Self-Reliant Sisters

FREE Bird Activities & Classes

2012-01-12T12:11:00.000-08:00

Here are some great FREE bird classes starting in January at the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve [350 E. Galleria Dr. (at Moser Drive)].

Birding Celebration
Experience Airborne Raptors Live
A Time for Birds
Junior Naturalist Day
Beginning Birding for Kids
Enjoy Nature Close Up
Hop on the Bird Mobile
BSA Bird Study Merit Badge
Hummingbird How To
Take a Ride on the Duck Mobile
Birding Basics

You can register (starting today!!) for all classes at www.cityofhenderson.com/parks.

Self Reliance with Classes at the Henderson Recreation Centers

2012-01-11T10:21:00.000-08:00

Downtown Rec Center

Here are some great (low cost) classes offered by the City of Henderson!

Self-Expansion: Setting Goals (Various Saturdays from Feb-April) - This interactive workshop is for anyone interested in learning the process of goal setting. We walk participants through creating visions boards, setting goals and how to overcome roadblocks, developing action plans, understanding balance and time management, and keeping ourselves motivated to keep it going. Participants learn how to apply this process to all areas of their life. $5 for supplies is due to the instructor. (Location: BMRC)
Driver Safety (50+ years) (Various Thursdays or Fridays) - Learn to adjust your driving responses to age-related physical changes and declining perceptual skills. Those successfully completing the course may qualify for auto insurance premium reductions. You must register prior to attending. Bring a check or money order for $12 payable to AARP (AARP Members) or $14 (non-members). (Location: Various)
CPR & First Aid (Various Saturdays from 1/7 to 6/9) - This combined CPR/AED and First Aid class introduces lifesaving skills until emergency care arrives. Subjects include infant, child and adult CPR, cardiac arrest, choke saving, bleeding control, trauma, poisoning, seizures, and treatment for shock. This two-year certification is accepted by CCSD Nevada adult care licensing, dental licensing and is approved for four credit hours by Nevada child care licensing. Cost $35 (Location: VVRC)
Pet CPR & First Aid (Various Saturdays from 1/21 to 6/2) - You love your pet. But what happens if they become sick or injured? Take this workshop and learn how to treat and bandage simple to complex wounds and injuries, and how to tell when it might be necessary to go to the vet. CPR/First Aid Certifications is available at an additional cost. Cost $60 (Location: VVRC)

You can register (starting today!!) for all classes at www.cityofhenderson.com/parks.

FREE Business Classes

2012-01-10T10:34:00.000-08:00

Downtown Rec Center

Here are two FREE offered by the City of Henderson!

Doing Business in Henderson (Thurs 1/26 or Tues 4/3) - Do you want to do business in Henderson? Then join us to learn about overall business start-up basics, business planning, leading options, starting a home-based or commercial business, and Henderson City business resources. (Location: Various)
Managing a Business in a Downturn Market (Thurs 3/1 or 5/17) - Learn about a series of actions that provides several procedures to reduce business expenses, manage cash flow, recognize financial procedures needed to stay in business, alternative marketing and sales strategies, and inventory monitoring for better cash control. (Location: HMGC)

You can register (starting today!!) for all classes at www.cityofhenderson.com/parks.

FREE Couponing Classes

2012-01-09T10:27:00.000-08:00

Downtown Rec Center

Here are two FREE offered by the City of Henderson!

Couponing without Effort (Tues 2/28 or 4/17) - Some people save hundreds of dollars a month with coupons. Learn a few tips and tricks to cutting your grocery bill in half. We teach you how to file your coupons very easily and how to use a free website to maximize your savings. (Location: SSRC)
Grocery Smarts (Monday 1/23, 2/20, 3/19 or 4/23) - Learn the secrets of extreme couponing, how to file coupons quickly and easily, the secrets of grocery store ads, and create a free customized grocery list. (Location: BMRC)

You can register (starting today!!) for all classes at www.cityofhenderson.com/parks.

FREE Gardening Classes!

2012-01-07T10:16:00.000-08:00

Acacia Demonstration Gardens

Here are some great FREE gardening classes starting in March at the Acacia Demonstration Gardens (50 Casa Del Fuego Street, Henderson, NV).

Landscape Design with Native Plants in Mind
Growing Vegetables in the Las Vegas Valley
Companion Planting
Gardening in Small Places
Food Preservation
Why Don't Things Grow Here?
Indoor Plant Care

You can register (starting today!!) for all classes at www.cityofhenderson.com/parks.

Deals of the Week with iPriceMatch.com

2011-12-30T09:48:00.000-08:00

I just received an email from iPriceMatch giving me the top deals of the week! Click here to view it. On the upper left of the screen is a "Subscribe To List" that you can click and get the same weekly newsletter delivered to your inbox or phone!

Grocery Deals with iPriceMatch

2011-12-23T08:57:00.000-08:00

iPriceMatch is a website that lists all the great grocery deals in Las Vegas/Henderson! I will not be listing the "Grocery Deals of the Week" anymore since this wonderful site is now FREE!!

Click here to sign up!

If you would still like to do your own price matching, here is a current list of stores that have their own websites with local ad deals. Most sales run from Wednesday to the following Tuesday, any exceptions are listed below. There are other stores that you can price match from, however they do not have online websites.

Albertsons
Buylow Supermarket
Cardenas Market (Ads runs from Thursday to Wednesday)
El Super
Food for Less
Fresh & Easy

Glaziers Food Market
La Bonita Supermarket
Liborio (Ads runs from Thursday to Wednesday)
Mariana's Markets (Ad runs from Tuesday to Monday)
Marketon (ad runs from Tuesday to Monday)
Smart and Final
Smiths
Sunflower Market (Ad runs from Wednesday to Wednesday)
Vons

Thanksgiving Dinner for under $22.00

2011-11-20T19:55:00.001-08:00

How? Using Price Matching!!

6 cans vegetables - .50 each at Smiths or 6 for $3.00 at Fresh & Easy (MUST buy 6)
1 package celery - .25 each at Buy Low
2 packages carrots - .33 each at Buy Low or Marketon
1 box stuffing - $1.98 at Food 4 Less or 2 boxes for $2.49 at Fresh & Easy
1 lb Onions - .13 lb at Marianas
3 lbs Yams - .25 at El Super
Large 50 oz Can of Turkey Gravy - $2.69 at Smart and Final (there is a smaller 12 oz can for .99)
5 lbs Potatoes - .89 at Marianas (or 10 lbs for .98 at Fresh & Easy)
Canned Cranberries - .99 each at Fresh & Easy
1 lb Apples - .49 lb at La Bonita
1 lb Oranges - .17 lb at Marketon
15 lb Turkey - .39 lb at Fresh & Easy for Jennie-O (per their website) (limit 2)
Pumpkin Pie - $2.50 (Fresh Pie) at Food 4 Less OR $2.50 (Frozen Mrs. Smiths) at Fresh & Easy
Cool Whip - .98 at Food 4 Less

Grand Total - $21.33

This is the season for Thanks and Giving. Buy a Thanksgiving meal for your family and then take a meal to someone in need this year. If you don't know of anyone in need, speak with your Bishop or the local schools.

Click Here to learn about Price Matching

Click Here for all the local ads in Henderson/Las Vegas that you can print from home on your computer.

Thrifty Prom Dress

2011-11-18T14:30:00.001-08:00

$24.99 for a Prom Dress!!

Instead of spending $200+ on a homecoming dress for her daughter (that would only be used once!), Holly shopped at Goodwill and found a beautiful dress that just needed a little altering.

Holly's daughter is tall, and the dress that is supposed to touch the floor was about 2" too short. They decided to go with a knee length look to solve this problem. We got out a ruler and using a sharpie (so we could see the marks), marked where she wanted the hem to be PLUS 1" for hemming. We cut off the hem right at the sharpie mark and hemmed the dress so that it hit right at the knee.

The dress also had an underskirt that now stuck out beyond the hem of the dress. We cut off the underskirt and then attached it to a slip. This way she could still have the fullness of the dress... or not. Her choice.

This was a store bought slip that we cut off the top and then zigzagged the underskirt to it. It didn't need to look pretty since no one would see it.

Here's the finished dress, and adding a pretty black shrug will be the perfect thrifty (and modest) Prom/Homecoming dress!!

**please excuse the messy sewing room behind!

Grocery Deals of the Week - 11/16 to 11/22

2011-11-16T18:35:00.001-08:00

Not all Walmarts will price match from the Spanish Markets. That is why I have included other stores higher prices for fruits and vegetables.

Albertsons (Ad runs from Wednesday 11/16 to Thursday 11/24)

Betty Crocker Cake Mix - .99 each (with coupon and $10 purchase)(limit 4)
Campbell's Soups (select varieties) - .67 each (with coupon and $10 purchase)
Del Monte Vegetables - .67 each (with coupon and $10 purchase)
Swanson Broth - .67 each (with coupon and $10 purchase)
Foster Farms Fresh Turkey - $1.39 lb
Honeysuckle Turkey - Buy one get one free

Buylow Supermarket

All are Good to Great Deals!!
Norbest or Valchris Farms Whole Turkey - .79 lb
Fuji Apples - .50 lb
Russet Potatoes 5 lb bag - $1.00 each
Celery - .25 each bunch
Persimmons - .50 lb
White Squash - .33 lb
Limes - .33 lb
White Onions - .25 lb
Carrots - .33 lb
Red Grapes - $1.00 lb
Kiwi - .25 each

Cardenas Market (Ad runs from Thursday 11/17 to Thursday 11/24)

Grade A Fresh Turkey - .99 lb (limit 1)
Pineapple - $1.49 each
Russet Potatoes 10 lb bag - $1.50
Green Limes - .33 lb
Brown Onions - .20 lb
Green Beans - .79 lb
Collard, Mustard, Texas Turnip Greens - .50 each
Bosc Pears - .50 lb
Yams - .33 lb
Castilla Squash - .33 lb
Mexican or Italian Squash - .50 lb
Golden or Granny Smith Apples - .79 lb
Mexican Green Onions - .33 each
Oranges - .15 lb (Thursday 11/17 only)
Yams - .20 lb (Thursday 11/17 only)
Fairchild Tangerines - .50 lb (Thursday 11/17 only)
Verdolagas - .20 each (Thursday 11/17 only)
Rome Apples - .33 lb (Thursday 11/17 only)

Food for Less

California Young Turkey 10-15 lbs - $6.00 (WITH $35 purchase)
California Young Turkey 16-20 lbs - $8.00 (WITH $35 purchase)
Mustard, Collard, Turnip or Curly Greens - .49 each
Red Yams - .25 lb
Green Beans - .78 lb
Kroger Canned Vegetables - .58 each
Betty Crocker Cake Mix - .98 each
Celery - .33 each bunch
Navel Oranges - .58 lb
Granny Smith Apples - .88 lb
Broccoli Crowns - .78 lb
Green Bell Peppers - .33 each
Russet Potatoes 5 lb bag - $1.50 each
Large Hass Avocados - .98 each
Green Cabbage - .33 lb

Fresh & Easy

Young Whole Turkey - $1.19 lb (limit 2)
Farmer John Half Ham - .97 lb (limit 2)
Spiral Sliced Ham - $1.47 lb (limit 2)
Russet Potatoes 10 lb bag - .98 each
Yellow Onions - .49 lb
Baby Carrots - .98 lb
Pineapple - $1.49 each

Glaziers Food Market (Ads runs from Wednesday 11/16 to Tuesday 11/29)

All are Good to Great Deals!!
Norbest Premium Fresh Turkey - $1.88 lb
Foster Farms Turkey - $1.98 lb
Norbest Turkey up to 14 lbs - $4.88 (with $25 purchase)
Norbest Turkey 14-20 lbs - $6.88 (with $25 purchase)
Norbest Turkey 20 lbs & up - $9.88 (with $25 purchase)
Jenny-O Whole Frozen Turkey Breast - $1.98 lb
Red or Green Leaf Lettuce - .74 each
Romaine Lettuce - .74 each
Red or Yellow Onions - .33 lb
Jumbo Russet Potatoes - .50 lb
Eggplant - .98 each
English Cucumbers - .98 each
Red Radish - .33 each
Carrots - .33 lb
Broccoli Crowns - .93 lb
Garnet or Jewel Yams - .88 lb
Jersey Sweet Potatoes - .88 lb
Honey Crisp, Red Delicious, Fuji, Red Rome, Gala or Granny Smith Apples - .96 lb

La Bonita Supermarket
**I do not get this ad in the mail. The print is so small on some of the online pages, that sometimes I cannot make out all the deals. Those ones I do not list, so if I miss any please add them in the comments section for me!**

Green Limes - .20 lb
Bosc Pears - .33 lb
Jalapeno Peppers - .33 lb
Roma Tomatoes - .50 lb
Celery - .50 each bunch
Mexican Onions - .33 each
Carrots - .33 lb
Russet Potatoes 10 lb bag - $1.99 each
Oranges - .25 lb
Cucumbers - .25 each
Cilantro - .25 each
Italian Squash - .33 lb
Red or Rome Apples - .50 lb
Brown Onions - .20 lb
Green Cabbage - .25 lb

Liborio (Ad runs from Thursday 11/17 to Wednesday 11/23)

Website is NOT working!! If anyone has the deals, please list them in the comments for me or email them to me :)

Mariana's Markets (Ad runs from Tuesday 11/15 to Monday 11/21)

All are Good to Great Deals!!
Plums - .25 lb
Pasilla Peppers - .33 lb
Brown Onions - .13 lb
Mexican Squash - .50 lb
White Potatoes - .50 lb
Carrots - .33 lb
Castilla Squash -.33 lb
Red Seedless Grapes - .99 lb
Medium Hass Avocados - .33 each (Thursday 11/17 only)
Chayote Squash - .17 each (Thursday 11/17 only)
Mexican Pickles - .25 each (Saturday 11/19 only)
Fuji Apples - .33 lb (Saturday 11/19 only)

Marketon (ad runs from Tuesday 11/15 to Monday 10/21)

All are Good to Great Deals!!
Oranges - .17 lb
Russet Potatoes 10 lb bag - $1.49
Yams - .33 lb
Celery - .33 each
Onions - .25 lb
Cabbage - .25 lb
Peruvian Beans - .89 lb
Red Grapes - .99 lb
Jalapeno Chiles - .50 lb
Squash - .50 lb
Loose Carrots - .33 lb
Watermelon - .18 lb (Thursday 11/17 only)
Avocados - .25 each (Thursday 11/17 only)
Strawberries - $1.50 lb (Thursday 11/17 only)
Beans - .59 lb (Thursday 11/17 only)

Smart and Final

First Street Frozen Young Turkey 12-22 lbs - $.47 (limit 1)(with $50 purchase)
Russet Potatoes 5 lb bag - .89 each (limit 2)
Navel Oranges - .39 lb

Smiths

Private Selection Turkey 12-14 lbs - $7.00 each (limit 1)(with $35.00 purchase)(limit 1)
Private Selection Turkey 16-20 lbs - $9.00 each (limit 1)(with $35.00 purchase)
Butterball Turkey 16-20 lbs - $12.00 each (limit 1)(with $35.00 purchase)
John Morrell Spiral Sliced Half Ham - $1.99 lb
Broccoli - .89 lb
Cauliflower - .89 lb
Kroger Vegetables - .50 each can
Dole Mandarin Oranges or Pineapple 16-20 oz can - $1.00 each

Sunflower Market (Ad runs from Wednesday 11-16 to Wednesday 11/30)

All are Good to Great Deals!!
Fresh All Natural Turkey - $1.47 lb
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast - $1.77 lb
Navel Oranges - .50 lb
Green Onions - .50 each
Radishes - .50 each
Red Bell Peppers - .88 each
Bartlett & Anjou Pears - .99 lb
Russet Baking Potatoes - .50 lb
Green or Red Cabbage - .50 lb
Red or Green Leaf Lettuce - .88 each
Braeburn & Jonagold Apples - .99 lb
Jewel or Garnet Yams - .47 lb
Beefsteak Tomatoes - .88 lb
Green Beans - .88 lb
Broccoli - .88 lb
Baby Peeled Carrots - .88 lb
Winder Squash - .88 lb
ORGANIC Garnet or Jewel Yams - .99 lb
ORGANIC Bunched Broccoli & Snow White Cauliflower - $1.77 lb
ORGANIC Mild or Red Onions - .99 lb
ORGANIC Red, Golden Delicious or Granny Smith Apples - $1.77 lb

Vons

Safeway Turkey 8-12 lbs - $7.00 (limit 1)(with $25 purchase)
Safeway Turkey 16-20 lbs - $10.00 (limit 1)(with $25 purchase)
Butterball Turkey up to 16 lbs - $11.00 (limit 1)(with $25 purchase)
Butterball Turkey 16+ lbs - $13.00 (limit 1)(with $25 purchase)
Lucerne Milk 2%, 1% or Fat Free - $2.89 each
Red or Orange Skin Yams - .48 lb

We would love for you to share this information with your friends & family, but please put a link back to this original post. Also, I can only give the "good deals" on things that I normally buy for my family. So this is NOT a complete list of all the good deals this week in Vegas. If you know of any good deals that I haven't added to this list, please feel free to add a comment on this post!

King Arthur Flour's Website - A Great Resource!

2011-10-20T16:51:00.000-07:00

Apple Pie

Yesterday I attended two baking demonstrations by King Arthur Flour. Both demonstrations were wonderful and I learned a lot!!

Bacon Cheddar & Scallion Scones

I just wanted to pass along a few links from their website that would help most any baker!

Walter Sands' Basic White Bread

No-Knead 100% Whole Wheat Bread

*If using some whole grain flour, mix it with the warm water, sugar, yeast, butter and salt, cover with plastic and set aside to rest for about 30 minutes. This method will soften the bran and liven up the yeast. After the rest, add the remaining all purpose flour less 1/2 cup and follow the remaining steps.

Maybe it's Time to Stock up on Peanut Butter?

2011-10-17T15:00:00.000-07:00

Image from LA Times

According to the internet, Peanut Butter prices will be going up.

You can check out the article here.

Baking Demonstration by King Arthur Flour... in Henderson!

2011-10-16T13:27:00.000-07:00

I am SO excited about this!!
I will be there and hope to see you too!!

FREE Baking Demos by King Arthur Flour

Wednesday October 19th

Wildhorse Golf Club

2100 Warm Springs Road

Henderson, NV

12:00 pm demo

Perfect Pie and Savory Scones

7:00 pm demo

Baking with Yeast & Whole Grains

Price Matching 101 Class

2011-10-14T09:13:00.000-07:00

This is an event sponsored by iPriceMatch.com. Self-Reliant Sisters is not teaching this class, but I thought I would pass along the information to all of you who might have missed our Self-Reliant Price Matching Meeting :)

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iPriceMatch.com is excited to announce the debut of Price Matching 101 , a FREE class featuring great tips on how to save money and secrets to making your next grocery shopping experience a breeze! Not only will you get great information, one participant in each class will win a $500 gift card for FREE groceries! Check out the information below and sign up today! Hurry, there are only a few spots left in our class this weekend!

Henderson Class:
Saturday, October 15
11 am. - 12 p.m.
Silver Springs Recreation Center
1951 Silver Springs Pkwy

Summerlin Class:
Saturday, November 5
11 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Summerlin Library
1771 Inner Circle

Visit Facebook.com/ipricematch and RSVP on the event page

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If you are not on Facebook, email me at lisainnevada(at)gmail(dot)com and I will give you their phone number

Groupon Skype Deal!

2011-10-12T08:36:00.000-07:00

Click here for all the details!

Blender Wheat Pancakes and Buttermilk Syrup

2011-10-11T14:14:00.001-07:00

Wheat Pancakes
by Laura C.

1 cup milk
1 cup wheat berries (uncooked)

Put in blender and blend for 5 minutes

2 eggs
½ cup milk
½ cup oil
½ tsp. salt
Add to blender and blend for 1 minute then add:
2 tsp. baking powder
Blend quick to give a quick mix

Pour onto hot, oiled griddle or hot, oiled frying pan and cook until lightly brown on each side. Serve with yummy homemade buttermilk syrup (recipe to follow) or fresh fruit, etc.

Buttermilk Syrup
Use a BIG pot or it will boil over!

1 cup butter
2 cups buttermilk
2 cups sugar
1 tsp. soda
4 T. light Karo syrup
2 tsp. vanilla

Bring to a boil and boil 7 minutes. (stir constantly and watch carefully to keep from boiling over)
Will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2+ weeks. (will also freeze)

Wheat Grinder Comparisons

2011-10-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

Click here to download Rachelle's PDF on wheat grinders (prices as of 10/4/2011)
Click here for a great blog about wheat grinder comparisons.

Skype to Go

2011-10-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

Skype to Go – What is it?

Skype to Go numbers let you call friends, family and colleagues long distance at great Skype rates from any mobile or landline.

Let’s say you live in New York and your friend lives in Australia. You’d like to call her when you’re away from your computer, but you don’t want to pay those hefty international call charges on your mobile or landline.

Just give us your friend’s number in Australia and we’ll convert it into a local Skype to Go number that you can call from any phone.

Next time you’d like to call your friend, dial her Skype to Go number and you’ll get straight through at Skype’s per minutes rates or with your subscription.

What a Call Costs

Call via a Skype to Go number to phones abroad are made up of two charges:

Operator: Your operator will charge you for a local call to your Skype to Go number. This may be included as part of your operator’s calling plan.

You will not be charged if you are calling a number covered by your subscription.

Skype: Skype will charge you the same low rate as if you were calling a phone using Skype on your computer.

For example:

#1 You have a landline that includes local calling. You also have a Skype account, but do not have a subscription to a specific plan. You call China. You don’t get charged anything extra from your local phone company. Skype’s charge for calling China on your account (from Henderson, NV) is .026 USD/minutes (including VAT). The charge is deducted from your Skype account.

#2 You have a landline that includes local calling. You also have a Skype account and a monthly international subscription. You call China. You don’t get charged anything extra from your local phone company or Skype.

The same applies if you make the call from your mobile and the mobile’s local call rates apply.

How to Get Started

1) Go to skype.com and create an account. Download the Skype software to your computer and you are ready to make Skype-to-Skype calls for free!

2) If you wish to make other calls with Skype, you will need to add money to your account. Then you can decide if you’d rather pay per minute at Skype’s low rates, or subscribe to a plan which will allow you to make calls at even lower rates depending on how many calls you plan to make.
3) Once you have money in your account, you can enable Skype-To-Go, which allows you to make calls via Skype from any landline or mobile.

Skype – What is it?

Free/Pay as you Go/Subscriptions

Skype is a software supplication that allows users to make voice and video calls, as well as instant messaging over the internet. Calls to other users within the Skype service are free, while calls to both traditional landline telephones and mobile phones can be made for a fee using a debit-based user account system or monthly subscriptions.

Italian Dressing Mix

2011-10-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

Italian Dressing Mix

1 tablespoon garlic salt
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon white sugar
2 tablespoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
1 tablespoon salt

1. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic salt, onion powder, sugar, oregano, pepper, thyme, basil, parsley, celery salt and regular salt. Store in a tightly sealed container.

2. To prepare dressing, whisk together 1/4 cup white vinegar, 2/3 cup canola oil, 2 tablespoons water and 2 tablespoons of the dry mix.

Corn and Black Bean Salsa (with Wheat Berries)

2011-10-08T08:00:00.000-07:00

Corn & Black Bean Salsa

1 cup cooked wheat berries
1 (15 oz) can black beans
1 (14.25 oz) can corn, drained
1 medium tomato, diced
1 small red onion, diced
¼ cup lime juice
1 tsp cumin
1 bunch cilantro, diced

Mix together and serve with tortilla chips.

or you can try

Fiesta Wheat and Bean Salad
by Leisa Card

3 Different Ways to Cook Wheat Berries (repost)

2011-10-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

Cooked wheat may be bagged and stored in the refrigerator for at least a week or in the freezer for months.

Crockpot Wheat Berries (this is my favorite method)

4 cups raw whole wheat
10 cups water
1 TBSP salt

Oil a large (4 quart or larger) slow cooker and fill with wheat, water, and salt. Cover and cook on low all night, 8-10 hours.

Stovetop Wheat Berries

1 cup wheat berries
4 cups water

Boil for 60-70 minutes, topping with water as needed. You can reduce cooking time to 50-60 minutes if you pre-soak your wheat overnight (you can boil them in the same water you soaked them in). Drain after cooking, when wheat is tender.

Pressure Cooker Wheat Berries
by Alton Brown

2 cups wheat berries
4 cups water
2 TBSP salt

Place all ingredients into a pressure cooker and cook on high heat until hissing begins and pressure rises. Lower heat to maintain hissing and cook for 45 minutes.

Blender Pancakes - 4 Different Recipes (repost)

2011-10-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

Here's a few different recipes for you to try. See which one you like best!

Blender Pancakes (this is the recipe we made on Tuesday night!)by Everyday Food Storage

1 cup milk (translation for powdered milk is 3 TBSP milk and 1 cup water)
1 cup wheat kernels, whole & uncooked (also known as wheat berries)
2 eggs (2 TBSP powdered eggs ¼ cup water)
2 tsp baking powder
1 ½ tsp salt
2 TBSP oil
2 TBSP honey or sugar

Put milk and wheat kernels in blender.Blend on highest speed for 4 or 5 minutes or until batter is smooth. Add eggs, oil, baking powder, salt and honey or sugar to above batter. Blend on low. Pour out batter into pancakes from the actual blender jar (only one thing to wash!) onto a hot greased or Pam prepared griddle or large frying pan. Cook; flipping pancakes when bubbles pop and create holes.

Blender Pancakes
by I Dare You to Eat it

1 ½ cups buttermilk
2 eggs
2 TBSP butter, melted
1 cup uncooked whole wheat kernels
2 TBSP cornmeal, heaping
1 TBSP brown sugar
½ tsp baking soda
1 TBSP baking powder

Heat an electric frying pan or griddle to medium heat. Pour buttermilk into blender. Add the wheat kernels and blen on high for 10 minutes. It will sound like popping corn at first but will gradually become quieter. Add cornmeal, brown sugar, eggs, and melted butter, and blend another minute. Then add baking soda and baking powder and blend only a few seconds longer. Stir batter a little by hand to completely combine ingredients. Spoon onto hot griddle.

Blender Pancakes
by DVO.com

1 cup golden whole wheat
1 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
3 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon salt

Blend 1 cup of milk with wheat for 2-3 minutes add rest of milk and blend for another 2-3 minutes. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend. Cook on a hot skillet until done.

Berry Syrup

2 cups mixed berries
3 TBSP sugar

Mix together and let stand for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Here is a link for Everyday Food Storage Blender Pancakes YouTube video . It is a GREAT video, so check it out. It makes blender pancakes a lot less scary :)

Pre-Soaked Wheat Blender Pancakes
by Bee Prepared

If you are worried about your blender being able to handle Wheat Blender Pancakes, try this recipe.

1 cup whole wheat berries
1 cup milk
1 ½ TBSP honey
3 eggs
½ tsp salt
½ tsp baking powder

Cover wheat with about 1 cup of water and soak in the refrigerator overnight. Next morning, drain and blend with milk in a blender for 4 minutes. Add the rest of the ingredients and blend 3 more minutes. Cook on hot girddle.

Whole Wheat Recipes

2011-10-05T11:00:00.000-07:00

I'll be posting the rest of the recipes over the next couple days!!

Lemon Bars (with Whole Wheat)
by Jamie Perkins (page 179 in the Galleria Gourmet)

Crust:
1 cup butter
½ cup powdered sugar
½ tsp salt
2 cups whole wheat flour

Filling:
4 eggs, slighly beaten
2 cups sugar
½ tsp baking powder
¼ cup whole wheat flour
¼ cup lemon juice

Cream butter and powdered sugar. Add other crust ingredients and mix. Pat into 9 x 13 greased pan. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes. Mix filling and pour over hot crust. Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Wheat Thins
by Kitchen Stewardship

Click the link above for the recipe.

Holly's Famous Bread Recipe

1 1/2 cup Warm Water

1/3 cup Brown Sugar

1 TBSP & 1 tsp Yeast

1 cup Bread White Flour

4-6 cups Whole Wheat Flour

1 1/2 cup Warm Unsweetened Applesauce

2 tsp Salt

1/4 cup Oil or 1 cup Grown Flax Seed

Grease two loaf pans. Put yeast, water and brown sugar in mixing bowl. Let stand until bubbly and doubled. Add remaining ingredients. Mix and let rise until doubled in size. Knead down and divide into loaf pans. Let rise again. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes. **Splenda brown sugar may be substituted, use half of the amount called for.

For a downloadable PDF format click here

Here is a great website with tips for great bread: The Urban Homemaker

Whole Wheat Brownies (we didn't make these last night, but they sound great!)
by King Arthur's Flour

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups light brown sugar
3/4 cup Dutch-process cocoa
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
4 large eggs
1 1/2 cups Whole Wheat Flour
2 cups semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9" x 13" pan; line the pan with parchment paper if desired.

2. In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, or in a saucepan set over low heat, melt the butter, then add the sugar and stir to combine.

3. Return the mixture to the heat (or microwave) briefly just till it's hot (about 110°F to 120°F) but not bubbling. Don't worry if it separates; just stir it briefly to recombine a bit. Heating this mixture a second time will dissolve more of the sugar, which will yield a shiny top crust on your brownies.

4. Transfer the mixture to a bowl, and stir in the cocoa, salt, baking powder, and vanilla.

5. Add the eggs, stirring till smooth.

6. Then add the flour and chips, again stirring till smooth. Spoon the batter into the prepared pan.

7. Bake the brownies for 30 minutes, until a cake tester or sharp knife poked into the center reveals wet crumbs, but not raw batter. The brownies should feel set on the edges and in the center. Remove them from the oven, and cool completely on a rack.

8. Cover and let sit overnight before cutting and serving; this gives the bran a chance to soften and become "invisible" in your mouth.

Self-Reliant Meeting This Week!!

2011-10-02T08:00:00.000-07:00

Our Self-Reliant meeting is this week!

Theme: "I Dare You to Grind It"

Date: October 4, 2011 (Tuesday)

Time: 7:00 P.M.

Location: Guilford Building
1525 Guilford Drive
Henderson, NV 89014

Come and grind your own wheat using three different types of grinders. Just bring yourself, the wheat will be provided for you! Then sit back and sample an array of foods made from wheat flour.

**Remember, Nursery is provided!!**

The Ultimate 72-Hour Kit (Article Link)

2011-09-25T16:43:00.000-07:00

Sportsman's News has a great article about 72-Hour Kits by Dan Kidder.

Albertsons "Double the Value" Coupons!!

2011-09-07T12:46:00.001-07:00

***Please note these pictures are from the June ad***
***Current Double Coupons run from 9/7 to 9/20***

In this weeks grocery ads, Albertsons has a "Book of Savings".

On the back cover are two "Double the Value" coupons!!

Sarah from A Thrifty Mom shows her Albertsons "Double Deals" on her website. Although her deals are only for the Idaho area and from weeks previous, this is a great idea of what you can do. Towards the bottom on the post are the "Doubling Guidelines" that apply to all Albertsons. She also lists Albertsons Coupon Policy as well.

Double Coupons are valid from 9/7 to 9/20

Using Wheat without Grinding It

2011-08-30T13:50:00.000-07:00

Food Storage Made Easy has a great article entitled

"7 Great Ways to Use Wheat WITHOUT a Wheat Grinder"

Be sure to check it out!!

The Prudent Homemaker - Featured in BYU Magazine

2011-08-28T15:55:00.000-07:00

Brandy Simper - The Prudent Homemaker

Check out the Summer 2011 Edition of BYU Magazine for a featured article on Brandy!

Dehydrator Recipes Raw Foods

2011-08-16T09:57:00.000-07:00

Raw Onion Bread

Picture from TheRawtarian

Thanks to Faith for attending Self-Reliant Sisters and sending me these Raw Food recipes for the dehydrator! Click on the links below to download the PDF files for the recipes mentioned below.

"You've probably heard of the raw food movement. There is a subsection of vegetarians that eat strictly raw food. Raw is classified as a food whose enzymes have not been inactivated by heat application (>105). The dehydrator can process foods to meet this criteria."

I've attached recipes for the "Come Bite the Apple" cookie, "Apple Flax Cookie", and for "Onion Bread". I added walnuts, dried cranberries, and the little plug remnants from pitting cherries to the recipe. The "Nama Shoyu" ingredient in the onion bread recipe is actually organic soy sauce. The onion bread is awesome with soup and as a snack bread.

Making fresh "Zucchini Wraps" is great alternative to bread consumption. You can make them in advance and store them for up to a month in the frig. Search You Tube to see how to make them. They are so aromatic when processing that it can be a challenge to wait until they're done (even a bigger challenge for the cookies!)."

-Faith A.

(Dehydrator) Zucchini Flax Wraps

2011-08-15T09:44:00.000-07:00

INGREDIENTS
- 4 small zucchini (or 2 large zucchini)
- 1 1/2 cups of golden flax seeds
- 2 cups of water
- 1 Tbsp of dried basil
- 1 Tbsp of dried oregano
- 1 clove of garlic

METHOD
Combine all ingredients in a blender and mix on high until smooth

Spread over 4 teflex dehydrator sheets or dehydrator trays lined with baking paper

Put in the dehydrator for 4-6 hours at 110 degrees
(otherwise place in oven at the lowest setting leaving the oven door slightly ajar)

Once the wraps are thoroughly dried out they are ready to peel off and roll into wraps (If you overdehydrate them they will not be flexible enough to make wraps and turn into crackers)

You can fill the wraps with greens, zucchini humous, guacamole, garlic rice or marinated vegetables

Note
Ensure that the mixture is spread on the teflex sheets evenly to ensure the wraps dehydrate evenly.

Dehydrating Bananas

2011-08-14T09:48:00.000-07:00

Just a fun video on how to dehydrate bananas.

New Glazier's Location - Henderson!

2011-08-13T10:57:00.000-07:00

Glazier's Food Marketplace will be opening a new location in Henderson in late 2011

Green Valley Crossing

635 South Green Valley Road

Henderson, NV 89012

Price Matching Video - What To Do & What NOT To Do!

2011-08-12T09:55:00.000-07:00

Apple Crisp

2011-08-11T14:37:00.000-07:00

Filling

1 2/3 cups dry apple slices (we used apples from the Cannery)
2/3 cup sugar
2 Tbsp cornstarch
¼ tsp salt
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
2 ½ cups water
2 tsp lemon juice

Mix all dry ingredients together, then add water and mix well. Bring to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally. If baking in a pie, preheat oven to 425 degrees, place in oven and bake 40 minutes or until golden brown in pastry shell (May use peeled and sliced fresh apples - enough to fill pie crust.)

Topping (use pie filling above)

3/4 cup flour
3/4 cup butter
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 cup rolled oats
6 TBSP sugar

Mix together thoroughly and spread over pie filling. Bake in a greased square pan at 375 for 25 minutes.

Shopping Smart (repost)

2011-08-09T11:07:00.000-07:00

Price matching, couponing & seasonal shopping are some of the many ways to shop smart.

Price matching: Some stores will match the prices of their competitors, in the hopes that you will shop with them instead of their competition. Of course, often the competition does the same thing. Price matching can be done at many stores such as Staples, Best Buy, Target, Lowes, Home Depot & Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart is my favorite store to price match at, since they also price match groceries. Here is the complete post on Price Matching at Wal-Mart

Couponing: This is an excellent way to get items at a discounted price. Many stores will also take their competitors coupons such as Michaels will take Joanns coupons and Staples will take Office Max coupons, etc. There are also many couponing blogs out there. I cannot hope to cover all that they do, so here is a list of my favorite coupon blogs. These blogs will tell you everything you need to know about couponing and how to get started.

A Thrifty Mom
Couponing 101

Seasonal Shopping: This is buying things during their lowest price of the year, such as turkey and baking supplies in November. Purchasing items when they go on clearance is also a great way to stock up. I buy all my Christmas wrapping paper in January when it is 75% off. Here is a great article from Moms By Heart about Yearly Sales and Clearance Cycles

Buy at the Lowest Price Point: When things have a long shelf life, stock up on that item when it hits it's lowest price point! For example at the last Smiths Case Lot Sale, they had tuna for .50 a can. I know we eat about 1 can a week, so I bought 50 cans which is enough to last us about 1 year. Here is A Thrifty Mom's explanation on this same principle.

Buy Online: Sometimes the best prices for non grocery items can be found online. Amazon.com & Ebay are my two favorite places for lower prices. Many items have free shipping as well! Do your research and you’ll be able to get some great deals!

Grocery Stores to Price Match From Updated

2011-08-08T08:33:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of some of the grocery stores in town, their websites and what days their ads run. Most sales run from Wednesday to the following Tuesday, any exceptions are listed below. In addition many Spanish Markets run specials on Wednesdays that I do not list on the "Grocery Deals of the Week". There are other stores that you can price match from, however they do not have online websites.

Albertsons
Buylow Supermarket
Cardenas Market (Ads runs from Thursday to Wednesday)
El Super
Food for Less
Fresh & Easy

How to Dehydrate and Store Food PART 4

2011-08-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

There are many more videos online from Dehydrate2Store!

Check them out here or visit their website for other great tips!

How to Dehydrate and Store Food - PART 3

2011-08-06T08:00:00.000-07:00

How to Dehydrate and Store Food - PART 2

2011-08-05T08:00:00.001-07:00

How to Dehydrate and Store Food - PART 1

2011-08-04T08:00:00.000-07:00

How to Price Match & Case Lot Sale Guidelines (repost)

2011-08-03T10:52:00.000-07:00

Price Matching Rules

Walmart is the only grocery store (currently) that will Price Match.
You must have your ads with you.
Walmart will price match grocery ads & Sunday newspaper ads (Best Buy, Walgreens, CVS, Office Max, etc).
Item must be identical to the sale item in the ad (meaning same brand, size, type, etc).
Walmart WILL price match Store Brands. For example - Walmart will match Kroger/Smiths bread on sale for Walmarts "Great Value" Bread.
Walmart will only price match printed (not online) ads.
Walmart will take manufacturers coupons, but not other stores coupons.
If a printed ad says (limit 2), then you will only be able to price match 2 of that item. Of course you can always buy 2 more the next day...
Walmart will not price match "Buy one get one Free" or any other type of BOGO sales.
Walmart will not price match items that come with an instant rebate/savings, or other such item.
Walmart will not price match meats and chicken if it comes from the Smiths/Albertsons butcher shop. Well, sometimes (very rarely) they will, but I wouldn't count on it!
Each Walmart manager sets the limits on which stores they will price match from. Walmarts will NOT price match ads from stores that are MILES away. So don't expect to bring an ad from Utah (to Nevada) and get those prices :)

Price Matching Guidelines

Holly is the queen of price matching. Here she shares her tips on price matching.

Go when the lines are not busy and without children if possible.
Shop on the same day and try to go to the same cashier.
Price match at the end of the order & let the cashier know you will be price matching. Separate them with a bar or a space on the grocery belt.
Tell the person behind you that you will be price matching. This way they won't get irritated if you take a little longer than normal. (hopefully)
Many Walmarts are MUCH friendlier at price matching than other Walmarts. Know your stores. The neighborhood Walmart at Stephanie/American Pacific & Warm Springs/Eastern are great to price match at. The Super Walmart is much stricter (and not as friendly).
Bring your ads & have them ready!! Holly circles the items that she is price matching, so she is able to show the checker quickly if needed.
Be Organized! On my grocery list I circle the items that I am price matching in green. That way, when the checker asks me what the price of milk is, I can quickly check my list for the correct price. I'm sure Holly doesn't need to do this, she has all prices memorize :)
Be courteous! Don't demand that an item be price matched. If they say no, you can either buy it at regular price or try again at a different Walmart or another day with a different cashier.
Know what dates the ads start and end.

Price Matching Prices
Each week I feature our "Grocery Deals of the Week". These are a basic price guideline to follow on things like chicken, ground beef, fruits and vegetables. It is not a complete list of all the good deals that week, although I wish I was grocery savvy enough to do that for you. SO, here are some guidelines for YOU to follow in order to get the best deals with price matching.

Know your prices. Sometimes the "Everyday Low Price" at Walmart is cheaper than the sale price at other stores.
Know your price point. Holly will not pay more than .50 for fruit, .08 oz for cereal and $1.50 for boneless skinless chicken breasts & ground beef. My price point is higher than that, so set your price point and watch for your items to hit that price.
Stock up when the items you regularly use hits it's lowest price. I usually buy 20 lbs of chicken/ground beef when it goes on sale. For dry/canned goods, I will buy as much I think we'll use before it hits the expiration date.
Sales usually run in a 12 Week Cycle. So about every 12 weeks chicken/meat/etc. will be on sale again. If you can't afford to buy a ton of a sale item, try to buy enough to last you for 12 weeks.
Seasonal Items. There are certain times of the year that items will hit their lowest price. Thanksgiving - turkey & baking items, August - back to school items, etc. For a more detailed list click here.
Don't buy something just because it's on sale. At one of the Smiths sales I bought 45 cans of Campbell's Chunky Soup because it was on sale for .66 cents a can. We don't even eat Campbell's soup, so I ended up donating it to the food bank.

The Smith's (grocery store) has a case lot sale twice a year. This usually happens right around General Conference (April and October). The case lot sale has deep discounts on different grocery items when you buy them by the case. When the case lot sale comes out, we will be posting what the great deals are. Sometimes a few of the items on sale are a not a good deal.

CASE LOT SALE GUIDELINES

Buy what your family will eat.
Just because an item is featured in the case lot sale, does not mean it is a great price.
Set extra money aside each month for the case lot sale.
Be aware of your limits. (example: Limit 2 cases)
Do not plan on rain checks. Go early and take friends.

Self-Reliant Meeting This Week!!

2011-07-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

Our Self-Reliant meeting is this week!

Theme: "I Dare You to Buy It and Dry It"

Date: August 2, 2011 (Tuesday)

Time: 7:00 P.M.

Location: Guilford Building
1525 Guilford Drive
Henderson, NV 89014

Everything you need to know about price matching and comparison shopping. Smart shopping via Wal-Mart, The Cannery, Costco, and the Case Lot Sale will be covered. Lower your monthly grocery bill the easy way! We will also cover many types of dehydrated foods and learn how to use them in your everyday cooking.

**Remember, Nursery is provided!!**

FREE Gardening Workshops!

2011-07-29T22:45:00.000-07:00

Acacia Demonstration Gardens

Here are some great FREE gardening classes starting in September at the Acacia Demonstration Gardens (50 Casa Del Fuego Street, Henderson, NV).

Tree Care 101
Tree Pruning Basics
Tricks and Treats Plant Projects
Composting
Container Gardening
Fall Veggies for a Winter Garden
Herb Gifts for the Holidays
Oh My Aching Back
Landscape Design with Fall Colors in Mind

You can register for all classes starting August 15th at www.cityofhenderson.com/parks.

Upcoming Class on Canning Tomatoes

2011-06-20T15:42:00.000-07:00

This class is offered by Marilyn who was one of the participants in the Master Canning Course that I took in March.

What: LET'S CAN SOME TOMATOES !

When: Saturday, July 23, 2011 8:30 AM

Price: $30.00 per person

Where: Cowboy Trail Farm

6550 Cowboy Trail NW (off 215 & Bradley)

Las Vegas, NV 89131

If you've ever wanted to learn how to preserve your food, don't miss this Workshop.

Our 1st in a series of Food Preservation Workshops will begin in July. We will feature Cowboy Trail Farm’s Organic TOMATOES and teach a variety of ways to preserve them so they can be enjoyed year round.

All equipment, utensils, and spices will be provided as well as canning jars and lids Each participant will have hands-on experience and go home with a share of the completed jars. We will also be enjoying Marilyn’s famous sundried basil tomatoes! There will be take-home recipes, handouts, and other canning resources available.

Your instructors are Certified Master Preservers and follow USDA regulations

Other Food Preservation Workshops in this series will include : Pickling, Jams & Jellies, Steam Juicing, Dehydrating, and more.

Space is limited, so register early! And, don't forget your apron.

Please send your check payable to:
Organic Edibles, 7121 W. Craig Rd, #113-152, Las Vegas, NV 89129

For more information contact Marilyn at 604-3165

Online Powerless Cooking Class - From Food Storage Made Easy

2011-06-03T17:46:00.000-07:00

Food Storage Made Easy has put their Powerless Cooking Class online!! Click here to watch their videos.

Testing Pressure Gauges - Locations in Nevada

2011-05-18T07:47:00.000-07:00

Listed below are the current locations in Nevada that will test dial gauges for presser canners.

Henderson, NV Locations:

Lisa Casey
95/Sunset or 215/Stephanie
lisainnevada(at)gmail(dot)com
email to schedule an appointment

Janet Knight
Sunday's at Sansome Center

9480 S. Eastern

Las Vegas, NV 89123

Time: 8am -1pm

Northwest, NV Locations:

Faith A.
Summerlin at Del Webb and Lake Mead
olefaithfull(at)gmail(dot)com
email to schedule an appointment

Janet Knight

Saturday's at Tivoli (Rampart & Summerlin Parkway)
302 S. Rampart
Las Vegas, NV 89145
Time: 8 am -1 pm

East Clark County/Logandale, NV:

Mike Donahue
mouse(at)mvdsl(dot)com
East Clark County Extension Office
1897 N. Moapa Valley Blvd.
P.O. Box 126
Logandale, NV 89021-0126
(702) 397-2604
Fax: (702) 397-8301
email or call to schedule an appointment

Lincoln County/Caliente, NV:

Holly Gatzke, Extension Educator
gatzkeh(at)unce(dot)unr(dot)edu
360 Lincoln Street
P.O. Box 728
Caliente, NV 89008-0728
(775) 726-3109
Fax: (775) 726-3332
email or call to schedule an appointment

A dial gauge canner has a pressure dial on the top that allows you to read the pressure inside the canner during the canning process. Dial gauges operate from 0- to 25-pounds of pressure, with most recipes and canning instructions calling for a pressure of either 6- or 11-pounds of pressure. Dial gauges MUST be tested every year for accuracy. Your dial gauge will be tested against a Master Gauge which will determine if your gauge is accurate, if you can compensate for your gauge being off, or if your gauge needs to be replaced.

If the gauge-reading is off by one or more pounds, you are encouraged to purchase a new gauge. If it is off less than one pound, remind yourself of the difference and adjust the recipe’s ressure accordingly to allow for the difference. Incorrect readings will lead to unsafe foods that are under-processed or over-processed.

Replacement gauges and other parts (e.g. gaskets, safety plugs) for canners are often found at stores that sell food preservation equipment or from canner manufacturers. When ordering parts, be sure to provide your canner model number and describe the parts you need.

3 Month Supply - Video from Every Day Food Storage

2011-05-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

Click here for her Pantry Checklist

3 Month Supply - Useful Tools from Food Storage Made Easy

2011-05-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

Food Storage Made Easy has some great tools to use when planning your 3 months supply of food storage. Some of those found on the Helpful Tools page are...

3 Month Food Supply - Printable (including video tutorial)
3 Month Food Supply - Excel Form (including video tutorial)
Food Storage Shelf Life Handout
Small Space Storage Solutions Handout
Common Substitutions & Measurements

We are not affiliated with FoodStorageMadeEasy.net, but just love their site and what they do!

3 Month Supply - Recipes

2011-05-11T08:00:00.000-07:00

Here are the recipes that we sampled during Relief Society Activity (Self-Reliant Sisters) on May 3rd.

Tamale Pie
by Dinner? It's in the Bag!*

1 10 can ground beef
1 14 oz can diced tomatoes
1 16 oz can red kidney beans
1 12 oz can yellow corn
1 6 oz can medium olives
1 pkg corn muffin mix
2 TBSP dehydrated onions
1/2 cup water

Combine all ingredients (except muffin mix). Place in a prepared 2 quart casserole dish. Prepare corn muffin mix as per package instructions. Spoon muffin mixture evenly over casserole. Bake at 400 for about 15 minutes until topping is golden and filling is hot.

Baked Spaghetti
by Dinner? It's in the Bag!*

1 28 oz can chopped tomatoes
1 4 oz can sliced mushrooms
1 10.5 oz can cream of mushroom soup
1 2.25 oz can slice black olives
12 oz spaghetti
1 TBSP dried green pepper
1 TBSP dried onion
2 tsp dried oregano
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

In a small bowl, hydrate vegetables in water for at least 20 minutes. Cook and drain the spaghetti. In a large bowl, combine the hydrated veggies, tomatoes, mushrooms & black olives. In a 9x13 baking dish, layer half of the cooked pasta, then half the veggies mixture, sprinkle with 1 cup cheese. Repeat layers. Mix together the mushroom soup and 1/4 cup water. Spread over the top of the layers. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes.

Chicken Corn Chowder
by Dinner? It's in the Bag*

1 14 oz can chicken
1 14 oz can cream style corn
1 4 oz can diced green chilies
1 can evaporated milk
1 TBSP dried onion
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp chicken bullion
1 tsp cumin
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

In a large soup pot, combine all ingredients except the cheese. Bring to a boil, and then cut back to a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes. Stir in cheese. Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro and chopped tomatoes if desired.

Zippy Bean Minestrone
by The Bean Cookbook (I believe it's out of print)

1 can mixed vegetables (drained)
1 jar 15 oz spaghetti sauce
1 cup water
1 can 10.5 oz beef broth (for thinner soup, double the broth)
1 can 16 oz pork and beans (undrained)
1 can 15 oz kidney beans (undrained)
1/2 cup pasta shells (uncooked)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder

In a large non-aluminum pot, combine all ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered for 20 to 25 minutes. Add water if needed.

This recipe may be made in the crockpot. Set on low for 2 to 4 hours or set on high until it begins to simmer, then switch to low for an hour or more.

Peach Cobbler
by Tonya L.

2 cans of peaches with the juice
1 white or yellow cake mix
1 stick of butter (opt.)

Pour peaches and juice in a 9x13, sprinkle dry cake mix over the top bake at 375 for about 40 min. til golden brown on top.
optional: add pats of butter all over top before baking (about 3/4 of one stick of butter)

Bunny Poop

12 oz butterscotch chips
12 oz chocolate chips
1 cup peanut butter
6 cups mini marshmallows
1 cup roasted peanuts (about half of one of the little cans)

In a large stock pot, melt all the chips and peanut butter over low heat, stirring constantly. When smooth, take off heat and add marshmallows and peanuts. Stir until uniform. Pour into greased 9x13 pan and spread evenly with spatula. Chill until set. Cut and serve chilled or it will soften. Keep refrigerated.

BUNNY POOP

You may have thought this time of year
Meant jellybeans and eggs,
And unsuspecting, fluffy chaps
With furry, hopping legs.

But, here’s the proof
That Easter Bunny’s got a wicked streak.
Don’t reach under that lawn chair
‘til you stop and take a peek.

‘Cause though you may be looking
For those chocolate eggs and loot.
You might just find that morsel there
Is really Bunny Poop!

*Purchase Information for:

Dinner? It’s in the Bag! ($12.00)
By Christine J. VanWagenen
Printed by: Help U Mail
10291 South 1300 East
Sandy, Utah 84094
(801) 571-1441
*There are a few fresh ingredients in these recipes that must be converted to food storage items.

3 Month Supply - Menu Planning Helps (repost)

2011-05-10T08:00:00.000-07:00

Dinner? It's in the Bag!

**This is a repost from March of 2009, but contains a lot of great information!**

Rachelle planned a months worth of meals using Pantry & Food Storage items. Here are some of her forms to share with you! Decide how many times a year you will serve each recipe. To avoid appetite fatigue, choose at least 2 weeks of different main dish options. Input your options on the options page. Then use your options page to complete your monthly menu page.

Meal Planning and Food Storage Recipe Books:

Emergency Food In A Nutshell
By Leslie D. Probert and Lisa L. Harkness
Amazon.com
Pantry Cooking by Laura Robins
Amazon.com
Dinner? It’s in the Bag! ($12.00)
By Christine J. VanWagenen
Printed by: Help U Mail
10291 South 1300 East
Sandy, Utah 84094
(801) 571-1441
*There are a few fresh ingredients in these recipes that must be converted to food storage items.
Menus At A Glance (Downloadable book)
By Shanna L. Christ
1 - Dividers
2 - Menus
3 - Grocery List
4 - Canning
5 - Sprouting
6 - Cooking Helps
7 - Entrees
8 - Supplemental Foods
Bee Prepared ($10.00)
By Christine J. VanWagenen
Printed by: Help U Mail
10291 South 1300 East
Sandy, Utah 84094
(801) 571-1441

Meal Planning and Food Storage Recipe Websites:

The Prudent Homemaker - Brandy features recipes for each season of the year.
Everyday Food Storage
Food Storage Made Easy - Decide how many times a year you will serve each recipe. To avoid appetite fatigue, choose at least 2 weeks of different main dish options. Input your options on the options page. Then use your options page to complete your monthly menu page. You can use the forms included or reference forms found here. This website also features forms you can print out, or an excel spreadsheet that helps you inventory your ingredients and multiplies it and computes your shopping list for one to three months.

FHE Idea - Beginning Your Family Home Storage

2011-05-09T08:00:00.000-07:00

photo from Peace of Preparedness

Start Your 3 Month's Supply!!

Beginning Your Family Home Storage

by Peace of Preparedness

Activities & Reading Programs for Summer 2011

2011-05-07T20:01:00.000-07:00

Jenny S. from the Shadow Canyon Ward updated the "Fun Summer Activities" handout!! Thank you I know many who are extremely grateful for your time and effort!

3 Month Supply - Stephanie's Plan

2011-05-07T08:00:00.000-07:00

Photo courtesy Stephanie J.

Stephanie shared with us on Tuesday night her 3 month supply plan. She planed out recipes for 3 months that are shelf stable and wrote them down in an Excel spreadsheet (Master Recipe Inventory). These are recipes that she picked based on what her family likes to eat. Then she figured out how many cans/jars/bags of each item she would need. Using the Food Storage on $5.00 a Week as a guideline, she made a plan to purchase all of her items for her 3 month supply in one year. Each week she checks her "Food Storage Shopping Plan" and adds those items to her normal grocery shopping list. Costing her only about $5.00 a week she is building up her pantry with her 3 months supply!

Master Recipe Inventory (Excel Format)
Master Recipe Inventory (PDF Format)
Food Storage Shopping Plan (Word Format)
Food Storage Shopping Plan (PDF Format)

Here is what Stephanie says about her 3 month supply

"Here is my shelf and all of my 3-month supply of meals (with just a few weeks left to go). My 3-month supply of other items like TP and things are spread throughout the house. This Shelf Reliance unit (bought at 40% off) fits perfectly in the tiny space I have in my kitchen. The industrial shelving was just too big. My dad spray painted a piece of wood black and we popped it on top to add another solid shelf. My odd shaped stuff is on the floor until I figure out what I want to do with it. I've just stacked everything I could into every available space."

Photo courtesy Stephanie J.

Stephanie also made available "Mix and Food Storage Recipes" that you can print out and keep as a reference.

Thank you so much Stephanie for presenting this to us on Tuesday night!

Powerless Cooking Class (Highland, Utah)

2011-05-06T08:00:00.001-07:00

This is from an email I received from Food Storage Made Easy. Don't worry, for those of us NOT in Utah, they will record the event and upload for viewing later.

"This summer we are going to be practicing cooking without power at least once a week. To kick start this project we are going to be holding a FREE LIVE EVENT: Powerless Cooking Tools

Powerless Cooking Class Will include:

SUN OVEN Cooking Essentials Seminar - taught by Paul Munsen, President of Sun Ovens International
Overview of different cooking fuel options including InstaFire
Learn how to make a free outdoor stove out of a #10 can
Volcano Grill demonstration
Q and A sessions
Special coupons/discounts for all attendees!

Class Details:

Date: Saturday, May 21, 2011
Time: 6:00-8:00 pm
Location: Hollow Crest Church Building: 6400 W. 11000 North -Highland, Utah (about 5 minutes East of I15 on the Alpine Hwy)
RSVP to info@foodstoragemadeeasy.net and let us know how many will be attending. We will email out a reminder."

3 Month Supply - 120 Shelf Stable Recipe Book

2011-05-05T08:00:00.000-07:00

Food Storage Made Easy has compiled a list of 120 shelf stable recipes!

We are not affiliated with FoodStorageMadeEasy.net, but just love their site and what they do!

Wendy Dewitt -- Food Storage Seminar "Food Saver"

2011-05-04T13:44:00.000-07:00

Here is Wendy with her presentation of the Food Saver. She does a much better job than I do :)

To watch the rest of her presentation click here.

Jamie from "Self-Reliance by Jamie" also uses the Foodsaver.

Free Music from Henderson Library!

2011-04-07T08:28:00.001-07:00

CPR Saturday - Free Training

2011-03-31T16:17:00.000-07:00

I just received this email from our RS President.

Greetings Everyone:

On Saturday, April 23rd we are hosting a free adult CPR class for the public at the Thomas & Mack center. Two sessions: 8:30am and 1:30pm. We have room for 1,000 people.

Due to our working relationship between our organizations, I wanted to forward you the poster and see if you could promote the event through your internal and external networks. Please forward via email, post on Facebook, Tweet, post to web sites, print and post to bulletin boards, etc. We are seeking the widest re-distribution possible.

Any of your employees, volunteers, and clients would be welcome to attend the training. The more the merrier.

We expect it to fill up quickly so time is probably of the essence. Pre-registering online at www.redcrosslasvegas.org is preferred. Walk-ins will be accepted only on a space available basis.

Graduates will receive a 2-year Adult CPR certification card that meets OSHA standards.

Thanks for any help you can provide in passing along this opportunity.

(NOTE: We also have some volunteer opportunities (greeters, runners, registrars, etc.). Contact Erika Taggart at ErikaT@redcrosslasvegas.org or 702-369-6715 for volunteer opportunities.)

Scott Emerson, CEM
Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
American Red Cross
Southern Nevada Chapter

Home Security Checklist

2011-03-21T21:24:00.000-07:00

For security and peace of mind

Do you have a security system?
Do you have motion-detector lights around the property?
Do you keep your garage locked?
Did you change the locks when you moved in?
Do you have strong locks on all doors and windows?
Have you kept your keys guarded against unauthorized duplication?
Do you always use the peephole before answering the door?
Do you have automatic timers controlling your lights when you are out or away?
Are your possessions insured and do you have a complete inventory of them?
Are extremely precious items secured away from home, i.e., in a safety deposit box?
Have you recorded all the serial numbers or identifying marks for all your valuable items?
If you are going away for an extended period, have you informed your neighbors, arranged to have someone cut the grass and cancelled your newspaper(s)?

Thank you Carla for sharing this with us!

Soup Recipes

2011-03-17T19:28:00.000-07:00

Crockpot Taco Soup
by Crockpot 365

2 cans of kindey beans
2 cans of pinto beans
2 cans of corn
1 large can of diced tomatoes
1 can tomatoes and chiles
1 packet taco seasoning
1 packet ranch dressing mix
shredded cheese and sour cream for embelishment (optional)

Brown meat if you are going to use it. Drain the fat and add the meat to the crockpot. Sprinkle seasoning packets on top of meat. Drain and rinse the beans and add. Add the ENTIRE contents of the corn and tomato cans. Stir. Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5. I think the longer you cook soup, the better, so if you have the time, opt for cooking on low. Stir well, and serve with a handful of shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream.

Chicken Noodle Soup
by Rachelle

2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped (dehydrated or freeze dried may be substituted)
1 ½ cups carrots, chopped (dehydrated or freeze dried may be substituted)
3 celery ribs, diced (dehydrated or freeze dried may be substituted)
2 (12.5 oz.) cans chicken
2 quarts chicken broth or canned low-sodium broth (may be substituted with bullion)
1 quart water, or as needed
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
12 oz. pkg. egg noodles
3-4 bay leaves
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Heat the oil in a large pot and sauté onion over medium heat. Add chicken broth and bring to a boil. Add carrots, celery, bay leaves, and chicken undrained. Cook, 4-5 minutes. Stir in egg noodles and cook 7-8 minutes until tender.

***The next two recipes are from cooks who "just wing it", so there are not exact measurements or times. Sorry!!***

Pinto Bean Soup
by Holly

Cover pinto beans in water (just enough to cover beans). Soak overnight and then cook until tender (approximately 1 to 2 hours). Using an immersion blender, blend beans until soup consistency. Season with salt, pepper and granulated garlic.

Potato Soup
by Carla

Peel some potatoes and cut into large pieces. Add chicken broth to cover. Throw in a handful of dried onions, some parsley, sea salt, a little garlic, black pepper. Cook until very tender. Puree the mixture. Add a can or two of evaporated milk. Cool until hot, but not boiling. Add more chicken broth if it is too thick. You can add cooked sausage, corn or cheese if you like.

Henderson Library "Cover-to-Cover" Club!

2011-03-16T13:56:00.000-07:00

Go to your local Henderson, NV library location to sign up.

Online Weekly Ads for Star Nursery

2011-03-16T12:15:00.000-07:00

Star Nursery is a local gardening store in Las Vegas with great weekly sales. They now have their ads online! Click here every Friday to check out the new deals

Gardening in the Desert - Repost

2011-03-15T18:27:00.000-07:00

This is a repost of our Self-Reliant Meeting from February 2009

Gardening with Kids

Kids Gardening has a wonderful website with an email newsletter than you can sign up for.

Gardening with Kids has great tips on getting kids started with gardening.

Give your child some space; literally! Kids loving having spaces that are all their own, whether it`s their own desk area in the house, or the tent they've created with chairs and blankets in the family room. The same is true for gardening. Dedicate a small plot of the garden just for them. Put a fancy border around it, perhaps purchase one of the stepping stone making kits found at crafts stores in which they can mold their name and make their hand print.
Let them join you at the nursery. Let your kids know you value their opinion. Ask them which kinds of plants, flowers, and vegetables they like. Explain what will work well in your garden and what won't.
Give them (limited) choices. While you're at the nursery, ask them if they'd like pansies or petunias, marigolds or zinnias. This will give them the feeling of power without letting it get out of control.
Remind them money doesn't grow on trees. With older children discuss the budget. Let them help select seeds and blossoming plants at the nursery - and turn it into a math lesson. Let your child do the money calculations; they can tell you when the money runs out.
Let your child do what he will (especially if you have a preschooler). Let him dig, explore, play with bugs. You may be tempted to steer your child in another direction (like actually watering or weeding his garden), but this is a great way for your child to explore this exciting new universe.
Plan, plan, plan. If you have older children, say 8 or 9 or older, let them plot out their own garden on paper. Provide him or her with graph paper, pencils and seed catalogs. Give them a group of flowers and vegetables from which to choose, and then let them draw out their garden.
Get them their own gardening tools. Nothing will motivate your little gardener more than having her own little shovel, her own gardening gloves, and her own watering pail. And don't forget those bright colored rubber boots.

Vegetable Gardening
A few gardening/planting tips (for Las Vegas):

Remember: just because our nurseries sell it, doesn't mean it grows well here.
Typically vegetables like location, timing, sandy loam soils, good drainage, deep watering and fertilizer.
There are Warm Season vegetables and Cool Season vegetables - just follow the planting times here from Linn Mills (Review Journal Columnist). Star Nursery also has a Warm Season list and a Cool Season list.
If you have $1.00, spend .90 on soil and .10 on seeds.

A couple of great books to have:

Western Garden Book by Sunset
The Edible Garden by Sunset

Helpful websites:

Kids Gardening - Wonderful website with an email newsletter than you can sign up for.
Gardening with Kids - Great tips on getting kids started with gardening.
Master Gardeners - Lots of great information for gardening in the desert and more!
Linn Mills - Gardening column in the Las Vegas Review Journal. GREAT resource!
Desert Gardening Forum with Linn Mills - Great Forum with Linn Mills as the Moderator.
Springs Preserve - Local gardening classes.
Gilcrease Orchard - Pick your own fruits & vegetables in Las Vegas!
Star Nursery "Starnotes" - Printable information on everything for your garden!
The Prudent Homemaker - Our guest speaker Brandy has the most wonderful garden here in Las Vegas. She is a wealth of knowledge and her website is AMAZING! She has information on gardening, food storage, homeschooling, recipes & more.

Super King Ranch Name Change

2011-03-14T12:17:00.000-07:00

Super King Ranch has changed it's name to Marketon. During my weekly grocery deals post, you will notice this change.

FHE Idea - Gardening and Sprouting

2011-03-13T14:06:00.000-07:00

Opening Prayer:

Song: The Prophet Said to Plant a Garden, page 237 Children’s Songbook

Scriptures: (Share any or all of the following scriptures:)
Gardening has spiritual lessons. It teaches that, in every aspect of life, “whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap” (D&C 6:33). Growing a garden fulfills the command given to Adam and Eve and their posterity, “In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread” (Genesis 3:19). Gardening is work, an important principle of the gospel; “He that is idle shall not eat the bread…of the laborer” (D&C 42:42). Obedience to seeming temporal laws are important since all commandments are spiritual (see D&C 29:34).

Lesson Title: “Seeds of Self-Reliance”
As President of the Church, Spencer W. Kimball (1895–1985) encouraged members “to grow all the food that you feasibly can on your own property. Berry bushes, grapevines, fruit trees—plant them if your climate is right for their growth. Grow vegetables and eat them from your own yard. Even those residing in apartments or condominiums can generally grow a little food in pots and planters. Study the best methods of providing your own foods. Make your garden … neat and attractive as well as productive.” For more information, go to Seeds of Self-Reliance. It gives personal stories about gardening from different areas of the world, gardening on a budget, sharing a garden, finding space, using containers, learning by doing, never giving up, and reaping the blessings.

Activity: (Pick one method of gardening that works best for your family situation)
Start your own garden or sprouts. For gardening, go to the following websites for information on supplies needed: Star Nursery or Life 123. If this is your first time planting a garden, you may need to visit your local plant nursery for more information regarding how to do this properly. For sprouts, see the sprouting guide.

Closing prayer:

Growing Sprouts

2011-03-12T14:20:00.000-08:00

Several of us grew sprouts in a mason jar for our Self-Reliant Sisters meeting. Everyone had success and a lot of fun. Here are some links to grow your own sprouts and other important information.

Sprout Nutrition from Good Sprout News
Nutritional Advantages of Sprouts from The Sprout People
Sprouting Seeds by Weblife
Step by Step Directions by The Farm (This is the handout we passed out Tuesday night)
Self-Reliant Sprouting Class from May 2009

Ensign Article - Seeds of Self-Reliance

2011-03-11T12:40:00.000-08:00

Found in the March 2011 Ensign magazine, Seeds of Self-Reliance gives personal stories about gardening from different areas of the world, gardening on a budget, sharing a garden, finding space, using containers, learning by doing, never giving up, and reaping the blessings.

University of Nevada - Horticulture Programs

2011-03-11T12:12:00.000-08:00

The University of Nevada has a Cooperative Extension's horticulture program. This program teaches homeowners and park and golf course managers to irrigate wisely, save water, and adopt environmentally friendly landscape techniques. There are 238 publications listed on their main page, and these are my favorites

Becoming a Desert Gardener
Growing Tomatoes in Southern Nevada
Home Vegetable Production in Southern Nevada
Container Gardening - Perfect for Apartment Living!!

Star Nursery Gardening Helps

2011-03-10T07:28:00.000-08:00

Star Nursery is a local gardening store in Las Vegas. They have a wonderful section on their website called "Star Notes". Here are some of my favorite gardening tips from their website

The Gardener's Calendar
Growing Herbs in the Desert
Fruit Trees for Desert Climates
Vegetable Gardening Cool Weather & Warm Weather

Master Food Preserver Training!

2011-03-06T22:43:00.000-08:00

University of Nevada Cooperative Extension (UNCE) is announcing its first-ever Master Food Preserver class in southern Nevada. An outreach of Utah State University’s volunteer program, Master Food Preservers are taught, through hands-on classroom training, the basics of canning, drying and freezing fresh fruits and vegetables. In exchange for this valuable information, volunteers are required to teach these basics to others in the community through a variety of educational opportunities.

The Master Food Preserver class is being offered from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. for three consecutive days, March 21-23, at UNCE’s Lifelong Learning Center at 8050 Paradise Road in Las Vegas near the intersection of Windmill and I-215. The registration fee of $100 covers canning supplies, learning materials such as binders and manuals, and training by Utah State University Extension faculty. After becoming a certified Master Food Preserver, participants are expected to give back through volunteer service.

The Master Food Preserver class teaches the fundamentals of home food preservation in six sections: canning, drying, freezing, pressure canning, pickles and relishes and jams and jellies. The course uses researched-based methods to train volunteers on proper food preservation techniques following USDA guidelines. Some seats will be available for nonvolunteers at $150 per person.

Anyone interested in learning more about food preservation can apply but class size is limited. For more information email Robert Morris at morrisr@unce.unr.edu or call the Master Gardener helpline at 702-257-5555.

University of Nevada Cooperative Extension is an outreach arm of the University that extends unbiased, research-based knowledge from University of Nevada—and other land-grant universities—to local communities. Educational programs are developed based on local needs, sometimes in partnership with other agencies and volunteers. For more information about University of Nevada Cooperative Extension, please visit the website at www.unce.unr.edu.

The Prudent Homemaker - Upcoming Garden Tour!!

2011-03-02T10:30:00.000-08:00

We were so blessed to have Brandy from The Prudent Homemaker guest speak for us last night! Due to the high interest she has schedule another garden tour! Brady writes,

"I have scheduled a new garden tour for Saturday, April 16th, from 10 am to 12 noon. If you would like to attend that day, please email me (brandy@theprudenthomemaker.com) with the number of people who will be attending."

Here is some more information about her tour

"Garden tours are limited to 35 people and are adults only. The tour is a class that is around 2+ hours in length. As we tour the garden, you will learn about dirt, drip irrigation, watering times, growing food year-round, pruning fruit trees, getting rid of bugs, mixing food and flowers to create an edible landscape, fruit tree selections for the desert, espaliered fruit trees, how to make use of the walls for growing space, and more."

I highly recommend going, I went in May 2009. Her tour is inspiring as well as educating.

Granola-Whole Wheat Waffles

2011-02-26T10:40:00.000-08:00

I made these this morning and they were very good. And with the combined whole wheat flour, granola and yogurt, they were healthy too!

Granola-Whole Wheat Waffles
by Betty Crocker

1 1/2 cups Original Bisquick® mix
1/2 cup granola cereal
1/2 cup Gold Medal® whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups milk
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 container (6 oz) Yoplait® Original strawberry yogurt (2/3 cup)

In medium bowl, stir all ingredients (including yogurt) until blended. Pour batter by 2/3 cupfuls onto center of hot waffle iron; close lid. Bake 2 to 3 minutes or until steaming stops and waffle is golden brown. Carefully remove waffle.

Self-Reliant Challenges

2011-02-12T10:59:00.000-08:00

With our changes to the Self-Reliant Schedule, you may be wondering about the challenges. They will remain the same, however you have until September 1st to finish them!

You do NOT have to complete the challenges in any particular order, just so long as they are all done by September 1st.

Changes to Self-Reliant Sisters Schedule

2011-02-11T10:38:00.000-08:00

We are switching up our schedule!! We are now alternating with our ward Relief Society activities, so here is an outline of our changes!

Meetings will be Tuesday evenings (instead of Thursday)
Meetings will start at 7:00pm (sharp!)
Meetings will be held at our Ward building
1525 Guilford Dr.
Henderson, NV 89014
Everyone is invited (this is not a change, but just a reminder ☺)
♥ Nursery WILL be provided!! ♥ (pass this along, we want as many of you there as possible!)

March 1, 2011 - "I Dare You to Grow It"

Brandy Simper from “The Prudent Homemaker” will be guest speaking on gardening in the Desert! We will also learn how to sprout (even wheat!).

May 3, 2011 - "I Dare You to Bag It"

Learn about starting your 3 months supply of food storage. The books “I Dare You to Eat It” and “Dinner in a Bag” will be covered. Our door prize this month will be the book “I Dare You to Eat It”! Make sure you’re here on time to enter the drawing!

August 2, 2011 - "I Dare You to... Buy It & Dry It"

Everything you need to know about price matching and comparison shopping. Smart shopping via Wal-Mart, The Cannery, Costco, and the Case Lot Sale will be covered. Lower your monthly grocery bill the easy way!

We will also cover many types of dehydrated foods and learn how to use them in your everyday cooking.

October 4, 2011 - "I Dare You to Grind It"

Come and grind your own wheat using three different types of grinders. Just bring yourself, the wheat will be provided for you! Then sit back and sample an array of foods made from wheat flour.

Sweet (& free) Valentines for Kids

2011-02-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

"Heart Attack"

I saw this cute Heart Attack idea from Skip to My Lou, and decided to do for the kids last Valentine. I used this heart pdf from family fun. There are 3 different size of hearts so I used the smallest size for 4 year olds "Heart Attack", the medium and largest hearts for my two oldest boys. I originally had these on their bathroom mirror, so they could see them in the morning when they got ready, but I moved them to get a better picture. They loved them so much they wanted to keep them up for weeks!

I used different colored cardstock, however you could use construction paper or just white paper colored with crayons. I'm sure husbands and wifes wouldn't mind waking up to these sweet notes either!

No Self-Reliant Sisters tonight!

2011-02-03T10:58:00.001-08:00

We are switching up our schedule, so the next meeting will be March 1, 2011 (Tuesday). I will be posting soon on our changes :)

FREE Pet CPR/First Aid Class!

2011-01-08T11:23:00.000-08:00

There is also a class for this on 3/12 at the Valley View Recreation Center or the Downtown Recreation Center! All are FREE!!

Simply Living Smart - A Debt Free Challenge

2011-01-07T10:51:00.000-08:00

Living Debt Free: A 30 Day Challenge

by Anitra Kerr

My Dear Friends,

Everywhere I look, I see the strains the current economy is having on friends and family. Stress, frustration and worry are feelings all too common.

The culprit...debt.

Living smart with our money is no longer an option. So, for those who wish to participate, I am launching a 30-Day Debt Challenge.

There will be no cost to this program, and I promise it will change lives.

The Goal

Following the 7 Financial Laws of The Harvest offers freedom and happiness

The goal of the program is as follows:

Learn and apply the 7 Financial Laws of The Harvest
Put all participants on a plan to become financially free from debt in 5-7 years or less

The program will be delivered as follows:

Weekly training calls
A variety of training videos
Daily assignments
Access to worksheets and resources

When Does It Start and How Do I Participate?

When: The challenge begins January 17th and ends February 9th.

Cost: no charge

Required: A commitment to becoming debt free.

Share: If you know friends or family who would benefit from the challenge, invite them (Click the link here to send this in an email format to yourself and 4 friends if you'd like). It is a proven fact that having a support system in place makes all the difference in the world...let's be honest...this will take a change in habits for it to work.

Simply forward this email (Click the link here to send this in an email format to yourself and 4 friends if you'd like) to any who you think would like to enroll and we will make sure they are taken care of.

How to Enroll: Please respond to this email (Click the link here to send this in an email format to yourself and 4 friends if you'd like) if you would like to participate and tell us you would like to participate.

This is going to be sooooo great!

Anitra

FREE Gardening Workshops!

2011-01-04T13:39:00.000-08:00

Acacia Demonstration Gardens

Here are some great FREE gardening classes starting in September at the Acacia Demonstration Gardens (50 Casa Del Fuego Street, Henderson, NV).

Yes, You Can Grown Fruit Trees in the Desert
Sprinkler Clock Demonstration
Let's Talk Tomatoes
Companion Plants
Landscape Design with the End in Mind
Safe & Sound Insect Control
Growing Vine Crops
Gardening with Physical Limitations

You can register for all classes starting January 5th at www.cityofhenderson.com/parks.

Condensed and Evaporated Milk - Helpful Websites

2010-12-13T09:48:00.000-08:00

Condensed and Evaporated Milk

FHE Idea - Self Reliance in All Things

2010-12-12T08:00:00.000-08:00

Teach your children the importance of self-reliance!

Self Reliance

by The Family Home Evening Spot

This recipe would be a great one to have after Family Home Evening!!

Skor Cake

1 box chocolate cake mix
1 small jar caramel topping
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1 8 oz. container Cool Whip
1/2 - 3/4 cup toffee bits or crunched up Skor bars

Mix cake according to package directions. Bake in a 9x13 baking pan. When cake just comes out of the oven poke holes all over it with a fork. Pour caramel topping all over top. Then pour sweetened condensed milk all over the top. Let cake cool. Spread cool whip over top and sprinkle with toffee bits or Skor bar pieces.

"Instant" Pancake Mix

2010-12-11T15:11:00.000-08:00

Instant Pancake Mix

by Alton Brown

6 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda (check expiration date first)
3 teaspoons baking powder
1 tablespoon kosher salt
2 tablespoons sugar

Combine all of the ingredients in a lidded container. Shake to mix. Use the mix within 3 months.

"INSTANT" PANCAKES:
2 eggs, separated
2 cups buttermilk
4 tablespoons melted butter
2 cups "Instant" Pancake Mix, recipe above
1 stick butter, for greasing the pan
2 cups fresh fruit such as blueberries, if desired
Heat an electric griddle or frying pan to 350 degrees F. Heat oven to 200 degrees F.

Whisk together the egg whites and the buttermilk in a small bowl. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the melted butter.

Combine the buttermilk mixture with the egg yolk mixture in a large mixing bowl and whisk together until thoroughly combined. Pour the liquid ingredients on top of the pancake mix. Using a whisk, mix the batter just enough to bring it together. Don't try to work all the lumps out.

Check to see that the griddle is hot by placing a few drops of water onto to the griddle. The griddle is ready if the water dances across the surface.

Lightly butter the griddle. Wipe off thoroughly with a paper towel. (No butter should be visible.)

Gently ladle the pancake batter onto the griddle and sprinkle on fruit if desired. When bubbles begin to set around the edges of the pancake and the griddle-side of the cake is golden, gently flip the pancakes. Continue to cook 2 to 3 minutes or until the pancake is set.

Serve immediately or remove to a towel-lined baking sheet and cover with a towel. Hold in a warm place for 20 to 30 minutes.

Yields 12 pancakes

Recipes using Substitutions

2010-12-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

TVP Tacos
(substitute meat with TVP)

1 1/3 cup TVP
¼ cup Taco Seasoning (or 1 pkg)
1 (14 oz.) can low sodium beef broth

In a large skillet, heat the broth over medium heat. Add TVP and stir well. Allow the TVP to reconstitute for 2-3 minutes. Add taco seasoning & stir well. Allow to cook for another 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently. Serve in place of ground beef in your tacos. Garnish tacos with refried beans, sour cream, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, olives and cheese

Soda Cake
(in this recipe, you can substitute eggs and oil with a diet soda)

1 chocolate cake mix (without “Pudding in the Mix”)
1 can Caffeine-Free diet Coke

Combine the box of cake mix with the can of diet soda in a medium mixing bowl. Bake cake according to box directions. Allow to cool in pans for about a half hour before you frost or try to eat your cake.

**You can also use a yellow or white cake mix with a can of diet 7-up

Chocolate Chip Cookies
adapted from Jessica's family recipe

1 cup butter
¾ cup sugar
1 cup brown sugar (not packed)
2 eggs (or use gelatin egg substitute below)
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 ½ cups flour
1 tsp salt
1 tsp baking soda
2 cups Semi-Sweet chocolate chips

Turn oven on to 375. Cream margarine first, while mixing, add granulated sugar, then brown sugar. Slowly add one egg at a time. Now add teaspoon of vanilla and cream together. Combine flour, salt, and baking soda in a separate bowl and mix together with spoon. Turn on mixer, add slowly and cream together. Add chocolate chips and incorporate into cookie dough.

Use cookie scoop to shape cookies and place on cookie sheet, about 1 doz. Makes about 2 dozen large cookies. Bake for 8-11 minutes. Take cookies out of oven and let stand 5-10 minutes.

Gelatin Egg Substitute
(substitute an egg with this gelatin recipe)

1 tsp Knox unflavored gelatin (in the Jell-O section)
3 TBSP cold water
2 TBSP + 1 tsp warm water

Mix gelatin and cold water until dissolved. Then add warm water and mix. Substitutes for 1 egg!

Recipes with Milk (Powdered, Evaporated & Condensed)

2010-12-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

Harvest Potato Soup

1 cup onion, diced
1 cup celery, diced
4 cups potato, diced
½ lb bacon, cooked and drained
2 cups instant potatoes
½ cups dehydrated carrots
8 chicken bouillon cubes
1 can cream of chicken soup
1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk

Simmer all vegetables, bouillon cubes and cream of chicken soup in 8 cups of water until vegetables are fully cooked. Add instant potatoes and evaporated milk to achieve desired consistency. Garnish with grated cheese and bacon bits.

Frosting with Evaporated Milk

6 tablespoons butter, softened
5 1/4 cups sifted powdered sugar
1/2 cup evaporated milk
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Beat butter and powdered sugar in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add evaporated milk and vanilla extract; mix until smooth. Makes 3 cups.

Orange Julius

2 cups orange juice (NOT concentrated)
½ cups powdered milk (dry powder, do not mix with water)
½ cup crushed ice
2 TBSP sugar
½ tsp vanilla

Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until ice is totally crushed.

Magic Bars

1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 (14 ounce) can Sweetened Condensed Milk
2 cups semisweet chocolate morsels
(or use 1 cup chocolate chips and 1 cup butterscotch chips)
1 1/3 cups flaked coconut
1 cup chopped nuts

Heat oven to 350 degrees F (325 degrees for glass dish). Coat 13x9-inch baking pan with no-stick cooking spray. Combine graham cracker crumbs and butter. Press into bottom of prepared pan. Pour sweetened condensed milk evenly over crumb mixture. Layer evenly with chocolate chips, coconut and nuts. Press down firmly with a fork.
Bake 25 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool. Cut into bars or diamonds. Store covered at room temperature.

Ultimate Hot Chocolate
from Our Best Bites

2 1-oz squares of unsweetened baking chocolate
1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk
4 cups water
1 tsp vanilla

In your microwave or in a small saucepan over medium heat, heat the chocolate and the sweetened condensed milk until the chocolate is completely melted (about 2-2 1/2 minutes in the microwave). Whisk in vanilla, combine completely, and set aside. In a larger saucepan, bring 4 cups water to a boil. Remove from heat and whisk in chocolate mixture. Serve in mugs with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired. Serves about 6.

Variations:

Mexican Hot Chocolate: Add 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon and 1/8-1/4 tsp cayenne pepper in with the vanilla.

Mint Hot Chocolate: Replace vanilla with 1 tsp mint (NOT spearmint) extract

Peppermint Hot Chocolate: Replace vanilla with 1 tsp peppermint extract. Serve with a candy cane instead of a spoon to stir.

Almond or Hazelnut Hot Chocolate: Replace vanilla with 1 tsp almond or hazelnut extract.

Whipped Topping

1 cup ice cold water
1 cup powdered sugar
1 cup powdered milk

Whip at high speed until desired consistency is achieved. Store in refrigerator.

Substitutions with Powdered Milk

2010-12-08T14:22:00.000-08:00

Whole Milk

1 cup water

1/3 cup powdered milk

Buttermilk

1 cup water

1/3 cup powdered milk

1 TBSP vinegar or lemon juice

Mix together and let stand for 5 minutes

Condensed Milk

1/2 cup hot water

1 cup sugar

1 cup powdered milk

Blend thoroughly in blender. Can be stored in refrigerator or frozen.

Sweetened Condensed Milk (Eagle Brand)

3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
1 cup plus 2 TBSP powdered milk

Combine all ingredients. Heat to boiling. Cook until thick, this will take 15 to 20
minutes. **(Becky made this and said it only took hers 7-8 minutes to cook!!) This equals one can.

Evaporated Milk (or try this one using whole milk!)

1 cup water

2/3 cup powdered milk

Blend ingredients well.

or if you have butter on hand...

Evaporated Milk

by food.com

1 1/2 cups warm water

1 cup powdered milk
2 tablespoons butter

Mix powdered milk and warm water together. Add butter. In a small pan, heat mixture together. Beat well, cool, and store in the refrigerator.

Here's a great page all about Powdered Milk!

How to Be a Gourmet and a Mormon Too

2010-12-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

Tired of finding a new recipe for the holidays, only to discard it when you discover that it calls for the use of wine? Gourmet cookery is the delicate blending of foods that makes use of the savors of one’s choice and need not include the use of liquors or wines. In recipes that do call for them, substitutions can be easily made.

Substitutions for Wine and Liquor in Cooking

In Soups and Entrees

Dry (unsweet) red wine:

Water
Beef broth bouillon or consommé,
Tomato juice (plain or diluted)
Diluted cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
Liquid drained from canned mushrooms

Dry (unsweet) white wine:

Water
Chicken broth, bouillon or consommé
Ginger ale
White grape juice
Diluted cider vinegar or white wine vinegar
Liquid drained from canned mushrooms

In Cheese Dishes (fondue or rarebit)

Beer or ale:

Chicken broth
White grape juice
Ginger ale

In Desserts

Brandy:

Apple cider, peach or apricot syrup

Rum:

Pineapple juice or syrup flavored with almond extract

Sherry:

Orange or pineapple juice

Kirsch:

Syrup or juice from black cherries, raspberries, boysenberries, currants, or grapes or cherry cider

Cognac:

Juice from peaches, apricots or pears

Cointreau:

Orange juice or frozen orange juice concentrate

Creme de menthe:

Spearmint extract or oil of spearmint diluted with a little water or grapefruit juice

Red burgundy:

Grape juice

White burgundy:

White grape juice

Champagne:

Ginger ale

Claret:

Grape or currant juice or syrup or cherry cider

Note: To cut the sweetness of the syrups, dilute with water. Also, there are many flavor extracts, such as almond or pineapple, that can be added for interesting flavors.

Flambés or Flaming Desserts

The only substitute that might be used is a sugar cube soaked in lemon extract, then set atop a dessert and burned.

by Winnifred C. Jardine Ensign, Dec. 1976, 47–48

Herb Substitutions

2010-12-06T13:48:00.000-08:00

Basil - Oregano or thyme

Chervil - Tarragon or parsley
Chive - Green onion; onion; or leek
Cilantro - Parsley
Italian Seasoning Blend (of any of these) - basil, oregano, rosemary, and ground red pepper
Marjoram - Basil, thyme, or savory
Mint - Basil, marjoram, or rosemary
Oregano - Thyme or basil
Parsley - Chervil or cilantro
Poultry Seasoning - Sage plus a blend of any of these: thyme, marjoram, savory, black pepper, and rosemary
Red Pepper - Dash bottled hot pepper sauce or black pepper
Rosemary - Thyme, tarragon, or savory
Sage - Poultry seasoning, savory, marjoram or rosemary
Savory - Thyme, marjoram or sage
Tarragon - Chervil, dash fennel seed or dash aniseed
Thyme - Basil, marjoram, oregano or savory

by About.com

Spice Substitutions

2010-12-05T14:24:00.000-08:00

Allspice - Cinnamon, cassia, dash of nutmeg or mace or dash of cloves
Aniseed - Fennel seed or a few drops anise extract
Cardamom - Ginger
Chili Powder - Dash bottled hot pepper sauce plus a combination of oregano and cumin
Cinnamon - Nutmeg or allspice (use only 1/4 of the amount)
Cloves - Allspice, cinnamon, or nutmeg
Cumin - Chili powder
Ginger - Allspice, cinnamon, mace or nutmeg
Mace - Allspice, cinnamon, ginger or nutmeg
Nutmeg - Cinnamon, ginger or mace
Saffron - Dash turmeric (for color)

by About.com

Quick & Easy Substitutions in Cooking

2010-12-04T08:00:00.000-08:00

Egg Substitute

1 tsp Knox unflavored gelatin (in the Jell-O section)
3 TBSP cold water
2 TBSP + 1 tsp warm water

Mix gelatin and cold water until dissolved. Then add warm water and mix. Substitutes for 1 egg!

Egg Substitute

1 TBSP ground flaxseed

3 TBSP warm water

Mix together, substitutes for 1 egg

Buttermilk

milk (just under one cup)
1 TBSP white vinegar or lemon juice

Place a Tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice in a liquid measuring cup. Add enough milk to bring the liquid up to the one-cup line. Let stand for five minute. Then, use as much as your recipe calls for.

Self-Rising Flour

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

Mix together and use.

Butter - Use olive oil, measure for measure for sauteing and cooked dishes.

Cream or Half and Half - Evaporated Milk

Cake Flour - 1 cups cake flour = 1 cup minus 2 TBSP all-purpose flour

Fresh/Dried Herbs - 1 TBSP fresh herbs can be substituted with 1 tsp dried herbs

Sour Cream - Use yogurts, measure for measure, add a dash of salt if desired

Milk Results are In!!

2010-12-03T21:16:00.000-08:00

Thank you all so much for participating in our fun little taste test. I received 19 surveys back and just finished calculating the results!! Remember that most of these milks have 3 versions - Original, Vanilla and Chocolate. I only bought one version for our taste test. Shelf-Stable milk has a shelf life of approximately 2 years and only needs to be refrigerated once opened, or in the case of Powdered Milk, once reconstituted.

We have a surprising winner!! It's Powdered Milk! Most everyone thought that the powdered milk tastes most like "real" milk.

Powdered Milk - 3.75

There are many different companies who make powdered milk, but I just used the Wal-Mart brand. Powdered milk only received 1 "disappointing" and had the highest amount's of 4's and 5's! Powdered milk's average was a 3.75

Almond Milk - 2.70

Almond milk had 6 "disappointing". We tried "original", but there is also Vanilla and Chocolate as well.

Shelf-Stable - 2.75Shelf Stable milk received 7 "disappointing". We tried the Vanilla flavor, which was very sweet and rich. Comments were "It's like drinking ice cream" and "It's too sweet". Even my 5 year old didn't like it. She does LOVE the chocolate version. I am sure that the Original flavor is not at rich as the Vanilla.

Soy 2.50

We did not try the Silk brand, but I can't remember which brand we did try! I LOVE Silk soy milk, however most people didn't share my sentiments. Soy milk only received a 2.50 and the most "disappointing" (8 total). I'll gladly share my Silk brand if anyone wants to give Soy milk another try :)

Rice - 3.25We tried original :)

SR Newsletter - "I Dare You to Milk It... Fake It"

2010-12-03T08:00:00.000-08:00

Our meeting this month covered everything about milk and substitutions. We had a great time and ate some amazing food. Posts set to publish will cover everything in the newsletter and more! If you want to download a hard copy for your records, click the link below.

SR Newsletter - "I Dare You to Milk It... Fake It"

Self-Reliant Meeting This Week!!

2010-11-28T08:00:00.000-08:00

Our next meeting is this week! Everyone is welcome and if you don't know where the location of our host is, please email me at lisainnevada(at)gmail(dot)com, and I will let you know. I am not publishing last names and address for safety reasons.

Theme: "I Dare You to Milk It... Fake It"

Date: Thursday, December 2, 2010

Time: 6:45 P.M.

Location: Mollie's House

Powdered, Sweetened & Evaporated. Learn about the different types of milk that you can have in your food storage. Fake it? Learn all about different kinds of substitutions in cooking!

SR Newsletter - "I Dare You to Eat It"

2010-11-20T10:45:00.000-08:00

I just realized i hadn't posted the newsletter from October!! Here it is... short but sweet

SR Newsletter - "I Dare You to Eat It"

72 Hour Kit - Food Options (Pros and Cons)

2010-11-13T08:00:00.000-08:00

My personal opinion is that in your 72 HOUR KIT, you want foods that can be eaten without cooking, without heating and can be eaten while walking or traveling. You don't know what kind of a situation you will be in and if you will have access to heating elements.

Here are 6 different options with their pros and cons.

1. MRE's (Meal Ready-to-Eat)

Pros - Variety of meal choices, is a complete meal (main dish, crackers, peanut butter, salt, etc), is a hot meal, long shelf life.
Cons - Expensive, bulky, requires heating, does not come with a cooking source, may not be the type of food your body is used to eating, cannot be eaten "on the go"

2. Heater Meals

Pros - Variety of meal choices, is a hot meal, comes with it's own heater, and water for cooking, is a complete meal
Cons - Bulky, expensive, not a long shelf life, requires heating, cannot be eaten "on the go"

3. Dehydrated Meals

Pros - Variety of meal choices, is a hot meal, very long shelf life.
Cons - Expensive, requires heating, does not come with a cooking source, cannot be eaten "on the go", requires water to "cook"

4. "Regular Food" - Foods that you'd pickup in the grocery store, such as Hormel "Compleats"

Pros - Variety of meal choices, is a complete meal, is a hot meal, more like the kinds of food your body is used to eating
Cons - Expensive, bulky, requires heating, does not come with a cooking source, 1 to 2 year shelf life, cannot be eaten "on the go"

5. Survival Bread

image from ehow.com

Pros - Nutritious, lasts indefinitely, easy to make, cheap, can be molded into the shape you want (i.e. bars, loafs, etc), can be eaten "on the go", does not require heating, compact
Cons - Is not a hot meal, you must make it, just one flavor so you may need to supplement with snack foods.

6. Emergency Bars

Pros - Nutritious, shelf life of 5 years, inexpensive, can be eaten "on the go", does not require heating, compact
Cons - Is not a hot meal, just one flavor so you may need to supplement with snack foods.

72 Hour Kit - Water Options (Pros and Cons)

2010-11-12T08:00:00.000-08:00

Click the picture above to download the PDF format of

"72 Hour Kit - Water Options"

1. Water Pouch

Price - 4.2 oz 35¢
Pros - Easy to fit into packs, lasts up to 5 years
Cons - Hard to open without spilling, must be held while drinking, must purchase online, could be punctured

2. Aqua Blox

Price - 8.45 oz .85¢ or 33.8 oz $2.95
Pros - Small, durable, lasts up to 5 years
Cons - Can be bulky, pricey, must purchase online

3. Water Bottles

Price - 16.9 oz .10-15¢ (case price)
Pros - Easy to find, cheap, drink mixes enhance flavor (crystal light, etc)
Cons - Bulky, should rotate 1-1 ½1 years

4. Water Filtration Bottle

Price - 28 oz. $16.50 (with 2 filters - $22.00)
Pros - Filters 100 gallons per filter, discounted price if purchased through LDS Distribution Center
Cons - Must find water to filter

Family Emergency Plan

2010-11-11T08:00:00.000-08:00

Download the Family Emergency Plan from Ready.gov!

Meet with your family and discuss why you need to prepare for disaster. Explain the dangers of fire, severe weather, and earthquakes to children. Plan to share responsibilities and work together as a team.

Discuss the types of disasters that are most likely to happen. Explain what to do in each case.
Pick two places to meet:

Right outside your home in case of a sudden emergency, like a fire.
Outside your neighborhood in case you can't return home. Everyone must know the address and phone number.

Ask an out-of-state friend to be your "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Other family members should call this person and tell them where they are. Everyone must know your contact's phone number.

Discuss what to do in an evacuation. Plan how to take care of your pets.

Complete this Check list

Post emergency telephone numbers by phones (fire, police, ambulance, etc.).
Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1 or your local Emergency Medical Services number for emergency help.
Show each family member how and when to turn off the utilities (water, gas, and electricity) at the main switches.
Check if you have adequate insurance coverage.
Get training from the fire department for each family member on how to use the fire extinguisher (ABC type), and show them where it's kept.
Install smoke detectors on each level of your home, especially near bedrooms.
Conduct a home hazard hunt.
Stock emergency supplies and assemble a Disaster Suplies Kit (72 hour kit).
Take a Red Cross first aid and CPR class.
Determine the best escape routes from your home. Find two ways out of each room.
Find the safe places in your home for each type of disaster.
Practice and Maintain Your Plan
Quiz your kids every six months or so.
Conduct fire and emergency evacuations.
Replace stored water and stored food every six months.
Test and recharge your fire extinguisher(s) according to manufacturer's instructions.
Test your smoke detectors monthly and change the batteries at least once a year.

www.redcross.org

Natural Disasters in Nevada

2010-11-10T08:00:00.000-08:00

A disaster is when needs exceeds resources. Some examples of natural disasters in Nevada are:

Flash Floods & Floods

Earthquakes - We may not feel all the small earthquakes we get, but Nevada is 3rd highest in the US for earthquake activity. On FEMA.gov Nevada is listed as a "Very High Risk" for earthquakes

Thunderstorms and Lightning

Tornado - Nevada does get tornados, however they are very small, usually a 1 or a 2.

Wind

Winter Storms - Rare in Las Vegas/Henderson, but when it does happen, it affects us greatly! Las Vegas does NOT have snow plows, sand, etc.

Extreme Temperatures - For Nevada we have an average of 22 days a year above 110 degrees!
- 150 Days above 90 degrees
- 97 Days above 100 degrees
- 22 Days above 110 degrees
- 35 Days below freezing

Shelter in Place

2010-11-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

Whether you are at home, work or elsewhere, there may be situations when it's simply best to stay where you are and avoid any uncertainty outside.

There are other circumstances when staying put and creating a barrier between yourself and potentially contaminated air outside, a process known as "sealing the room," is a matter of survival. Use available information to assess the situation. If you see large amounts of debris in the air, or if local authorities say the air is badly contaminated, you may want to take this kind of action.

The process used to seal the room is considered a temporary protective measure to create a barrier between you and potentially contaminated air outside. It is a type of sheltering in place that requires preplanning.

To "Shelter In Place And Seal The Room"

Bring your family and pets inside.
Lock doors, close windows, air vents and fireplace dampers.
Turn off fans, air conditioning and forced air heating systems.
Take your emergency supply kit unless you have reason to believe it has been contaminated.
Go into an interior room with few windows, if possible.
Seal all windows, doors and air vents with plastic sheeting and duct tape. Consider measuring and cutting the sheeting in advance to save time.
Be prepared to improvise and use what you have on hand to seal gaps so that you create a barrier between yourself and any contamination.
Local authorities may not immediately be able to provide information on what is happening and what you should do. However, you should watch TV, listen to the radio or check the Internet often for official news and instructions as they become available.

information from Ready.gov

FHE Idea - Ready to Go!

2010-11-08T08:00:00.000-08:00

image by Emergency Essentials

To see if our family is ready and knows what we need for our 72-hour kits.

Ready to Go!

by Safely Gathered In

Earthquake Preparedness and 72 Hour Kits

by Sarah Dye

Here's a super cute video from Playhouse Disney that your kids can watch

about putting together a 72 Hour Kit

Stove in a Can

2010-11-07T08:00:00.000-08:00

Stores for 5 yrs and burns for 6 hours

Supplies:

1 new quart size Paint Can with lid (can be purchased at ACE, Lowes or Home Depot)
1 roll Toilet Paper (cheap kind and NOT jumbo sized)
1 bottle 70% rubbing alcohol (Isopropyl not ethyl)
12 oz can (chunk chicken type) with holes drilled in and vents cut around bottom, or #10 can w/vents (we used a #10 can)
paint can opener (free from Lowes or Home Depot)

Directions:

Remove cardboard roll from inside toilet paper and discard
Fold toilet paper to fit inside the paint can
SLOWLY pour rubbing alcohol over toilet paper until covered.
Cover tightly with lid. Tap it down with a rubber hammer and it won't leak.

The first page of this PDF is a printout of the Stove in a Can. You can cut the bottom off and glue it to your can for future reference.

Here you can see how the stove (the small can) can fit inside a #10 can.

Your cooking pan will fit right on top. Make sure your #10 can has enough holes for ventilation. The PDF pictures shows a 12 oz can used for cooking.

Snap on your lid from the #10 can and it can hold your matches and a small paint can opener. You'll need the paint can opener to get your stove open.

Make sure you hammer down your top with a rubber mallet. It will create a seal, so the alcohol won't leak out of your stove when it's being stored.

Self-Reliant Sisters

FREE Bird Activities & Classes

Self Reliance with Classes at the Henderson Recreation Centers

FREE Business Classes

FREE Couponing Classes

FREE Gardening Classes!

Deals of the Week with iPriceMatch.com

Grocery Deals with iPriceMatch

Thanksgiving Dinner for under $22.00

Thrifty Prom Dress

Grocery Deals of the Week - 11/16 to 11/22

King Arthur Flour's Website - A Great Resource!

Maybe it's Time to Stock up on Peanut Butter?

Baking Demonstration by King Arthur Flour... in Henderson!

Price Matching 101 Class

Groupon Skype Deal!

Blender Wheat Pancakes and Buttermilk Syrup

Wheat Grinder Comparisons

Skype to Go

Italian Dressing Mix

Corn and Black Bean Salsa (with Wheat Berries)

3 Different Ways to Cook Wheat Berries (repost)

Blender Pancakes - 4 Different Recipes (repost)

Whole Wheat Recipes

Self-Reliant Meeting This Week!!

The Ultimate 72-Hour Kit (Article Link)

Albertsons "Double the Value" Coupons!!

Using Wheat without Grinding It

The Prudent Homemaker - Featured in BYU Magazine

Dehydrator Recipes Raw Foods

(Dehydrator) Zucchini Flax Wraps

Dehydrating Bananas

New Glazier's Location - Henderson!

Price Matching Video - What To Do & What NOT To Do!

Apple Crisp

Shopping Smart (repost)

Grocery Stores to Price Match From **Updated**

How to Dehydrate and Store Food PART 4

How to Dehydrate and Store Food - PART 3

How to Dehydrate and Store Food - PART 2

How to Dehydrate and Store Food - PART 1

How to Price Match & Case Lot Sale Guidelines (repost)

Self-Reliant Meeting This Week!!

FREE Gardening Workshops!

Upcoming Class on Canning Tomatoes

Online Powerless Cooking Class - From Food Storage Made Easy

Testing Pressure Gauges - Locations in Nevada

3 Month Supply - Video from Every Day Food Storage

3 Month Supply - Useful Tools from Food Storage Made Easy

3 Month Supply - Recipes

3 Month Supply - Menu Planning Helps (repost)

FHE Idea - Beginning Your Family Home Storage

Activities & Reading Programs for Summer 2011

3 Month Supply - Stephanie's Plan

Powerless Cooking Class (Highland, Utah)

3 Month Supply - 120 Shelf Stable Recipe Book

Wendy Dewitt -- Food Storage Seminar "Food Saver"

Free Music from Henderson Library!

CPR Saturday - Free Training

Home Security Checklist

Soup Recipes

Henderson Library "Cover-to-Cover" Club!

Online Weekly Ads for Star Nursery

Gardening in the Desert - Repost

Super King Ranch Name Change

FHE Idea - Gardening and Sprouting

Growing Sprouts

Ensign Article - Seeds of Self-Reliance

University of Nevada - Horticulture Programs

Star Nursery Gardening Helps

Master Food Preserver Training!

The Prudent Homemaker - Upcoming Garden Tour!!

Granola-Whole Wheat Waffles

Self-Reliant Challenges

Changes to Self-Reliant Sisters Schedule

Sweet (& free) Valentines for Kids

No Self-Reliant Sisters tonight!

FREE Pet CPR/First Aid Class!

Simply Living Smart - A Debt Free Challenge

FREE Gardening Workshops!

Grocery Stores to Price Match From Updated