Daily Preparedness

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!

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!

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.

Note: I read an article by an infectious disease specialist who recommended that in addition to routine hand washing, have all members of your family wash their hands and gargle with either warm salt water or antiseptic mouth wash whenever they return home. Nasal passages can be cleaned with a neti pot or saline spray. These measures help to remove the viral agents from areas of our bodies where they grow. Gargling and saline spray can also be done mid-day while at work. The recommendations are logical and inexpensive!

Note: President Obama today (October 24) declared the H1N1 a ‘National Emergency’. It is too early to know how this declaration will affect our daily lives, but it would be wise to be fully prepared to be self-sufficient within your home and watch for news updates.

Epidemic, pandemic…the news throws the words around so often now that we may become immune to the reality of what these words mean and how they may affect us. What do we really need to know and what can we do to prepare ourselves?

First, we need to understand what the words mean.

An epidemic is the occurrence of more than expected number of cases of a disease within a community or population, within a given amount of time.

A pandemic is an epidemic spread out over a larger geographic area such as a state, country, nation or the world.

Not all epidemics or pandemics are deadly, but they can disrupt not only the lives of the ill, but society as a whole.

Epidemics are often, hopefully, prevented by administering vaccines. These vaccines are often developed to protect the population rather than just the individual. If a large enough portion of the population is vaccinated against a specific disease, the illness will not spread as quickly or virulently.

Some vaccines are given not for the benefit of the person receiving them, but for others around them. An example of this is the Rubella vaccine. Rubella is a highly contagious, non-serious disease common among children. However, if a pregnant woman contracts Rubella in the early stages of pregnancy, the fetus is likely to have severe and life-threatening defects. Thus, children are vaccinated not to protect them, but to protect unborn fetus’.  By doing so, epidemics of Rubella, which result in large numbers of babies born with serious birth defects, are prevented through mass vaccination.

Epidemics are a ‘fact of life’ in human history. Prior to the advent of international air travel, world-wide pandemics were less common but have occurred. The risks of a pandemic today are much higher, mainly due to the ease with which people travel around the world quickly. Where our predecessors took weeks to cross the ocean (during which time illness became apparent and ill individuals were refused entry), we now span the same distance in hours, with little or no screening for infectious diseases. A symptom-free, but contagious individual could easily board a flight in Europe, infect a large number of people on the airplane and hours later be in the U.S. The fellow passengers on the flight are most likely to disperse to any number of final destinations, carting their luggage and pathogens with them. The seeds of a pandemic are now sown.

Let’s imagine the reality of being caught in an epidemic or pandemic. What could we expect and how can we prepare? (Having lived through a several months-long epidemic, I will draw on my own experience and the research I have since done.)

Depending on the seriousness of the disease, an epidemic in its infancy may not be sufficiently reported. It may take time for cases to be reported to health authorities and the medical community may be slow to ‘connect the dots’. Let us examine several scenarios– a small scale epidemic, a regional epidemic and a true pandemic. How do you recognize each, how would your life be impacted and what can you do to prepare?

A SMALL SCALE EPIDEMIC

Scenario: Among a group that you belong to, a school, church, workplace, organization, etc., members become ill in fairly rapid succession. It may begin with one or two, but spreads among the membership. Each member goes to a different doctor, so no single doctor knows that others are infected with the same illness. Remember, an epidemic is an unusual number of cases of the same disease. In this scenario, we will assume that the illness is serious enough to require medical attention and some hospitalizations occur. You hear reports of a death from the illness.

What can you do as an organization?

1. Track outbreaks and should there seem to be an epidemic occurring, act quickly.

2. Survey members of your group to see how many are ill and what their symptoms are. If the symptoms are gastrointestinal and all occurred within a short period of time, check the calendar to see if a meal was shared. If so, you likely have an outbreak of food poisoning. In that case, let membership know and have them seek appropriate treatment. If the illness is NOT food related, continue on:

3. Cancel group meetings if you suspect an outbreak within your membership.

4. Notify all members of your group of the outbreak of the illness, including the symptoms and where to seek help.

5. Stop the delivery of meals, contact, etc. among the members within your organization.

6. Sanitize the structure you meet in. Utilize antiseptic cleaners, spray disinfectants, etc.

7. Reinstate meetings, etc. only after you are certain that the outbreak has stopped. Membership should be free from new cases for several days past the suspected incubation period of the disease.

8. When meetings are begun again, utilize appropriate infection control, such as emphasis on hand washing, no handshaking, asking anyone feeling ill to stay home, hand sanitizers available and an emphasis on cleanliness, especially with any form of food preparation.

9. Watch for signs of re-occurrence once meetings are reinstated. Reinstate meetings slowly, with groups of young children being the last to re-establish.

During the epidemic I lived through, the infection (encephalitis) was not confirmed by local health authorities until 8 deaths occurred. Our church, later confirmed to be a ‘cluster’ of infection, acted quicker than the local health authorities. The church leadership followed the above outlined steps and was credited with helping to stop the epidemic and save lives.

How would this scenario impact you and how can you prepare?

1. If the outbreak was within a school or daycare, you would need to have other plans for your children.

2. You would need to be self-sufficient if you rely on this organization for support in the case of an emergency.

3. If it were the workplace, you may find that you must work from home, take vacation time or do without a pay check for some period of time.

4. Think through the organizations you belong to and how they impact your life. If those organizations were removed today, what would you need to be prepared to do for yourself?

The Epidemic Spreads To The Community

Scenario: The illness that you believed was isolated to your organization, appears to be spreading among the community you live in. You hear that more and more people are becoming infected, deaths are reported and hospitals are overwhelmed with cases. Health officials recognize that this illness is highly contagious, serious and the cases are multiplying. Emergency rooms are over-crowded, health care workers are becoming infected, pharmacies are understaffed and overwhelmed, grocery store shelves are emptying, first responders are calling in sick, and community-based services (ie garbage, transportation, etc) are cut back.

How would this affect you?

1. Schools, libraries, gyms, churches and other gathering places may be closed.

2. Medical facilities will be stretched very thin. None life-threatening emergencies may be shuttled out of the emergency room.

3. Your daily routine significantly altered. Grocery store supplies may dwindle, pharmacies run short of meds, businesses closed due to high number of illnesses.

4. Picture what is open on Christmas Day and extend that out for weeks at a time.

5. Health departments may quarantine people. A quarantine order gives government authorities the right to restrict your movement. You may be quarantined to your home—you cannot leave and no one other than emergency personnel may enter.

What can you do?

1. Be prepared!

2. Take an inventory of what you have on hand. Can you remain self-sufficient in your home for weeks to months?

3. Keep prescription medications filled and try to accumulate extras.

4. Avoid large gatherings, tight quarters and anyone that is ill.

Scenario: A pandemic has occurred that has out-stripped medical facilities and other services in a very large geographic area. This is the ‘worst case’ scenario from a large-scale perspective. A localized epidemic can be assisted by bringing in supplies and personnel from an outlying area. In a true pandemic of serious illness, those secondary lines of defense may not be available. The consequences of a real pandemic of serious illness would be much like the aftermath of a large scale natural disaster.

1. Marshall law may be declared so that looting, etc. can be contained and local law enforcement can receive assistance from military units. Under marshall law, many daily civil liberties are suspended. Curfews may be enforced.

2. All government, civil, medical, banking, education and businesses will be affected and curtailed. The ATM may be out of cash. The gas station out of gas.

3. If the illness is deadly, even the ability to bury people will be overrun.

It is difficult to realistically project the reality of this type of pandemic without going into lengthy and morbid detail. If you want to gain some perspective, read about the realities of the 1918 Spanish flu epidemic or the aftermath of disasters such as Katrina or the Tsunamis.

What can you do?

1. Again, PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE!

Provident Living is truly a lifestyle that if lived fully will prepare you for any number of man-made, natural or germ-rendered life events. Being able to be self-sufficient within the walls of your own home is your best preparation. Taken one step at a time, this goal is not only reachable but will lead you to a greater degree of financial and emotional security.

Now is the time to evaluate where you stand in your progress toward self-sufficiency.

Despite of our best efforts to prevent and prepare, we may find ourselves tossed about by the winds of illness. Whether we are the patient or the caregiver, now is when you find out how prepared you truly are. How best can we weather the storm?

1. STAY HOME! When you are ill, you need time to recover and there is no better place to do that than your own home. Failure to do so puts you at risk for further illness or injury and spreads the ‘joy’ of contagious diseases. Keep yourself and your sick children home from school, activities and church. Stay home until you are COMPLETELY well and free from a fever (without the aid of a fever reducer such as tylenol) for at least 24 hours, or as long as your physician instructs.

2. SEEK COMPETENT MEDICAL HELP. If your symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, an altered mental status, loss of coordination, seizures, rampant bleeding or other significant change in status, do not delay getting help from a fully equipped emergency room. The first hour of a serious injury, heart attack or stroke is the most critical. For less serious, but still significant illnesses, get help from your physician or urgent care facility. If your symptoms are minor, stay home and take care of yourself. Those with other serious underlying medical issues (including pregnancy) should speak to their physician about when to seek an appointment. If you believe that you may have influenza (regardless of type), call your doctor’s office and ask about receiving Tamaflu or one of the other anti-viral drugs. These medications will not cure the ‘flu’, but they may shorten the duration and severity of your symptoms.

3. THE DOCTOR VISIT. If you need to seek medical help, take with you a list of your current medications. a list of your symptoms, when the illness began and how it has progressed. Stay away from other patients in the waiting room and avoid bringing well children with you–they will distract you and you are exposing them to more germs!

3. UNDERSTAND THE DOCTOR’S RECOMMENDATIONS. If you are too sick to remember, take someone with you and/or write down what you are told. Make certain you understand what the diagnosis is, prescriptions written, expected course of the illness, complications to look for, self-care or therapy needed, comfort measures and when to return for a follow-up. If in doubt, ASK before the medical provider leaves the room.  For more information, reread the post about “SPEAK UP”.

4. KEEP HYDRATED. Unless specifically told not to, nearly all illnesses are aided by remaining well hydrated. Keep water (a sports top bottle reduces spills), juices and electrolyte replacing drinks by the bedside. For small children, offer popsicles frequently. Anyone with a fever needs to be particularly careful to drink much more than normal.

5. RECORD FEVERS. Know how high your temperature is going and how often. Don’t guess, especially with young children.

6. SET UP THE SICK ROOM. Beside the patient’s bed position facial tissues, a small lined trash can, liquids in spill proof/resistant containers, small snack foods that are healthy & easily digested, a method of communication (baby monitor, intercom, cell phone), humidifier if a respiratory illness, entertainment, throat lozenges and other comfort measures suitable for the person’s age and illness, a container with a lid (in case of vomiting), night light, hand wipes or sanitizer, and necessary phone numbers. If you are caring for yourself, do all of this when you first feel sick!

If the patient must be left alone, also place near the bed a phone and phone numbers of family members or neighbors who can help.

7. HAND WASHING. Everyone in the house should be extra careful to strictly follow hand washing recommendations!

8. SLEEP. Sleep is restorative to the human body. Get plenty of rest, but try to maintain your normal sleep cycle.

9. FOOD. Eat healthy foods and remember that it is often easier to digest frequent small meals rather than three larger meals. Use disposable dishes for the ill person. Using disposables for the entire house can be a significant help in keeping the home running smoothly. Be extra careful about food safety. Your body is already fighting one issue, don’t compound it with food poisoning. Now is a good time to use those frozen entrees, canned foods and quick-to-eat foods. Remember that it is okay to eat vegetable soup and crackers for dinner! Keep it healthy, but simple.

10. HUMIDIFIERS. Especially in the winter, indoor air is often dry. Most illnesses with a respiratory component are aided by introducing moisture into the air. Keep the container clean and filled.

11. DRUG INTERACTIONS. Remember that over-the-counter and ‘natural’ remedies are medicine! Many can interfere with or interact with prescription medication. Check with your pharmacist to be certain.

12. COMPLICATIONS. Be watchful that secondary (and often more serious) complications are not developing. If in doubt about a new symptom–ASK! Many insurance companies offer 24-hour nurse hot lines that can often answer that dreaded 2 am ‘is this serious’ type of question.

13. BE PREPARED TO ACCEPT HELP. Be cautious and avoid exposing others to your germs. But, do accept help that is offered if you truly need it and the helper isn’t exposing themselves to illness. For instance, you might ask a neighbor to let you know when they are going to the store. Keep a list of items you need and have cash ready for when they make their next trip. If you need someone to drive you to an appointment and you have a contagious illness, wear a mask. Be certain that help offered and received is what you REALLY need!

14. WHINE APPROPRIATELY. When asked, “How are you?” we humans tend to reply, “Just fine.” Sometimes you need to vent! While recovering from Lyme Disease, I told my husband that I was going to allow myself ten minutes a day to complain. He listens kindly, sometimes offers a suggestion or asks if I need something in particular. Mostly, he is merely sympathetic and that is all that I need. By establishing a ‘time to whine’, I don’t feel guilty about complaining, he knows how I feel and I have successfully vented. Often times, the best gift you can give to a patient or a caregiver is a listening ear.

15. PRACTICE PATIENCE. It is trying to be ill or to be a caregiver. Take it a day (or an hour) at a time. Allow your body to heal completely. The world will continue to turn on its axis without you for a few days.

Prevention and preparation are the keys to riding out the storm of illness. When that storm hits, remember ‘this too shall pass’ and look forward to happier days ahead. And pat yourself on the back for doing such a great job of living providently every day!

NEXT WEEK: Part 4–Quarantine…could it happen and are you ready?

——–This week’s 10×100 Challenge Goals:

“We have been counseled again and again concerning self-reliance, concerning debt, concerning thrift. ….” President Gordon B. Hinckley

This week’s 10×100 Challenge Goals:

22. Make a list of everyone you plan to purchase Christmas gifts for.

23. Pick up Christmas Cards at a discounter or dollar store before the inexpensive ones are sold out.

24. Replace filters in your HVAC system. Write the date you replaced it on the filter. Mark your calendar for the next change date.

25. See what Christmas gifts you may already have on hand. Plan which ones you are going to make.

26. Do a quick comparison of current prices for internet providers. Do you need to change?

27. Clean out one kitchen drawer.

28. Have little ones at home or due to visit? Check childproofing & poison control.

In recognition of National Preparedness Month here in the U.S. (the rest of the world is welcome to join), it is time for a challenge! You can do it! With just over 100 days left in 2009, it is time to buckle down, dedicate yourself and set aside just 10 minutes or less per day. Yes, in less than 10 minutes a day and nearly no money at all, you can improve your preparedness status by leaps and bounds.

The extra days in 2009 can be set aside for holidays, vacations or, even better, utilized to do a more-than-ten-minute job. However you use the days, use them well!

Ready? Set? Go! Here it is, the first installment of 100 things you can do in 10 minutes or less:

1. Program your cell phone phone book with the word ICE (stands for In Case of Emergency). Under that listing, include the name & phone numbers for the person you want to have contacted first in case of an emergency. First Responders and ER personnel know to check your cell phone for this listing.

2. Check your car’s glove compartment and be certain that you have a current registration, inspection receipt, insurance card and insurance contact information.

3. Write down all of your family’s prescription drugs, their RX number, refill date, name of medicine, instructions and the pharmacy phone number. Make a copy for your 72-hour kit.

4. Write out a card for each child’s car restraint seat. Include child’s name, your contact info, another relative’s contact information, child’s pediatrician and important medical history. Attach to the bottom or back right rear of the seat.

5. Schedule your yearly health maintenance check-ups such as mammograms, pap smears, physical exams and immunization review.

6. Place water leak alarms near washing machine, hot water heater and any other area likely to suffer a leak.

7. Wash the dryer lint trap under hot water until water runs freely.

8. Check the tire pressure and tread depth on your tires.

9. Clean out your medicine cabinet and dispose of out-dated medications.

10. Test your smoke detectors & change batteries as needed.

11. Set up a spot for your perpetual grocery list. Let your family know where it is!

12. Photocopy your credit cards & ID. Place copy in your “What If?” Notebook.

13. Check the outside dryer vent. Be certain that vent flaps open freely. Remove any visible lint.

14. Clean the inside of your car windshield. “Stuff” gathers on the inside of the windshield and can cause complete ‘white out’ when you are driving towards the sun.

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

16. Write down neighbor’s phone number, doctor’s phone numbers, family contact numbers and place inside a cabinet near the phone.

17. Add at least one long-term storage food to your grocery list. Consider rice, dry beans, sugar, oatmeal.

18. Check outside lights. Replace burned out bulbs.

19. Check your supply of flashlights. Do they work? Do you have batteries for them? One for each room of your house?

20. Clean the trash out of your car.

21. Cook a double entree and freeze the extra one.

22. Make a list of everyone you plan to purchase Christmas gifts for.

23. Pick up Christmas Cards at a discounter or dollar store before the inexpensive ones are sold out.

24. Replace filters in your HVAC system. Write the date you replaced it on the filter. Mark your calendar for the next change date.

25. See what Christmas gifts you may already have on hand. Plan which ones you are going to make.

26. Do a quick comparison of current prices for internet providers. Do you need to change?

27. Clean out one kitchen drawer.

28. Have little ones at home or due to visit? Check childproofing & poison control.

29. Check 401K & pension plan balances. Do you need to save more for retirement?

30. Purchase at least one item for long-term storage.

31. Treat sink & tub drains with baking soda and vinegar.

32. Check children’s toys. Throw out broken ones.

33. Set budget for holiday gift giving. Do you need to save some money?

34. Check nightlights. Do they illuminate areas that need light? Do they work?

35. Find a backpack, tote or other container that can store items in your car.

36. Add jumper cables to your car pack

37. Put some bottled water in your car pack.

38. Put some long-term food such as granola bars in your car pack.

39. Put several ’space’ blankets or wool blankets in your car pack.

40. Add some matches and a candle to your car pack. Pack candle in an empty vegetable can and cover top with aluminum foil.

41. Add an all-in-one screwdriver to your car pack.

42. Add an ‘emergency’ flag to your car pack. This can simply be a piece of bright orange or red fabric.

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.

49. Check the fluid levels in your car.

50. Put some paper and a pen in your glove compartment.

51. Check your gutters to see if they are running well.

52. Look at your roof from across the street. Does it look solid?

53. Add your doctor’s voice & fax numbers to your cell phone directory.

54. Add a worthwhile item to your 72-hour kit.

55. Grab some 3×5 cards. Write out personal information for each person & add to 72-hour kit. Include out of state contacts, medical information, etc.

56. Check the caulk around the doors and windows of your home. Note which ones need repair.

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. Add one item to your food storage.

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.

64. Do you need to have your chimney cleaned?

65. Read about one way to cook food without power. Order or gather supplies you would need.

66. Program your pharmacy’s phone number into your cell phone.

67. Check your computer’s firewall and anti-virus strength.

68. Do a quick comparison of auto insurance rates and coverage.

69. Set aside ingredients for a ‘no time to cook’ dinner.

70. Add one item to your two week supply of food that you could eat without cooking.

71. Store some water.

72. Plan holiday meals. Watch for ingredients to go on sale. Don’t forget potluck dinners, treats for neighbors, etc.

73. Do you need to have your furnace checked?

74. Check appliances for frayed cords.

75. Do you have de-icer in your windshield washer fluid?

76. Ice scrapers in each car….unless you live where it never gets cold!

77. Clean out one pantry shelf. Discard out of date food. Move older food to the front.

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 your are shredding documents with personal information such as insurance numbers, birthdates, account numbers, social security numbers.

84. Google your name to make sure someone is using it online or writing about you in an unfavorable way.

85. Buy or obtain a free (try freecycle) transistor am/fm radio.

86. Clean out one closet.

87. Add one item to your food storage.

88. Check your doors and windows for air leaks.

89. Make certain that shrubbery around your house does not obscure windows. (burglars love it when they can hide behind a bush while they break your window)

90. Make a place for end of year tax information.

91. Try a recipe utilizing one or two items from your long-term storage.

92. Check your cell phone contract. If out of contract, compare rates.

93. Add a small flashlight to your glove compartment.

94. Check cash supply at home. Be certain you have bills in $20 or less denominations

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

96. Do you need de-icer for walk ways and driveway?

97. Collect loose change and establish place to store it.

98. Add one item to your 2 week supply of foods you could eat without cooking.

99. Add one item to your 72-hour kit.

100. Cook a double entree and freeze the extra!

See, you can do this!!! It is inexpensive, fast and all things YOU can do with little time and money.

Don’t worry, we’ll remind you periodically. Now, get to it! And good luck.

By special request, here’s an addendum just for those with little ones in the house. Before proceeding, be CERTAIN that you consult your baby’s pediatrician as to current guidelines for the introduction of semi-solid, solid and finger foods. Let your physician know of any family history of food allergies. NEVER leave a baby or young child alone while they are eating!

Loving parents of Little Ones are the perfect targets for the savvy marketeer. The Ad Guys know that parents who want to do what is best for their baby are often chronically tired, over-worked and short on time. This combo plate of weaknesses allows those Ad Guys to convince you that you need to part with a greater portion of your hard earned cash to keep your baby well fed, happy and ‘in’ with the other babies. Ah, but you are smarter, aren’t you?

Let’s start with the littlest of babies, the beautiful little newborns. Newborn humans cannot tolerate solid food and must be fed with either breast milk or a formula designed to replicate breast milk. The health benefits of breast feeding are well established. However, have you considered the economic benefit? Conservative estimates are that the breastfed baby costs at least $1500 a year less to feed than the formula fed baby. The savings takes into account the added calories required by the nursing mother.

As baby progresses to semi-solid foods, the marketing gurus go into high gear! Buckle up your wallets and protect yourself from the slings and arrows of ads especially tailored to pierce your financial armor.

The first weapon in your self-protection arsenal is the knowledge that you can prepare at home nearly any baby food your Little Darling will ever need. The ingredients are easily accessible, quickly assembled and DO NOT have to come in cute packages with little chubby baby faces. Recipes abound on multiple reputable websites for everything from baby cereal (whirl some instant oatmeal from the adult grocery aisle in the blender, add hot water and you have ‘baby’ cereal) to combination meals for older babies.

Is your baby ready for applesauce? Purchase a large jar of unsweetened, all-natural applesauce from the ‘adult aisles’. Freeze the applesauce in ice cube trays for single serving portions. When frozen, pop out the ’sauce’ cubes and store in ziploc bags. Going out for the morning? Pop a frozen portion in a small bag or plastic bowl and allow to thaw. Difference in cost? ‘Baby’ applesauce is $2.18lb. ‘Regular’ applesauce in small containers is $1.32lb. In a large jar? 87 cents a pound.

Bananas? Smoosh a ripe one and you have baby bananas. Again, freeze the excess or eat it yourself for a healthy snack. Baby food bananas? $2.49lb. ‘Regular’ bananas? 39 cents per pound.

Veggies? Mash up a baked sweet potato. Purchase salt-free canned vegetables and smoosh them up! Canned lima beans, peas, green beans, sliced beets, asparagus and other soft vegetables become baby food quickly and offer you a huge savings. If baby can’t eat the entire can within a day or two, freeze the left-overs in ice cube trays. Baby food peas?  $2.18 per pound. ‘Regular’ peas? 45 cents per pound.

Fruits? In addition to bananas and applesauce, don’t forget the wide variety of canned (in juice, not syrup) fruits available as well as frozen fruits (without added sugar). Thawed frozen strawberries are mushy already! Canned pears are easy to mash or cut up for a baby ready for finger foods. ‘Baby’ pears? $2.18+ per pound. Canned pears? 60 cents a pound.

Proteins? Scrambled eggs, smashed up hard-boiled eggs, mild white fish (microwave a small piece), boiled or canned chicken can be reduced easily and quickly to a moosh that baby can swallow. ‘Baby’ chicken & noodles? $6.33 lb. ‘Regular’ chicken noodle soup? 76 cents per pound.

Carbs? Baked sweet potato, soft cooked pastas, canned beans, rice, quinoa, oatmeal and other grains can be cooked and pureed for your spoon fed baby. Frozen cooked carbs without added salts, fats or preservatives are a great alternative. Cooked items can always be pureed and frozen in individual-sized portions. ‘Baby’ pasta? $3+ per pound. ‘Regular’ pasta? As little as 69 cents a pound. ‘Baby’ oatmeal? $3.19 pound. ‘Regular’ oatmeal? 98 cents pound.

If you want to speed up the mashing process, purchase an inexpensive baby food mill. Many fresh fruits can be easily ground in the baby mill. Watermelon, blueberries, raspberries, ripe mango, strawberries, kiwi and any other soft fruit can be processed quickly and easily. AGAIN, CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT FEEDING GUIDELINES AND HOW TO INTRODUCE NEW FOODS. BE ESPECIALLY ALERT TO REACTIONS TO HIGH ACID FOODS SUCH AS ORANGES!

The golden moment for many parents is when Baby is old enough to sit in a high chair and feed themselves. Hooray! You can now (hopefully) get a bite or two into your mouth while Baby is happily eating independently. Even better, Baby can be entertained and contained while you take care of nearby tasks. Independent eating is not only important for your sanity, but Baby develops eye hand coordination, fine motor skills and a host of other developmental necessities. Ignore the mess and let Baby have at it as soon as it is safe.

Nearly any food that you have been grinding for the spoon fed baby can transition into finger foods. Introduce new flavors, textures and tastes to avoid developing a picky eater. Eventually, Baby will be enjoying the nutritious, economical meals that you prepare for the rest of the family.

It is important to carefully watch your baby as they begin to feed themselves. The ability to masticate foods and swallow them is a learned behavior. Be certain that early finger foods are cut into small pieces, are easily mashed without molars and won’t choke Baby if they slide down without adequate chewing.

Finger foods are a Golden Egg for companies that want to separate you from your money. If smooshed baby foods are silly expensive per pound, ‘junior’ and ‘toddler’ foods are absolutely absurdly expensive!

Early finger foods that require nearly no preparation on your part could include thawed frozen peas (they are easier for baby to pick up than canned peas), small well cooked pastas such as alphabet pasta or ditalini, canned or cooked fruits in small pieces (fruit cocktail packed in juice is a good choice though some babies have trouble with the ‘cherries), scrambled eggs, any soft fruit cut into small pieces, canned green beans, other beans, etc. that are soft. Merely cut the food up into small pieces and put on a clean high chair tray. Remember that you can freeze meals and thaw quickly in the microwave or by immersing the container in hot water. ALWAYS double check the temperature of Baby’s food before serving.

Combo meal? Try draining a can of low-sodium, natural soup such as chicken noodle, vegetable or alphabet soup. This is a great way to transition Baby to the tastes and feel of table foods. Small size cans may be more expensive per serving, but are ideal for quick baby meals and meals out of your home. ‘Toddler’ meal? $3.25 per pound. ‘Regular’ soup? 50 cents a pound!

Meats and proteins? As soon as it is allowed, small pieces of canned chicken, fish, cheeses and tofu can be quickly chopped up into bite sized pieces. Canned meats will be soft enough for baby to chew without molars, are thoroughly cooked and easy to have on hand. Thoroughly cooked and drained ground beef in small pieces can be eaten by older babies. Eventually, Baby will transition to small pieces of baked chicken, turkey and other meats. ‘Baby’ chicken ’sticks? $8.90 per pound. (And do we really want to know what is in a chicken stick?) ‘Regular’ tuna? $1.75 lb. Boneless skinless chicken breast? $1.99 lb.

Carbs? Small pieces of lightly toasted bread, canned beans, pastas, cubed sweet potatoes, little clumps of rice or other grains are all easily eaten. ‘Baby’ pasta with cheese? $3.79 lb. ‘Regular’ pasta with some fresh cheese? $1. per pound.

Snacks?  Baby ’snacks’ are a relatively new and OVER-PRICED, OVER-PROCESSED, UNDER-NUTRITIOUS ploy to separate you from your money!  Everything that goes into their mouths should be highly nutritious, as minimally processed as possible and contain little or no processed sugar. Whole grain, unsweetened dry cereal is an easy snack on the go. At home, Baby may be a ‘grazer’ requiring many small meals throughout the day. Give Baby a small portion of fruit, cheese, veggies or other ‘regular’ food rather than an over-priced, nutritionally challenged ’snack’. Not only will your wallet thank you, but Baby may just grow up thinking that ’snacks’ are for healthy foods! ‘Baby’ snack ‘banana puffs’? $10.81 per pound. (What snack do YOU eat that is $10.81 per pound?) A real banana? 49 cents a pound and MUCH more nutritious! ‘Baby’ snack ‘blueberry yogurt melts’? A WHOPPING $47.84 per pound! Organic frozen blueberries? $3.75lb. Baby ’snack crisps’? $23.65 lb. Whole grain oat cereal? $2.27 lb. Difference in nutritional value? Every ‘baby snack’ item showed the predominate nutritional contribution to be SODIUM with a bit of fat. That’s right! Up to $47.84 lb for SALT!

Feed your baby healthy, simple, nutritious snacks and save your money for their college education!

And you will have MORE MONEY in your bank account!