Daily Preparedness

The images coming out of Haiti are heart-breaking and as generous souls, we all want to do our part to alleviate the catastrophic suffering we see on a daily basis. As with all modern disasters, the Haiti earthquake has unleashed a secondary storm of disaster–the charity scammers. Within hours of a major disaster, fake charities, websites and phone solicitors arise from the ashes to ply us with pleas for assistance. Sometimes sounding like recognized charities, or ‘collecting’ in their name, these scamming vultures move quickly and effectively. They want your money and in the latest schemes, your identity, computer files and credit card information.

In order to protect yourself from these unscrupulous vultures, follow these suggestions:

• Never link through an unsolicited charity email. Go to the charity’s own website from your own web browser. Be certain that the site is legitimate.
• The newest scams involve virus-laden websites that infect your computer with a virus and then cause a virus alert message to appear. It then tries to sell you virus protection software, which is actually malware. These sites will pop up if you search for Haiti and earthquake.
• Before giving to any charity, know what percentage of your donation will go to aid, what percentage may be diverted to other causes and what percentage is for ‘overhead’.
• Know that in most cases, the best thing you can give after a disaster is cash. Truckloads of clothing, furniture & bedding are often left to rot because there is no mechanism to distribute it after a large disaster.
• If you have goods that can be sold, sell them and donate the cash to a reputable charity.
• Do not respond to unsolicited phone calls pleading for money.
• Do not give cash to individuals coming to your home, place of business or in public asking for donations in the name of a charity. Instead, give directly to the charity.
• Ask if the charity is a 501c3. Ask to see their annual report. Ask for contact information for the headquarters. If they refuse to answer your questions, don’t donate.
• Beware of text message donations. You will most likely be paying the texting charges and fighting a fraudulent charge may be difficult. Also, do not text credit card or other personal information.
• If donating online, do so only through reputable charities’ websites and only those that begin with https
• The safest way to make a donation is with a check made out to the charity. You will then have a ready-made receipt for tax purposes.
• Ask the charity what help they are currently providing in the area. How many people are they currently serving? What other organizations are they working with?
• Do an internet search for the charity in question. Look for independent news reports of aid they are currently providing in the area they claim to be serving.
• Ask the charity what will happen to excess funds collected. How will they use them?
• Never give out your credit card or bank information over the phone, especially when the phone call is unsolicited.
• With any phone solicitation, ask the caller to send written materials. Do not donate unless they do so. Even then, be cautious.
• Know that countless ‘charities’ and ‘foundations’ prey on the elderly. They send statements that look like bills, rely on their instinctive generosity and employ a variety of other unsavory techniques. If you have elderly family members, watch their bank accounts for such donations. Some frauds include using the information on checks sent in to set up automatic electronic withdrawals.
• Avoid giving to newly established charities, especially after a major disaster.
• Every state attorney general’s office will have information on legitimate and fraudulent charities. If you believe that you have encountered a fraudulent charity, contact the AG office immediately.
• Decide what you can reasonably afford to donate and donate it to a legitimate charity of your choice. When you are asked for donations by others, simply say, “We’ve already donated.”

One of the most effective and fast-responding charities is LDS Humanitarian Services. 100% of your donation will go to assist others, not only in times of disaster but with a wide range of truly wonderful programs. A link to a rapid donation form is available at www.lds.org. For further information about other ways you can support worthwhile efforts around the world, go to http://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/humanitarian-services/

Do not become a secondary casuality of disaster. Be wise in your charitable giving and be certain that your generosity goes to those you wish to aid!

While living in Europe, we fell in love with the crusty, rustic breads available in French bakeries. Their rough textures, soft interiors and crusty exteriors are a delight that transforms any meal into a feast. Who cares what the main course is when there is a loaf of perfect bread on the table? And now, we can produce the same types of bread at home, utilizing the basics found in every provident pantry. Better still, the bread is SO simple to prepare that any six-year-old could make it. Okay, the child shouldn’t monkey with the oven, but every other step is truly easy and nearly mess free.

If the ease and final results weren’t enough, consider that the bread is fat-free, low sodium, super cheap and requires you to purchase only one item you may not own–a silicone baking sheet. (Check Wal-mart for a Wilton silicone sheet priced at about $5) You can also opt to use parchment paper on a cookie sheet.

How to begin? Find a food grade plastic container that holds about 5 quarts. It should have a lid, but the lid does NOT need to be air tight. You do NOT want to clamp the lid down, just cover the dough. A ‘cake saver’ type container will work as will an icing container from your local bakery. You will mix and store your dough in this container.

Basic Recipe: (Makes four 1-lb loaves)

3 cups lukewarm water (should just feel warm to you)

1 1/2 tablespoons granulated yeast (this is about 1.5 packets)

1 1/2 tablespoons Kosher or other coarse salt (if you use table salt, reduce to 1 tablespoon)

6 1/2 cups all-purpose unbleached flour

Cornmeal for baking surface

Pour water into your container. Add yeast and salt, stirring to at least partially dissolve the yeast. Don’t worry if the yeast isn’t perfectly dissolved.

Measure your flour by gently scooping the measuring cup into your flour and then scraping the top of the cup with a knife. Add flour to liquid mixture and stir with a heavy spoon. You can opt to use a mixer or large capacity food processor with a dough hook, but I have found that a sturdy spoon does just fine and you don’t have another thing to clean up.

As you mix in flour, scrape down the sides of the container frequently and work all of the flour mixture into the liquid. This will take only a few minutes. You may need to ‘poke’ the center of your dough blob as you mix in order to get the liquid completely distributed. You will not be kneading the dough!

You are finished mixing when everything is uniform and you can’t see any dry spots. The dough will be wet and sticky looking.

Cover the dough with the lid–remember it should not be air tight! Let the dough sit for at least 2 hours at room temperature. If you need to leave it longer, don’t worry. I’ve let it sit on the counter as long as 4 or 5 hours and the bread was just fine!

If you want to bake bread at this point, you can. Or, you can simply put the container in the refrigerator and store for up to two weeks. Refrigerated dough is easier to handle than room temperature dough, but either temperature works fine. If you want to add a sour dough flavor & texture, simply use the same container repeatedly without washing between bread batches. The dough does ‘age’ as stored, producing a better, stronger flavor and slightly different texture.

Dough can also be frozen in 1 loaf sizes. Place dough in a plastic bag and freeze. To thaw, leave in refrigerator overnight and then continue on with instructions.

When you are ready to bake, cover a cookie sheet with the parchment paper or the silicone baking mat. Liberally cover the baking surface needed for the loaf of bread with corn meal. Use a serrated knife and hack off a piece of dough about the size of a large grapefruit. Again, this is not a precise science.

Gently form your glob of dough into a round mound. This should take about 30 to 60 seconds. You are NOT kneading the bread, simply rounding it. The top side of the dough will look fairly smooth while the bottom is likely to look ‘ragged’. This is just fine!

Place the dough on the prepared baking surface and allow to rise about 40 minutes. The loaf will not completely rise in this time. The rising will continue while it is baking. Again, I’ve left it sitting on the counter for over 90 minutes and the bread was fine. A bit fluffier than the shorter rising time, but still great. You do not need to cover the bread while it is rising.

Begin preheating your oven to 450F about 20 minutes before you are ready to bake. Place a broiler pan, cake pan or several loaf pans filled with water on a lower shelf of the oven.

After the 20 minute preheat, liberally coat the top side of your loaf with flour. Using a serrated knife and quick slashing motions, cut a 1/4 inch deep gash across the top of your loaf. You can get creative here and create stars, tic-tac-toe, or cross designs.

Place the prepared dough in the oven and bake for 30 minutes or until it is golden brown.

The hardest part? The bread really is best when allowed to cool completely on a wire rack.

I have purposefully messed up several steps of the recipe to see what would happen. For the most part, you really can’t mess this up! I’ve over-baked, under-baked (that is worse than over-baking), left lumps in the dough and badly shaped loaves. I’ve cut it hot–sometimes you just can’t resist it–and stored it in the open overnight. Overall, this is truly the simplest, best, cheapest bread you will ever produce.

The final product is better than any bread I have purchased in the U.S. and the price can’t be beat!

Once you master the basic recipe, you can start adding herbs, roasted garlic, cheese or a wide variety of other ingredients. You can experiment with shapes, double the recipe, reduce the recipe size and substitute part of the unbleached flour for wholewheat, oats, rye, etc.

Happy Baking!

P.S. One final note. Before beginning this bread experiment, I had never used a silicone baking mat. Now, I think every kitchen needs one. Your cookies will be perfect and the clean up is a breeze with these wonderful inventions. You really can’t burn anything on them that won’t come clean. Someone else cooked dinner at my house and literally caught the oven on fire with a volcanic strength over-run of marinade and sauce. There were flames in the oven and the smoke damage is still being cleaned up. The cookie sheet under the meat and the rack the meat was on went in the trash. The oven has been cleaned three or four times and yet ‘blobs’ still re-appear. The silicone baking mat? With a little bit of hot water and dish soap–good as new! Absolutely miraculous.

Recent events prove once again that disaster can strike anywhere and at any time. Whether you are at the office, on vacation, going about your daily errands or sitting at home, you may face an unannounced disaster. Being prepared ahead of time with the simplest of supplies can make the difference between life and death, safety and serious injury.

One man caught in the Haiti earthquake found his way to safety relatively quickly with the aid of a small, inexpensive flashlight. This one small device, clamped to his cell phone, allowed him to pick his way through the rubble and find safe shelter after the devastating earthquake. Though we may never encounter an earthquake, there are a myriad of situations that could leave us stranded in the midst of chaos. Thinking and planning ahead of time are your best defenses!

In addition to your home-based 72-hour kit and your automobile emergency kit, considering preparing small kits that you keep in your office, briefcase and luggage. College dorm rooms should all have at least the basics! The size and quantity of items you place in your kit will be determined by where you store it. For most items, look for ‘mini’ versions in the travel and sports sections of discount stores. Your basic ‘To Go’ Kit should include:

1. Small flashlight and batteries. Store batteries outside of the flashlight. Many companies also sell really small flashlights that can be clamped on to your keys or cell phone. Such flashlights do not have always have easily replaceable batteries, but will provide instant light to help you locate your other supplies. Remember, too, that many cell phones can become temporary flashlights when their screens illuminate.

2. Long term water. ‘Water Blox’ and similar brands of water designed for long term storage at a variety of temperatures are readily available.

3. Power Bars. Store several high calorie bars, either ones from the grocery store or the type certified by the Coast Guard.

4. Heavy duty trashbags. Trashbags can become a variety of things including weather protection, shelter, blocking air, etc.

5. Small roll of duct tape. A brightly colored or fluorescent mini-roll would be the best option.

6. ‘Swiss Army’ type knife. One of the most compact styles is the size of a credit card. Make sure you have one with scissors and don’t forget to remove it from your carry-on luggage.

7. Hand sanitizer.

8. Cash and coins. Remember that a mini-M&M tube will hold quarters and rolled bills.

9. ‘Space blanket’. These are lightweight and can be used for protection from the cold as well as signalling.

10. Pocket sized tissues.

11. Feminine hygiene products. In addition to the obvious, they make great pressure bandages.

12. N-95 mask. Many disasters involve large amounts of contaminated dust and other particles. Get a mask that fits tightly against your mouth and nose.

13. Local map. If you had to walk home from your office, would you know the best route? What about alternate routes? Mark your map with the homes of friends, fire stations, police stations & hospitals. Use a fine point permanent marker and code your marks such as ‘F’ for friend, ‘P’ for police, ‘H’ for hospital.

14. First aid supplies. Pack as many as you can in the space you have available.

15. Backpack. Being able to easily carry what you have is critical. For a mini-kit, consider a ‘fanny pack’ or small backpack that is lightweight and folds compactly.

16. Communications. Cell phone with phone numbers & email addresses (include out of town family contact as well as local friends), a small radio, paper, pencil, permanent marker. If you are leaving your office, leave behind a note that states your name, time & date you left and where you are headed.

17. Medications. If you must have daily or emergency medications, ALWAYS carry at least a 3-day supply with you. This would include medications for allergies, heart condition, blood pressure, diabetes, asthma or any other condition that could become critical without medication.

18. Walking shoes and socks. Your office kit should include a pair of closed toe shoes and socks that you can walk well in.

19. A few waterproof matches.

20. Compass. There are many small ones available in sporting good stores.

21. Whistle. Whistles are critical for signaling. Purchase a sturdy plastic one. There are some on the market that combine a whistle, flashlight and compass.

22. A change of clothes. If your workplace, or surrounding area, were affected by a biochemical incident, you would need to be able to change your clothes. Pack clothes that can be layered.

23. ID card. Have a card in your kit with your name, home address, phone number, emergency contact, blood type & any pertinent medical history.

Instead of evacuating, circumstances may require you to remain in your office for several days. The supplies in your kit will make such a situation safer and more comfortable.

In addition to supplies, set goals to learn some basic skills such as first aid, basic signaling and hiking.

Mentally prepare yourself. Know the most likely disasters that could occur in your area—are they natural or man made disasters? Think through evacuation routes and develop a family communications plan. If you are in a carpool, make a plan for meeting in the case of an evacuation order.

If you are traveling internationally, especially in less developed countries, register your trip with the U.S. Embassy or consulate. Know where the embassy is!

Always remember that immediately after any major disaster, you are most likely going to have to rely on yourself and those around you. Planning and preparation will be your greatest allies!

Even if you never aspire to create great fashion, knowing about the differences in fabrics, how to care for them, mend them and recognize quality will allow you to stretch your clothing and home decor dollars.  Having on hand a few basic sewing supplies may allow you to significantly lengthen the lifespan of your favorite outfit or produce an entirely new one! Regardless of whether you ever intend to sew a runway masterpiece or not, it is most provident to acquire a basic set of skills and supplies

First, the skills:

1. How to identify and care for fabrics. When shopping in a retail store, can you recognize the difference in quality between one fabric and another? Do you read care labels and follow them? Do you understand the wearability and expected lifespan of a thin polyester versus silk? What about the safety factors of wool versus fleece? (Did you know that wool self-extinguishes when removed from a fire source or that fleece is not only highly flammable, but spews bits of molten fiber as it burns?) Which fabrics will fade or wear out quickly in the sun? Which fibers are best for insulating?

2. How to make simple repairs to clothing and household items. Can you sew on a button? What about a snap? Repair a hem? Re-enforce an area that is showing wear? Stitch a seam before an item is ruined? Know which iron-on products you can use to make simple repairs? How to re-enforce the buttons on a new garment?

3. How to sew a straight seam on a sewing machine. You do not need an ultra-expensive computerized embroidery machine. But, you should be able to thread a sewing machine and at least sew a straight seam.

The supplies: (For all items, watch for sales. Sign up for the JoAnn Fabrics mailers or email notices. Also check Freecycle, thrift shops and other venues for free or cheap items!)

1. Hand sewing needles. Store a variety of betweens, sharps, quilting and curved needles. In general, the short thin needles are the easiest to use with most fabrics. You should store thin and thick curved needles, as the thin ones can stitch up a cut human while the thick ones can repair leather and other thick fibers.

2. Needle threader. The sturdiest needle threader I have seen is made by Fons and Porter. Having a needle threader is a a true aid to anyone attempting to sew by hand!

3. Scissors. Set aside a pair of scissors that will only be used on fabric. Mark the scissor handle as ‘fabric only’ and sternly enforce the rule. Fiskars and Gingher are both good beginner brands. A medium length scissor is good for most applications.

4. Measuring tape. Purchase a sturdy, coated one intended for sewing. Measuring tapes will stretch over time.

5. Ruler. Store at least one 12″ ruler, A transparent one is the easiest to use while sewing.

6. Fasteners. A supply of snaps, hook & eyes, buttons, velcro and a few all-purpose zippers. If you are going to throw away a piece of clothing away, cut off and save the buttons first!

7. Sewing machine. A good, basic machine is all most folks will need. Some of the older pre-computer-days machines are sturdier than the more modern ones. With the machine, store the manual, some sewing machine oil and spare needles.

8. Sewing machine needles. Always purchase needles packaged in a hard plastic case. Needles packaged in paper/thin plastic-type packaging often have microscopic bends and knicks in them. Schmetz is a good, readily available brand. Store a variety of sizes. Sewing machine needles can also be used to remove splinters (sterilize first), hang pictures on walls and pierce a variety of materials.

9. Iron-on interfacing. A good quality iron-on knit interfacing can be used to mend small tears, re-enforce worn spots and buttons in ready-to-wear garments. If applied carefully, it can give new shape to a sagging sweater or soften rough seams.  Always store with the instructions and away from heat, moisture or dust. Cover your ironing surface before using and place a piece of white paper between the interfacing and your iron.

10. A few basic patterns. Look for a variety of multi-sized skirts, dress, blouse, elastic waist pants and nightwear patterns. Patterns go on sale monthly and can often be picked up for free at community events as well as freecycle. Additional patterns are available on the internet.

11. Fabrics. Not everyone needs a true ‘fabricaholic stash’, but it would be wise to have a supply of cotton flannel, broadcloth, denim, cotton cheesecloth and wool. Sheets purchased from the clearance rack can provide a lot of yardage at little cost. (thrift store sheets are less wise to store as they are often worn unevenly and have been repeatedly washed) The flannel can be made into diapers, bedding, nightwear, re-usable sanitary products, as an insulator and for cleaning. Broadcloth can be made into garments, burial clothes, bedding and household items. Denim is nearly indestructable. Old jeans can be recycled into a variety of items. Wool is self-extinguishing, insulating and it breathes. 100% wool blankets can be used for a variety of purposes, including clothing. If you want to experiment, try felting wool by washing it several times in an electric clothes washer. Follow with a spin in the dryer. The resulting fiber is nearly water proof and incredibly warm. It won’t ravel and can be washed.  Cheesecloth is used in many areas of cooking, gardening and can be turned into gauze bandages. If you want to expand from those basics, add some colors, prints and a variety of textures.

12. Thread. Store a variety of hand sewing, hand quilting, buttonhole and machine quilting threads. Have on hand at least several spools of basic thread in white, beige, black, navy and red. Purchase a good quality thread such as Gutterman or Mettler. Hand quilting thread is stronger than ‘regular’ thread and can even sew up a human cut in an emergency. It is coated to make it resistant to breaking and can tolerate more stress than regular thread. Buttonhole thread is one of the strongest threads and can be used to repair heavy-duty items. Machine quilting thread (different than hand quilting) is again coated to tolerate more times going through more layers of fabric. Remember, though, that hand quilting thread should NOT be used in a sewing machine. Thread is another item that goes on sale frequently.

13. Elastic. Store some elastic in a few widths varying from 1/4″ to 1.5″.

14. Seam ripper. Un-sewing is a part of the process! Seam rippers are good for cutting loose threads from ready-made garments, as well as picking out the thread left behind when a button falls off. The sharpest seam rippers have curved blades and were based on disposable scalpels.

15. Thimble. A leather one with a metal tip is the easiest to get used to.

16. ‘Wonder under’ and similar products. There are a variety of products on the market designed to fuse, either temporarily or permanently, two pieces of fabric together. Steam-a-seam, stitch-witchery and wonder under are all brand names of these type of products which serve different purposes. Fusibles will allow you to quickly hem an item, repair a seam, make decorative items, hold items in place while stitching, as well as a variety of other useful purposes. LIke the interfacing, cover your ironing surface and put a protective layer between the fusible and your iron. Store with the instructions, away from heat, moisture and light.

17. Pins. Straight pins — my favorites are the long ones with the colored plastic or glass heads. You can iron over the glass heads. Never sew over a pin with your sewing machine! Also store safety pins.

18. Marking tools. Plain white chalk, tailor’s chalk in blue or pink, and a sharp #2 pencil are the basics.

19. Book. Find a good, basic ‘how to’ book such as Nancy Zieman’s “Let’s Sew: A Beginner’s Sewing Guide,” which was written for children in the 4-H program. If that is too basic, add Ms. Zieman’s ‘10-20-30 Minutes to Sew’ or her “Sewing With Confidence: A Beginner’s Guide.” The next level would be “Pattern Fitting With Confidence” or “Fitting Finesse”. Nancy’s books are always clearly written with great illustrations. All of her titles can be found used or at very reasonable prices. She has been on PBS for years, her shows are repeatedly shown and always informative. (And she is a genuinely nice woman!)

20. Containers. Store all of your supplies in labeled containers away from dust, heat and light.

A bit of sewing know-how can save you countless dollars and, maybe, provide you with a wonderful creative outlet that has proven to have significant health benefits. If nothing else, hauling bolts of fabric around is aerobic exercise.

New Year’s Resolutions–easily made, quickly forgotten and fodder for guilt! Instead of feeling bad about yourself when April arrives and your resolutions are all but forgotten, set goals that will allow you to slowly but surely attain a more provident lifestyle. The changes need not be drastic or accomplished all at one time. Provident living is not a one-time event, but rather a mindset, a lifestyle, a commitment to viewing today in context of the years that lie ahead. No matter where you are on the Provident Living Spectrum, making consistent changes will brighten your tomorrows.

As you evaluate where you are, consider these dozen ideas:

1. Debt: If you are out of debt, stay out! If you are in debt, resolve to acquire NO further consumer debt and pay down your debt as quickly as possible. Tell yourself ‘No’ frequently until your debt balance is at zero. Buy used and apply the savings to your debt load. Put away the credit cards and pay cash. Do whatever you have to do to get out from under the slavery of debt.

2. Savings: Pay yourself each payday. Save whatever you can, wherever you can. Keep your savings in a secure, insured account. Teach your children to save and to be wise consumers.

3. Employment: Be certain that your resume is prepared and up-to-date. Improve your skills and be on the look-out for employment opportunities. If you are threatened with unemployment, begin your job search before you are laid off. Let everyone know that you are looking for employment!

4. Education: Be certain that your children understand the value of obtaining the best education possible. Teach them from middle school on that what they do in the six years after elementary school will affect their ability to be admitted to college and win scholarships. Help your teens find every scholarship opportunity possible. Teach your teens about the dangers of acquiring unnecessary student and credit card debt. If you need to return to school, seek grants, scholarships or employer-funded opportunities. Continually learn new skills that will help you live providently: gardening, canning, home repairs, computer skills, sewing, baking, cooking, etc. Be certain that every member of your family has the necessary life skills to enter the world prepared to be self-reliant.

5. Be a wise steward: Take care of what you own so that it will last and serve you well. The greatest ‘green’ thing you can do is to make what you have last as long as possible.

6. Prepare for ‘everyday’ emergencies: The largest percentage of ‘emergencies’ that we will face are the ‘everyday’ sorts–unexpected illness, injury, a flooded basement, etc. An orderly life and home makes it easier to deal with these types of events. Train your family to keep the home running smoothly. Have extras at home–extra cash, extra food, extra cleaning supplies. Know where your important papers and phone numbers are. Evaluate the most likely larger emergencies you might face and prepare with evacuation kits (72-hour kits or Bug Out Bags), emergency supplies such as first-aid kits, extra lighting, cooking, etc. ‘Prepare every needful thing…’

7. Store food and essential supplies: Even if you purchase and set aside a few canned goods each shopping trip, build a supply of food that you can rely on. Begin by purchasing ‘everyday’ foods until you have a 3-month supply. Store some water, extra hygience products, laundry soaps, etc. When you have accomplished your 3-month supply, slowly acquire long-term staples such as grains, sugar, salt and powdered milk.

8. Develop emotional resiliency: Learn to take the upheavals of life in stride emotionally (which is easier when you are living providently). Learn to appropriately deal with stress, anxiety, disappointment and develop a support structure that will assist you. Develop a greater faith and testimony of the eternal nature of your life so that the daily ups and downs are seen in the proper perspective. Learn to laugh. If you need professional help, seek it from a trained professional that shares your core values.

9. Build your spiritual muscles: Like physical muscles, spiritual muscle must be built over time. Do not wait until the tempest is raging to learn to seek Divine Guidance and Strength. Serve others and forget yourself as you lift another.

10. Practice Prevention: Prevent accidents whenever possible. Make your home and your car as safe as possible. Teach your children to behave appropriately and how to react to danger. Seek preventative medical care from competent professionals. Think before acting and research before leaping!

11. Plan ahead: Live today fully, but look towards the future. Plan economically, physically and mentally for events that you know will occur. Whether it is a birthday, Christmas or retirement, many of life’s events can be accurately predicted and planned for. Continually living in a state of ‘last-minutitis’ increases stress and nearly always results in frayed nerves, greater expenditures and wasted effort.

12. Practice happiness: Happy people are more likely to successfully navigate the world without relying on impulse buying, addictive substances or other self-destructive behaviors. Find joy in the simple things of life and make your home a haven from the cares of the world. If your home is a simple cave, make it the brightest, happiest, most laughter-filled cave imaginable.

Provident Living is not a drudgery or ‘doomsday’ way of looking at life. Rather, it is the best guarantee that you and those you love will be safe, secure, strong and happy no matter what life throws your way. Make 2010 a year in which you embrace and find joy in being not only self-reliant but able to reach out to others. In that, you will find the greatest of joy!

The week before Christmas and all through the land,

Folks are scurrying and feeling rather grand.

Now is the time for the wise to prepare,

So that holidays will occur without a scare!

Okay, so the poetry isn’t great, but just to make certain that your holidays are more merry than scary, remember a few last minute reminders:

SHOPPING:

• Try to go without little ones so you aren’t distracted
• Keep packages out of sight–lock that trunk!
• Be constantly aware of your surroundings
• If you must shop alone and at night, ask for security to walk you to your car, especially in a large and/or dark parking lot
• Carry valuables in your front pockets. Avoid a purse or tote if possible
• Keep your credit cards in sight when completing transactions
• Be aware of anyone looking over your shoulder while you process your transaction
• Don’t process a purchase while clerk is on the phone, especially if speaking in another language and holding your credit card
• Use internet sites that are secure
• If you are gone from home all day, ask trusted neighbor to pick up packages left at your front door.
• Keep your receipts–most merchants have tightened up return policies!
• Have some cash for emergencies and small purchases

TRAVEL

• Have cash for emergencies
• Re-read hints about winter travel
• Plan plenty of time for delays
• Keep your cellphone charged
• Check car condition before travel

HOME

• If going away, use timers on lights and talk radio channel
• Ask trusted neighbor to bring in mail and newspapers
• Don’t put gifts where others can see them through open drapes
• Be sure to practice fire safety, especially with lit candles and flammable decorations
• If having house guests, be certain their medications are up & away from little hands
• Cut up and bag boxes from high priced items when disposing of them or take to recycling center
• Practice safe food handling

Have a safe, blessed, healthy and happy Christmas!

If any of you are like me, Christmas stocking stuffing can be an expensive and often frustrating part of Christmas cheer.  You can spend a great deal of money for little ‘doo-dads’ that are often forgotten too quickly. Instead of meaningless dribble, consider stuffing those pesky stockings with useful items for your 72-hour kit (or Bug Out Bags as some folks call them). These items need not be boring or too terribly practical–make them fun by personalizing them, adding some glitz or mixing in with non-essential items. These ideas also translate well into the small daily gifts of Advent calendars or Hanukkah celebrations. Some ideas to think about include:

• Small flashlights for each bedroom. The best ones have a lanyard or other string attached so that they can hang from a bedpost, out of sight. Find ones in bright, fun colors or the small ultra-bright LED flashlights. There are even ones that you can bend!

• Batteries for those electronic gadgets & flashlights. Consider rechargeable batteries so that you can quit buying batteries every few weeks.

• Waterproof matches and container

• Swiss army knife –there is one available that is the size of a credit card and holds all sorts of cool stuff. Again, they come in lots of bright, fun colors.

• Screwdriver set–a mini set is a great thing to have in each car as well as your 72-hour kit

• Compass or a combination whistle and compass device

• Reflective mirror

• Small toiletries, including a disposable razer, travel sized toothbrush and tooth paste, small soap, shampoo and lotion. Check out the travel section at your local discount store for other items.

• ‘Space’ emergency blanket

• Folding cup

• Camp utensil set and/or ‘mess kit’

• Pocket size survival and/or first aid guide

• Rain poncho

• Hand and/or foot warmers

• Key chain whistle and/or flashlight

• Thermal socks and/or wool mittens/gloves

• A wool ‘watch’ cap–the type used by the military is warm, water repellent and folds compactly.

• Small first aid kit

• Small, purse sized holder for band-aids

• Mini battery operated alarm clock

• Headlamp style flashlight

• ‘Power’ bars

• 100 hour candle

• Water purifying tablets or ’sani straw’ device

• Long shelf life boxed water

• Pocket-sized package of toilet paper and tissues. Some of the dollar stores have them in fun wrappers such as Hello Kitty.

• A Bowie knife with sheath

• Flint and steel

• Small knife sharpener

• Mini first aid primer–check with your local Red Cross or County Extension office for free ones

• CPR mouth shield

• Small card games or other sources of entertainment such as Sudoku books

• Mini sewing kit–you can easily assemble one in an old prescription bottle (be sure to wash it out) or empty 35mm film canister. Include several sharp needles, thread, thread clipper, buttons, a snap and several safety pins

• Travel sized hand sanitizer, hand wipes and disinfectant spray

• Jumper cables

• Small size roll of duct tape. Look for bright colors or fun prints.

• Small roll of heavy twine or rope

You might also consider making mini-kits for each car, the office or your college-bound student.

Check out the camping aisles and see what little goodies might be interesting and helpful. You never know what you might find! You may also find that hunting gear and summer sports equipment is on the clearance rack.

And be sure to save all of that excess hard candy you and your family receive during the holidays. Seal it up tight in a ziploc bag, food saver bag or other air tight container to add to your long-term storage and 72-hour kits.

The turkey leftovers are gone, gifts are being wrapped, and in many parts of the country, snowfall is happening. For those in warmer climates, the impending holiday season often means traveling to or through areas that may become a ‘winter wonderland’ at a moment’s notice. To make certain the bells being rung aren’t yours (when you are stuck in a snowdrift or hit by a car), prepare your car appropriately before heading out. Anyone driving where there is or might be snow, should stock their car with the following (most courtesy of the Loudoun County Virginia Sheriff’s office):

- Properly fitting tire chains
- Bag of sand or salt (or kitty litter)
- Traction mats
- Snow shovel
- Snow brush
- Ice scraper
- Booster cables – also consider when of the ‘instant’ jump devices
- Warning devices such as flares or emergency lights
- Fuel line de-icer (methanol, also called methyl alcohol or methyl hydrate)
- Extra windshield wiper fluid appropriate for sub-freezing temperatures
- Roll of paper towels
- Flashlight and a portable flashing light (and extra batteries)
- Blankets—‘space’ or emergency blankets are small and can be used for signaling.
- Extra clothing, including hat and wind-proof pants, and warm footwear
- First aid kit
- Snack bars or other “emergency” food and water. Don’t forget food for babies!
- Matches and emergency candles. Only use these with a window opened to prevent build-up of carbon monoxide.
- Road maps — Be certain you know where you are going and the current conditions of the roads ahead if you leave a major traffic artery! Do not rely solely on your GPS unit. (One springtime, my family and I were traveling in New Mexico. We left the desert floor and, using a road map, decided to take a more ‘direct route’ than the one recommended to us. The road map was not a geographic map. We ended up going from desert to snow-capped mountains very quickly. It was inconvenient in the spring, but could have been deadly in the winter, especially if we had experienced car trouble! Know what you are driving into!)
- “Call Police” or other help signs on brightly colored banners.
- Spare tire in good condition and ‘instant’ flat repair
- Necessary medications

And a few safe winter driving tips:

Always keep the gas tank topped off. When it gets to half, fill it up.

Do not travel unless absolutely necessary. If you do have to make the trip, ensure someone is aware of your route of travel. If you change your route, notify that same person! People are lost every year due to taking ‘short cuts’.

Carry a cellular phone. Your cell phone can be used during emergencies and for notifying those expecting your arrival in case there are weather delays. Make certain you have a car charger and consider purchasing one of the temporary ‘instant chargers’ for at least one cell phone.

Always buckle-up. Your seat belt can be the best protection against drivers who are tense and in a hurry because of weather conditions. All children should be properly restrained all of the time!

Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights – even the hood and roof – before driving.

Pay attention. Don’t try to out-drive the conditions. Remember the posted speed limits are for dry pavement.

Leave plenty of room for stopping.

Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows – stay back a safe stopping distance and don’t pass on the right.

Know the current road conditions. Check with local safety officials before driving.

Use brakes carefully. Brake early. Brake correctly. It takes more time to stop in adverse conditions.

Do not pump anti-lock brakes. If your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes, do not pump brakes in attempting to stop. The right way is to “stomp and steer!”

Watch for slippery bridges, even when the rest of the pavement is in good condition. Bridges will ice up sooner than the adjacent pavement.

Don’t use your cruise control in wintry or rainy conditions in order to avoid spinning out of control! Even roads that appear clear can have sudden patches of ice or puddles of water that are unnoticeable against the pavement. These patches can instantaneously cause your wheels to lose traction - even for a split second - which causes them to spin at a faster rate. This confuses the cruise control, which misunderstands this momentary increase in rotation to mean that your speed has increased. The cruise control will then apply the brakes, which is the last thing you want to do when you start to lose traction! When the wheels suddenly increase their rotational speed, then suddenly stop, it’s this combination that then causes you to lose traction and spin out of control. When this occurs on puddles of water it’s known as “hydroplaning”, but the same principle can prove to be just as deadly on ice!

Don’t get overconfident in your 4×4 vehicle. Remember that your four-wheel drive vehicle may help you get going quicker than other vehicles but it won’t help you stop any faster. Many 4×4 vehicles are heavier than passenger vehicles and actually may take longer to stop.

Don’t get overconfident in your 4×4 vehicle’s traction. Your 4×4 can lose traction as quickly as a two-wheel drive vehicle.

Look farther ahead in traffic than you normally do. Actions by cars and trucks will alert you quicker to problems and give you a split-second extra time to react safely.

Remember that trucks are heavier than cars. Trucks take longer to safely respond and come to a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.

Go slow!

———-This week’s 10×100 Challenge Goals———-

78. Try a new recipe that utilizes at least two items from your long-term storage.

79. Check supply of over-the-counter medicines such as antihistamines, antidiarrheal, pain killers & anti-inflammatories.

80. Check the caulk around tubs, showers and toilets. Repair or replace as needed.

81. Check your credit cards? Current? Do you have too many?

82. Check your credit report for errors.

83. Be certain you are shredding documents with personal information such as insurance numbers, birth dates, account numbers, social security numbers.

84. Google your name to make sure someone is not using it online or writing about you in an unfavorable way.

Thanksgiving is nearly here–time to review safe turkey handling procedures. Serve up a feast, not a germ-fest by following these simple guidelines:

• Turkey is nutritious, low in fat and freezes well. Purchase an extra one at the season’s rock bottom prices and store in the deep freeze for nine months to one year. After that time, quality will begin to go downhill.
• Safe food handling is CRITICAL! Don’t fall into the ‘but my mother did it this way’ trap.
• If purchasing a fresh, never frozen turkey, purchase it only a day or two before Thanksgiving. Most stores allow you to reserve a fresh turkey. Purchase it last at the store and get it into the refrigerator at home quickly. Keep a tray under it to catch any drippings.
• Never purchase a pre-stuffed fresh (as in not frozen at the store) turkey.
• There are safe, FDA-approved frozen pre-stuffed turkeys. Follow instructions for these birds religiously.
• Allow plenty of time to defrost your turkey in THE REFRIGERATOR. Place turkey at bottom of frig with a drip tray under it.
• ALWAYS WASH HANDS BEFORE AND AFTER HANDLING THE TURKEY, EVEN IN THE PACKAGING.
• Never thaw a turkey on the counter. If you must rush the thawing process, keep the bird in water that is less than 70F. Change water every 30 minutes.
• Keep raw turkey away from other foods.
• Clean all surfaces that will come in contact with the raw bird–before and after contact!
• Remove packages of turkey ‘extras’ from both cavities of the bird.
• Consuming stuffing baked in the bird is a great way to contract a multitude of food-borne illnesses. Instead, stuff the turkey with ‘throw away’ items to keep the meat moist and bake your stuffing separately. The tops of celery, wilted lettuce, even apples are great things to stuff the turkey cavity with.
• If you absolutely insist on eating the stuffing from inside the bird, use a reliable meat thermometer to make certain that all inner parts of the stuffing have reached at least 165F. As an added precaution (but still NOT recommended) you can remove the stuffing, place in a baking dish and return to the oven until it reaches 180F.
• DO NOT cook your turkey in an oven below 325F. Some of the slow cook methods allow parts of the turkey to remain at too low a temperature to kill off harmful bacteria.
• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the turkey in multiple deep locations, such as the thigh joint. Even if the bird has a pop-up indicator, double check for yourself. Reliable digital meat thermometers that can sit outside your oven and alarm when a desired temperature is reached can be purchased for well under $20.
• You can safely let the turkey sit after roasting for 20 minutes. The maximum amount of time, in a cool room, that the food should be left out is two hours. Timing begins as soon as foods are removed from the oven or stovetop.
• Keep foods warm during dinner utilizing hot plates, warming trays, etc.
• Quickly refrigerate leftovers in small packages, spread out within the refrigerator. If your refrigerator is fool or leftovers are extremely warm, pre-cool them by immersing the sealed container of leftovers in a large container of ice.
• If you want to get a head start, prepare turkey stock this week. Freeze after cooled and you have the beginnings of gravy. You can also thicken the stock before freezing. Add this to the ‘brown bits’ in the bottom of your turkey roaster on Thanksgiving Day.
• Eat up leftovers quickly. Stuffing, pies, meats and gravies should be eaten with three to four days. Reheat only the amount you will eat at that meal. Freeze what you will not eat within the prescribed amount of time.
• THIS WEEK, check the temperature of your refrigerator to be certain that it is within the safe range–lower than 40F. Your home freezer should be 0F or lower.

Have a safe, happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

——-This week’s 10×100 Challenge Goals ———

The world is busy with its own cares, sorrows and joys, and pays little heed to you. There is but one great pass-word to success,—self-reliance.” William George Jordan

You need not scale the mountain in one day, merely take a little step forward.

57. Add some cash and quarters to your glove compartment. An empty prescription bottle or tube from mini-M&M’s work well.

58. Check outdoor walkways. Are they clear? Free from tripping hazards? Cracks?

59. Mail holiday gifts early to avoid paying express shipping charges.

60. Gather up your candles and see if you have enough to provide some light for 7-days. Store some matches (more than you think you need) with the candles.

61. Refill BBQ propane tanks if you have them.

62. Clean one pantry shelf. Move older food to the front.

63. Clean out your refrigerator. Discard old food and mark food that needs to be eaten up.

The costumes are put away, the jack-o-lanterns wilting and Thanksgiving is around the corner. It is time, once again, to consider the impending holiday season. This year the great majority of folks are wondering if reality is going to cause us all to turn into Scrooge! There is no need to fear being haunted by the ghosts of Christmas, no matter what your economic situation, if you but plan ahead, use a dose of creativity, think clearly and start NOW to wish those you care about a Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah, Kwanzaa or whatever you celebrate.

The first step is to BEGIN NOW–if you haven’t already. (You really smart people took our advice last year and may have a running head start on your holiday planning. Wahoo for you!!) For those of you that were a bit slower on the uptake, go back and read last year’s holiday missive first:

Warning: Holidays Ahead!!

NOW, we are ready to move forward to Post-Graduate Holiday Planning. Never willing to rest on our laurels, we are forging ahead to find even more creative way to be kindly, loving, generous and thoughtful — while maintaining our economic equilibrium– for the happy days ahead. Follow these easy tricks and earn your Masters of Generous Frugality:

1. WHAT YOU HAVE: First and foremost, do a solid inventory of what you have on hand. What supplies do you have that could be turned into gifts? Old jeans? Google how to make a tote bag or re-usable shopping bag utilizing these ’scraps’. Plain candles? Can you decorate them? Containers? Fill them up with a treat you make or buy for next to nothing. Plain paper or note cards? Turn them into Christmas cards. Write a Christmas letter and forget the card!

Need supplies to complete your project?  Michael’s and JoAnn’s will email you coupons nearly every week that give you 40 to 50% percent off your purchase.

2. COUPONING: Even those who do not regularly use coupons might want to reconsider for the holiday season. Expecting a lower than average holiday surge of shopping, companies right and left are offering up some fantastic savings on toys, games and gift ware. This week, games can be purchased for $1. Sit ‘n spin for $6.14. Many of these coupons are available online and several enterprising websites offer you not only the opportunity to print the coupons, but team the coupons up with store specific sales. These sites save you time and money! A few to check out are:

http://www.dealseekingmom.com/  This intrepid coupon and bargain shopper does a great job of keeping you up-to-date on current coupons and deals. If you browse the site a bit, you can learn how to get items for FREE and even get money back. Read up on how to play the Drugstore Game–she’s amazing (and that is a compliment coming from this veteran bargain shopper). Sign up for her email alerts and she will send you regular updates. I’ve tried her approach and it does work.

http://attentiontargetshoppers.blogspot.com/ Another great site that combines coupons with sales. I learned that you can ’stack’ coupons! You can use a Target coupon and a manufacturing coupon to often score free or nearly free items. Offers that combine coupons with purchases rewarded with a Target gift card are also highlighted. One listing today is for a free portrait sitting and 8×10 (or 2 5×7’s, wallets, etc) at a Target photo studio. Have a little child and grandparents? You have a great gift for free!! Ginger also points out other offers.

Follow some of the other couponing links on these sites and be amazed at the time and money these sites can save you!

3. FREEBIES: Using the sites listed above (and similar ones) you may be surprised at what you can get for free. Don’t forget other introductory offers, samples and ‘gift with purchase’ items. For instance, the Kodakgallery.com is giving away a MILLION $15 gift certificates. It is easy and they actually have gifts for $15. Shipping charges are super low.

Look for offers everywhere you shop. Today, I ordered 5 blouses and 3 pairs of pants on clearance (total of $35 with shipping) AND received a $30 gift with purchase–an item I had planned to buy for a family member.

Walmart.com provides regularly changing links to sign up to receive a variety of free samples, many of which are suitable for stocking stuffers or to fill that gift with purchase cosmetic bag. Give the filled bag to a traveling friend, relative or the college bound student. ‘Tween girls would also love such a gift!

Join freecycle.org and trade useful items with your community. Need jars to fill? Ask on freecycle. A glue gun? Ask on freecyle. Daily postings are emailed to you and the items offered are absolutely amazing.

3. GOT CHILDREN? If you have a young child and extended family that thinks your child is absolutely amazing (and of course they are right), you have low cost or free gifts at your fingertips. Print out low-cost or free (see Kodak Gallery listing above) photos of your child. Turn them into simple ornaments (get supplies for free or 50% off using coupons), frame them in repurposed frames or simply mail the photo with a loving letter of all you learned about parenting from the family member. Adhere photos to magnet strips to create instant refrigerator art: Keep all of those advertising magnets you get, apply double stick tape or permanent adhesive spray, attach the photo and trim around the child’s face.  What Grandparent wouldn’t love that? If your child is older, enlist them in designing and making frames or other gifts such as ‘raggedy reverse applique’ items. Old blue jeans can be turned into charming frames. Simply browse the internet for loads of free ideas and instructions.

4. FOOD STORAGE: Ever thought of food storage as a source for gift giving? Your storage can work holiday magic in multiple ways. First, cut your grocery bill this season by utilizing food you already have stored. If you have the basics stored, you should be able to produce baked goods to give as gifts. When I had four children in school and lived on a single income in a high cost area, I began baking a super simple French bread recipe for my children’s teachers and school staff. The hot bread was wrapped in simple brown kraft paper that I had on hand and tied up with raffia (that I had on hand).  A small gift card signed by the appropriate child was attached. The hot loaves were delivered over a two day period at the end of the school day and were very well received. Out of pocket expense? Zip! If you don’t want to bake, save some empty jars (or score free canning jars on freecycle) and fill with food storage ingredients for bake-it-yourself cookies, soups, granola or other mixes. Grab some powdered milk, cocoa, sugar and make hot chocolate mix. Package it up and place in a mug with a cute tag. Again, recipes are free online. (Note: Do NOT follow instructions for ‘canning’ cakes in jars. It is a recipe for botulism which is NOT a nice gift)

Have wheat or rice? Sew up a small fabric bag (recycle old clothing, sheets, etc. if you don’t have yards of fabric) and fill with wheat or rice. These bags are then heated in the microwave and provide soothing relief for sore muscles. The first batch I made disappeared when a bunch of house guests fell in love with them. (No, they didn’t steal them, but I couldn’t say no to their requests to take their new found best friend home.) A deluxe version would include a small case for the bag.

5. POST HALLOWEEN & ‘AUTUMN’ CLEARANCE: Scoop up clearance rack candy that isn’t wrapped in Halloween wrappers, solid color candles, baskets and simple wreath forms after the 31st. Also check for totes in Autumn colors, gold colored napkins, plates, containers & mugs as well as baking mixes. Many will be 90% the week after Halloween. Put some candy in a jar, container, mug, basket or even ziploc bags to share with co-workers, doctor offices, neighbors or anyone else you need a gift for. Don’t forget to save some for stockings. Take a plain candle and glue gun candy canes or twigs around the edge–you have a lovely ‘designer’ look for pennies. For a more elaborate gift, place candle in a basket with some cloth napkins, napkin rings or other hostess items. Children have too much Trick or Treat candy? Save some for gingerbread houses and other holiday decorating. Don’t forget to check your grocery and drug stores for clearance items!

6. GROCERY STORES. Always check their clearance racks for specialty gifts. I recently found cedar wraps, a perfect gift for my gourmet brother, marked down 90%. I’m still hunting the library book sale for a great cookbook to go with it. Next to the wraps were gorgeous napkin rings (see above) at 90% off!

7. MAKE IT A GAME. Is everyone on a tight budget? Admit it and make gift giving more about the thought than the expense. One of my brilliant daughter-in-laws came up with a game we participated in for several years. At Thanksgiving, we all drew names of other family members. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas, we had to find a gift for the person we drew that did not exceed $1 in cost. The gift had to be purchased at a dollar store, thrift store, used book store or yard sale. I was not allowed to purchase items on clearance racks–the family decided that was an unfair advantage.  ;( We exchanged the gifts on Christmas Eve and it was GREAT fun! Some of those $1 gifts required much, much more thought than simply running to the nearest store and buying whatever we thought the person wanted. One son found three books his person really wanted at a used book shop. Another son and daughter-in-law announced an upcoming grandchild utilizing a dollar store frame. The key is imagination and thoughtfulness.

8. EBATES, REBATES AND REWARDS. As you shop, get the most benefit from every dollar you spend. Sign up for sites such as ebates.com, that rebate a portion of purchases you make at participating merchants. Extra discounts are also available from many of these sites. If you utilize a credit card (which you pay off every month) that offers a cashback or other incentive, you have furthered your spending power. To top it all off, look for manufacturer’s rebates. Savvy shoppers can recoup a sizable portion of everything they spend. On the purchase noted in #3 above, I will receive a 4% rebate from ebates.com in addition to 4% from my credit card. 8% isn’t much on a $35 purchase, but those rebates do add up.

9. DIY. A handmade gift shows not only generosity but true thought as you give of yourself, your time and your talents. One of the most beautiful art bowls I have ever seen was a thank you gift given to a neighbor. The neighbor had cared for the children of a very cash-strapped friend. As a thank you gift, the dollar-poor but grateful woman cut strips of wool from several old, worn pieces of clothing and wove the richly colored strips of fabric into a beautiful bowl. The out-of-pocket expense was zero and yet a wonderful piece of art was created. No matter what your talents, sharing them with love is a gift of great worth. Teaching our children to cherish a handmade gift blesses them with a greater appreciation of the true meaning of gift-giving.

10. MAKE THE SIMPLE MEANINGFUL. Turning a simple, inexpensive item into something meaningful elevates the gift to a true expression of love. One Christmas, a friend of mine cut out simple wooden heart ornaments, stained them, added a ribbon and a small poem about following the star of Bethlehem. Though the ornament alone was lovely, the poem added great meaning to the gift. I have also seen inexpensive cookie cutters in significant shapes turned into an ornament with a piece of ribbon. Add a poem or quote and you have a thoughtful gift!

11. START A TRADITION. Traditions can build family unity, bring meaning to holidays and bind us through the generations. Begin a traditional gift that you give each year. As grandchildren appeared in my extended family, one sister began the tradition of giving each child a yearly Christmas ornament. Each year’s ornament was inexpensive, unique, labeled with the child’s name, the year and embellished in some way by my sister. The children entered adulthood with their own collection of ornaments. Another aunt I know gives each niece and nephew a book. Another sews simple pillowcases. Such a tradition allows you to plan ahead, keep spending under control and still remember family members and friends in a meaningful way.

12. FAMILY HEIRLOOMS AND HISTORY. If you are the keeper of family heirlooms, consider giving some as gifts to recipients that will appreciate them. My Mother has begun doing this recently, gifting beautiful items from our family history to grandchildren that will appreciate them. She is cautious that the recipient will treasure the item and keep it to be passed on to the next generation. If you have valuable family history, genealogy records or a compilation of family stories, consider copying these papers, placing in a binder and passing them on as gifts. If you are a grandparent or great-grandparent, your own life story would be a wonderful thing to write, copy and give as gifts. Gather family recipes and copy them for family members. Add small stories about the origin of the recipe or the person who submitted it.

13. THINK VINTAGE. ‘Vintage’ items are quite the rage in fashion and home decorating. Find interesting items in consignment shops, thrift stores, yard sales or your own belongings. Grandma’s mid-century costume jewelry may be just the thing for the fashion forward college student. Make sure the item is clean and suited to the recipient (which every thoughtful gift should be).

14. USED STUFF WITH MEANING. Thrift stores, consignment sales, freecycle and yard sales can yield more than a slightly stained shirt. Look for interesting mugs, plates that could hold cookies, tea cups that could be turned into a pin cushion, lovely old spoons for that hot chocolate mix, interesting old frames for those free photos you are going to print, scrapbooking papers for interesting wrapping, rubber stamps to decorate plain paper, vintage photos to be cut up and used to decorate a plain box, small pieces of unusual jewelry, out of print cookbooks, old kitchen utensils, bowls to go with soup mix from your food storage or baskets for holding a loaf of bread. Don’t be afraid to haggle over prices and look beyond the obvious use for an item.

15. SHARE A HOBBY. Do you have excess craft or hobby supplies? Enough to share? Consider putting together a small kit to share your hobby with a child, teen or another adult. Offer free lessons to go with the kit or find a book with simple instructions.

16. GROUP GIFTS PART ONE. The first type of group gift is when multiple people share the cost of one great item. My brother and I have done this on multiple occasions in order to give my Mother a gift we know she really wants, but is a bit out of our singular price range. Even if the price tag is low, a gift that requires a great deal of time could be shared between multiple family members. Family history, anthologies of creative writing, photo albums, remembrances and other such gifts can be given by a group of people and hold great meaning for the recipient. Perhaps each child and grandchild in a family could write an article or personal letter about a favorite grandparent. One family member can assemble the offerings into a notebook. This type of well-thought out and loving gift would certainly brighten the holidays of an elderly family member.

17. GROUP GIFTS PART TWO. Consider ‘family’ gifts instead of individual gifts. A game that the entire family can play, a movie or other item that all can share (and would want to enjoy) is a way to give a nice gift at a lower cost. Packaging can make the gift more interesting, such as a movie, a ‘theater sized’ box of candy and some microwave popcorn packaged in a popcorn box shows more thought than simply wrapping up a DVD.

18. SHIP EARLY, SHIP SMART. As you choose meaningful, budget-appropriate gifts, keep in mind any shipping needs. Keep items light weight and not over-sized. If the family gathers from far and wide for Thanksgiving at Mom’s house, have everyone’s Christmas gifts ready for them to transport home. Ship everything early and compare rates. FedEx often beats the post office and if you open an account at fedex.com, you receive a discount.

Whatever tactic you use to keep your holiday meaningful and budget-conscious, plan ahead, give sincere thought to the recipient and remember that the most meaningful gifts are those given from true, sincere love.

—————-

Self-reliance can be accomplished by small steps taken on a regular basis. This week’s 10×100 Challenge Goals:

43. Add a first aid kit to your car pack.

44. Stick a set of fuses in your car pack.

45. Put a flashlight in your car pack. Package the batteries outside of the flashlight.

46. Add a flare to your car pack.

47. Add a can of Fix-a-flat to your car pack.

48. Check your spare tire & tire iron.