Debt Elimination

Good morning everyone! It is such a beautiful day out side! And what a wonderful day to talk about the need to eliminate debt from our lives and our family's lives.

"We encourage you wherever you may live in the world to prepare for adversity by looking to the condition of your finances. . . . If you have paid your debts and have a financial reserve. . .,you and your family will feel more secure and enjoy greater peace in your hearts."1 What a wonderful promise this is!

We have so many resources available to help eliminate debt. This is the outline from "Focus on Family Finances," in the May 2009 Ensign.

• *Pay your tithes and offerings first. "Church members have the opportunity of giving back to the Lord a portion of their income with the understanding that their contributions help to build the kingdom of God by building meeting-houses and temples, providing for those who are less fortunate, and sharing the gospel throughout the world."2
• Avoid debt with the exception of a modest home or paying for education. "Consumer debt is a form of bondage that affects individuals, both temporally and spiritually."2
• Use a budget. "Many people think a budget robs them of their freedom. On the contrary, successful people have learned that a budget makes real economic freedom possible." President N. Eldon Tanner
• Build a reserve. "The First Presidency encourages Church member to prepare for [illness, unemployment, or major repairs] by gradually building a financial reserve to be used for emergencies only. Saving a little money regularly, especially in times of prosperity, will help members to prepare for times of financial struggle or unforeseen emergencies."2
• Teach family members. "parents need to teach children very early that a solid financial base is a very important element in a happy home."3

"Families and individuals, both past and present, have witnessed the blessings of peace that result from their obedience to this counsel. As Church members follow the specific guidelines in All Is Safely Gathered In and utilize the other financial counseling the Church offers, they too will experience these blessings in their lives."

"The Church has provided online resources in English, German, Portuguese, and Spanish to help members [and anyone else] manage their family finances. Resources include talks by Church leaders, financial calculators, materials for family home evening lessons, and even an online financial course. For more information, please visit providentliving.org."2

* For anyone who is not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, the Law of Tithing works for everyone. "Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it." Malachi 3:10 If you pay it, you will be blessed.

Notes
1. All Is safely Gathered In: Family Finances (pamphlet, 2007) available online in 24 languages.
2. "Focus on Family Finances," Ensign, May 2009, 28-33
3. "Providing for Our Needs," Ensign, May 1981, 85

"Queen of Clean" Part 5

Cleaning Tips for the Laundry

Wash Plastic Shower Liner

To remove soap scum and mildew from plastic shower curtains and liners, fill washing machine with warm water, 1 c. white vinegar, and your regular laundry detergent. Add the curtains, along with several old light colored towels. Run through complete cycle and re-hang curtain immediately.

Oder-Eater Socks

1 gallon warm water
1/4 c. baking soda

Mix and soak freshly washed socks for 30 minutes in mixture. Spin out in the washer (do not rinse), then dry.

Bleach Alternative

1/4 c. lemon juice
1/4 c. white vinegar
1 gallon warm water

Mix and soak clothes 15 minutes before washing.

Removing Rust from Clothes

Apply lemon juice, let item dry in sun, then launder as usual. This method is generally safe on all washable fabrics; but, if in doubt, test it in an inconspicuous place first.

Another method is to apply Cream of Tartar to the rust spot. Gather up the edges of the material and dip the spot into hot water. Let sit 5 minutes and launder as usual.

Grease and Oil

In order to treat a grease stain, first you have to know if it is animal oil, vegetable oil, or automotive. Grease and oil can leave a semitransparent stain that turns dark from the soil it attracts. To remove a grease stain, remove as much of the greasy substance as possible without forcing the grease further down into the fabric fibers. Use a paper towel to blot and absorb all the grease that you can. Next apply a drawing agent such as baking soda, cornstarch, or talcum powder. Rub it in and let it sit 15 - 30 minutes to allow it to absorb and draw the grease out of the fabric. Brush the powder off thoroughly and check the stain. If it looks like you can absorb more, repeat the process. For tough grease stains sprinkle the stain with cornstarch, cover with an old lightweight rag and press with a medium-hot iron to absorb the grease/oil.

Sometimes grease stains can be stubborn and we need to fall back on the idea that grease removes grease. Therefore, you want to spray the grease spot with WD-40 Lubricant and let it soak for 10 minutes. Work in undiluted dishwashing liquid and work well between your thumbs. Flush with the hottest water you can for the fabric, pre-treat and launder as usual. Do not use this mithod on silk or crease-resistant finishes.

Although my neighbor gave me these cleaning tips, they can be found in The Queen of Clean's Books. You can find them at your local library or buy them here.

Wednesday Prep Day

Well, we've gathered all the items for our emergency car kits! This is great! If there happens to be something you haven't collected yet, take this week to gather it. Just scroll down till you see the red list on the right side to find out. Or, if there's something that's not on the list, but you think it would be useful, add it. Next week we will begin 72 hr. kits and when they're done, we'll circle back to emergency car kits.

How is your three month supply coming? Do you have a plan? If not, sit down and make one. I found that starting with a menu with 7 (or 14) meals has worked best. Make a list of what each meal needs and multiply by 13 (for 7). Then begin shopping. I know it can be slow. It's definitely slow for me. But I also know it's possible. You just have to begin.

What about your year supply? Keep gathering whatever you would like this month. Next month we will move on to wheat. There's so much you can do with wheat!

Tuesday's Cookin'

I found this recipe on The Prudent Homemaker. It is excellent! When we make it, it's easier just to spoon the mixture into a pan. Pair with a salad as pictured or add: potatoes or rice with gravy of choice, vegetables, roll, and dessert. Happy cookin'!

Chicken Fried Steak

(minus the hen)

2 2/3 cups old-fashioned oats
1/4 cup dried onions
1 1/2 - 2 cups water
2 eggs

2 tsp rubbed sage
2 tsp Lawry's Perfect Blend Chicken and Poultry seasoning

3 Tbsp oil for frying

Gravy:

2 cans cream of mushroom soup
3 cups milk (I use reconstituted powdered milk)

Heat oil in a large skillet with a lid.

Mix first six ingredients. It should be wet and stick together well. If it does not, add enough water until it does.

Form into six patties, and fry both sides until browned.

Meanwhile, whisk soup and milk to make the gravy.

Lower heat to simmer. Pour gravy on patties and flip them over to coat both sides. Cover and simmer on low for 10-15 minutes, checking occasionally to make sure that patties don’t stick or burn.

Serves 6.

Notes: I get the seasoning and dried onions at Sam's Club.

Motivational Monday

"Our success is never measured by how strongly we are tempted but by how faithfully we respond. We must ask for help from our Heavenly Father and seek strength through the Atonement of His Son, Jesus Christ. In both temporal and spiritual things, obtaining this divine assistance enables us to become provident providers for ourselves and others." Elder Robert D. Hales

To read this entire article on becoming a provident provider, click here.

"Queen of Clean" Part 4

Cleaning Tips for Outside

Here are a few cleaning tips for outside. And while we're cleaning, make sure you check out the link at the bottom. It's from Joy. In case your wondering, this is an actual picture of me in the window. Well, maybe it's not exactly me, but man oh man...it sure sounds like me. Ahhhhhh....

Cleaning the Grill

When you're finished cooking, take a ball of aluminum foil and scrub the warm grill rack. Be careful not to burn your fingers!

Cleaning the Deck

1 gallon water
1 Tbsp. dish soap
1/4 c. borax

Mix, mop, and rinse well.

Oil on Cement

Cat littler is what you need. It's great for absorbing liquid! Just pour the litter on the spot and use your foot to really grind it in. Let sit to absorb the oil and sweep up. Repeat as needed.

Protecting Patio Furniture

To maintain the shine on plastic, resin, and metal furniture, apply a good-quality paste car wax just as you would when washing your car.


I'd seen this before, but now it's your turn. On to Joy's Blog!

http://justorganizeyourself.blogspot.com/2009/05/toss-it-out-tuesday_19.html

**Although my neighbor gave me these cleaning tips, they can be found in The Queen of Clean's Books. You can find them at your local library or buy them here.**

An Unexpected Post

Today, I received this letter from my aunt via Grandma. Thanks guys! It has links to alternative ways of cooking. Check them out for ideas.

Dear Family,

I was talking to [my son] about other ways to cook if the power is out, or you don't have natural gas for some reason. I'm looking for inexpensive ways because not everyone can afford a $2 - 400.00 solar oven. I believe these copy cat ideas are great.But as good as they are if we haven't acquired the materials for them,we may not be able to locate what we need, I remember when we had an ice storm 3 years ago, we had no gas to heat or cook with and the interstate was shut down leaving City Market with almost totally empty shelves. It was an eerie feeling realizing had it been a prolonged event like what happens back in the Northeast almost every winter, we would have been in a pickle.

I'll remind everyone about rocket stoves--which require only small amounts of twigs and branches.

Also, a chaffing dish. I have bought one at Sam's for $25 dollars and the fuel is only $12 for 12 containers with a lot of heating ability. I just bought one at DI also. And a person can easily rig up a small metal stand to put your own pans on if you have purchased the fuel.

This is what I'm excited about. Solar ovens. Here is a link that I hope will inspire everyone to try this out. And if you can't afford a windshield shade, the biology professor at Mesa State, who is also a bishop here in GJ, made one with cardboard and heavy-duty aluminum foil.

Here are some websites that deal with this:

http://solarcooking.wikia.com/wiki/Windshield_Shade_Solar_Cooker

http://preparednessnibblesandbits.blogspot.com/2009/05/windshield-shade-solar-cooker.html

Here are the websites for Wend DeWitt's you tube classes and her recipes for solar cooking:

http://letusprepare.blogspot.com/2009/01/wendy-dewitt-food-storage-seminar.html

http://everythingunderthesunblog.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2008-12-07T20%3A46%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=7

http://everythingunderthesunblog.blogspot.com/

MOM

"Queen of Clean" Part 3

Cleaning Tips for the Kitchen

Today, we're gonna clean the kitchen. I know mine needs all the help it can get! Ahhh...do the dishes ever end?! As my mother-in-law puts it, "Just be glad you have dishes to wash, because it means you have someone to share a meal with."

The Smoking Oven

When something runs over in the oven and starts smoking and smelling, grab the salt. Sprinkle on a heavy layer and continue cooking. The smoke and odor will stop immediately. When done, close the oven and wait overnight. The next day you will be able to lift out the spill with a spatula! (Burnt food in the bottom of the oven also causes pie crusts to brown too much! I learned that from Cherry Hill Farm. They make the best pies)!

Burnt Food in Pots and Pans

Sprinkle pans liberally with baking soda, adding just enough water to moisten. Let stand for several hours and lift out with a spatula

Burnt Food in Casserole and Glass Dishes

Fill with hot water and drop in a used dryer fabric softener sheet. Let soak until soft, dump, and wash. No scrubbing Required!

Dishwasher Spot Stopper

Combine in container with lid:

1 c. borax
1/2 c. baking soda

To use, add 1 tsp. mixture to dishwasher with regular dishwasher detergent.

Microwave Magic

Throw a wet dishcloth in the center of the microwave for 30-40 seconds. The steam will loosen any hardened spills and you can use the rag to wipe it all out. Word of caution: do not use the rag immediately! It will be very very hot!

Sponge Sanitation

I just want to say that sponges are nasty! I don't let them in my house. But, according to the Queen of Clean, you can nuke a wet one for 30 seconds to sanitize it.

Although my neighbor gave me these, they can all be found in The Queen of Clean's Books. You can find them at your local library or buy them here.

Wednesday Prep Day

Today we are finishing up car kits! Just add a small pocket knife and $5-$20 in small bills and change. Make sure you have a variety because you never know what you'll need it for. Next week we'll have a "catch-up" week so you can grab anything you may still need. Then...on to 72 hr. kits! Hurray!

How is your 3 month supply coming? Remember...it's always easier when you have a plan. You know what they say, "Plan your work. Work your plan." Wendy DeWitt's up-dated book has a GREAT food storage plan that can be used for as short a period of time as you want, or as long as you want! Click here for a downloadable .pdf file. It's full of recipes and all sorts of useful information - definitely worth it!

This month for Long Term Storage, buy what ever basics you may still need. Shop wisely and stick to your budget. It's hard, and really slow sometimes, but you can do it!

Peach Crisp

I didn't have a recipe for a peach crisp, but I really wanted one for breakfast the other day! This was perfect! Feel free to add more peaches or crumb topping if you want.

First, pre-heat your oven. Then, cut up peaches and place in a greased 9x9 baking dish. (I like to rinse the syrup off store-bought peaches first).

Place dry ingredients in mixing bowl. Mix.

Add oil and mix until combined well.

Bake 15-20 minutes in pre-heated oven. The top one was baked 15 minutes. The bottom picture was with the extra 5 minutes. It all tastes the same.

Enjoy!

Peach Crisp

1 quart peaches or a 29 oz can - I used a dinged can and rinsed the syrup off 'cause it's nasty! :o)
1/2 c. oats
1/2 c. white or brown sugar
1/4 c. wheat flour
1/4 tsp. nutmeg, ginger, or cinnamon - I like cinnamon
1/4 c. oil or butter or margarine, melted

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease 9x9 baking dish. Place peaches inside. (I also cut my peaches into smaller chunks for my kids). Mix dry ingredients well and add butter or oil. Mix till crumbly and sprinkle on peaches. Cook in hot oven for 15-20 minutes. Enjoy plain or add vanilla ice cream or cream if you like.

Motivational Monday

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us, it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others." - Nelson Mandela

"Queen of Clean" Part 2

Cleaning Tips for the Bathroom

Today I will continue with "make your own" cleaners for the home. I received all of these from a friend who regularly employs these mixes in her own home. She says they are all fantastic! The ones I have included today are labeled "Cleaning Tips for the Bathroom." Be wise and use your best judgment.

Removing Soap Scum From Glass Shower Doors

Lemon oil or plain mineral oil will remove soap scum quickly and easily and helps prevent it from building up again. Apply oil with a scrubbing sponge by rubbing across the dirty shower door surface. Buff with a soft cloth or paper towel for a haze-free shine. The oil provides a protective coating that keeps the water beading and the soap scum from adhering. Never put oil in the bottom of the shower or allow it to drip there because it prevents good traction and may cause falls.

Tile and Grout Cleaner

1/2 c. baking soda
1/3 c. ammonia
1/4 c. white vinegar
7 c. water

Combine in a labeled spray bottle and shake well to mix. Do not use this in conjunction with chlorine bleach or where chlorine bleach has been used! Simply spray on and wipe with a damp sponge or cloth. No rinsing required. Removes soap scum beautifully!

Removing Hairspray Residue and Dust Repellent

Mix one part liquid fabric softener to two parts water in spray bottle. Spray on surface to be cleaned and wipe. This also acts as a dust repellent.

Tang Toilet Tune-up

Because citric acid oxidizes rust, try this for an inexpensive, nontoxic way to remove rust rings in the toilet. Once a month sprinkle a layer of Tang Breakfast Drink or Lemon Kool Aid on the sides of the toilet and in the water, leave for one hour, brush and flush. Repeat if necessary.

Although my neighbor gave me these, they can all be found in The Queen of Clean's Books. You can find them at your local library or buy them here.

"Queen of Clean" Part 1

Cleansers and Cleaning Tips

Here is a list of cleaning product you should never be without. And most of them are things you already have in your home. They can be used alone, together or in conjunction with other common household products such as salt or dish washing liquid to help you handle most of the cleaning problems in your home; and, are especially good for people with allergies and those of us who want to cut back on chemicals, or maybe just help our pocket book a little.

Here's your shopping list:

• White vinegar - mild acid
• Baking soda - great deodorizer, cleaner, and mild abrasive
• Lemon Juice - nature's bleach and disinfectant
• Club Soda - the best emergency spotter there is
• Spot Shat Instant Carpet Stain Remover - every home needs a good all-purpose carpet stain remover
• Borax - a base, a little stronger than baking soda
• Ammonia - good all-purpose cleaner (Never mix with chlorine-based products. Don't use it where chlorine has been used either. It creates ammonium chloride, which is lethal. Also, make sure you have adequate ventilation because it emits strong fumes).

Below are a few cleansers you can make using some of these. I will post more soon!

Baby Wipes

10 c. container w/ lid
1/2 roll Bounty paper towels
2 Tbsp. baby oil
2 Tbsp. baby bath
2 c. distilled water

Cut roll of paper towels in half. (Each roll of towels makes two containers of wipes). Remove center cardboard. Mix liquid ingredients, but don't shake because it foams. Pour over 1/2 roll of paper towels. Pull first towel up. If left to rest for one hour, all the liquid will be absorbed.

Window Cleaner

1/4 c. white vinegar
1 qt. water

Combine in spray bottle. Use a dry blackboard eraser on a dry window or mirror after cleaning to banish any streaks left behind.

Air Freshener

1 tsp. baking soda
1 Tbsp. white vinegar
2 cups water

Combine in spray bottle. After foaming stops, put on lid. Shake before using.

Scouring Powder - Non-toxic Grease Cutting

4 parts baking soda
1 part washing soda

Combine and store in shaker container.

Scouring Powder - Disinfecting

4 parts baking soda
1 part Borax

Combine and store in a shaker container.

Although my neighbor gave me these, they can all be found in The Queen of Clean's Books. You can find them at your local library or buy them here.

Wednesday Prep Day

I really like how the website Safely Gathered In has set up gathering items for emergency car kits, 72 hr. kits, and short and long term storage! So I am adopting this into my blog. Thank you Safely Gathered In! I'm just going to start where they currently are because we will come back and finish after the 72 hr. kits are complete. (It will keep both cycles the same and hopefully not cause confusion). Thank you again Safely Gathered In!

"Every [Wednesday], we post specific items you should gather in order to supplement your emergency car kit, your 3-month supply, and your longer-term storage. If you are new to our blog, don't worry! You won't be left behind. Just start up where we are and follow along. You will eventually have everything completed! Once the car kit is complete, we'll be putting together 72-hour kits again (week by week). Once those are done, we'll gather the car kits again. So don't worry, just jump on in and join us where we are today!"

"This week for your car kit, add some hand sanitizer (just a small travel bottle should be fine) and a small notepad and pens/pencils. Hand sanitizer is always a good idea to have around, and the pen and paper could come in handy for a variety of reasons - taking down information from someone, playing a game, making a grocery list on the go, etc."

"How is your three month supply coming along? Do you have a master shopping list? Do you have inventory of what you have? I know it's really overwhelming to think about all of that, but it's the perfect activity for a rainy day or just some down time (I know... that's hard to come by sometimes!). However, if you keep an up-to-date inventory of what you have, it makes your food storage seem so much easier."

"We're still gathering "other" items this month for longer-term storage. Are you catching up on another basic item that you missed, or are you gathering something completely different? Whatever you decide to get, good luck! Make sure you store it well so that it doesn't go bad. 5 gallon buckets or #10 cans are perfect... gotta keep the bugs out!"

Seasoning Mixes

Today's post is about seasoning mixes. I ran across these about five years ago, and I've been using them ever since. I've had people say "I'm just going to buy Taco Seasoning, etc..." which it totally fine. I just had all the ingredients in my cupboard anyway; so, these mixes help me keep them rotated faster then if I wasn't using them at all. Feel free to change them to fit your family's taste buds.

Spaghetti Seasoning

1 T. dehydrated onion
1 T. parsley flakes
1 T. cornstarch
1 T. salt
1/4 t. garlic powder
1 t. sugar
1 T. dried green pepper
1/4 t. basil
1/4 t. thyme
1/4 t. sage
1/4 t. marjoram
1/4 t. oregano

Equivalent to 1 pkg of seasoning.

Chili Seasoning

1 1/2 t. flour
1 T. dehydrated onion
3/4 t. chili powder
1/4 t. dried red pepper
1/4 t. minced garlic
1/2 t. seasoning salt
1/4 t. sugar
1/4 t. cumin

Equivalent to 1 pkg. of seasoning.

Sloppy Joe Mix

1 T. dehydrated onion
1 t. salt
1/2 t. garlic powder
1/4 t. dry mustard
1 t. salt
1 t. cornstarch
1/4 t. celery seeds
1/2 t. chili powder

Equivalent to 1 pkg. seasoning.

Taco Seasoning

For a milder taco seasoning, reduce the red pepper.

1 Tbs. dehydrated onion
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. cornstarch
1/2 tsp. dried red pepper
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. oregano
1/2 tsp. ground cumin

Equivalent to 1 pkg. seasoning.

Motivational Monday

Last Friday I posted this thinking it was Monday. I don't know how anyone could possibly get the two days mixed up, but I managed. This is an AWESOME video clip of Elder Uchtdorf. Watch and enjoy!

Pinto Bean Fudge

Sorry, no picture yet, but this is excellent!

1 c. cooked soft pinto beans*
1/4 c. milk
1 Tbsp. vanilla
1 c. plus 2 Tbsp. cocoa
3/4 c. butter, melted
2 lbs. powdered sugar
Nuts, optional

Pour beans, milk, vanilla, and butter in blender and process until smooth. Mix cocoa and powdered sugar in a bowl. Creating nest in center of sugar mixture, pour bean mixture in. Begin mixing being careful not to get sugar lumps. When mixed, this will be runny. Don't worry, it will set up very quickly, so poor it in a pan fast and refrigerate until firm. Enjoy!

*To quick cook pinto beans, add sorted beans and a bunch of water to a pot. Boil 2 minutes. Remove from heat and cover. Let stand one hour. Replace old water with fresh water and simmer covered for 1 and a half to 2 hours or until done.

Water Storage

When I saw this, I got very excited! Many ways of storing water exist. This way may help with the large 55 gallon barrels! The idea comes from Wendy DeWitt and is found on her blog http://everythingunderthesunblog.blogspot.com/. For instructions that are a little easier to understand, click here http://www.theideadoor.com/Preparedness/storing_water.htm#Storing_Water_Barrels

To treat water in a 55 gallon drum, use 1/8 teaspoon Chlorine crystals, the kind used for hot tubs. Add them to the water. Don't add the water to the Chlorine crystals because it creates a poisonous gas! Chlorine crystals never expire, unlike liquid chlorine which is only good for 6 months after manufacturing!