PREPAREDNESS MATTERS

Cooking with Basic Food Storage: Black Beans With Rice

2011-06-14T11:33:00.003-04:00

This is a quick pantry meal, perfect for those days that you don't have time to go to the store for ingredients. You can also used dried beans from your food storage if you plan ahead. The equivalent to a 15-ounce can is about 1 2/3 cups of beans. Just soak beans overnight, cook 1 cup of dried and measure out 1 2/3 cups. You will have a little extra.

Black Beans and Rice
3/4 cup uncooked white rice

2 cups water

1 (15 ounce) can black beans; drain and reserve liquid

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 1/2 teaspoons dried cilantro (fresh is even better if you have it on hand.)

Directions

1.Bring a medium size pot of water to a boil, add rice. Bring back to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Let rice simmer 15-20 minutes, until tender.

2.Place beans and rice in a medium size saucepan. Heat over a medium heat, stirring frequently. Stir in reserved bean liquid as needed. Remove pan from heat and stir in lemon juice, garlic powder and cilantro. Let sit a moment, and stir in fresh oregano. Serve immediately.

Yield: 2 servings

Source: allrecipes.com

Disaster Preparedness: How to Prepare for and Respond to a Tornado Warning

2011-05-27T14:09:00.000-04:00

On Monday night, our family hunkered down in our basement storage room during an extremely rare tornado warning in our area. After the devastating tornadoes that have been pummeling the U.S. this spring, we made sure to follow the directions of the weather service and seek shelter. Thankfully, although a funnel cloud was spotted nearby, a tornado didn't touch down in our area and we experienced no damage but we did realize we should be better prepared for the next time. The kids had a great time building a "base camp" out of blankets and eating crunchy chow mein noodles from food storage so hopefully they'll have a positive memory of our experience. This event did make us realize that everyone everywhere should be prepared for a tornado. With that in mind, I found this information on the FEMA website and thought I'd share it with you.

What are Tornadoes?

Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms. Spawned from powerful thunderstorms, tornadoes can cause fatalities and devastate a neighborhood in seconds. A tornado appears as a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground with whirling winds that can reach 300 miles per hour. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. Every state is at some risk from this hazard.
Some tornadoes are clearly visible, while rain or nearby low-hanging clouds obscure others. Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that little, if any, advance warning is possible.
Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still. A cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel is not visible. Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado.
The following are facts about tornadoes:
•They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.

•They may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.

•The average tornado moves Southwest to Northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.

•The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 MPH, but may vary from stationary to 70 MPH.

•Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.

•Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.

•Tornadoes are most frequently reported east of the Rocky Mountains during spring and summer months.

•Peak tornado season in the southern states is March through May; in the northern states, it is late spring through early summer.

•Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., but can occur at any time.

What to do Before a Tornado

Be alert to changing weather conditions.

•Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information.

•Look for approaching storms

•Look for the following danger signs:

◦Dark, often greenish sky

◦Large hail

◦A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)

◦Loud roar, similar to a freight train.

If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.

What to do during a tornado warning

If you are under a tornado WARNING, seek shelter immediately! Do the following depending upon where you are:
In a structure (e.g. residence, small building, school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building):

Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.

A vehicle, trailer, or mobile home:

Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes.

The outside with no shelter:

Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.

Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter.
Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

Source: http://www.fema.gov/hazard/tornado/index.shtm

Cooking With Basic Food Storage: Simple and Foolproof Honeywheat Bread

2011-05-27T13:43:00.003-04:00

Honeywheat Bread

3 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)

2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast

1/3 cup honey

5 cups bread flour

3 tablespoons butter, melted

1/3 cup honey

1 tablespoon salt

3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1. In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and 1/3 cup honey. Add 5 cups white bread flour, and stir to combine. Let set for 30 minutes, or until big and bubbly.

2. Mix in 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1/3 cup honey, and salt. Stir in 2 cups whole wheat flour. Flour a flat surface and knead with whole wheat flour until not real sticky - just pulling away from the counter, but still sticky to touch. This may take an additional 2 to 4 cups of whole wheat flour. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to coat the surface of the dough. Cover with a dishtowel. Let rise in a warm place until doubled.

3. Punch down, and divide into 3 loaves. Place in greased 9 x 5 inch loaf pans, and allow to rise until dough has topped the pans by one inch.

4. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 25 to 30 minutes; do not overbake. Lightly brush the tops of loaves with 2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine when done to prevent crust from getting hard. Cool completely

Variations:

To make cinnamon raisin bread, roll it out, sprinkle a little water on it then sprinkle about 1/2 cup cinnamon / sugar mixture and lots of raisins on top. Roll it back up tightly and pinch the ends together.

You can also have put a little more whole wheat flour and less bread flour to make it healthier.

Source: Allrecipes.com, STibbs photo

Financial Preparedness: Seven Ways to Boost Your Savings

2011-05-17T09:47:00.000-04:00

Many Americans do not understand how to manage and save their money. But this problem can easily be solved through education. If you feel that you need to better control money, getting started may be easier than you think – here are some tips to boost your savings. We must learn to invest in ourselves. After all, aren’t we worth it?

1. Stick to cash: When you're shopping or eating out, use cash instead of credit cards. A recent study showed that people spent 47% more money when they used a credit card instead of cash. You can use the extra money to jump start your savings.

2. Set a monthly savings goal and invest that amount each month: Create some special savings funds. Contribute to them monthly and have the money directly deposited in your funds if possible. If your employer has a 401k plan, take advantage of the companies' match. Most employers match fifty cents to each dollar you save up to six percent. This is free money. Even if your employer has stopped making contributions, it's still a good idea for you to save in a 401k plan. If you are already contributing to your 401k, try to increase the amount you save in it.

3. Wheel and deal: Go over every bill and start haggling. Request lower interest rates from your credit card companies, ask companies to give you new customer promotions and threaten to switch if they don't. You'll be surprised how much money you may be able to save. A friend who recently lost his job called his internet/cable/phone provider and after attempting to cancel service was offered a significanly lower rate. It's worth taking the time to ask for help lowering your bills. I often call my telephone company and ask them if I am on the cheapest plan. Almost every time I call, I end up saving money on future phone bills.

4. Learn to say no to your kids: Many children have little or no understanding of the value of a dollar. Say no when your kids want something and encourage them to earn the money or to contribute some of their own money toward the purchase. That way, they're not getting something for nothing and you'll get work out of them or save the portion of the money that they are required to contribute.

5. Refinance your mortgage or lower your housing costs: Interest rates are at historic lows. Money experts recommend you spend no more that 33 percent of your income on housing. If you are spending more than that, consider making a change in your housing situation if at all possible.

6. Track your spending: There are several websites where you can securely upload bills, credit cards and savings. These websites will then slot your spending into categories and allow you to view them in easy-to-read graphics. If you follow your money, you'll be able to find ways to save and will spend less. Check out Kiplinger's slide show which gives a snapshot of some of the most popular money management sites:

http://www.kiplinger.com/tools/slideshows/slideshow_pop.html?nm=BudgetingSites2010

7. Save extra money that comes your way: Did you receive a raise, a bonus or a tax refund? Save it rather than spend it away into oblivion.

Disaster Preparedness: What to do Before an Earthquake

2011-04-13T10:34:00.002-04:00

Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake. Repairing deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations, anchoring overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling, and following local seismic building standards, will help reduce the impact of earthquakes.

Six Ways to Plan Ahead

Check for Hazards in the Home

Fasten shelves securely to walls.
Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.
Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit.
Brace overhead light fixtures.
Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.
Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.
Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.
Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.

Identify Safe Places Indoors and Outdoors

Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
Against an inside wall.
Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.
In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.

Educate Yourself and Family Members

Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on earthquakes. Also read the "How-To Series" for information on how to protect your property from earthquakes.
Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.

Have Disaster Supplies on Hand

Flashlight and extra batteries.
Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries.
First aid kit and manual.
Emergency food and water.
Nonelectric can opener.
Essential medicines.
Cash and credit cards.
Sturdy shoes.

Develop an Emergency Communication Plan

In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster.
Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.

Help Your Community Get Ready

Publish a special section in your local newspaper with emergency information on earthquakes. Localize the information by printing the phone numbers of local emergency services offices, the American Red Cross, and hospitals.
Conduct a week-long series on locating hazards in the home.
Work with local emergency services and American Red Cross officials to prepare special reports for people with mobility impairments on what to do during an earthquake.
Provide tips on conducting earthquake drills in the home.
Interview representatives of the gas, electric, and water companies about shutting off utilities.
Work together in your community to apply your knowledge to building codes, retrofitting programs, hazard hunts, and neighborhood and family emergency plans.

Source: FEMA

Cooking with Basic Food Storage: Brownies made from Black Beans

2011-03-30T13:18:00.000-04:00

I found this recipe for brownies made from black beans on pinchingyourpennies.com and thought I'd share it. If you try it, let me know what you think!

Mayme's Dark Fudge Brownies

This sneaky recipe has drawn rave reviews. Imagine peoples' surprise when they learn that black beans are the secret ingredient. One of these brownies has the same amount of fiber as a slice of whole wheat bread.

1 (15-ounce) can unseasoned black beans (Or if you're using dried beans, a 15-ounce can is about 1 2/3 cups of beans. Just soak beans overnight, cook 1 cup of dried and measure out 1 2/3 cups. You will have a little extra.)

4 ounces unsweetened chocolate

1 tablespoon light butter

6 egg whites

2 cups sugar

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons rich cocoa powder

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9- X 13-inch pan with nonstick vegetable spray. Place the beans in a colander and rinse thoroughly under running water to remove "slime"; set aside and drain.

Place the chocolate and light butter in a small microwavable bowl. Microwave for 60 to 90 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.

In a food processor or blender add the drained beans and 2 egg whites. Blend or process until smooth. Make sure beans are smooth (like frosting) or you will taste them in the brownies.

In a large bowl combine the bean puree, sugar, flour, cocoa powder, and the remaining egg whites. With an electric mixer, beat until well combined. Mix in the melted chocolate.

Pour the brownie mixture into a prepared pan. Sprinkle the walnuts on top of the brownie batter. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the brownie pulls away from the sides of the pan.

Cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars- rows of six by five.

Source: http://www.pinchingyourpennies.com/forums/showthread.php?s=9368e88582a6453853757bd2adc765f2&t=20639&page=2

Provident Living: Stores that accept competitors' coupons and will match prices

2011-03-21T16:10:00.001-04:00

Recently, our family was in the market for some appliances. My husband got an unbelievable deal by getting prices from several stores and making the other stores match or beat their prices. Now you can do the same! Here is a list of stores that will accept competitors' coupons and may match prices. See individual store websites for complete coupon/price matching policies.

Grocery Stores

Harris Teeter
Lowes Foods
Giant

Home Improvement Stores

Home Depot
Lowes
Menards

Big-Box Stores

Walmart

Craft Stores

AC Moore
Jo-Ann
Michael's

Office Supply Stores

Office Depot
Office Max
Staples

Pet Stores

Petco
Petsmart

Source: about.com

Cooking with Basic Food Storage: Panera Bread Black Bean Soup

2011-03-16T10:19:00.002-04:00

I love Panera Bread. It is a delicious restaurant near my home. Since I've been on a diet, I usually order Black Bean Soup because it's low-cal, tasty and the fiber keeps me full through the afternoon. I realized this morning that I could use black beans from my food storage and make my own "Panera-like" soup and looked for a recipe online. Sure enough, I found one! FYI: Generally dried beans expand between 2 - 2 1/2 times when cooked. A 15-ounce can is about 1 2/3 cups of beans. Just cook 1 cup of dried and measure out 1 2/3 cups. You will have a little extra.

Black Bean Soup

1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
1/4 large red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 small chicken bouillon cubes
1 -1 1/2 cup boiling water
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, undrained (or approximately 1 2/3 c cooked black beans)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 lemon, juice of
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

In a pot, combine the first six ingredients; simmer for 10 minutes. Add half a can of beans, salt and cumin; cook for 5 minutes. Puree soup (I use an immersion blender which makes it easy to do it right in the pot).
Add the rest of the beans to the soup. Combine the cornstarch with 1 1/2 tablespoons of water. Add the lemon and the cornstarch to the soup; cook until thickened.

Source: food.com

Lessons from the Earthquake and Tsunami

2011-03-15T09:37:00.001-04:00

The images of the earthquake and subsequent tsunami in Japan have sobered me and reminded me once again how important it is to be prepared for major disasters. I was happy to see an excellent article written on Everyday Food Storage entitled "Lessons You Can Learn from Japan's Earthquake." Please take a few minutes to watch the clip and read the article then do something to prepare for a disaster in your area.

http://everydayfoodstorage.net/2011/03/12/lessons-to-learn-from-japans-earthquake/food-storage-recipes#

Also, here is a post from this blog which tells you what to do before and after an earthquake:
http://preparednessmatters.blogspot.com/2007/09/emergency-disaster-preparedness.html

Sources: Image: Fox News; Article: everydayfoodstorage.net

Cooking with Basic Food Storage: Yummy Whole Wheat Pasta

2011-03-01T09:09:00.002-05:00

Have you ever eaten homemade pasta? It is to die for. . . so much better than the kind you buy at the store. Here is a recipe for whole wheat pasta using your food storage. Enjoy!

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
4 eggs
2 teaspoons olive oil

Stir together the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour and salt in a medium bowl, or on a clean board. Make a hollow in the center, and pour in the olive oil. Break eggs into it one at a time, while mixing quickly with a fork until the dough is wet enough to come together. Knead on a lightly floured surface until the dough is stiff and elastic. Cover, and let stand for 30 minutes to relax.

Roll out dough by hand with a rolling pin, or use a pasta machine to achieve the desired thickness of noodles. Cut into desired width and shapes. Allow the pasta to air dry for at least 15 minutes to avoid having it clump together. To cook fresh pasta, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the pasta, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Fresh pasta cooks very quickly. It will float to the surface when fully cooked. Drain, and use as desired.

Source: allrecipes.com

Cooking with Basic Food Storage: Cherry Almond Granola

2011-02-08T11:07:00.001-05:00

This mouthwatering granola concoction is great for snacking or as an ice cream or yogurt topping. Mmmm! Enjoy!

Cherry Almond Granola

3 Cups rolled oats
1 Cup slivered almonds
¼ Cup, plus 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
¼ Cup, plus 2 tablespoons honey
¼ Cup Vegetable oil
¾ tsp salt
1 Cup {or more} dried cherries
1 small package slivered almonds

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. In a large bowl, combine oats, cherries, nuts and brown sugar. In a separate bowl, combine honey, oil and salt. Combine both mixtures and pour onto a jelly roll pan. Cook for 1 hour and 15 min., stirring every 15 minutes. Allow to cool and store in an air tight container.

Sources: Recipe: Alton Brown, Photo: Kate @ The Gaines Gang

Emergency Preparedness: Keep refrigerated and frozen food from spoiling during a power outage

2011-02-07T12:50:00.001-05:00

I live in the Eastern United States and we have been hit hard this year by multiple ice storms and big snowstorms. People often lose power because of downed trees during and after winter storms and severe weather. How can you prepare to keep your refrigerated and frozen food from spoiling? Preparedness Pantry had some great ideas:

• Keep an appliance thermometer in the refrigerator and freezer. An appliance thermometer will indicate the temperature inside the refrigerator and freezer in case of a power outage and help determine the safety of the food.

• Make sure the freezer is at 0°F or below and the refrigerator is at 40°F or below.

• Freeze containers of water for ice to help keep food cold in the freezer, refrigerator or coolers after the power is out.

• Freeze refrigerated items such as leftovers, milk and fresh meat and poultry that you may not need immediately — this helps keep them at a safe temperature longer.

• Have coolers on hand to keep refrigerator food cold if the power will be out for more than 4 hours. Purchase or make ice cubes and store in the freezer for use in the refrigerator or in a cooler. Freeze gel packs ahead of time for use in coolers.

• Group food together in the freezer — this helps the food stay cold longer.

Steps to follow after the weather emergency:

• Keep the refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to maintain the cold temperature.

• The refrigerator will keep food safely cold for about 4 hours if it is unopened. A full freezer will hold the temperature for approximately 48 hours (24 hours if it is half full) and the door remains closed.

• Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, soft cheeses, milk, eggs, leftovers and deli items after 4 hours without power.

• Food may be safely refrozen if it still contains ice crystals or is at 40° F or below when checked with a food thermometer.

• Never taste a food to determine its safety!

• When in Doubt, Throw it Out!

Here's another great article from the blog to help you prepare for power outages:

http://preparednessmatters.blogspot.com/2007/09/emergency-disaster-preparedness-power.html

Source: http://preparednesspantry.blogspot.com/

Improving Your Internet Security

2011-02-05T19:06:00.003-05:00

"I just got a free ipad. Check it out. Click here." or "LOL. What are you doing in this video?" or "I am in England and my wallet was stolen. Please send me money so I can get home." Have you encountered any of these internet scams? I have seen them all and many, many more. If you click on the link, you will then send that message or one even worse to all your friend's e-mail accounts via facebook. So what can you do to prevent this from happening to you?

First, don't click on links unless you're certain they are taking you to a legitimate video or link. If in doubt, don't click. Sometimes, I will message the friend and ask if it's a legitimate link but in general, I don't bite. Second, make your passwords for internet sites more difficult to hack.

According to an internet security expert, hackers use computer programs which go through the entire dictionary to find words in your passwords. He suggests that if you're going to use a word in your password, put a number in the middle of it. If you have a hard time remembering your password, use the same one everywhere, just change the first two letters. For example, use the first two letters of the website you are accessing (For example am5happ13y for Amazon.com, fa5happ13y for Facebook.com, eb5happ13y for ebay.com, etc.) Hackers also use personal information such as names, children's names, personal and family birthdates and anniversaries to try and crack your password so avoid using them when creating a password. This information can often be found in public records. Using symbols in the password, rather than numbers also improves password security.

You can do other things to protect yourself while surfing. Invest in a security program like McAfee or Norton. These programs remove many of the threats to your security and are well-worth the investment. In addition, I have a friend who has an e-mail account which she uses to access websites and receive online offers which is separate from her personal e-mail. My sister has an e-mail account solely for facebook notifications and correspondence.   If you have any other ideas, please share them.

Frugality: An Unemployed Single Mom Learns to Live on Less

2011-01-24T12:49:00.000-05:00

I enjoyed this article which describes the challenges and blessings of frugal living due to unemployment. Since so many are unemployed right now, I thought I'd share it with you. For the rest of us, she illustrates ways for us to cut unnecessary expenses so that we can save more and live happily with less.

http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2011/01/25/my-unemployed-life-single-mom-cuts-corners/?icid=main%7Chtmlws-main-n%7Cdl9%7Csec1_lnk3%7C197024

Cooking With Basic Food Storage: Simple Wheat Bread

2011-01-03T00:29:00.001-05:00

Ingredients

3 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast
1/3 cup honey
5 cups bread flour
3 tablespoons butter, melted
1/3 cup honey
1 tablespoon salt
3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Directions

In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and 1/3 cup honey. Add 5 cups white bread flour, and stir to combine. Let set for 30 minutes, or until big and bubbly.

Mix in 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1/3 cup honey, and salt. Stir in 2 cups whole wheat flour. Flour a flat surface and knead with whole wheat flour until not real sticky - just pulling away from the counter, but still sticky to touch. This may take an additional 2 to 4 cups of whole wheat flour. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to coat the surface of the dough. Cover with a dishtowel. Let rise in a warm place until doubled.

Punch down, and divide into 3 loaves. Place in greased 9 x 5 inch loaf pans, and allow to rise until dough has topped the pans by one inch.

Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 25 to 30 minutes; do not overbake. Lightly brush the tops of loaves with 2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine when done to prevent crust from getting hard. Cool completely.

Hint to cut rising time in half: After clothes have come out of the dryer and the dryer's still hot, place the covered dough in the dryer & close the dryer door. Of course you don't turn the dryer on, but the heat from it causes the dough to rise faster.

Source: allrecipes.com

Financial Preparedness: You Can Avoid Becoming a Victim of Fraud

2010-12-02T14:02:00.002-05:00

I received a brochure in the mail from the Federal Trade Commission and thought the information might be helpful to you. In my lifetime, I have seen far too many people get taken by "get rich quick schemes" and scams because they don't recognize the warning signs. Educate yourself so you can be prepared!

FRAUD WARNING SIGNS

Sounds too good to be true
Pressures you to act "right away."
Guarantees success.
Promises unusually high returns.
Requires an upfront investment--even for a "free" prize.
Buyers want to overpay you for an item and have you send them the difference.
Doesn't have the look of a real business.
Something just doesn't feel right.

PLAY IT SAFE

Never click on a link inside an email to visit a Web site. Type the address into your browser instead.
It's easy for a business to look legitimate online. If you have any doubts, verify the company with the Better Business Bureau.
Only 2% of reported identity theft occurs through the mail. Report online fraud to the Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/complaint.
Retain your receipts, statements, and packing slips. Review them for accuracy.
Shred confidential documents instead of simply discarding them in the trash.

FRAUD FACTS

Your bank will never e-mail or call you for your account number.
Don't wire money to people you don't know.
Be cautious of work-at-home job offers.
Check out the company with the Better Business Bureau.
There are no legitimate jobs that involve reshipping items or financial instruments from your home.
Foreign lotteries are illegal in the U.S. You can't win no matter what they say.
Check your monthly bank statements for charges you don't recognize.
Order a copy of your credit report from each of the three national credit bureaus once a year from annualcreditreport.com.

GET INVOLVED

It's never too early to become an informed consumer. Point out "too good to be true" offers to your kids, and teach them to be skeptical.
Take an active interest in the financial activities of your aging parents.
Share information about scams with friends and family. Use social networking to help keep them safe.

If you've received a suspected fraud through the U.S. Mail, or if the mail was used in the furtherance of a crime that began on the Internet, telephone or in person, report it to the U.S. Postal Inspection Service:

U.S. Postal Inspection Service
Criminal Investigations Service Center
ATTN: Mail Fraud
222 S. Riverside Plaza
Chicago, IL 60606-6100
postalinspectors.uspis.gov
1-877-876-2455

The Federal Trade Commission, the nation's consumer protection agency, works to prevent fraud and to provide information to help consumers spot, stop and avoid it. To file a complaint or get free information on consumer issues, visit ftc.gov or call 1-877-FTC-HELP. Watch a new video, How to File a Complaint, at ftc.gov/video to learn more.

Cooking with Basic Food Storage: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Using Whole Wheat Flour

2010-10-26T23:32:00.000-04:00

In the mood for chocolate and pumpkin? Here's a delicious recipe that combines the two in a cake-like tasty cookie using whole wheat flour. These are "mookies," a cross between a muffin and a cookie. Mmmmm!

Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

1 cup canned pumpkin
1 cup white sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil or 1/2 cup applesauce (healthier version)
1 egg
1 cup flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
You may add other fall spices like ground cloves, ginger, and nutmeg to taste (optional)

Combine pumpkin, sugar, vegetable oil, and egg. In a separate bowl, stir together flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Dissolve the baking soda with the milk and stir in. Add flour mixture to pumpkin mixture and mix well.

Add vanilla, chocolate chips and nuts (if desired).

Drop by spoonful on greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for approximately 10 minutes or until lightly brown and firm.

Source: allrecipes.com

Provident Living: Thrifty Christmas Ideas

2010-10-19T10:21:00.001-04:00

It's that time of year to begin planning your Christmas. Beginning early and planning ahead are the keys to being frugal. Here are some tried and true ideas to make your holiday a thrifty one!

1. Make a list and narrow it down. Determine the people you have to buy presents for. Make a list.

2. Create a gift budget. Set a total limit, then divide it among people on your list. When you shop, remember your budget for each individual and stick to it.

3. Do an exchange. This will really cut costs, especially if you have a large family or group of co-workers. Instead of buying a bunch of gifts, you only have to buy one. Our family does this and it's a huge de-stresser for us at Christmas.

4. Make your own gifts. Food items are always welcome, jar mixes, favorite quotes or photos framed (this is my new favorite gift), knitted/crocheted scarves and hats, photo slide shows, etc. We had a friend who always made delicious treats and boxed them beautifully with tissue paper and decorated boxes. They always seemed special because she put so much work into the presentation.

5. Check out the thrift store and the dollar store. Some people may cringe at this item but you might be surprised at the great gifts you can find there. You may also find ways to package gifts with thrift store finds to make them unique and memorable. My friend found a beautiful bag at the thrift store and filled it with bath products. Last year, I used Christmas ornaments from the dollar store and created star-themed gifts based on them.

6. Create home-made coupons for things like babysitting, yard work, car washes, massages. I love receiving these (especially from my kids) and redeeming them when I most need the service.

7. Make recipe books or recipe cards. One of my all-time favorite gifts was a book my sister compiled of favorite family recipes. It contains all my Mom's best recipes and adds my siblings most-loved recipes. I use it all the time! You can focus on a theme like chocolate recipes for a chocolate lover, for example.

8. Give hobby-based presents. Think about the hobbies of the person you are giving to: sheet music for a musician, a plant for a gardener, golf balls for a golfer, scrapbook supplies for the scrapper, books for a reader, etc. A well thought-out gift often has much more meaning than an expensive one.

9. For kids, try making a dress-up box or trunk. It doesn't need new clothes in it; instead, look for unique costume items at thrift stores or even in your own closets or attic. One of our favorite family activities is letting the kids go to town in our dress-ups. They come up with all kinds of unique costumes. Some of their favorite items include a siblings' old cheerleader outfit, our Grandma's psychedelic 70s clothes, a black silky shirt with diamond buttons which becomes a pirate shirt, a slinky dress with belt, etc. This gift encourages creativity and ensures hours of fun.

Source: http://thrivingandthrifty.blogspot.com/

Cooking with Basic Food Storage: Apple Raisin Bread

2010-10-07T18:01:00.000-04:00

There's nothing better in the fall than the flavor combination of apples and raisins. Enjoy these two scrumptious versions of apple raisin bread. The first one uses oatmeal, potato flakes and powdered milk from your food storage. The second one uses wheat and wheat bulgur. Enjoy!

APPLE JUICE RAISIN BREAD

3c apple juice

2 c raisins

1/2 c butter or margarine

2 pks reg yeast ( sub 5tsp active dry)

3t vanilla

2 eggs lrg

6c unbleach flour

1c reg oatmeal

1c mashed pot flakes

1c powdered milk

1c chopped nuts I use pecans

1/3 c sugar

3tsp salt regular

1tsp cinnamon

Heat juice and soften raisins in the juice. Dissolve yeast in 1/4 c warm water. Check temp and when it is 110 add yeast, butter, sugar, salt cinn. and eggs and vanilla. Mix well. Have the flour, potato, milk powder, oatmeal in another large bowl. Pour all liquid in and stir to make a mass. Will clean bowl. May sprinkle on more flour as you go but should be a nice soft pliable dough. I usually spray my hands with oil as I knead. It becomes lovely after 10 min or so. Knead in nuts. Let rise 1 -1 1/2 hrs. This rises beautifully. de gas and shape boules Makes 4 loaves. Rise again 1 1/2 hrs. Bake at 350 for 50 min. Cover with foil if gets too dark at the end. I also double this recipe and use a 13 qt bowl. It is a WORK OUT !

APPLE RAISIN WHEAT BREAD

2/3 c. milk

1/4 c. cracked wheat bulgar

2 pkgs. active dry yeast

1/2 c. lukewarm water

1 egg

2 tbsp. vegetable oil

2 tbsp. honey

2 tsp. salt

1 c. peeled, chopped tart apple

1 1/2 c. whole wheat flour

2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour

1 1/2 c. seedless raisins
Heat the milk to lukewarm in a saucepan. Stir in bulgar and remove from heat and set aside.

In a large bowl dissolve the yeast in the lukewarm water. Add the egg, oil, honey, salt, apples and the milk-bulgar mixture. Beat just until blended. Add the whole wheat flour and 1 cup of all-purpose flour. Beat at low speed to blend with an electric mixer for 2 minutes.

With a wooden spoon, add enough of the remaining flour to make a dough that you can knead and also add the raisins. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured board and knead for about 8 minutes or until you have the dough that is not longer sticky.

Place the dough in a greased bowl; cover with a damp cloth and let rise until doubled in bulk, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Punch the dough down and divide into 2 loaves.

Place the loaves into 2 greased 8x4 inch loaf pans. Cover and let rise just above the tops of the pans, about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until the loaves are nicely browned and sound hollow when tapped. Cool in pans for 5 minutes, then turn out onto racks to cool completely.

Sources: http://www.thefreshloaf.com/node/10171/apple-juice-raisin-bread, http://www.cooks.com/rec/doc/0,194,154189-225206,00.html

Financial Preparedness: Thrifty and Thriving

2010-10-07T13:56:00.000-04:00

I have started a new blog called Thrifty and Thriving, dedicated to managing money, budgeting, saving, living thrifty and thriving. Take a peek! I will continually be improving the site and adding more content, so check in often or become a follower.

http://thrivingandthrifty.blogspot.com/

Provident Living: My Favorite Online Coupon Sites

2010-09-20T10:58:00.001-04:00

I have never been a big coupon user but now that we are ensconsed in a recession and I'm in a frugal living mode, I have started couponing in a small way, cutting or printing coupons for things that I normally buy. It's becoming a game to me and I'm always excited when I save a few dollars.

In addition, when I'm planning on going shopping, I type into my search engine the name of the retailer + coupon code (for example: Old Navy + Coupon Code.) The other day I saved 30% at Old Navy by doing this. It only took a few seconds to find the coupon and I saved a bunch of money. Some stores do not accept online coupons so before you make a trip to the store, ensure they will use your coupons. Here are my favorite online coupon sites. Please feel free to comment if you know of other good sites.

1. CouponMom.com
2. Coupons.com
3. RetailMeNot.com
4. SmartSource.com
5. CouponCabin.com

Provident Living: Become a Grocery Store Guru and Save! Save! Save!

2010-09-19T15:01:00.001-04:00

My friend, Anissa, is a grocery store guru. I consider her a "coupon queen" because she often gets things free or for a fraction of the original cost. With her help and expertise, many women in our church congregation are becoming shrewd shoppers. I invited her to share some of her wisdom with us and write an article about saving money on groceries. Enjoy!

Savvy Grocery Store Saving Strategies
by Anissa Telle

I am what most would call an extreme couponer. It is not unusual for me to buy 16 to 20 of a single item if I can get it for free or very cheap. One caveat I practice is awareness of shelf life and whether the product is something my family likes. The last thing I want is to end up with items that spoil before we use them or are not appealing for my family, so I do exercise caution before stocking up!

I maintain an awareness of sale cycles and try to buy enough to ensure that I never have to pay full price for an item and to make certain that I have the quantity needed to tide us over until the next sale.

My family for the most part is not brand loyal to anything with just a few exceptions. By saving on staples I am able to have room in my grocery budget to splurge on excellent produce and other specialty items not typically found in those who have similar limited grocery budgets.

I don’t advocate my shopping methods for everyone. I do think that everyone can cut some grocery expenses by just having a better awareness of sale cycles and being more purposeful in grocery shopping.

For example, we have just gone through the back to school grocery specials. Did you know that this is the time of year that oatmeal is at its lowest price of the year? Similarly, breakfast cereal, juice boxes and lunch time snacks were also at the lowest price of the year. I don’t give my children many juice boxes as I prefer to fill up their personal bottles and limit waste but I did get several boxes for picnics, soccer snacks, and the occasional lunch box treat. Paired with a coupon from the Sunday coupon inserts or online coupon sources resulted in free packages of Apple & Eve juice boxes.

Some upcoming sales are holiday baking items. Butter, flour, sugar and chocolate chips will all be at a large discount. Consider stocking up. Most items can be frozen. If you are unsure just do a google search and you will find out the shelf life and recommended methods. Hams and Turkeys will also be at great prices – usually under $1 a pound. You can and should buy a few extra if you have the freezer space. These are great protein sources way below my personal price point of less than $2 a pound for meat! The point here is that just like any other consumer good groceries have a sale cycle – learn it and your grocery budget will benefit!

You wouldn't go on a date without spending a little time to get ready. Grocery shopping deserves no less! Everyone needs to come up with their own shopping preparation plan that fits in with their lifestyle, but here are some suggestions to get you started:

• Don't just go blindly to the store. Look at the sales ads first to see which stores have the best sales that week for the items you need. Then write a list for the items that are on sale so you don’t forget.

• Try and plan your meals around what is on sale and what you have in your storage. (This means that you should try to come up with a menu BEFORE going to the store!)

• Check your pantry and food storage before you leave to see what items you are short on to minimize trips to the store. (This saves on time and gas!)

• A stocked pantry will help prevent impulse purchases. A great example is having powdered milk for cooking – even if you don’t drink it this is great to have to prevent last minute trips to the store to just get milk. Very few of us are disciplined enough to just buy milk and we then end up with unplanned purchases.

• Learn to read the price sticker near each item. It shows the name of the item, the size, the retail price, and cost per unit (by pound, ounce, liter, gallon or quart.) Don't assume the bigger package is a better deal. Consider the unit price on the shelf tag and buy what goes on sale. Often, a smaller size costs pennies or is free with a coupon. (In fact, when you are coupon shopping, the smaller item that has been put on special for the week is going to win over the larger bulk size every time.)

• When you are comparing costs, look at the high and low shelves as well as those in the middle. The more expensive brands are often displayed at eye level, with the cheaper or sale items placed where you have to bend or stretch. Manufacturers pay slotting fees to get items at eye level so don’t be afraid to compare using unit prices!

• Go through your coupons prior to going shopping and pull the coupons for any items that are on sale. Place these together in the front pocket of your coupon organizer.

• Budget each week to buy multiples of at least one item that is on INCREDIBLE sale – this is called a loss leader... (an item reduced drastically to get you to come to their store... this is how you can build your food storage).

• Everything that goes on sale will come on sale again within about 8-10 weeks. It is a rotation process, so if you stock up on enough of the item to last that long, you will be able to re-stock at sale prices. Once you get into this you will find that you almost always have everything you use on hand, and you rarely have to pay full price for anything. (This is also a great way to start your food storage.)

• Know what you spend the most on. Keep a list of the items you buy regularly and track the prices over a three-month period by creating a price book. Then you can buy when they reach the bottom of the range.

• Be flexible with brands. If you want to save hundreds of dollars a year on an item, buy the brand that's on sale (or has a coupon or both.)

• Be flexible with ingredients. If the price of the vegetable or other item you wanted is high, don't have your heart set on it so badly that you are not ready and willing to choose something else.

• Buy seasonal produce. This is the cheapest and best way to get great produce for your family. You should also look for long-lasting vegetables, like cabbage and carrots, so you have time to cook with them before they spoil. "Anything you throw away, that’s the most expensive food you buy."

• Bags of produce are usually less expensive per pound than loose produce.

• Meat extenders such as rice, potatoes, pasta, dumplings, and grains can help stretch a meal.

• Don't think that you can always buy it cheaper at a warehouse club. Meat, frozen fruit, frozen vegetables and non-grocery items are often a good buy there but most other name-brand merchandise can be had even cheaper on sale at a major grocery chain.

• Some items are just cheaper regular price at one store than they are at sale price at another. Aldi’s is a good example of this. There are many basic items that I pick up here because they generally don't go on sale (or at least they don't go on sale for less than Aldi’s charges for them.)

• Always, Always, Always check the scanner prices as the cashier scans everything. Often the computer makes an error which can cost you. If you don't think it is worth bringing it up for some cents, think again. Some stores have scanner guarantee's which promise you correct prices or you get an incentive. The little amounts that you let pass can add up to quite a bit in the course of a year.

• Avoid frequent trips to the store. If you’re running to the grocery store every day, you’re not planning your grocery shopping. Unplanned shopping doesn’t allow you to take advantage of the sales and coupons that can make your groceries so much cheaper. Try to keep these grocery trips down to a minimum so that you aren’t making hasty choices with your grocery budget.

• Use up what you have – First In, First Out Principle. On Frugal sites they call this Eating Down the Fridge/Freezer Challenge. This helps if you sometimes end up with food in the fridge or pantry that you may have forgotten about. Plus, you have already paid for these items so it makes sense to incorporate them into your meals.

• Use your leftovers – keep a healthy fridge and use up extra ingredients in future meals. Leftover nights, enjoying last night’s dinner for tomorrow’s lunch, soups, smoothies and casseroles are all great ways to ensure you are not wasting anything!

Don’t feel the need to implement all of these suggestions at once. Even a small change in your current grocery shopping method will help in this economy where everyone is trying their hardest to spend less and save more. The last thing I want is for anyone to become disappointed or overwhelmed. So, start small and once a particular tip is implemented, add another one and watch your savings add up!

Provident Living: Homemade Kid Fun!

2010-09-17T14:35:00.003-04:00

We all want to keep our kids entertained. Why not save money and make your own fun? Enjoy these homemade recipes for Bubbles, Crystal Gardens, Edible Play Dough, Face Paint, Finger Paints, Sidewalk Chalk, and Slime.

Bubbles

1/4 cup liquid dishwashing detergent
1 Tbsp. sugar
1/2 cup water

Put the dishwashing detergent in the water. Carefully stir in sugar, trying to avoid suds. Take a regular drinking straw and cut into 4 pieces. Then dip into the solution and blow your bubbles. Tie a rope loop up to a foot in diameter on the end of a stick and make a gallon of bubbles. Dip the rope in the bubbles and run with them. This will give you giant bubbles.

Crystal Gardens

Bluing
Ammonia
Salt
Liquid food coloring
Water

Day #1: Place damp sponge pieces in a shallow glass or plastic bowl. Over sponge, pour 2 Tbsp. each of bluing, salt, water and ammonia.

Day #2: Add 2 Tbsp. salt.

Day #3: Add 2 Tbsp. each bluing, salt, water and ammonia. Avoid pouring on crystal growth.

Repeat Day #3 as needed to keep crystals growing. For color, add drops of food coloring.

*Bluing can be purchased in the laundry section at the store.

Edible Play Dough

1/3 cup margarine
1/3 cup light corn syrup
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla extract or flavorings
1 lb. powdered sugar
food coloring (optional)

Face Paint

Mix first 4 ingredients together. Add powdered sugar. Knead it. Divide and add food coloring. Keep refrigerated to keep from spoiling when not in use. You can replace vanilla with flavored extracts to give flavor other than just plain sweetness.

1 tsp. corn starch
½ tsp. water
½ tsp. cold cream
food coloring

Mix all ingredients together in an old muffin pan and you are ready to paint. This amount makes one color.

Finger Paints

1 pkg. unflavored gelatin 1 ½ cups water
½ cup cold water liquid dish detergent
½ cup cornstarch food coloring

Dissolve gelatin in ½ cup water. Set aside. In a saucepan add cornstarch then slowly stir in 1 ½ cups water until well blended over medium heat. Cook until it boils, becomes smooth, thickens and turns clear. Add gelatin mixture and stir well. Pour into containers and add a drop of liquid dish detergent. Add food coloring until you get the desired shade. Store covered in the refrigerator 4 - 6 weeks.

Sidewalk Chalk

2 qts. plaster of Paris
Food colors
Water

Mix plaster of Paris with 1 quart water. Mix in desired color. Pour into paper towel or toilet paper tubes (about 3 inches high). Let dry thoroughly (This may take several days). Remove from tubes and let the kids draw away.

Slime

1/2 cup white glue
6 Tbsp. water
Food coloring
1-4 tsp. Borax
1-4 Tbsp. water

Mix the glue, 6 tablespoons water and food coloring until the glue is dissolved. In a separate bowl, dissolve 1 teaspoon borax into 1 tablespoon water. Add to the glue solution. You will get a very thick clump of slime when the two mix. Pull the clump of slime out of the glue mixture and put it in a separate bowl. Mix another batch of the borax solution and add to the remaining glue mixture. Repeat until all the glue mixture is used (about 3-4 times). With clean hands, knead the slime to get it to mix. This will take about 10 minutes and is not very difficult as the slime easily separates between your fingers. If you desire a looser, more slimy texture, knead in a bit more water. The more water you add, the slimier it gets. The Slime doesn't leave a residue and doesn't get stuck on anything. This is great for Halloween entertaining. Store in an airtight container. This can easily be doubled, tripled or quadrupled.

Source: http://www.livingonadime.com/

Cooking with Basic Food Storage: Pumpkin Brownies using Whole Wheat Flour

2010-09-12T21:55:00.001-04:00

It finally feels like fall today. With the cooler weather, I start craving pumpkin. So I thought I'd share a tasty recipe that utilizes whole wheat flour and canned pumpkin from my food storage. This brownie recipe incorporates pumpkin and warm autumn spices in a cakey brownie recipe with chocolate chips. What could be better for Halloween, Thanksgiving or anytime you're in the mood for pumpkin? It is the perfect party food for your next holiday gathering or bake sale. Be sure to store these delicious brownies in an air-tight container with a piece of bread. That will keep them soft and delicious.

Pumpkin Brownies

1-1/4 cup white whole wheat flour

1 cup brown sugar

1 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. baking soda

1/2 tsp. salt

2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

1 tsp. nutmeg

1 cup canned pumpkin puree

1/4 cup nonfat buttermilk

1/4 cup canola oil

2 large eggs, beaten

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 cup dark chocolate chips, such as Ghiradelli 60% cacao chips (I use whatever I have on hand)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9 x 13 pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices in a large bowl. Add pumpkin puree, buttermilk, oil, eggs and vanilla extract to dry ingredients. Mix well. Fold in chocolate chips. Spread into prepared pan and bake on center rack of oven for 30-40 minutes. Frost if desired.

Source: Stephanie Gallagher, suite101.com

Financial Preparedness: Preparing to Finance Our Kids' Higher Education

2010-09-06T14:38:00.002-04:00

I teach the 16-18 year old girls at church and several of "my girls" are headed off to college this week. It's made me consider how I'm going to finance my kids' college or IF I will finance their education. Of course, we have been putting money away in preparation for our kids' schooling but I'm not certain that I want to pay for everything. During my college days, I saw far too many of my fellow students blow their educational opportunity because they took it for granted. Instead of studying and attending class, they partied, stayed out too late and slept through lazy days financed by their Mom and Dad.

I read an excellent article yesterday in the newspaper in which the writer explained that he pays for half of his kids' college costs. He said many people balk at this and say, "How can you do that to your kids when you can afford to pay it in full?" In my opinion, it's a very wise decision. He used the analogy that by making his children pay for half, they had "skin in the game" and would thus make their money count by working harder. The article made a lot of sense to me. Both my husband and I graduated from college. In addition, my husband completed two graduate degrees. I was well-prepared at home for school because my parents emphasized the importance of education and taught me to work hard in school. This focus on academics helped me to obtain scholarship money. My husband and I paid for our university experience with the help of scholarships, grants, loans (for grad school) and by working. I believe we took our education much more seriously because we were paying for it ourselves. I also feel that having to work helped me to be more disciplined in studying outside of class because I only had a designated time to do it.

What's your opinion? How can we prepare providently for our childrens' higher education?