when tapped. I love this for toast!

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Wow! I just spoke with my niece in Baltimore, yikes! a Fire station roof has collapsed and they are advising people that more roofs will do the same with the weight of the snow from the biggest storm season in over 100 years. Highways are closed in Pennsylvania and Maryland and people are being told to stay home. In fact, in Baltimore only emergency vehicles are allowed on the streets. The storm is so bad in some places that even the snow plows are shut down. There is no diesel fuel for truck and snow plows in some area and no more expected before tomorrow afternoon. You know all those friends who laugh at your General Store and your 72 hour and car kits. I bet on the east coast they aren’t laughing today!

If you are on the east coast our prayers are with you. Please stay safe and let us know of your experience so we can learn from you.

As we head into phase two of our General Store we need to continue thinking about how we can be saving money so we have the resources to keep preparing. Which reminds me, are you putting aside that five or ten dollars each week into your Christmas or Hanukkah fund? You should have either $30.00 or $60.00 in cash in your fund.

Back to today’s post…just a few tips for saving money when thinking about breakfast.

Cereal can be a great bargain food when purchased on sale but it has limited nutritional value and is much more expensive than hot cereals. I am a realist however, and understand that cold cereal is a must in most home. In our home our daughter and her dad would much rather eat a bowl of cereal as a snack than just about anything else. So how do you save?

It’s often cheaper to buy the smaller boxes of cereal so compare. Last week our national pharmacy store had cereal for $1.29 a box. They were small boxes but still much cheaper than purchasing the larger size.

You will remember I am trying to use coupons now. Truthfully I am still struggling with the hassle of clipping, saving and checking the ads to pair them with coupons but I’m trying. Many grocery stores offer special sales on cereal, sometimes even buy get one free. This is the time to use those coupons.

Bagged cereals are also a great buy. Always check these and compare the prices before purchasing.

Always check the bottom shelf and the top shelf in the grocery aisle, no matter what you are purchasing. The aisle at eye level usually have the most expensive items.

Combine cereals. If you family loves frosted corn flakes or frosted mini wheats, for example, purchase one box and then a box of the cheapest unfrosted variety and combine them. This not only saves money but cuts down on the sugar intake. This works great for raisin bran and bran flakes also. You really don’t need a raisin in every bite.

A few more breakfast ideas:

Cutting bacon strips in half before cooking. Everyone will feel they had a special treat and again you will save money as well as calories and fat. Wrap the other half and freeze for next time.

If you want sausage with your eggs cook half the amount you normally make and cut them into bite sized pieces. Add them to your scrambled eggs and no one will ever know you used less. Again, you’ve saved money and your breakfast has been just as exciting with half the fat and calories.

Don’t waste your money on packages of instant oatmeal. I know kids love these so make your own. See yesterday’s blog post and the January Newsletter for the recipe. You can make several varieties by altering the dried fruits and sweeteners you add. You can substitute sugar and cinnamon for the brown sugar. Add raisins, dried cranberries, dried apricots….

Eat more eggs. They are a very inexpensive breakfast food and provide a great source of protein. They are quick and easy to make even for kids, in the microwave. Check out the January newsletter for the directions.

Yes, our February edition of the Totally Ready Newsletter is out. If you have subscribed and did not receive it Monday night please let me know. I have added the Tip of the Week summary as a regular feature of the newsletter since I know you cannot always keep up with the blog each week.

This issue included the following:

Regular Features:

Our General Store:  Update and Summary PLUS Our Next Steps

Tips of the Week for the month of January

Recipes: Using Long Term Food Storage and Super Bowl Party Recipes

Basic Survival Skills: Water

Special Features:

Making Room For Food Storage

Know the Signs of Frostbite

Thanks to everyone who has commented on the yahoo group about the post on Monday and concerns for our food supply. Please follow through and forward the post to everyone you know. This will affect everyone in the United States and Canada who eats.

This month we celebrate Valentines Day. This is a great time to save money, really. We often go overboard with our holiday celebrations and this holiday is no exception.

1. Now the schools are requiring food brought into the classroom be store bought, gone are the days of cookies and cupcakes. I find that very sad. It does save the cost but some parents have now taken things a step further and send little pouches of candy instead. Don’t buy into that. You are not the class Scrooge if you choose to just have your child bring a card. Cards are so inexpensive to purchase that this is one time I do not suggest you make your own cards. If however, you are sending a card to grandparents or to mom or dad, by all means make them. Regular greeting cards are much too expensive to purchase.

2. With the advent of dollar store you can get away with sending a child a dollar for the holiday and they can always find something fun to spend it on. Don’t feel you have to send more. Remember it is the thought that counts. Even our 11 year old grandson can always find something, even if it’s his favorite…food.

3. Hit the stores on the 14th. Every store I know marks down all their holiday section by the day of the holiday, if not a few days before. This is the time to purchase candy for the kids or your spouse.

4. Hit the stores on the 15th. This is the day the mark downs really increase. Now is the time to stock up on valentines for the kids to give to their class and friends next year. Remember they will be a year older so plan accordingly and stock up. This is also a great time to purchase candy. I make the most yummy brownies with peanut butter cups in them (see the November 2009 Newsletter). I purchase the ones wrapped for Valentines Day and put them in the freezer so I have a supply which will last until the next holiday, or longer. You all know I love M&Ms for food storage because they keep so well. I stock up every Valentines Day. They may all be pink and white but who cares! Sometimes they advertise them on sale before the holiday and you can substitute the regular bag when the special runs out.

5. Think red. If you know anyone who loves red once the sales begin look for towels, dish towels, place mats, candy dishes and more that are red. They make great gifts. Once you place them in a home decorated with red they no longer look like they are meant for the holiday.

6. Think weddings. I love to give a collection of holiday kitchen towels, table runners, etc. as shower gifts. When we were first married we were very…poor students. I made ornaments for our Christmas tree out of scraps of felt. It was depressing. If you purchase holiday items after the big day they can be as much as 90% off and you can give a nice collection of holiday items which will not break the bank. I purchase them all year with no one in mind and as I get an invitation I go through my stash and use the holiday items I have on hand. Everyone has always loved the gift.

7. Bake. Even on sale little boxes of candy can add up. Bake sugar cookies in heart shapes for your family and decorate them with their name and/or a personal message. Make them big! A plate sized sugar cookie is still cheaper than a box of chocolates and so much more fun.

Make it a great day!!

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Hannity interviews:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Twd59PrqCNg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwhGkiPfPzo&NR=1

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InelCf0tMFI&NR=1

Hannity in California:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFJfviDPVrc&feature=channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjWPGg4fhKg&feature=related

Congressional hearings

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PykWODgPwIA&feature=channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrUAgHbkkrk&feature=channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IV9Es0sc2Ig&feature=channel

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=75jk5ZSqmAg&feature=related (this has the congressional vote)

I wrote the best post yesterday and discovered last night that it went into a black hole in Internet space. I have no idea what happened to that post. It’s just gone. So I will try to duplicate part of it as our money saver for this week.

As you may know there are new credit card laws passed by Congress which will take effect on February 22th. There is some preparing we need to do before that happens.

Because the new law prohibits companies from hiking our interest rate when we are a day late, they are now going to be reinstating yearly fees. For those who pay off their card each month this will be a new expense in your budget so now may be the time to investigate who will be charging and who will charge the least. Get rid of the other cards.

There are also a variety of new fees being created so be sure to read the information that comes with your bill carefully. These are usually those small print items so, again, you should be aware and consider canceling the cards which are adding new fees.

One other thing you should be aware of,  that is not mentioned in the report below is the due dates for payment. Be aware that one of the ways credit card companies make money is to make payment due before noon on the due date. If you run a payment to the bank during your lunch hour, too late, it will get posted to the next day and the payment will be considered late. You can prevent this from happening to you by moving your due date, in your own mind and on your to do list, to the day before the actual due date.

This trick is also employed by banks on automaic payments. If you have a payment scheduled for the 10th of the month and the afternoon of the 10th you put money in the account to cover the payment you may be too late. They will charge you a hefty fee for not having the money in the account to cover the payment. You know how ridiculous bounced check fees are now and that is exactly what this is like. They consider that payment just like a bounced check.

Since I am not the expert on this new law please listen to the clip below from a FOX news report so you can be aware of what you need to do to protect yourself before and after this new law goes into effect.

Now to coupons. I am not a coupon person. I have never had any luck with coupons. It seems they are all for brand name product which are more expensive than store brands and I just don’t care about brand names. I heard a report the other day that with the depressed economy there are more coupons out there now than ever before. I hear stories of people who get $200.00 worth of food for $50.00 and I am baffled. With so many coupons now available I want to learn more. So…to those of you who are coupon queens and kings out there will you please share your tricks with us. I’m ready to take the plunge!

http://video.foxnews.com/v/3987214/new-credit-law-could-cost-you#/v/3989030/geithner-denies-role-in-aig-bailout-secrecy/?playlist_id=87249

I am overwhelmed trying to keep up with the storms which have been hitting the western U.S. the past few days. Today is going to be even worse with very high winds and lots of rains. They have just issued extreme weather warnings for California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah for today. A weather warning means there is no doubt it is coming. They had a tornado in Huntington Beach CA, very, very unusual, and have issued flash flood warnings for California and Arizona. If you live in any of these areas you should be preparing for power outages and possible evacuation. Do it now.

I didn’t want to get distracted from our normal Wednesday Money Saving tips with all these distractions. Clothing is a huge part of our budget so here are a few tips for keeping what you have in good shape, thus saving money on clothing replacement. These tips all include the use of vinegar, a much cheaper solution than commercial products.

To remove soap residue that makes black clothes look dull use white distilled vinegar in your final rinse.

To remove stains from white socks and towels add 1 cup white distilled vinegar to a large pot of water, bring it to a rolling boil and add items. Let soak overnight. Remove and launder.

For stubborn stains on clothing and linens soak using equal parts milk and white distilled vinegar.

Before washing a mustard stain, dab with white distilled vinegar.

After attempting to remove spaghetti, barbecue, or ketchup stains with very hot water, if you still have a stain use 2 parts white distilled vinegar to 1 part water solution. Dab and rinse.

Remove perspiration odor and stains as well as deodorant stains by spraying full-strength white distilled vinegar before washing.

Adding 1/4 cup white distilled vinegar to the last rinse of your laundry helps dissolve soaps and detergents. White distilled vinegar also helps to prevents yellowing, acts as a fabric softener and static cling reducer, and attacks mold and mildew. Try this and you may be able to eliminate the need for dryer sheets or other fabric softeners.

It seems so trivial to talk about saving money today as we watch the complete devastation in Haiti. I will be praying for our brothers and sisters there. A 7.0 earthquake is devastating  under any circumstance but when homes are so crudely built everything just collapses. They will literally be starting over. Please be careful as you hear in the next few days of those who are raising money for relief. There will be some who will take advantage of this tragedy and try to make money off of this. Please donate only to those you know will spend the money in Haiti or to send needed items. Ask organizations how much of their money is spent on administration. You may be surprised that even the Red Cross takes a cut of funds. There are always salaries to be paid so some of this is legit, just be careful.

You may be rolling your eyes or wondering what in the world freezer meals have to do with saving money but they do!

First : Having meals ready to go in the freezer is the best way to avoid those budget busting trips to pick up fast food or pizza. I recently read that the average family spends 6.5 % of their income on fast food! That is lots of money. If you make $25,000 per year that means $1625.00 per year, $50,000 per year income $3250.00 per year. Yikes! Most of you will say you don’t spend nearly that much. Really?  I don’t know anyone who can feed their family for less than $20.00 dollars at a fast food restaurant. Do you realize that is $1040.00 per year! For the next month keep a note pad in your car and record all your fast food purchases, all of them.

Second: You can purchase frozen foods that are already made, to keep on hand for a quick meal but they are expensive as well. A frozen lasagna big enough for a family is $12.00 to $15.00 and then you have to add vegetables and or a salad to have a balanced meal. You can make two lasagnas for less than half that price.

Third: Freezer meals are a great way to use produce from the garden or special deals. When you get tired of canning or freezing vegetables put them into a freezer meal and use them later.

Fourth: If you have meals in the freezer you are always ready to help others.

Fifth: When you are having a tough day or you need a quick meal so you can make it to that basketball game these are the answer.

Sixth: You control all the ingredients in your own convenience food.

Set aside a day when you just make meals. You will need the ingredients for your meals so work out a menu ahead of time. You will need freezer bags and/or dishes that are freezer appropriate and/or disposable pans. Several years ago I purchased some glass casseroles that were one sale for $1.29 and I got four so I could stack them in the freezer.

Putting together freezer meals is also a great project for a group of friends. Everyone brings all the ingredients for the meals they choose to make. They bring enough ingredients to make the recipe for all the others who are working with you. If you have three friends and everyone brings ingredients for three meals you end up with nine meals. The other big advantage to this method is that you get to try new recipes and you have a greater variety.

One important tip, never place aluminum foil directly on your food. The foil can leech into the food. Always use plastic wrap first and then top with foil.

Let me share just one idea and then I want recipes from you.

Quiche

1 ½ C flour

½ tsp. salt

1 stick butter

4 T ice water

Combine flour, salt and butter until crumbly. Add ice water 1 T at a time

roll out and place in pie plate or quiche dish.

Filling:

3 oz. swiss cheese grated

3 oz. jack or mozzarella cheese grated

4 large eggs

1 C milk

1/8 tsp. dry mustard

1 C diced ham, bacon, asparagus or other meat or vegetable. (optional)

Place pie crust in quiche pan or pie pan. Combine eggs, milk, and mustard and mix well. Place cheese in pie crust. Add other ingredients. Pour egg mixture over all. Gently press meat and vegetables so they are covered by the egg mixture. Place plastic wrap over quiche. Add aluminum foil over the plastic wrap and secure.

Quiche is a great freezer meal. You can use any vegetables you have on hand, although zucchini does not work well. It has too much water in it. You can also add any leftover meats, like Thanksgiving turkey or Christmas ham. Never use raw meat in a quiche. You can also replace the cheeses with any cheese you like as long as it will melt well.

Remember our current give away? We have lots of great prizes and each recipe you post here will give you one more chance to win…get out the recipe book and add your favorite freezer meal today!

Really…I am posting late because I wanted to leave yesterday’s post up long enough for everyone to see it and get in on the give away fun. If you missed it please check the last post. You won’t want to miss out!

This year I told you I want to do a few more things which will focus on dealing with the economy and financial hard times. This means more ideas for saving money and more ideas for making money as well. What are your most successful belt tightening ideas? Please share them here or in our yahoo group. We really would appreciate any you may have.

I remember when I was little that my mom had a Christmas Club Account at the bank. Each week we would go in and she would add $2.00 to her account. When Christmas came that was her gift money. I remember being fascinated by that account and it wasn’t long until our school began a savings program. We would bring in our $.25 each week and we would watch it grow. How I wish banks and schools still promoted those money saving practices.

This year I would encourage all of you to take up the challenge and begin your own Christmas Club account. You don’t have to use the bank, just get a bottle or use the cookie jar and start putting something aside each month. If you saved just $5.00 per week from now until Thanksgiving you could have enough saved to pay cash for all the special foods you want to purchase for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Eve! If you saved just $10.00 a week until Thanksgiving you could pay for all of your Christmas gifts with cash! That is, if you spend what the average family spends, $450.00. No matter the amount set aside some each week to be used for a specific purpose next December with the added comittment that the credit card will stay where it belongs, in your wallet!

We actually made it through the holiday season this year without credit card expenses and it is an incredible feeling. We saved ahead of time, and gifts were smaller, but fancy foods and gifts are not the important things in life. Being with our family and being stress free after the holiday because we don’t have that bill hanging over our heads, is the real gift.

Why not have your children start an account too? Help them start good savings habits now.

I’m going to be asking… so get out the jar today and add your first deposit.

Start posting and linking and win our first give away of the year!!!

DON’T BE LEFT OUT !!!

The time is getting short to shop for gifts and by now you know I think you should only give gifts you can actually afford, in other words, if you don’t have cash give a personal gift certificate or even re-gift something you already have but don’t go in to debt! For personal gift ideas read the post: Thoughtful Gifts that are Free.

I know you will still be purchasing at least some gifts, so be wise as you shop. Shop with your newspaper and a cup of hot chocolate in hand and pick up the phone. Really. Look through the ads to see if you can find the toy or other gift you are looking for on sale. Often the same item is on sale in several locations. Find the least expensive. Now, call the store nearest to you who may also carry that item and ask if they price match. Many, many stores will honor the sale prices at other stores. Now, take that ad to the store nearest you who will price match to purchase the item. You just have to show them the ad and you get the sale price at the store in your own neighborhood. You save money not only on the item but also on gas and, no shipping charges either.

Price matching is not only a trick to use when buying gifts but also foods and treats. Many large pharmacy chains will price match and they do carry candy, baking ingredients, and even breakfast cereals. So ask everywhere you shop if they will honor the ads from other stores.What have you got to loose?

With the economy iffy, natural disasters increasing, a pandemic upon us and a more serious pandemic threatening, and the increasing threat of terrorism, more and more of us are taking the time and making the commitment to become more self reliant. Our family is being much more frugal this Christmas season as we have all made preparing a priority. Many are cutting down because they have become unemployed or are having to support family members who have lost jobs.

If you have no money there is always something you can do, you can give of your time and talents. Please do not spend money you don’t have. Give an IOU. Some suggestions….

Last year was our year of Seven Steps, seven things every week to be better prepared by the end of the year. One of those steps was to make a household inventory. We discussed the importance of an inventory for insurance purposes in case of a house fire, burglary, hurricane, earthquake or any other natural disaster. As your gift volunteer to take digital photos around the house, and then download them. The person who receives this gift can then go through the pictures and add labels and information. The inventory will then be ready to record onto a disc to be mailed to their out of area contact as well as having a record in their home. A friend just had this service done and it cost them $700.00.

Give an IOU to teach a class. This could be a class for several friends or for an individual. Teach car repair, bread making, sewing, fire and/or shelter building, cooking from your General Store, how to survive if the power fails, and more.

Help a family by answering one of the excuses many people have for not beginning or expanding their food storage, space. Give an IOU to help them find that space by analyzing the ways in which they are using their space or by building shelves in the back of closets or above existing closet shelves. There is always so much wasted space in a closet and many other areas of our home.

Don’t just encourage gardening but give a gift certificate and plant a garden for someone. This doesn’t have to be extensive. A few zucchini plants will more than feed a family. There are many other vegetable plants which produce lots and with just a few plants of a few varieties can provide a garden no matter how small their space. If there really is no room plant a container garden for them or fill a planter with herbs. They can provide the plants and/or seeds, you provide the labor.

Another of our Seven Steps was to add photos to our 72 hour kits. Again, digital photos are free. Set a date to take pictures of the family, download them and they can decide which photos to print and add to their kits, or display on their walls. Remember every 72 hour kit should have a picture of the family as a group, including pets, and also an individual picture of each person in case you are separated.

For something fun but not directly self reliance oriented, give the gift of Scrap Book pages. If you scrap book you will have paper, ink, stamps, stickers, all kinds of supplies. Give a gift Certificate for 6 scrap book pages (or more, or less). Gather photos from the family and make the pages from supplies you already have on hand.

No matter how little money you have this year there is no reason you can’t give a thoughtful gift. Don’t purchase a gift if you can’t pay cash, instead, be creative and give the gift of yourself.

Please join me and James tonight on blog talk radio, 5:00pm Pacific time. We will be addressing any questions you have and we will also be talking about this cold, cold, cold weather and what we can do to prepare for power outages and also cold weather travel. I’ll answer any and all questions…

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/james-talmage-stevens

Now lets think about self reliance gifts that are not food related. How about…

1. Gardening gloves and tools with a plant or vegetable seeds seeds.

2. Purchase several small herb plants and place them together in a basket with a favorite recipe card for using each.

3. Handwritten copies of your favorite food storage recipes along with a ingredients for one recipe.

4. Prepaid long distance phone cards to be kept in 72 hour kits or for emergency use.

5. Address book with family addresses and phone numbers, and contact information for poison control, fire and police departments, and the local hospital. Include a note stating that this is to be kept in the car or 72 hour kit.

6. Puzzles or travel games for 72 hour kits

7. Last year we made rice packs for use when you have a stiff neck or headache. Expanding that idea, make draft stoppers. Measure the doorway, cut a six inch wide piece of heavy fabric the length of the door and fill with sand or rice. This is really a great gift for anyone living in an area with frequent power outages during the winter.

8. Hat, mittens, and/or scarves so the old ones can be added to car kits.

9. A great cookbook, especially if it is a food storage cookbook.

10. Set of maps for the area in which the recipient lives in addition to maps to their “out of area contact”, with several “escape routes” highlighted.

11. Candles are pretty but are also good for a power outage. Remember scented candles during an outage can become really awful when they are not the same scent or several are lit to provide light in several rooms. Keep the scents the same or purchase unscented. For emergencies candles in glass containers are the best.

12. Give an item for an auto kit. If they have none consider a back pack of fanny pack with a few items such as a mylar blanket, glow stick or two, or one of the items on sale at closeout right now at Totally Ready are great to begin a car kit for everyone on your list, first aid kits and energy bars are a must for anyone who travels and all those who will be making the trek to grandma’s house for the holiday or to the ski resort. Keep a list of what you have given and add a new item or two every gift giving occasion.

13. Same idea as #12 only for the office. If you or your gift recipient live in an earthquake, tornado or wild fire area they should absolutely be prepared to evacuate from work and have the resources to survive for a day or two until help arrives.

Remember our General Store? The purpose of our store is to have on hand the things we need and use so when times are tough we don’t need to go to the store and we can care for the needs and safety of our family. In that spirit purchase items to help stock the shelves of a loved one’s General Store, non food items.

14. Purchase gift wrapping supplies at the dollar store. A few gift bags or different sizes, tape and tissue paper.

15. For a friend with children purchase a few craft supplies at the dollar store. You will be so appreciated when the “I’m bored” hits during Christmas break, summer or that snow day turns into two or three. Purchase colored paper, crayons, paints, stickers, glitter, wood cut outs, poster board,…etc.

Make this a fun and self reliant Christmas for all.

AND DON’T FORGET: I have a limited number of autographed copies of the best selling book Making the Best of Basics available. Purchase one now and you also receive the free ebooks Mother Hubbard: What She’s Doing Now and That won’t Happen to Me All for $50.00 and all the proceeds go to a family in need of help this Christmas. They make great gifts and I only have a few available so purchase today.

If you are like most of us you probably still have friends and family who are not yet accepting the idea that a self reliant life style is the only one that really brings peace. There are several recipes in the December Newsletter for “cheap” yet fun gifts from the kitchen but those not yet embracing food storage, who are also on your gift list, the following is a list of inexpensive and thoughtful gifts to help them begin their General Store.

1. Purchase several varieties of popcorn and include a favorite classic movie.

2. Purchase a loaf pan and fill with quick bread mixes and an IOU to teach the recipient to bake bread.

3. Place a variety or herbal teas in a basket or pretty gift bag, along with a list of when to use each (ie. chamomile for stomach upset or Peppermint for a tension headache).

4. Purchase a pretty non-Christmas gift bag (could be red gingham with a green bow) and fill with jams or mustards. Better than another basket that has no purpose, the gift bag can be reused.

5. Several varieties of olive and other cooking oils.

6. Homemade pancake or waffle mix (with the recipe so they can make their own mix when the gift is gone) and a bottle of real maple syrup.

7. Gift a variety of honeys.

8. Purchase a variety of vinegars and give with a few recipes for using them.

9. Comfort foods are a must in any General Store. Give a collection of comfort foods (hot chocolate mixes, brownie mixes, cake mix and frosting, cookie mix).

10. Purchase a variety for barbecue sauces and marinates for the grill master in your life.

Of course a subscription to our Newsletter or a copy of Mother Hubbard:What She’s Doing Now would always be great gifts!

Keep gifts thoughtful while still helping those you love prepare.

Buy One Get One Free on my Newsletter and also Mother Hubbard: What She’s Doing Now. To take advantage of this offer simply click on the links above and send me the email addresses of those you wish to receive your gift. For those of you who already subscribe to the newsletter the offer there still stands, buy one get two free, you know what to do to claim that offer.