Back to Basics: Provident Practical Preparedness

October 2026 back to Basics Newsletter

2026-09-30T21:08:52.256-06:00

Click here for the complete copy of the October 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter.

October brings with it the smell of fall with cool mornings, eventual freezes, and wood stove smoke curling out of chimneys. It is the month we sit back and enjoy the fruits of our labors. The harvest is in, hopefully storage shelves are lined, and freezers are full! October also hosts national preparedness campaigns that focus on threats like cyber vulnerabilities, home fires, and earthquakes. More and more we see government agencies teaching preparedness. But the Lord has long ago commanded “Be Prepared” through scripture and admonition of the prophets. He said, “If ye are prepared ye shall not fear.” Are you making sure your family is prepared? Do you have a 3-month storage of food and supplies you normally use, and are you adding to it a longer-term storage? Do you have a 72-hour kit, emergency supplies, and plans for the unexpected storms that actually should be expected? Water, power alternatives, first aid supplies, bedding, shelter, and clothing? No one knows your needs or can care for your family better than YOU! Remember the parable of the 10 virgins. President Oaks said, “The ten virgins obviously represent members of Christ’s Church, for all were invited to the wedding feast and all knew what was required to be admitted when the bridegroom came. But only half were ready when he came.”

Let us be like the five who were prepared! Let us be Wise!

Included in the month's newsletter:

How can I afford it? Tips to build a year's supply - a list of items that could help you in your endeavor to obtain a food storage!

Disaster Prep - Fall Preparedness - Tasks for the fall to be ready for disasters!

Spiritual and Temporal Preparedness - Quotes from President Oaks and President Kimball to encourage us.

In the Southern Utah Garden - chores for the October garden.

Provident Living - A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned! - Recipe for Halloween Makeup, Bar soap tip, and uses for Baking Soda.

Fall Cooking with Food Storage - Recipes for basic bread, pizza, chicken noodle and taco soups.

Editors Note: "Dear Friends..." - a plea from the editor for the readers of this newsletter to Be Prepared!

Click here for the complete copy of the October 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter.

September 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter

2026-08-31T14:14:50.923-06:00

Click here for a complete copy of the September 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter.

September is such a wonderful month! School is underway, temperatures have fallen, the harvest is wrapping up, and even the smell of the morning air seems to change. September is also our “National Preparedness Month!” It is the perfect time to take stock of what you have and make a plan for what you need. Both food storage and emergency preparedness items can be updated and rotated. Whether you are barely starting, or are more seasoned at preparedness, regular checkups and plans are necessary. Self-reliance is a way of life, not a destination you arrive at. Keeping preparedness as a part of our everyday living gives a peace of mind and security to all of our family. Remember the Old English Proverb – “There’s no time like the present!” May the motto “Be Prepared” help us in all aspects of our lives!

Included in this month's newsletter:

The Parable of the Ten Virgins: Last Days Warnings! - A reminder of the need to be prepared, including a quote from President Kimball on "No warnings given," and a list of things you can do now.

Planning for the Future - from Elder L Tom Perry on things we should be looking at.

Spiritual Preparedness - President Kimball's thought on having oil in our lamps.

In the Southern Utah Garden - Chores for your September yard and garden.

Using the Harvest - ideas and recipes for bottling green beans and applesauce or slices, freezing squash and tomatoes, and recipes for apple crisp, baked apple and apple dip.

Disaster Prep - Where Were You When the Lights Went Out? - Ideas for lights, fans, heat, and special needs in power outages.

Click here for a complete copy of the September 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter.

August 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter

2026-07-27T17:18:11.872-06:00

Click here for a complete copy of the August 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter.

August is the month the dog days of summer start to wrap up, school starts in many areas, and we fit in those last swim days before fall arrives. The garden is in full production but slows a bit in the heat. The days begin to shorten enough that, if it’s not too hot, sitting in the backyard to star gaze is the perfect way to end a day. August is a great time, amidst the back-to-school shopping sales and excursions, to keep your eyes out for ways to add to your food storage. If you are growing your own, there are a lot of items to bottle, freeze, or dry. Or try one of the many local farms selling fruits, vegetables, and beef. We can take advantage of the opportunities to add to our preparedness this month. Like the song says, “Today while the sun shines, work with a will…(and) your duty fulfill.” A little work today will pay when the storms of life arrive. It is our duty to care for our loved ones! Let us Be Prepared!

Included in this month's newsletter:

Refueling - tips for storing fuel for emergencies. There are laws on amounts you can store, and standard colors of containers for different types. Read more tips to be safe.

Provident Living - A penny saved is a penny earned - recipes for homemade ice packs, and tips for removing wax, crayon and ink.

Spiritual Preparedness: Words for the Wise - a quote from President Benson to encourage us to be prepared.

In the Southern Utah Garden - tips for planting, getting rid of garden pests, and picking pears.

Using the Harvest - instructions and recipes for tomato powder, hot pepper mix, refrigerator pickles, and Salsa.

Dress Ups! - Expanded Secondary Storage - Dress up basic storage items with supplemental foods. A list of items to enhance the quality and variety of you meals.

The Golden Rule of Food Storage - store what you eat and eat what you store.

QR code - for easy online access to newsletters.

Click here for a complete copy of the August 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter.

July 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter

2026-06-29T11:51:49.597-06:00

Click here for a complete copy of the July 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter.

July is the month we celebrate our heritage. The founding fathers of this nation and our pioneer ancestors made many sacrifices for us to have the life we enjoy today. Someone else tamed the land, harnessed the water, and built the roads. Our forefathers exerted great faith as they left their homelands across the sea or joined in a wagon train headed for unchartered territory. Their faith is an example for us to follow. Do you have the faith to follow in their footsteps? It took faith for the children of Israel to have a “Sabbatical Year” when every 7 years they let the land rest – which meant no crops! They must have set aside plenty of supplies to make it through that year. It took faith to board a ship and cross an ocean, or to pack up a wagon with supplies to last over 1000 miles and hope it was enough to feed a family. And it takes faith today to line your storage shelves with food and supplies to be prepared for unknown storms to come. Is your faith sufficient to trust in the Lord and follow his counsel to Be Prepared? Let us celebrate this patriotic and heritage filled month by having the faith to Be Prepared!

Included in this month's newsletter:

USA 250 - Provident Living and Heritage Activities - ideas to find out about your revolutionary war and pioneer ancestors, and what skills they had that you can implement today to help be prepared!

Disaster Prep - Summer Power Outages! A list of things to help you be prepared for any power outages over the hot summer months, and with wildfire rolling outages a strong possibility.

In the Southern Utah Garden - tips for planting, watering and caring for your July garden.

Using the Harvest - Everything's Peachy! Ideas of ways to preserve and use the peach harvest, including recipes for jam, peach cobblers and peach crisp.

Preparedness Counsel - from the Past - A quote from Elder L Tom Perry with counsel on obtaining a reserve of food, supplies, clothing, and savings - to prepare for the future.

Spiritual Preparedness - in honor of a patriotic month - a focus on a patriotic God centered scripture!

QR code - An easy quick link to the online newsletters.

Click here for a complete copy of the July 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter.

June 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter

2026-06-01T12:55:58.632-06:00

Click here for a complete copy of the June 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter.

The month of June is famous for weddings, no school, flag day, lots of missionaries heading out, and pretty comfortable temperatures! We are picking garden veggies, the fruit trees are beginning to produce, and there are plenty of evening hours to fit in lots of adventures. It is also a great month to fit in some preparedness planning as you make your adventures fit in with preparedness goals. The garden and orchard provide meals – and we can bottle or freeze for the storms ahead. Those camping and hiking trips can provide family togetherness – and some real time practice to see how we do with our outdoor cooking, no power nights, and conserving water. Let us use this wonderful month to add to our preparedness. Use TODAY to prepare for TOMORROW – with no regrets in how we used our time – to PREPARE!

Included in this month's newsletter:

Practical Preparedness Practice - a list of things to do this summer that will help you work on the twelve basic preparedness skills!

Disaster Preparedness - Looking Ahead - what would you do TODAY if tomorrow there was a disaster?

Spiritual Preparedness - Quote from President Oaks on simple practices to protect and strengthen you.

Looking for summer ideas? - Three references to other Back to Basics Newsletter issues for summertime ideas.

In the Southern Utah Garden -Busy June! - tips for things to do in June.

Cooking With Food Storage - ideas and recipes for summertime treats.

What does Cooking with Food Storage mean? Tips to make your food storage be the ingredients you need for your own recipes.

Provident Living - Double Duty - make the items stored on your shelves, the ones to make your own recipes.

Making Ends Meet - five principles of Economic Constancy to help you with your finances.

Click here for a complete copy of the June 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter.

May 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter

2026-04-29T23:05:00.002-06:00

Click here for a complete copy of the May 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter.

The “Merry Month of May” has been celebrated with poetry, song, May Day Celebrations, Maypole Braiding, and even more parties when another school year ends! It has been said that “May is proof that change can be beautiful,” and that May is “Blossoming one day at a time.” Truly those “April showers” brought “May flowers.” Just as the world explodes with color and fragrance this month as all the blossoming occurs, we can also plan for how our preparedness can continue to “blossom.” We plan now for harvests, prepare for canning, freezing, or drying, look for ways we can add to our preparedness, and teach others around us. Our preparedness is always “blossoming one day at a time.” We are never finished! It is an ongoing endeavor. Preparedness is not a destination, but rather a way of life. May your month of May be filled with blossoms all around – both in the yard and in the food storage room!

Included in this month's newsletter:

Spice it up - Avoid Diet Fatigue - ideas for adding expanded storage items to basic storage to give a greater variety for your family meals.

Planning for Canning - now is the time to get equipment ready for summer canning. This list gives suggestions of things you might need.

In the Southern Utah Garden - tips for the may yard and garden

Spiritual Preparedness - a quote from Dieter F Uchtdorf on how Christ can help us in our lives.

Cooking with Food Storage: Mother's Day Treats - recipes from your storage shelves for Old Bottled Fruit Cake, Breakfast Cake, and Mom's Best Brownies.

Spring Weeds - Using the Dandelion - ideas of things to do with dandelions and a recipe for Dandelion Jelly.

Lilac Pruning Tips (and other flowering bushes) - lilacs are pruned after they have finished blooming. This gives you a series of tips to help keep your bush healthy and flowering next year!

Click here for a complete copy of the May 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter.

April 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter

2026-03-30T22:51:00.007-06:00

Click here for a complete copy of the April 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter.

April has arrived bringing with it Easter celebrations and the new life of spring. Flowers are greeting us everywhere, and for some of us they are a little early! But spring is always a welcome season as we plant our gardens and tend to the blooms. Spring is the season we “begin with the end in mind,” especially when we plant our future harvest! All areas of preparedness benefit by looking forward to what you hope to accomplish - that final hopeful outcome. Do you want to be ready to keep the lights on, drink water, feed a family, and keep them safe? Then begin with that end in mind. This is the perfect month to start anew or continue on. It is the perfect month to be prepared!

Included in this month's newsletter:

Disaster Prep - general guidelines for all emergencies and specific things to do BEFORE an earthquake!

Practice Makes Perfect - Drills baby drills! Tips and info for holding disaster drills.

In the Southern Utah Garden - planting and growing tips for April.

Provident Living - Money Saving Easter Eggs - recipes and ideas for coloring eggs this year.

Spring Chickens! Chores for the hen house - a list of "spring cleaning" items for your chickens.

Cooking with Food Storage - Easter Picnic Style - recipes for salads and cakes that are from ingredients that can be on your storage shelves.

Spiritual Preparedness - quote from Dallin H Oaks to help us listen to the Holy Ghost and draw closer to Jesus Christ.

Click here for a complete copy of the April 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter.

March 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter

2026-02-27T15:55:00.001-07:00

Click here for a complete copy of the March 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter.

Spring has sprung – and in the west it seems like winter only made a short visit! As we “March” right into the new month- there are plenty of preparedness tasks to be mindful of. March celebrates St Patrick’s Day – and we can tap into that “luck ‘o the Irish” as we plant seeds and plan for a summer harvest. Now is the time we lay the foundation as we prepare the soil, plant the seeds, and prepare for the summer harvest and eventual winter storms. This applies to our gardens, but also to all temporal and spiritual preparedness. Take the opportunity of today to prepare for tomorrow. Take stock of your food and emergency supplies. Plant a garden. Plan for preserving the harvest. Include daily prayers and scripture study in your routine. Attend the temple regularly. Whatever that “preparation” looks like for you and your family - just Be Prepared!

Included in this month's newsletter:

Got Milk? - Amounts and tips for storing a basic milk supply.

Disaster Prep: Today While the Sun Shines! - Thoughts and a suggestion list - of "daily tasks" that could be a game changer in case of a disaster.

Spiritual Preparedness - Quotes from President Russel M Nelson and President Ezra Taft Benson that encourage us in our gospel living and spiritual preparedness.

In the Southern Utah Garden - Planting and garden/yard chores for this month.

Cooking with Food Storage - What's for Breakfast? - Recipes for Breakfast Peach Crisp, Biscuits, and Wheat Berry Cereal.

Food Storage - Quantity for each Family Member - A list according to a variety of ages for amounts to store for a one year supply.

Food Storage Helps - Includes a link to "The Food Guys" online food calculator to figure storage amounts specific to YOUR family!

A Blast from the Past! - Two quotes from President Ezra Taft Benson to help us take a hard look at ourselves and where we are in our food storage endeavors.

Click here for a complete copy of the March 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter.

February 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter

2026-01-30T20:53:00.001-07:00

Click here for a complete copy of the February 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter.

February is the month of love! They say love is spelled T-I-M-E. The time we spend with loved ones does show our love! But love could also be spelled P.R.E.P.A.R.E.D.N.E.S.S. This valentine giving time of year is a great time to consider how each of us are caring for our loved ones. So many disasters and unexpected life events can catch us off guard. The world is filled with uncertainty and evil seems to be growing. But we have long been warned to Be Prepared! When the sudden winter storms arrive, an earthquake, or even a lost job – we do not have to scramble at the last minute! We can follow the prophetic counsel of over 100 years – and be ready for whatever life hands to us! Let us “show the love” for our families and prepare every needful thing!

Included in this month's newsletter:

Legumes: Use Your Bean! - Info for storing beans as a long term storage item, and ideas of things to make.

Provident Living - ideas to help save money!

Spiritual Preparedness - Quote from Elder Mark D Eddy on being spiritually prepared.

Words of the Wise - a Quote from Elder L Tom Perry on the seriousness of being prepared.

In the Southern Utah Garden - tips for the Feb to March garden. Includes planting times, and references to previous Back to Basics Newsletters.

Fuel Storage - tips to help you store fuel for heating and cooking.

Cooking with Food Storage - Valentine Treats from your shelves! Recipes for Rolled sugar cookies, three variations of pudding, and a Pinto Cream Pie.

Disaster Prep - Groover. Portable Emergency Toilet instructions.

Click here for a complete copy of the February 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter.

January 2026 Back to Basics Newsletter

2025-12-30T16:03:00.003-07:00

Click here for a complete copy of the January 2026 back to Basics Newsletter.

It’s a new Year – filled with all the opportunities New Beginnings bring! We set New Year Resolutions, and plan for the upcoming year activities and projects. SO why not make this THE YEAR you also get prepared? Maybe you have been saying you wanted to get more prepared. That you wanted a better food storage and needed to update those emergency supplies. Make this THAT year! Every month there are ideas in the Back to Basic Newsletters to keep you informed and encouraged! There is no time like the present! As Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “This time, like all times, is a very good one, if we but know what to do with it.”

Let us make 2026 a Year of Preparedness!

Included in this month's newsletter:

New Year - Old List. Ideas for a three month supply, and a basic food list for one person for one year.
Disaster Prep - Food, Power, Light, Water. Things to remember so we can prepare "every needful thing."
Spiritual Preparedness - a quote from President Russell M Nelson to remind us to do whatever it takes to increase our spiritual capacity to receive personal revelation.
In the Southern Utah Garden - time to Prevent, Plan, Plant, Prepare, and Prune. Reference to a second newsletter for pruning instructions.
New Year Resolutions - Preparedness Habits. a list of tasks and habits to help you be prepared for any disaster.
Cooking with Food Storage - recipes for hot cocoa, flour tortillas, and bottled beans. Reference to a second newsletter for winter soup recipes included.
Wintering Chickens - Live Storage. Tips to keep the flock healthy and laying this winter. includes a list of of four favorite /recommended breeds.

Click here for a complete copy of the January 2026 back to Basics Newsletter.

December 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter

2025-12-01T16:15:00.002-07:00

Click here for a complete copy of the December 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.

December ushers in “the most wonderful time of the year!” Carols proclaim it and children of all ages agree. The garden has gone to sleep, and the cozy fires inside draw us near. The harvest has been gathered in - so the winter storms can begin! Those winter storms may be literal, or just the trials life brings. Either way we can endure, and maybe even enjoy the storms, as we are prepared. This month’s Christmas celebrations and gift giving provide a great time for us to help those we love and live near to add to their preparedness. May your Christmas giving help your family and others have a Preparedness Christmas! Making extra efforts today will pay off with the peace of preparedness tomorrow!

Included in this month's Back to Basics Newsletter:

Preparedness Tomorrows - What If? If tomorrow all you had to eat for the near future was what you had in the house today - how would your family do? Heres a list to consider.

A Preparedness Christmas: Ideas for the Gift of Preparedness in emergency, food and first aid categories.

The Southern Utah Garden: Things to do in December for your garden

Cooking with Food Storage - Old Fashioned Christmas Treats: Recipes with items that can be on your storage shelves for Molasses Candy, Carmel Corn, Pecan Brittle and Christmas Bran Muffins.

Basic Grain Storage - Wheat: A list to help you in your wheat storage.

Spiritual and Temporal Preparedness: Quotes from Elder L Tom Perry and President Spencer W Kimball to inspire and encourage our preparedness.

Click here for a complete copy of the December 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.

November 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter

2025-10-31T09:34:00.001-06:00

Click here for a complete copy of the November 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.

November is here! The southern Utah views are filled with beautiful fall leaves that seem to make the air glow golden! A flannel shirt feels cozy, and the smell of fall leaves, a morning fire, and the cool air fill each day. This is the month we can fill our thoughts and words with gratitude! We have been so blessed with a bounteous harvest, fall rains, and the opportunity to fill our shelves. Hopefully, we have been working diligently, so – as our thanksgiving month progresses - we can say, “All is safely gathered in, let the winter storms begin!” May each of us have a wonderful Thanksgiving season as we fill our lives with provident living and make preparedness a way of life!

Included in this month's newsletter:

Basic Grain Storage - Rice! Tips to use this great addition to food storage.

Provident Living - Small and Simple Things - a few items that are inexpensive that will make a big difference in your storage.

Questions Answered and Peace Promised - Elder Vaughn J Featherstone answers questions about sharing food storage, and the "what if" of someone breaking in to steal it!

In the Southern Utah Garden - Chores for your November yard and garden.

A Preparedness Thanksgiving Dinner - A list of items to store so your Thanksgiving dinner (and others like it) are already on the shelf! Included is a reference for Thanksgiving dinner recipes from food storage.

Using the Harvest: The Awesome Pomegranate - tips and recipes for your fall pomegranate harvest.

Getting Your Food Storage Now - In 1976, Elder Featherstone challenged members to get their food storage within one year. These are the tips he gave to be able to accomplish his challenge. Have we had "time" yet?

Click here for a complete copy of the November 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.

October 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter

2025-09-30T17:50:00.002-06:00

Click here for a complete copy of the October 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.

October is the month we can smell fall in the air! The wood stoves fire up, leaves show up in color and begin to fall, days are shorter, and nights are cold. It is the month we can relax a bit as the harvest is in, and gardens are put to rest. We can enjoy the fruits of our summer labors in the “bottled up garden” and other stored items. It is the perfect time to be sure we rotate our storage, so all that hard work does not spoil! And it is the perfect time to polish up any areas of preparedness that we can see needs improving. Preparedness is not a destination! It is just a way of life. It is always growing and resupplying. It is a self-reliant happiness! May you fill your autumn with the joys of your provident living endeavors!

Included in this month's Back to Basics Newsletter:

Provident Living - Winter Ready - a list of chores and ideas to help you be ready for winter!

Spiritual Preparedness - Honoring President Nelson - quotes from President Russell M. Nelson.

Basic Preparedness - Self-check questions for your family, so you are ready for any disaster!

In the Southern Utah Garden - tips for the October garden and yard.

Fall Pumpkins, Apples and Halloween! - ideas to use Jack-o-lanterns and recipes for Dinner in a pumpkin, Pumpkin cake, Caramel Apple Dip, and Halloween Makeup.

Disaster Prep - Active Shooter - instructions from Homeland Security on good practices for coping with an active shooter situation.

Click here for a complete copy of the October 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.

September 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter

2025-08-26T11:27:00.002-06:00

Click here for a complete copy of the September 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.

September brings so many wonderful things. Apples and fall harvests, back to school excitement, Friday night lights for the sports fan, pleasant weather, and shortened days. It is also the National Preparedness Month – which is designed to encourage and remind us all to be prepared for emergencies and disasters. It is the perfect time to take stock of our emergency preparedness, as well as our longer-term food storage. There are lots of fruits and veggies to still bottle, and case lot sales happening in local grocery stores. This month check your 72-hour kits, take the preparedness survey, make a plan with your family, and finish filling your storage shelves. There is no time like the present! Being prepared brings a great sense of satisfaction and provides peace for the family. This month is a great month to Be Prepared!

Included in this month's newsletter:

Family Preparedness Survey - a list of questions to give yourself a checkup on your personal level of emergency preparedness.

Disaster Prep Tips - ideas that are helpful in any disaster.

Spiritual Preparedness - a quote from President Russell M Nelson in 2020 on the importance of preparedness, especially spiritual and emotional.

In the Southern Utah Garden - a to-do list for September!

Cooking with Food Storage -Back to School Treats for the kids - recipes and ideas for yummy things to feed the kids (and grownups too!)

The 72-Hour (or more) kit - a list of things to include in your emergency bag. You might use this to bug out - or shelter in place!

Quotes - two short thoughts to encourage us to Be Prepared!

Click here for a complete copy of the September 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.

August 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter

2025-08-01T11:05:00.002-06:00

Click here for a complete copy of the August 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.

The “lazy days of summer” seem to be winding up faster than we planned. August has shown up rather quickly. It is a great month to enjoy the last of summer activities. Take advantage of the warm summer days and nights to star gaze, float the river, play night games, or just take a drive through the nearby wonders. As we “finish” the summer fun, let us remember to include a little more preparedness. Those camping trips and cookouts are practice for no power or water. The garden should be in full swing – and pretty much everything you grow can be preserved in one way or another for a winter meal. The world around us has so much upheaval – from volcanoes and earthquakes to political spats and corruption. But we can remember, as Ralph Waldo Emerson said, “This time, like all times, is a very good one, if we but know what to do with it.” Let us use this time to Be Prepared!

Included in this month's newsletter:

Disaster Prep - A Back-to-School Family Plan: tips to establish a family communication and travel plan for safety and disaster prep.

Better Late Than Never... Food Storage Catch-up: If you have procrastinated but are now thinking you should get a food storage - here are ideas to help you get going!

Spiritual Preparedness: Quotes from Elder Ronald Rasband and President Dallin H Oaks to remind us of the importance of preparedness. Includes a thought from President Spencer W Kimball.

In the Southern Utah Garden: tips for August chores in the garden, orchard and yard.

Disaster Prep- What level are you? Five levels of preparedness to help you give yourself a checkup.

Using the Harvest - How to Tips: ideas to freeze summer squash and dry peppers (including making a pepper powder.) Also past Back to Basics references for tomato and squash canning and recipes.

Provident Living - A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned: tips to save money in your home and keep belongings nice!

Click here for a complete copy of the August 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.

July 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter

2025-07-01T11:28:00.004-06:00

Click here for a complete copy of the July 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.

July brings the summer heat – but also well-loved celebrations for Country and State! Our Independence and Pioneer Day celebrations always bring parades, fireworks, BBQ’s, watermelon, and maybe homemade ice cream. We celebrate today, because of sacrifices from the past! What are we doing with that gift of freedom? We have the freedom in this country to Be Prepared! Some countries call food storage “hoarding,” and it is illegal! But here in America we can set aside for a rainy day. We can worship and be spiritually prepared as well. Our country’s founding fathers, and our religion’s forefathers, would expect us to take advantage of this promised land and the time in which we live! Let us not squander the freedoms that are ours. We can honor those who came before us as we are prepared! Preparedness truly IS a celebration of freedom!

Included in this month's newsletter:

Disaster Prep - Keep Your Cool! - Ideas to keep your home and family cool during summer power outages.

Cool Clear Water! Water! Water! a reminder to store a 2 week supply of water.

Provident Living - Saving Water - A list of ways to save water usage, and save money on the way!

Spiritual Preparedness - A quote from Elder Dale G Renlund on Christ's teaching of the importance of personal preparation to meet Him.

In the Southern Utah Garden - Tips for planting and caring for your garden, fruit trees, and lawn for the month of July.

Start at the Very Beginning: The Three-Month Supply Made Easy - - A suggested grocery list of supplies to establish a 3-month storage.

Using the Harvest - recipes for Fresh Peach Cobbler, Zucchini Brownies, Garden Veggie and Beef Fry, and Easy Homemade Ice Cream (and how to make it with a ziplock bag of ice!)

Click here for a complete copy of the July 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.

June 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter

2025-05-30T17:18:00.004-06:00

Click here for a complete copy of the June 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.

June is here – the beginning of a hopeful summer! It is a wonderful month, when the days are long, the nights are pleasant, and the temperature still mostly tolerable! This month we begin our harvest in gardens and orchards. It is not too late to plant more garden and even start on fall garden plans. This month we can freeze, bottle, or make jam from those juicy apricots, cherries, and plums. All to enjoy on a future winter day. June is the month we start on those family adventures. Be sure to include activities that help learn preparedness skills – like camping, hiking, outdoor cooking, and even some fishing. (Which is also relaxing even if you are baiting poles for all the kids!) Make it a summer of learning and learn a new skill – then teach it to your family. Make this a preparedness summer to remember.

Included in this months newsletter:

Food Storage: A Budget Tool - tips for how having a food storage cane save you money!

Summertime and the Livin' is Easy - ideas to make this a fun summer, and work on preparedness too.

In the Southern Utah Garden - a list of thing to do for June in the garden.

Using the Harvest: Apricots and Cherries: recipes to bottle or make jam from these June fruits.

Spiritual Preparedness - a quote from President Spencer W Kimball on getting sufficient spiritual oil.

Home Canning - tips to help you in your summer canning.

Click here for a complete copy of the June 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.

May 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter

2025-05-01T16:16:00.001-06:00

Click here for a complete copy of the May 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.

May has arrived, with all its beautiful flowers and mild weather! This month we celebrate May Day, Mother’s Day, and Memorial Day! May Day (May 1) traditionally marked the beginning of summer - halfway between spring equinox & summer solstice. Some places still have summer parties and braid the May Pole. On Mother’s Day we honor our mothers. We all have a mother! What a wonderful day to remember her and tell her thank you! And on Memorial Day we honor our deceased veterans. Many people also use this day to remember loved ones that have passed on as well. All these May celebrations involve honor and remembrance. We remember the sacrifices so many before us have made to give us the life we live today. One way we can honor and remember is in the way we live our lives. Let us show gratitude for the life we have been given from our mothers, our forefathers, and the lord - and fill this month with the provident living and self-reliance way-of-life that those who came before us led, to provide for us today. Let us Be Prepared as we enjoy the “Merry Month of May!”

Included in this month's newsletter:

H20 - Cool Clear Water! The most important thing you can store is water! Here are tips to help you in your storage.

Spiritual Preparedness: two quotes from President Russell M Nelson on being ready for the second coming of Jesus Christ!

In the Southern Utah Garden - tips for may with garden and yard. Included how-to tips for pruning flowering shrubs.

Cooking with Food Storage - recipes for Old Bottled Fruit Cake, Strawberry Jam, and tip for freezing strawberries.

Pandemic Panic Preventer: Preparedness!! - tips and list of items to store that will help in all disasters.

Provident Living - Double Duty - Uses of Baking Soda, Vinegar, WItch Hazel and Hair Spray, beyond the normal uses. "Two for the price of one!"

Click here for a complete copy of the May 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.

April 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter

2025-03-31T17:15:00.002-06:00

Click here for a complete copy of the April 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.

April showers bring May flowers! (And during this series of drought years – we need to pray for that April rain!) April is a wonderful month with everything greening up, flowers popping, and we finally get the rest of the garden in! This year we celebrate Easter in April and remember the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ. It is the perfect way to spend our spring. As we focus this month on the new life of spring and the resurrection, let us also honor Him with obedience to the law of preparedness. We have been told, “If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear.” It is a promise we do not want to miss out on. As the storms of weather, politics, economy, and evils, swirl around us, we can know that by gathering supplies, storing our food, and following the Lord, we have no need to fear!

Included in this month's newsletter:

Protecting your Food Storage Investment - a list of ideas and info to help give protection to your food storage.

Disaster Prep - Holding Drills - this is the month to hold a drill in your family!

Spiritual Preparedness - a quote from Elder Dallin H Oaks on preparing for the Second Coming.

In the Southern Utah Garden - things to plant and chores for April in the yard and garden.

Disaster Prep: When to turn off your gas at the meter? Info to help you keep your home safe from gas leaks.

Cooking with Food Storage - Easter Picnic Salads - recipes using items on the food storage shelf for fruit, potato, or Italian salad.

Provident Living - Easter Egg Tips - money saving tips to help dye Easter Eggs, and :Natural" ideas for ingredient colors.

Food Storage Tips - a list of things to help you in your food storage endeavors.

Click here for a complete copy of the April 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.

March 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter

2025-02-28T14:35:00.000-07:00

Click here for a complete copy of the March 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.

March may come “marching” in like a gentle lamb and blow out like a fierce lion, or vice-versa! You just never know! The only thing that is sure is – March is not predictable! And that is exactly how life is. Just unpredictable. This is the reason we have been admonished to be prepared! We cannot sit around and hope for “The Luck o’ the Irish” (the wish that comes with St Patrick’s Day!) We have to be prepared for “every needful thing.” As we put food storage on the shelves, fill the freezer, pack a 72-hour kit, and sharpen our self-sufficiency skills, we are able to say, as Elder Joseph B Worthlin did, “Come what may and love it!” Preparedness is something we do not want to procrastinate! We never know when a storm may blow in or how long it will stay! Having the “Luck o’ the Irish” really does depend on the effort and work behind the Pot of Gold!

Included in this month's newsletter:

Chicken Time - Live Storage - tips to get your onw flock of egg layers going!

The Chicken Farmer's Favorites - a list of breeds experience recommends.

Spiritual Preparedness -a quote from President Russell M Nelson on preparing for the 2nd coming of our savior Jesus Christ.

In the Southern Utah Garden -tips for your garden and yard this month.

Cooking with Food Storage - Using Rice: tips and recipes for rice.

Disaster Prep: Sheltering In - basic tips for sheltering in, and specific for chemical leak or hazardous air quality.

Provident Living Tips: ideas to save you money or make life easier.

Click here for a complete copy of the March 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.

February 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter

2025-01-31T12:56:00.001-07:00

Click here for a complete copy of the February 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.

It’s February – and “love is in the air.” Not just because it is the month of Valentines Day with the cards, candy, and flowers, or pink pancakes and “heart attack” doors – but also because it’s the perfect month to show your family some love! Preparedness style! Taking care of our loved ones IS an expression of love. This month we can get our gardens going (if you are in the right climate) and plant some indoor seeds to save on gardening costs. You can make plans for disasters and find the items you need to be ready for whatever comes our way. This world is filled with commotion, as has been prophesied. But we have also been promised that “If ye are Prepared, ye shall not fear.” If we are prepared, we are ready to say, as Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin’s mother taught him:” Come what may, and love it!” We have ring-side seats for these last days! Let us show the love, Be Prepared, and sit back to enjoy the ride!

Included in this month's newsletter:

Preparedness - By Small and Simple Things - ideas of items that have low cost - but high value!

Disaster Prep - Keeping Your Fridge and Freezer Cold - what to do when the power is out to keep your fridge and freezer going - and to dry or can if you cannot keep things cold.

In the Southern Utah Garden - tips for the February garden, inside and out!

Cooking with Food Storage - Easy Casseroles - multiple casseroles from one recipe and four boxes.

Spiritual Prep - Begin With the End in Mind - President M Russell Ballard teaches us about setting goals.

Know Your Disasters- Sign up for Alerts - a list of tips for disasters, and a link to sign up for alerts.

Click here for a complete copy of the February 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.

January 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter

2025-01-01T21:36:00.001-07:00

Click here for a complete copy of the January 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.

January has arrived! Father Time has passed on his wisdom, and Baby New Year slid right in! It is hard to believe it is 2025! Each new year brings the annual “New Year Resolutions” – which is also a great time to review lists and renew efforts for all of our preparedness endeavors. This month, take inventory of your food storage, and make a plan to update it, or how to better rotate that investment. Try some “new” ideas – like making your home an “ingredient household” – to help you to use your food storage. If you are searching for extra space – check out the ideas in this newsletter to add storage behind doors or even in a hallway. As you set your 2025 goals, be sure to add preparedness to the list!

Included in this month's newsletter:

New Year - Old Lists! A summary of basic one year storage amounts, and a list of items to include in a 3-month supply.

New Year Resolutions - Be and Ingredient Household - what this means and why we should do it!

Words to Live By - A Prophetic Quote - a quote from Elder Christopher Waddell reminding us that sacrifice must be made to establish a food storage.

In the Southern Utah Garden - things to do for January including an idea for a compost bin, and a reference for pruning tips.

Finding Rooms for Food Storage - ideas to find or make space to store your food!

Cooking with Food Storage - ideas and recipes to make your food storage into quick snacks and fast food!

Click here for a complete copy of the January 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.

December 2024 Back to Basics Newsletter

2024-11-27T16:21:00.004-07:00

Click here for a complete copy of the December 2024 Back to Basics.

December is here! “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” Christmas time provides opportunity for extra service, love, and goodwill to all men! There is peace and wonder all around. We see it in the lights, decorations, parties and concerts. Sometimes we can get so “wrapped up” in the hustle and bustle, that we forget that “Jesus is the reason for the season.” This year let us find Christ in every activity that we do. We can listen for the message of His birth and life in concerts and music all around. As we shop for presents we can emulate the wise men bringing gifts, or the Savior and the greatest gift of all. The long winter nights are the perfect time to read stories and sing songs as a family that bring our hearts together and turn us to Christ. Christmas giving is also the perfect time to help our families with temporal and spiritual preparedness. May you use this Christmas season to add to the preparedness of family and friend’s shelves and hearts, and spread that to the poor and needy around us. May you use this Christmas to truly bring Christ into the season.

Included in this month's newsletter:

A Preparedness Christmas - ideas for gift giving that help others get more prepared.

Baking Soda - The Storage Room's Secret Weapon - Ideas to use Baking soda in the kitchen, medicinally and cleaning and household uses.

In the Southern Utah Garden - tips for December.

Spiritual Preparedness - Christmas Joy - a quote by M Russell Ballard on things to do to bring peace and joy.

Cooking with Food Storage - Make-a-mix - basic quick mix and recipes to make Madeline's Christmas Muffins, Christmas Morning Pancakes, and Santa's Sugar Cookies.

First Aid Kit - Disaster and Daily Living Prep - a list of items to put in a first aid kit.

Christmas Treats - a suggestion of past newsletters with yummy Christmas treat recipes.

Click here for a complete copy of the December 2024 Back to Basics.

November 2024 Back to Basics Newsletter

2024-10-31T10:00:00.000-06:00

Click here for a complete copy of the November 2024 Back to Basics Newsletter.

November is the “Thankful” month! Beautiful fall days still abound, with a few hints of winter dispersed throughout. Of course the annual Thanksgiving Dinner – complete with family and fun – is looked forward to. Many families will trek “over the river and through the woods” to grandmother’s house! As we gather, let us remember that we live in a world with so much to be thankful for! Even as the world around us seems to be disintegrating, there are many aspects of these “last days” to fill us with gratitude. One way we can show our gratitude is by keeping the commandments! At this “end of harvest” time of year – we can focus on keeping the commandment to Be Prepared. Hopefully your storage shelves are full of items to make a Thanksgiving dinner. If they are not, let that be a goal. Establish a preparedness life – a life of provident living – where you have prepared “Every Needful Thing.” Let us be thankful by being prepared - so we can all say, “All is safely gathered in!”

Included in this months newsletter:

Rotation Rotation Rotation! - A list of tips to keep your food storage from spoiling by using a good rotation method.

I Can't Afford It - A testimonial by a sister who started over from nothing to get her food storage. It includes a wonderful Quote from Elder Featherstone.

Preparedness Prophecies - A quote from President Hinckley after the attack on the world trade centers reminding us of years of prophecies concerning our food storage.

In the Southern Utah Garden - Tips for the November yard and garden.

Unexpected Disaster Prep - Tips from regular "life living" that help you Be Prepared.

A Food Storage Thanksgiving - Recipes and tips for a dinner straight from your storage shelves.

Storing Expanded Item "Ingredients" - Items you need to add to your basic long term storage.

Click here for a complete copy of the November 2024 Back to Basics Newsletter.

October 2024 Back to Basics Newsletter

2024-10-01T11:38:00.004-06:00

Click here for a complete copy of the October 2024 Back to Basics Newsletter.

October is when we know fall has arrived! The weather changes, first frost arrives, the harvest is in, and a fire in the fireplace starts a cold morning. The weather may send flurries of leaves dancing down the street, or require an open window to cool off a surprise warm afternoon. It’s a favorite season for hunters, hikers, and sport enthusiasts alike. Its roundup and branding for the rancher, and harvest finishing for the farmer. It’s also the perfect season to be sure “all is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin” in our own homes. Now is a great time to store a sack of potatoes and a box of apples for winter. You could finish up that applesauce, or bottle a few more pears. Perhaps it is one more trip to a case lot sale, or the church’s Home Storage Center. Whatever you do – use this time wisely! We have seen across the county how quickly a disaster creates a need that, if people are prepared can be easily addressed. But if they are not, it is frightening and difficult. Choose to Be Prepared TODAY!

Included in this newsletter:

Real Life Lessons from Hurricane Helene - a list of things a variety of people in the middle of the disaster said they needed to have.

Preparation Smorgasbord - a variety of thoughts and ideas to consider as you prepare.

In the Southern Utah Garden - tasks for October for your garden, trees, and yard.

Cooking with Food Storage and Provident Living - ideas to use your pumpkins at the end of the month including dinner in a pumpkin. Recipe for Homemade Halloween makeup.

Preparedness Warnings - two quotes to give major incentive for getting ourselves prepared!

Don't Forget - reminder for fall rotations and activities.

The Doctor is In...Dr. Mom that is! - home remedies to help avoid a visit to the doctor office.

Click here for a complete copy of the October 2024 Back to Basics Newsletter.