Friday, July 25, 2008
Food Storage Fridays
With the economy the way it is, I think many people--LDS or not, are beginning to understand more and more how useful a food storage could be. Tom and I dont really have a GREAT food storage established yet, I figured--I'll have a nice one when we have a bigger family and I have more space....but Im coming to realize thats not the best way too think about it. After reading the Food Storage chapter of my latest summer read: "A Family Raised on Sunshine", I decided to dedicate Friday's to any useful food storage tips I could gather up. Hopefully throughout the year we will be able to establish a much better storage!
Why establish a Food Storage in your home?
1. We have been counseled by the Lord, through a prophet
2. The scriptures tell us in 1 Timothy 5:8
But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house,
he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
3. It's a known fact that foods "have their season" Every few years fruit trees
dont bear, shortages occur, and the economy has its ups and downs.
Remember, our bodies are the temples of our spirits, and we want to feed them properly. We also want to be able to eat nutritiously during times of need when we use our food storage. It is only feasible, then, to "Store what you eat and eat what you store!"
First step in starting your food storage:
Sit down with your family and make a list of the basic foods you use in a week. This is easy to do, taking the three meals a day, and its not so overwhelming to comprehend. As you get your weekly list figured, multiply each item by 52 and you'lll have your needs met for the year. Remember: these are the BASICS!
Second Step:
Prepare a place to keep your supply. Ideally, this should have a stable temperature of 55-60 degrees. The storage area should be dry and dark. Never store anything directly on a concrete floor.
When storing, always rotate and keep track of what you have. In weeks to come I plan on posting an organized system to help with that!
As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we nearly all store wheat...so next week I want to post information on Wheat. (Because that's one thing that scared me the most about food storage!)
I hope someone out there will benefit from my food storage exploration! :)
Why establish a Food Storage in your home?
1. We have been counseled by the Lord, through a prophet
2. The scriptures tell us in 1 Timothy 5:8
But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house,
he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
3. It's a known fact that foods "have their season" Every few years fruit trees
dont bear, shortages occur, and the economy has its ups and downs.
Remember, our bodies are the temples of our spirits, and we want to feed them properly. We also want to be able to eat nutritiously during times of need when we use our food storage. It is only feasible, then, to "Store what you eat and eat what you store!"
First step in starting your food storage:
Sit down with your family and make a list of the basic foods you use in a week. This is easy to do, taking the three meals a day, and its not so overwhelming to comprehend. As you get your weekly list figured, multiply each item by 52 and you'lll have your needs met for the year. Remember: these are the BASICS!
Second Step:
Prepare a place to keep your supply. Ideally, this should have a stable temperature of 55-60 degrees. The storage area should be dry and dark. Never store anything directly on a concrete floor.
When storing, always rotate and keep track of what you have. In weeks to come I plan on posting an organized system to help with that!
As members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, we nearly all store wheat...so next week I want to post information on Wheat. (Because that's one thing that scared me the most about food storage!)
I hope someone out there will benefit from my food storage exploration! :)
Monday, July 21, 2008
The perfect summer drink!
Its been almost FOUR years since I had myself a cup of coffee....and four years of experimentation with herbal teas. There are SO many great herbal teas out there....but my most favorite by far is the Rooibos Tea "Red Tea" it is SOOOO good for you and tastes delicious! I just found this recipe and I am so excited to give it a whirl this week. If you are anything like my Peter Priesthood Husband you've always associated TEA with being against the Word of Wisdom. He knows better, but he still teases me when I make myself a mug of this "evil" drink. The fact is Rooibos is the perfect latter day saint beverage!
Why you should give Rooibos Tea a try:
Beneficial in the treatment of diabetes, high blood pressure, irritability, headaches, stomach cramps, disturbed sleeping patterns, insomnia, nervous tension, mild depression or hypertension, liver diseases, allergies, cataracts, skin irritations and other conditions (especially when applied directly to the affect area), mellitus, atherosclerosis, and colic and feeding problems in infants. The list continues: nausea and vomiting, constipation, stomach ulcers, heartburn.
Low tannin content. (only 1 to 4 percent)
Acts as a powerful antioxidant. Replenishes iron levels, which is especially helpful to breast-feeding or pregnant women.
No negative side effects ever reported.
Fresh from nature, meaning it is 100% organic, with no additives, preservatives, or colourants.
Completely caffeine-free!
Free from any harmful stimulants.
Boosts the immune system.
Can be mixed with milk, unlike other teas.
Has a natural hint of sweetness, but also tastes great with honey, lemon, and many others!
Contains no oxalic acid, allowing those suffering from kidney stones to drink it freely.
Aids your body's natural schedule, relaxing you at night and stimulating you in the day.
Delicious flavor!
It's also Kosher!
Rooiboos & Lime Iced Tea
4 bags of rooiboos (red bush) tea
4 c boiling water
4 c cold water
1/3 c (more or less depending on taste) simple syrup
juice of 1 lime
In a large pitcher, add the 4 tea bags to the 4 cups of boiling water. Steep for several minutes until all the flavour has been sucked out of those bags. Remove tea bags and add cold water, simple syrup and lime juice. Stir and refrigerate. Serve with lots of ice and slices of lime or sprigs of mint.
While Im at it....here are some more red tea recipes!
Rooibos Shake
2 cups Hot, strong Rooibos tea
2 1/2 cups Vanilla ice cream
1 Tablespoon of Lemon juice
1 1/4 cups of sparkling lemon juice
Combine tea and ice cream and beat well
Stir in lemon juice
Pour into glasses and fill with sparkling lemon juice
South African Punch
Rooibos tea (loose or bag)
1 3/4 cup Sugar
4 cups Orange juice
4 cups Apple juice
3 cups Spring water
4 cups Ginger ale
Prepare 4 1/2 cups of strong Rooibos tea
While tea is still hot, add sugar and stir until dissolved
Combine the remaining liquids
Garnish with mint leaves, cherries or apple and lemon slices
Classic Bubble Tea
1/2 cup Chilled, cooked large Chinese tapioca pearls
1 cup Crushed ice
1 cup Very strong, chilled Rooibos tea
1 cup Milk, or to taste
1 cup Honey or sugar to taste
Place the pearls in a large parfait glass
Combine all remaining ingredients in a cocktail shaker
Shake vigorously until the mixture is frothy
Pour into the glass, and serve with extra-thick straws
South African Fruit Cooler
1 tsp Loose Rooibos tea (or one tea bag)
1/2 Fresh orange
1 tsp Sugar, if needed for sweetening
1 Glass of ice
Boil water
Pour water over Rooibos tea and steep for 2-5 minutes
Pour tea into ice-filled glass
Add juice from squeezed 1/2 orange
Stir and enjoy
Why you should give Rooibos Tea a try:
Beneficial in the treatment of diabetes, high blood pressure, irritability, headaches, stomach cramps, disturbed sleeping patterns, insomnia, nervous tension, mild depression or hypertension, liver diseases, allergies, cataracts, skin irritations and other conditions (especially when applied directly to the affect area), mellitus, atherosclerosis, and colic and feeding problems in infants. The list continues: nausea and vomiting, constipation, stomach ulcers, heartburn.
Low tannin content. (only 1 to 4 percent)
Acts as a powerful antioxidant. Replenishes iron levels, which is especially helpful to breast-feeding or pregnant women.
No negative side effects ever reported.
Fresh from nature, meaning it is 100% organic, with no additives, preservatives, or colourants.
Completely caffeine-free!
Free from any harmful stimulants.
Boosts the immune system.
Can be mixed with milk, unlike other teas.
Has a natural hint of sweetness, but also tastes great with honey, lemon, and many others!
Contains no oxalic acid, allowing those suffering from kidney stones to drink it freely.
Aids your body's natural schedule, relaxing you at night and stimulating you in the day.
Delicious flavor!
It's also Kosher!
Rooiboos & Lime Iced Tea
4 bags of rooiboos (red bush) tea
4 c boiling water
4 c cold water
1/3 c (more or less depending on taste) simple syrup
juice of 1 lime
In a large pitcher, add the 4 tea bags to the 4 cups of boiling water. Steep for several minutes until all the flavour has been sucked out of those bags. Remove tea bags and add cold water, simple syrup and lime juice. Stir and refrigerate. Serve with lots of ice and slices of lime or sprigs of mint.
While Im at it....here are some more red tea recipes!
Rooibos Shake
2 cups Hot, strong Rooibos tea
2 1/2 cups Vanilla ice cream
1 Tablespoon of Lemon juice
1 1/4 cups of sparkling lemon juice
Combine tea and ice cream and beat well
Stir in lemon juice
Pour into glasses and fill with sparkling lemon juice
South African Punch
Rooibos tea (loose or bag)
1 3/4 cup Sugar
4 cups Orange juice
4 cups Apple juice
3 cups Spring water
4 cups Ginger ale
Prepare 4 1/2 cups of strong Rooibos tea
While tea is still hot, add sugar and stir until dissolved
Combine the remaining liquids
Garnish with mint leaves, cherries or apple and lemon slices
Classic Bubble Tea
1/2 cup Chilled, cooked large Chinese tapioca pearls
1 cup Crushed ice
1 cup Very strong, chilled Rooibos tea
1 cup Milk, or to taste
1 cup Honey or sugar to taste
Place the pearls in a large parfait glass
Combine all remaining ingredients in a cocktail shaker
Shake vigorously until the mixture is frothy
Pour into the glass, and serve with extra-thick straws
South African Fruit Cooler
1 tsp Loose Rooibos tea (or one tea bag)
1/2 Fresh orange
1 tsp Sugar, if needed for sweetening
1 Glass of ice
Boil water
Pour water over Rooibos tea and steep for 2-5 minutes
Pour tea into ice-filled glass
Add juice from squeezed 1/2 orange
Stir and enjoy
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Pioneer Remembrance FHE lesson 7/20
I found a website with a pioneer game. I thought I'd be able to make a direct link, but for some reason I cant figure that out! sorry about that! here is the entire site:
http://library.lds.org/nxt/gateway.dll/Magazines/Friend/2004.htm/friend%20july%202004.htm/pioneer%20puzzle%20game.htm
I Think of Pioneers
By Sandy Halvorson
Friend, July 1983, 24
Sometimes when I must walk to school, it seems a long, long way.
I get to feeling tired and would like to stop and play.
But then I think of pioneers who walked by sun and star;
And suddenly my little walk doesn’t seem so far.
Sometimes on cold, dark winter nights I crawl beneath the sheet
And wish I had a cozy place to warm my chilly feet.
But then I think of pioneers who camped outside all night
And only had a fire’s glow to give them warmth and light.
Sometimes when I am hungry and want something good to eat,
My mother gives me carrots when I’d rather have a sweet.
But then I think of pioneers who thanked God and were glad
For anything at all to eat—my carrots aren’t so bad.
Sometimes when I have chores to do and I would rather play,
I think of pioneers and know they worked most all the day.
And so I guess I can’t complain about things that I must do,
For when I think of pioneers, I’m very blessed—aren’t you?
Yummy Treat!
Pioneer Honey Candy
2 cups honey
1 cup sugar
1 cup cream
Combine all ingredients and cook slowly to a hard-ball stage. Pour onto buttered platter. When cool enough to handle, grease hands and pull until a golden color. Cut into pieces.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
My new obsession
Last week Tom and I were desperate to find something to watch. Briggy was asleep and we could actually give our full attention to a program....but nothing was on! We have comcast...and we frequent the ON DEMAND part where there is free movies and tv shows. I came across an AMC original show called "Mad Men" I guess it was popular because it won all sorts of awards--but we had never heard of it. Anyway, they have the entire first season saved on the on demand "hot picks"
Its set in 1960. The main character (who is an absolute HUNK if you ask me---and looks strikingly similar to a certain husband I have!) Is Don Draper and he is an Ad executive. If you dont know already, I love that time frame. All fashion and lifestyle from about 1945-1965 is my absolute favorite. I love the Red-Head secretary's wardrobe...she is insanely beautiful. Don's wife, Betty is the actress January Jones---I know I've heard her name before, Im just not sure what Ive seen her in...she is also stunning with a beautiful wardrobe. I just wish we could dress like that again. Dont be suprized if one day I start dressing like that and never turn back! I wish! Its so hard to find nice vintage pieces that are a bazillion dollars. Anyway, the content of the show is A LITTLE scandalous. I dont watch any of those Desperate Housewife shows or anything....and I defintely dont think its at that caliber...I guess you'd have to be the judge---there is sexual innuendo, EVERYONE smokes and drinks....but its very historically correct! We really liked it, and season 2 is starting up in two weeks. Its on late sunday night---but they have it on ON DEMAND the next day. Anyway, just thought I'd share my new obsession!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
FHE Idea for 7/14
Considering todays talks were all about hymns: their power and importance---I thought I would find some ideas for Family Home Evening. Every sunday evening I *plan* on posting an idea for FHE.
For those of you who aren't familiar what family home evening is, here's a little description:
---Church leaders have instructed members to set aside Monday night as "family home evening." This is a time for families to study the gospel together and to do other activities that strengthen the family spiritually, create family memories, and increase unity and love. (treats are always an added bonus!)---
For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart, yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.
Doctrine and Covenants 25:12
Singing Praises: Learning Our Hymns and Children’s Songs
31106, Family Home Evening Resource Book, Family Activities, Singing Praises: Learning Our Hymns and Children’s Songs, 294
Singing together brings joy, and knowing the words to a song makes singing more fun. Encourage all family members to sing. Remind them that if only the birds with the prettiest songs were allowed to sing, the forest would be a mighty quiet place.
Materials Needed
A copy of Hymns
Children’s Songbook
Squares of paper or 3-by-5 inch cards
Activity
These five games all involve singing. Playing them often can help family members learn the words to their favorite hymns.
Game 1
A number of words are used in more than one of our hymns. Here is a list of some of these words: come, home, mountains, high, how, fire, Zion, let, there, sing, now, hills, guide, 0, Oh, we’ll, hark, light, thank.
The family leader calls out a word, and each family member has a chance to sing part or all of a hymn using the word in the lyrics. When no one can think of any other hymn using this word, go on to the next word. Everyone stays in the game to the end, even if he misses a word. There is no particular winner in this game. It is a participation game. After the last word is given, the whole family can sing a hymn suggested by that word.
Additional Activities
1. Make up your own musical games.
2. Listen to the Tabernacle Choir sing hymns on records and tapes.
3. Use the musical accompaniments for the hymns and songs available on compact disc (Hymns: 50166, 50866; Children’s Songbook: 50428, 50505) and audiocassette (Hymns: 52175, 52297; Children’s Songbook: 52428, 52505).
4. Advanced singers might hum the alto, tenor, or bass parts to a hymn and see if the other family members can guess what the song is.
SPARKLING FUNSHINE SHERBET!
sounds pretty fun, huh?
i havent tried this recipe, but it seems fun and simple enough for any age child to help with.
The only thing is you need a plastic tub big enough to fit it in....one of those big icecream containers---but sand buckets are all around now, why not just dump it in that?
its one can of sweetened condensed milk and a two liter bottle of soda (i bet orange would make a yummy creamsicle flavor)
stir and swirl, then freeze. if you make that a littler earlier on with the kiddos, after dinner and the lesson it should be sherbet consistency!
For those of you who aren't familiar what family home evening is, here's a little description:
---Church leaders have instructed members to set aside Monday night as "family home evening." This is a time for families to study the gospel together and to do other activities that strengthen the family spiritually, create family memories, and increase unity and love. (treats are always an added bonus!)---
For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart, yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.
Doctrine and Covenants 25:12
Singing Praises: Learning Our Hymns and Children’s Songs
31106, Family Home Evening Resource Book, Family Activities, Singing Praises: Learning Our Hymns and Children’s Songs, 294
Singing together brings joy, and knowing the words to a song makes singing more fun. Encourage all family members to sing. Remind them that if only the birds with the prettiest songs were allowed to sing, the forest would be a mighty quiet place.
Materials Needed
A copy of Hymns
Children’s Songbook
Squares of paper or 3-by-5 inch cards
Activity
These five games all involve singing. Playing them often can help family members learn the words to their favorite hymns.
Game 1
A number of words are used in more than one of our hymns. Here is a list of some of these words: come, home, mountains, high, how, fire, Zion, let, there, sing, now, hills, guide, 0, Oh, we’ll, hark, light, thank.
The family leader calls out a word, and each family member has a chance to sing part or all of a hymn using the word in the lyrics. When no one can think of any other hymn using this word, go on to the next word. Everyone stays in the game to the end, even if he misses a word. There is no particular winner in this game. It is a participation game. After the last word is given, the whole family can sing a hymn suggested by that word.
Additional Activities
1. Make up your own musical games.
2. Listen to the Tabernacle Choir sing hymns on records and tapes.
3. Use the musical accompaniments for the hymns and songs available on compact disc (Hymns: 50166, 50866; Children’s Songbook: 50428, 50505) and audiocassette (Hymns: 52175, 52297; Children’s Songbook: 52428, 52505).
4. Advanced singers might hum the alto, tenor, or bass parts to a hymn and see if the other family members can guess what the song is.
SPARKLING FUNSHINE SHERBET!
sounds pretty fun, huh?
i havent tried this recipe, but it seems fun and simple enough for any age child to help with.
The only thing is you need a plastic tub big enough to fit it in....one of those big icecream containers---but sand buckets are all around now, why not just dump it in that?
its one can of sweetened condensed milk and a two liter bottle of soda (i bet orange would make a yummy creamsicle flavor)
stir and swirl, then freeze. if you make that a littler earlier on with the kiddos, after dinner and the lesson it should be sherbet consistency!
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
My (very) Dirty little Secret
I am an organized gal. I love filing systems, binders and a place for everything. Unfortunately where we live there is very little room for storage. VERY LITTLE. the one "decent" sized closet is briggy's and thats FULL! I gave up the closet for briggy--so Tom has a very small one in our room, and I have a dresser. I have SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH clothes---unfortunately about 3 things FIT, so everything I have in my drawers and in BINS everywhere isnt even being worn. Downstairs we have a hall closet that is very small and an even smaller crawl space that is in the back of that closet. The crawl space is FILLED TO THE BRIM with holiday decorations, ornaments, bedding, camping gear, tent, suitcases, more too-tight clothing....For a while the hall closet was fairly organized, but the past few months its really gone downhill. Im starting to buy a lot of stuff to alter for christmas gifts, craft bins, and food storage along with a bin of shoes....ahhhhhhh. normally, i just buy a bunch of bins and stack--but im getting SO SICK OF BINS. I have moved so much the past 7 years of my life and lived out of bins for that long....I hate it! I know I'm selfishly complaining, because there are plenty of people that dont have THINGS to even PUT in bins....i just have been part lazy/part confused. Is there any other way to organize this stuff? we rent, so I cant build shelving....and we can't afford to rent a storage unit. I CANT WAIT TO MOVE INTO A HOUSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would appreciate any advice....otherwise, im going to have to break down and
BIN IT!
I think I just need to....
I would appreciate any advice....otherwise, im going to have to break down and
BIN IT!
I think I just need to....
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
