The SuWheat Life of a Homemaker

How does your garden grow?

2010-04-09T06:28:00.002-06:00

I don't know about you, but springtime seems like it is playing games with us. In some ways, I can't wait for it to get here, but in other ways, I know that as soon as nice weather comes along, the inside of my house will be neglected while I care for my garden outside.

Gardening can be such a wonderful experience -- it is peaceful (once it is in ;) and joyous for me to garden. I feel closer to our Heavenly Father and I feel like I am taking better care of my family. However, getting those little seeds started just about pushes me over the edge - I never seem to make the time to get them in. Once in, though, what a feeling!

Anyway, I wanted to share with you today a website that I have discovered that can help the novice gardener (like me) as well as someone who has gardened for quite awhile. It is called www.mysquarefootgarden.net and I encourage you to check out her website.

The part of her website that I enjoy the most is that you can sign up (for free) and she will send you week by week (depending on what area of the country you live in) what you should be doing at that time (for example, plant seeds for tomatoes, or transplant your onions, or prepare your garden boxes, etc). It has saved me in helping me to know when to do what.

She also sells an e-bundle of her gardening know-how that gives all the information in ONE PLACE! GENIUS!

Emily (the website owner) is also part of my favorite suite of websites -- remember Crystal from www.everydayfoodstorage.net ? She came to our Homemaking last September and taught us how to use our food storage. Well, Emily is another one of that suite of websites. These young ladies really have it on the ball and I encourage you to go to their websites and check them out. There are also some other websites in their suite and there are links on the website to them as well.

So, what's stopping you? You know you just need that extra little boost to get that garden in this year -- DO IT! BTW, if you have any questions, feel free to call or email me (susan_wheatley@comcast.net) . I am still a novice (this is my third year), but know enough to help a beginner :)

Have a great spring day -- ENJOY THE BEAUTIFUL WEATHER!

PHENOMENAL SALES...

2010-03-18T09:11:00.002-06:00

For those of you who didn't know, just a quick note to tell you about these...

FRESH MARKET - $1.29/lb for boneless skinless chicken breasts and $1.49/lb for 85% lean hamburger (don't know if this is a one day sale or what, so you might want to check this out right away -- it was that price yesterday, though)

SMITH'S -- 25cents / bottle for PowerAde -- UNBELIEVABLE. Limit of 120 bottles. INCREDIBLE PRICE.

CABELA's -- 5 degree temperature rating MUMMY SLEEPING BAG $29.99 (regularly $49.99) -- 33" x 84"

So many others, but haven't had time to look closely at the ads -- just wanted to get these off to you right away.

Also, case lot sales are coming up here shortly, so be on the watch for those sales as well.

Have fun....

Beverage Dispenser

2010-03-13T11:04:00.002-07:00

Last fall or winter, I was talking to a couple of you about a couple of beverage dispensers that we have that we bought at Sam's Club -- the kind you would have at a party (see link here: http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=424910)

At any rate, whomever I was talking to, they asked me if I ever saw them at Sam's Club again to pick one up for them -- they are only available one time each year. Well, to make a long story short, I saw them a few weeks ago and picked up two of them. However, as much as I have tried, my mind is getting older and I can't remember who it was that was interested in me picking one up for them.

If you are that person(s), please contact me and I'd be happy to sell them to you for what I paid for them. If you are not that person(s) and are still interested in purchasing them (in case I can't find out who originally asked me), please let me know as well and if they don't claim them, I can sell them to you -- btw, I have two of these containers and I absolutely LOVE them!

I just hate that my memory isn't what it used to be :)

Gardening anyone and Great Sale...

2010-03-06T10:22:00.003-07:00

First of all, there is a great sale going on at Emergency Essentials and I would be happy to put the order together if anyone is interested. It is for:

1. Freeze Dried Green Beans ($10.00 + tax) if we order at least 12 cans. The regular price is $15.50 + tax. This is a great price and I am going to take advantage of it on my end. Freeze Dried Fruits and Vegetables are to me the icing on the cake of food storage. I don't want to be caught without fruits and vegetables in case of an emergency and freeze-dried is the way to go -- dehydrated just don't cut it in my opinion.

If you are interested, drop me a line at susan_wheatley@comcast.net or call me. I need to have the order closed by March 19th, so look at your budgets and see if you want to join us in this great deal.

2. They also have large backpacks (17" x 12.5" x 6.5") (red) for only $7.00 + tax (however, we have to order at least 12 to receive the discount). These would be great for your 72 hour kits. I already have all of mine, so I need at least 12 orders in order to send this one in.

3. One more item that they have is Freeze-Dried Mango Chunks for $16.00 + tax (normal price is $21.95 + tax) and we have to order at least six cans to get the price cut.

GARDENING:
I am in garden heaven -- I found a website that is absolutely a lifesaver and godsend for me. I am still learning in the gardening arena (as in all the areas of my life, but in gardening I am a real novice)... anyway, this website will take you step by step from when to plant your seeds inside, how to do it, when to plant outside, and every step of the way in between and beyond. It is great because it is set up by geographic area so you know what you need to do and when in YOUR area. We are the GREEN area, btw.

For example, it says that by now, we should be planting seeds inside for chives, rosemary, broccoli, cabbage, califlower, collard greens, kale and parsley and next week we can even plant peas outside. We aren't very far behind yet, so if you are wanting a small garden this year (or a big one) this website can be a super help to you. Here is the website: mysquarefootgarden.net
and you can even request a weekly update on what you should be doing next.

Along those same lines, two items at Sam's Club this past week -

1. "Composter" made of very strong plastic that would be really nice if you want to start composting. Lots nicer han just a big wood or something unslightly like that. It costs I think $35 or something like that. Here is a picture of it: http://www.samsclub.com/shopping/navigate.do?dest=5&item=371869

2. Sam's Club also has "garden boxes" that are quite large actually (raised bed garden boxes) that are made from a strong material that will not weather (which is a lot nicer than my wood boxes that will look ugly soon0. They are 80" long and 8" deep and i can't remember the dimensions back but you can tell that they are trying to use the concept of square foot gardens so you can reach across them. I was very impressed with them. They are $39 each. I LOVE THEM!

That's it for now -- also, Macey's is giving you vouchers to use toward their upcoming case lot sale by doing your regular shopping there. COOL! I shop there anyway!

Take care and don't forget about the hamburger and chicken sales this weekend!

Susan

Long Time, No Post - Sales, Cannery and other Miscellany

2010-03-02T19:08:00.003-07:00

Hi, everyone!

Sorry it has been so long since I posted anything. I had a conference that my husband and I work and this year it was in Acapulco -- so we worked the conference and enjoyed a little respite from home and responsibilities here.

Then, we got home and both of us got the dreaded STREP! Two weeks later, we felt more like ourselves again. However, we came home to endless computer problems, so I finally ended up having to take my computer in for a total reinstall. Tonight, I am crossing my fingers that we finally have it back up to working standards. So, needless to say, I have been out of commission for quite awhile.

I picked up the grocery store ads today and saw BEAUTIFULNESS! I typically buy my hamburger and my chicken only once or maybe twice a year, but I am getting precariously low on both meats and so ... I was beginning to get worried. Well, our grocery stores didn't let me down -- well, too much. There are sales on BOTH chicken and hamburger.

Macey's has Super Saver Chicken Breasts (Boneless/Skinless) for $1.48/lb. YIPPEE -- STOCK UP TIME! (There you go, Sister Scott!)

As for the hamburger, the best I have seen in a long time (unfortunately) is Buy Low -- with $1.69/lb for 85% lean hamburger in this week's ad. I'll take it -- sure beats $3.00/lb or whatever it goes for now.

Also, wanted to bring your attention to my kids' and husband's favorite -- Sobe and Sobe Life Water on sale this week at Harmon's on 800 North in Orem for only 69 cents/bottle. Not too shabby! They have a limit of 60, so buy to your heart's content!

Also, Fresh Market has Western Family Apple Juice (64 oz.) on sale for 99 cents (limit one case -- boo hoo) and 5 lbs of honey for $9.99.

Just a few teasers to get you out to the stores and stocking up on some good priced sales.

Also, I read in the paper that case lot sales are coming soon -- as a matter of fact, RIDLEY's (the old Albertson's on Center Street in Orem -- where, incidentally, my son works ;) is having their case lot sale RIGHT NOW!

Here are a few of the case lot sale prices for Ridley's:
WF Tuna - 48 cents/can
WF Beans and tomatoes - 53 cents/can
25 lb bag of sugar - $9.98 (limit 2)

Be careful, though -- don't drive all around town just to pick up these deals. What I like to do is pick up my ad on Tuesday when they arrive in our mailboxes (Ridley's I get online) and then make a list of "what I would love to get for food storage", listed by store. Then, during the rest of the week as I am doing my errands, I'll go to the particular store that is along the way where I am running my errands. I almost NEVER go out of my way to go to a sale... that is my rule of thumb!

DRY PACK CANNERY MAINTENANCE UPDATE:
The Lindon dry pack cannery is done with their scheduled maintenance and are now open for business again -- beginning this Thursday, March 4th:
Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 am - 7 pm and Saturdays 9 am - 1 pm

Personally, I still prefer the Springville cannery and, again, if anyone would like to make a trip out there, I would LOVE to go with you -- I don't need anything, but I would be happy to go and help you with your storage. Just drop me a line or call me!

SPICE ORDER (San Francisco Herb Company):
For those of you who would like to order very fresh spices (yummy), I highly recommend the San Francisco Herb Company. This is the company that we placed an order with a couple of years ago and I have absolutely LOVED their fresh spices. At any rate, I am not going to put together an order ourselves, but there is a company in Alpine that I have started to use for a lot of my food storage (called Alpine Food Storage) and they are getting ready to put in an order -- you can go to their website: www.alpinefoodstorage.com and click on their links in the left column. For that particular order, it is listed under "Seasonal Orders" near the bottom -- that order is getting ready to close, so get your order in right away.

While you are at it, you should sign up below that for the "Alpine Food Storage Email List Signup" and you will find out the same information I find out about their ongoing orders. I just placed an order with them this past weekend for Oregon fruit and seafood -- mmmm, can't wait until that gets here!

The owner of Alpine Food Storage is Chirine Wadsworth and she is wonderful to work with. When it comes to picking up your orders, you might want to check with others and see who else might have placed an order so that you can consolidate and only make one trip out to her home business -- it is up by Thanksgiving Point (but the other side of the freeway on the way up to Cedar Hills/Alpine area) and so it is a bit of a drive, but if we consolidate, we can help each other.

BTW, if you do ever go up to her home/business, you will be AMAZED at the vast array of foods that she has on hand -- I love going there and picking up something new each time. Last time I was there a couple of weeks ago (the day after we got back from our trip), I picked up SPINACH LASAGNA! I was so excited! I have always wanted to buy some and now I have my year's supply of it -- and then some!

CERT CLASS:
I have always wanted to take a cert class and now Andrea Urban has one open!
Dates: March 20th (8 a.m. - 9 p.m.) and March 27th (8 a.m. till noon)
I won't be able to take part in this one, but this is an EXCELLENT class to take -- as a neighborhood, we need to have as many of us certified in emergency skills to help save lives in case of an emergency. I hope to take the next go-around -- with my husband and maybe a couple of my children! I feel like this is absolutely CRUCIAL to our preparedness.

If you would like more information on this, please contact Andrea directly at urbanmattandandrea@msn.com

GET-TOGETHERS:
I am ready to have a few of my friends (that's YOU) over for some "girl time" -- we could have cooking classes, preparedness discussions, family history/digital scrapbooking night, garden planning, canning (I want to do meat), or really whatever you like. We could each bring a treat or a main dish or a side dish to share OR we could just get together and discuss or we can have actual classes -- I am open for just about anything! So YOU TELL ME!!!! If you are interested, please email me at susan_wheatley@comcast.net and let me know your preferences. This is NOT church-related -- this is just FRIENDS GETTING TOGETHER AND LEARNING FROM EACH OTHER. I would equally be open for one-on-one cooking classes/discussions, so just tell me what you think.

So, that's it this time -- I have learned a LOT during the last couple of months and am anxious to share it all with you -- mainly I learn by scouring the internet or talking to others and learning from them, so ... don't know if what I have learned and continue to learn will be new to you, but... if it helps, I'll continue sharing.

If you have anything that you want put on this blog, please email me with that information and I would be happy to add it...

Until next time... Susan (SuWheat)

Another Opportunity to Help in Haiti

2010-01-19T07:19:00.002-07:00

Last night, Lori Asay (my neighbor) came over to my home and gave me some information about her mother and brother (a dentist) and others who are heading to Haiti at the end of this month to help, in conjunction with the LDS Church, the people of Haiti.

Here's the story -- Bret Tobler, a local dentist, has made many trips to Haiti to serve the people with his skill of dentistry. In the past, he would make trips, along with other dentists, for a week at a time and the people of Haiti would walk for miles and miles to stand in lines for hours (beginning at 3 a.m.) just to get a chance to have their teeth worked on. There are many touching stories of the people there and this blog doesn't have enough room to write them all, but suffice it to say that the service these dentists (and doctors) gave was a god send to these wonderful people who they described as having "the biggest hearts on the planet".

Now, here is where YOU can help. This group of doctors and dentists will be going down at the end of the month and meeting up with members of the LDS humanitarian group that are already there and/or on their way to Haiti. That group is prepping everything now in the nation's LDS meeting houses, which will be used as clinics.

Here is the great part -- NONE OF THIS has to be shipped (thus, no shipping costs to take off the top of the donations). Their "luggage" will be the supplies that we donate. Their carry-on luggage is all that they can use to bring their personal items. All the other pieces of their luggage will be medical supplies.

Here is what is needed:

Sterile saline bottles (lots)
Hibiclens bottles (you might have a difficult time finding these)
Neosporin (the dollar store has them for $1 and they work just as well as the name brand)
Gauze pads
Kerlex Wraps
Ace Wraps
Coban
Adaptic Vaseline Gauze
Bandages
Arm Slings
Gloves
Crutches (which can be taken apart to fit in suitcases)
Splinting material

Look at the dollar store, the medical supply stores, WalMart, Target, K-Mart, Sam's Club, or if anyone wants to put together a big "order" for your ward, neighborhood, etc., you could call StatMedical in Salt Lake City (you can find them on the web) and they LOVE to help with things like this and can have the order ready for you quickly. I have worked with them in the past and they are FABULOUS.

At any rate, if you can pull together ANYTHING (big or small), please call Lori Asay and arrange to meet her to donate your items. If you think that just a little donation of a box of bandages won't help, think again. There are a lot of good groups out there helping and each one needs help from someone -- and even just a small donation from a lot of people will make a HUGE difference.

Oh, I forgot to mention the name of the humanitarian group -- it is called IASK and here is a link where you can read all about them and their past experiences. http://www.iask4kids.org/docs/IASK_Mag_2005.pdf Look all the way through the newsletter because there is great and helpful information all the way to the end (spattered between all the ads :)... They obviously have lots of experience in Haiti and know the people well. It is 100% non-profit with no paid staff. Participants go at their own expense.

PLEASE, IF YOU CAN DONATE ANYTHING, please give Lori a call and help this group out. Her number is 801-373-2665 and her email is Lori.Asay@imail.org .

I am so touched by all the stories I am hearing of fundraising and donations to the people in Haiti. You will be blessed for your sacrifice.

Thank you!

Susan

URGENT HELP NEEDED FOR HAITI - Noah's Orphanage

2010-01-15T13:07:00.003-07:00

For all of those you who are looking for a way to help in Haiti and you feel lost and overwhelmed, here is a tangible way to help. For anyone who knows the Phil and Julie Rash family, you know that Noah was adopted from Haiti. His orphanage is in need of supplies IMMEDIATELY and YOU CAN HELP!

I choke up everytime I think of what we would all do without sweet Noah -- well, someone's "Noah" is over there in Haiti and needs food and medical supplies. Below is an email that I received from Phil Rash giving us the details -- remember, we need to work FAST and SMART in order to get food to them as quickly as possible. Read below the email from Phil...

We received an email last night that the last supply shipment to the Orphanage got stuck in customs over the holiday and was in customs when the earthquake hit Porte au Prince. It contained the food and supplies for the Orphanage and the village school for the next 6 months. It is gone- either destroyed or looted. The Orphanage director says that they have enough food to last one week. There is an urgent need for the following supplies:

Infant formula (Enfamil or Kirkland brand)- very important
Peanut butter
Ramen noodles
Boxes of Mac and Cheese
Packaged or pouched tuna
Ibuprophen (child)
Tylenol (child)
Hydrocortisone cream
Triple anti-biotic ointment (ie., Neosporin)

Some of you have expressed a willingness to ask people in your ward or those in your friends/family/work network to help and we really appreciate that. If you could gather their donations along with their names, addresses, and email addresses and the amount they spent, Chances for Children will send them a reciept so that donors can claim the amount under charitable giving on their tax return. If they don’t care about the tax write off we would still like to be able to thank them.

You can give all of the collected items to Julie and I. If people can, they are more than welcomed to box them in postal boxes available at the US Post Office. If not- not a problem and Julie and I will take care of that. Chances for Children will pay to have them shipped to the cargo plane. We would like to get these shipped off as soon as we can.

Thanks again so much for your help!

Phil

So, there you go -- if ever there was a need for your personal help, NOW IS THE TIME! If any of you don't know Phil and Julie Rash, get the items to me and I will get them to The Rash family (or tell you how to contact them).

If money is easier for you, do that and I will personally go and buy these items.

PLEASE help!

Susan Wheatley

WOO HOO!!! Wonderful Classes

2010-01-10T18:49:00.002-07:00

I am super excited! Today at church, they passed around a flyer for our local Utah State University extension service classes. For those of you who are not familiar with them, the Extension Service is located right here in downtown Provo and provide classes for a very nominal fee that help us in homemaking type skills. I have gone to some in the past and some have been better than others, but can I just tell you that this year's listing of classes looks WONDERFUL!!!!

From a couple's class on a Friday night (perfect date night) where you will make a meal together and then sit down and eat it (while they are also throwing in some "relationship" tips) to homemade pastas and sauces and using your pressure canner, preserving fruits, canning tomatoes and salsas, and even creating your own personalized food storage system -- these classes look like a treasure trove of information -- and most of them either have a lunch or dinner provided or you bring canning jars and take home some of the freshly preserved product. The cost is so nominal that it almost makes me feel guilty (but thankful) -- $6 per class (or, if you sign up for at least 3 classes, you get $1 off each class). So, I just signed up for 9 classes and only paid something like $53.00 (the couples classes are $10 per couple). AMAZING!

At any rate, here is the website so you can see for yourselves a description of each of the classes and even sign up on-line (quick and easy and painless :) -- www.extension.usu.edu/utah

Some of the classes are in the daytime (sounds like it is geared towards stay at home moms) but there are also a couple in the evenings and one on Saturday.

I am going to all of the classes except the one in January (already sold out, darn it -- I really wanted to go to this one) and May, so if anyone would like to carpool, I would be happy to drive :)

So, hop to it -- for those of you who live here in Utah County (especially in Provo/Orem area), this is a fantastic opportunity to expand your knowledge -- without a huge cost.

AND, JUST A REMINDER: Powdered milk goes up at the cannery at the end of this week. If you have a chance, make a quick trip over to the Springville cannery.

ONE OTHER REMINDER: I have been making my rounds to the case lot sales this weekend -- one more to go to tomorrow... WONDERFUL prices at an unusual time of the year for case lot sales. They only go through Tuesday (most of them --although Harmon's goes for a few more weeks). And, while you are at it, the FOOD BANK is always in need of beans and peanut butter and canned veggies and canned tomatoes (and other items as well) -- perfect time to pick up an extra case for the Food Bank!!!! Don't miss out on this blessing!

Hope you all have a wonderful week! Until next time...

CASE LOTS IN JANUARY?

2010-01-06T11:24:00.002-07:00

I couldn't believe it when I picked up my ads for this week -- CASE LOT SALES IN JANUARY! That is crazy! I haven't recovered yet from Christmas, yet ... how can I pass up 98 cents / jar for Skippy Peanut Butter, 38 cents for Yoplait Yogurt, $6.98/25 lbs of flour, 48 cents for diced or stewed tomatoes, 48 cents for a can of black beans or kidney beans, etc., $9.68 for 25 lb bag of sugar, 98 cents for a 2 lb bag of brown or powdered sugar, and the list goes on and on and on.

Pick up those ads and start making your lists! If you aren't sure if something is a good deal, call or email me and if it is something that I buy, I will know if it is a good deal or not.

Also, we don't typically get Harmon's ads, but go online and check that out too because they have great case lot deals too! Economy must be tight for the grocery stores to be putting out a case lot sale in January! I, for one, am excited -- although I am going to have to be creative with my budget this month since i don't typically spend a lot on food storage in January :)

If you have any questions, please email me at susan_wheatley@comcast.net or call me at 801-368-9865.

Also, if you are interested in having a class on anything in particular, let me know and we can pull a few of us together for it (i.e. bread making, preparedness planning, cooking with grains, cooking with beans, making mixes to help short-cut your food prep time, etc.). Let me know!

Hope you all had a WONDERFUL Christmas and New Year -- I can't wait to delve into the organizing projects that have been neglected in my house -- it looks horrible over here and I need organization to function well!

Have a good week!

Susan

Thank you and Cannery Prices Going Up and Down

2009-12-21T05:47:00.003-07:00

First of all, I wanted to thank everyone who came to our annual Christmas Cookie Party. I had a lot of fun and hope that everyone else did too. I wanted to thank those of you who brought food for the Food Bank as well. That big box that you put your canned goods into is filled to the brim and a bit overflowing, so I am excited to take it to the Food Bank later this afternoon as a donation from our neighborhood and friends. THANK YOU! Let's do it again next year, but this time, let's double the amount of food -- what a fun tradition that I hope to continue, thanks to all of you!

Secondly, I got word that the cannery prices will be changing as of the middle of January (16th). Some of the prices will go up and others will go down. Be especially aware that the price of powdered milk goes up substantially, so if you have been procrastinating stocking up on milk, now would be the time. You can view all the price changes right here: http://www.utahpreppers.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/Home-Storage-Center-Price-Comparison-Current-vs-Effective-Jan-16-2010.pdf

If anyone is interested in putting up some food at the cannery, I would be happy to go with you. Just give me a call or a shout out on this blog and I will coordinate a time that works for both of us. I would love to help! Seriously! This is my passion -- to help everyone become better prepared, as the Lord has told us to be.

Just so you can think ahead a bit, there are a couple of bulk orders that I will start putting together in January -- one is for a first aid kit that we can buy in pieces -- about $6.00 or so a month (or you can buy the entire thing at one time, but we get the bulk rate when we get a BIG group of people buying together). We will then each month buy the next segment of the kit until, when we are finished, we will have a BEAUTIFUL first aid kit.

The second bulk order that I am going to put together will be for "Rachel's Rice". If any of you were at the Relief Society Christmas dinner, you might remember the rice we served. I had several of you ask for the recipe. I could only purchase it via mail (Sam's Club used to carry it, but they don't anymore) and it is pricey, but in my thoughts, well worth the price. It is a sort of rice pilaf and a nice thing to have around when you want to spoil yourself. I will work with the company and see what price I can get for it. My guess is that the more we order, the less expensive the rice will be. We'll see and let you know.

I am also looking into bulk orders in the future on plastic storage containers (for spices, for pastas, flour, sugar, beans, grains and many other items) as well as a fresh spice order. Let me know on this blog which, if any of these orders, you would be interested in so that I can decide which one to start with. OR, if you have any other items that you would be interested in, jot that down as well.

Well, we are just a few days away from Christmas and so I just wanted to wish you all a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS. I want to carry this wonderful spirit of the season with me each and every day of the year. Let's make 2010 the year of thinking of others and not only thinking of others, but doing something for others -- each and every day. I have been looking into possible service projects for my family and there are a million of them out there -- from the very simple to the very complex. I pray that my little family (and especially I) will make a difference in people's lives in 2010. I challenge you to do the same.

ENJOY CHRISTMAS and all that that means to you and yours!

Susan

CHRISTMAS COOKIE PARTY

2009-12-12T07:09:00.002-07:00

As you all know, our annual Christmas Cookie Party is next Saturday, December 19th (4-8 p.m.). We wanted to try a different twist this year and try to help out those in need at the same time. There are so many people hurting this year due to the economy and I just can't bear the thought of the over abundance of treats we get each year (although we love them, btw) when so many are struggling and hungry. So, as for our family, we hope you understand that the monies that we usually spend on neighbor gifts will go to providing food for the local Food Bank. Even though you won't get a neighbor gift from us, know how much we love you --

We would love for you to join us in this worthy cause -- and here is your invitation:

DEAR FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS

At Christmastime we like to give to friends and neighbors dear,

but maybe we could think of those less fortunate this year.

Instead of giving neighbor gifts we'll fill the Food Bank shelves...

Let's warm the hearts of those in need like Santa's little elves.

As friends we'll join together and bring food in cans galore,

non-perishables are very best because of how they store.

Saturday night, December 19th will be the time that we meet

from 4-8 it's cookies, wassail and other scrumptious treats

The Wheatley Home is where we'll be with lots of fun for all

A time to relax and enjoy our friends -- heck, it will be more fun than the mall!

But if you cannot make it -- no big deal, you see

We'll still be glad to take your food to the Food Bank charity!

Just drop it off on Durrell and Susan's porch or ring the doorbell too

We'll take the food on Monday, the 21st so by golly,THANK YOU!

I hope you will join us in this chance to help those who are struggling at this time. We are all experiencing the economic crunch in some shape or form, but "Inasmuch as ye have done it unto the least of these...."

Please come to the cookie party whether you bring food for the pantry or not. Everything else is the same for the party -- come and enjoy each other's company, some cookies and wassail, and bring your entire family -- remember, we always play the Polar Express downstairs for the younger children (or the adults who love the movie as much as I do).

Hope you are enjoying the Christmas season -- the weather outside is frightful, but the warmth of our friendship and love will warm us next Saturday from 4-8 p.m.

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE!

STOVE TEC GROUP BUY - DEADLINE NEXT WEEK!

2009-12-02T07:47:00.002-07:00

You have to see this -- this is WONDERFUL! I just received an email from Andrea Urban who is opening up a quick turnaround order on these stoves. They use wood or charcoal and that is a lot safer than storing lots of propane for your BBQ grill.

This is an amazing product that you can cook on every day if you have no other way to cook. It takes very little fuel. You can even use pinecones or twigs if you have nothing else. When the power is out, or your utilities are not dependable, or you are camping, hunting or just want to heat a pot of soup or hot chocolate for a group activity this will do the trick. It's called a Stovetec Rocket stove.

The website with all the info is here: http://www.stovetec.net/us/index.php I highly suggest that you watch the short video on this page and get an idea of how these work. This buy will be for the one that uses wood or charcoal. It retails for $40 + $20 shipping ($60), This group order will be for $34 +$6 shipping ($40). I really love the opportunity to help others that are less fortunate that we are. For only $9, this company will provide a stove for a family in a developing country. If you'd like to donate for that purpose, please add that to your order and I'll make sure those donations get where they need to go.

This link: http://www.stovetec.net/us/products/wood-charcoal-stove shows the details of the stove we are purchasing. It seems that there are now 2 diameter options for this stove (which causes a 4 lb weight difference) , I am waiting for a call for more info about that but in the mean time, please indicate which you'd like. If we must choose one option per pallet ordered, I'll go with the majority on the size to order.

These will be shipped to Santaquin, and will need to be picked up from there. We could possibly have Provo & West Jordan drop off points, if there is enough interest. (Indicate you you'd like these options.) If you aren't local (out of state), it will be to your advantage to order directly from the company because I'm not able to ship them this time of year and save you any money.

3 payment options: 1. Please send checks, made out to Andrea Urban, to 310 W 300 N, Santaquin, UT 84655. Remember to send them in time to arrive by the 11th. 2. You are also welcome to bring cash to me, but I wouldn't mail it if I were you. 3. I take paypal as well, (urbanmattandrea@msn.com) For this option please add $1.50 to cover the paypal fees that they charge me, and I need paypal by the 7th, so I can get the payment into my bank account in time to order. Please email with questions and I'll get back to you ASAP. Andrea Urban

Work directly with Andrea if you are interested in these stoves, as there isn't enough time for me to collect your money and turn around and send it to her. Besides, I am still waiting for some to pick up and pay me for their other past orders, so I don't have extra monies to upfront the costs this time.

Please, however, let me know if you are going to buy one -- just out of curiosity -- I would love to know if anyone took her up on her offer. I am certainly going to!!!! I already have my year's supply of charcoal, so this is a no-brainer for us!

And, can't forget the plug --

SUNSET 13th WARD RELIEF SOCIETY CHRISTMAS DINNER AND SERVICE EXCHANGE
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 3rd 6-9 p.m.

Don't forget to bring your service exchange -- the best part of the evening!

See you there!

Susan

Saturday Bread Class

2009-11-18T05:47:00.003-07:00

I have had a great response for this Saturday's bread class. You are going to be so amazed at how easy these bread recipes are -- there are so many different bread recipes running around out there, we'll have to redo this class again from time to time -- from basic wheat bread to quick breads to yeast breads to sourdough to Amish Friendship Bread -- and the list goes on.

This Saturday the class will run from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. It will be a couple of quick and easy breads... we will show you how to make 2-3 of them, but for one of the bread recipes, if you want, you can bring your own ingredients (wait until you see the list--you will think, you can make bread from THIS?) and a big bowl and take home the start. Your family and friends will be amazed at your breadmaking skills.

If you want to take it with you, here are the ingredients you need to bring:

13 cups of flour (can be all white, half white and half wheat or all wheat flour)
3 Tbsp yeast (I prefer SAF yeast -- best on the market)
3 Tbsp salt (I also prefer sea salt -- I have some if you don't)
6 cups of water (of course, you don't have to bring that)

You will also need to bring a VERY LARGE plastic or glass bowl that has a lid. If you are my age, you probably have a large "potato salad" bowl from Tupperware with lid. That is PERFECT for this recipe.

If you want, you CAN half the recipe, but I prefer making the larger recipe because, as you will see on Saturday, it can stay in your refrigerator up to two weeks! Much easier to make one batch and have it last two weeks than to have to make the starter again in a week or so.

THAT IS IT! You won't believe that the bread can taste this good with only those ingredients. And, best of all, NO KNEADING --

Come and see it to believe it!

We will have recipes for everyone and a demonstration of each step in the process for both breads.

Can't wait to see everyone -- should be a good group of ladies and we promise not to keep you more than an hour if you have other things going on. This is a quick and easy class!

Also, for those of you who still haven't picked up your first aid kit supplies, they are sitting on my dining room floor and I would love to have them picked up before my Thanksgiving meal :) THANKS EVERYONE!

P.S. I am heading off to Salt Lake later this morning to attend a class/gathering on Pressure Cooking by my favorite friend, Anitra Kerr (www.simplylivingsmart.com) . Be watching for a class on pressure cooking that will follow....

HAVE A GREAT DAY! Susan

Annual Cookie Party, Thanksgiving Taste Testing, and Anitra's Newsletter

2009-11-11T07:43:00.003-07:00

Good morning! I hope you are all having a great week. Took the kids to school this morning and it was so much warmer than it has been in the mornings -- no scraping car windows -- YEH! I'll enjoy it while I can -- I can tell by the way my sinuses are acting this morning that it is the calm before the storm. I hope we can get our Christmas lights up today before the snow flies tomorrow (I know, I'm probably dreaming)!

Anyway, lots going on .... here's a few of them:

1. SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, December 19th, 4 - 8 p.m. Wheatley Annual Christmas Cookie Party. For those who have lived here during the last five years, you know what this is, but for those of you who have just moved in, here's the skinny. Our family hosts an Annual Christmas Cookie Party. You don't have to bring anything -- just you and your families! It is a gathering of people where we just get together and talk and enjoy a little respite from the holiday hurriedness and munch on the hundreds of cookies that I make. We'd love to have you -- no RSVP necessary, just come and enjoy! For the kids, we always have a movie on downstairs (usually the Polar Express). COME JOIN US -- it's a lot of fun and a tradition we hope to always keep experiencing....

2. FIRST AID KITS: For those of you who ordered the potholder first aid kits, they are here and I'd just LOVE :) for you to come and pick them up. They are $5.00 each, so please bring payment when you come!

3. THANKSGIVING TASTE TESTING: Haven't heard from anyone yet, but would love to find out who is going to show up this Saturday at noon for our Thanksgiving Taste Testing event! Bring your favorite side dish, dessert or even main dish for everyone to sample and don't forget to bring your recipe so that we can make copies for everyone. I have a "to die for" cornbread recipe that I am going to share -- it is SOOO easy and so moist and yummy! What do you have to share? PLEASE RSVP ASAP -- susan_wheatley@comcast.net

4. ANITRA'S WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: Click here http://mim.io/b4561 to get to Anitra's newsletter for this week. She always has the best information in these newsletters and also gives details on upcoming classes (which I thoroughly recommend).

Enjoy the day --

Susan

ANITRA AND HER WORDS OF WISDOM (and recipes and classes....)

2009-11-04T08:53:00.003-07:00

Thought I would start sharing Anitra's newsletters each week as they arrive. I absolutely love how she teaches and inspires me. There are some great classes and get-togethers that she mentions in today's newsletter -- I am planning on going up for the Pressure Cooking get-together (free) on November 18th at noon at Anitra's home. If anyone would be interested in going, I have room for two more people in my car. I can't wait!

Also, Anitra shares recipes, homemaking tips and inspirational thoughts in these weekly newsletters. I will start posting them weekly. Read all the way to the bottom for info on classes, get-togethers, etc.

Here is the link to go directly to her newsletter: http://mim.io/eb651

And for those who ordered the POTHOLDER FIRST AID KITS, don't forget that we have an open house where you can either come and pick up your supplies or put them together at my house this Saturday, November 7th from 3-6 p.m. I picked up all the supplies yesterday in SLC -- however, I am in need of 137 BUTTONS! Can anyone help me? Let me know if you can -- email me at susan_wheatley@comcast.net

THANKS -- enjoy the last days of summer/fall -- it is supposed to be 70 tomorrow and Friday! WOOT WOOT!

Stay healthy everyone!

SuWheat (Susan Wheatley)

TRIP TO CANNERY, PRESSURE COOKING, and CHANGE IN NOVEMBER 7th OPEN HOUSE TIMES

2009-10-27T13:28:00.003-06:00

A few items to be updated:

1. We will be going to the Springville cannery this Thursday night, October 29th at 5 p.m. I will try calling everyone that signed up tonight -- if you are interested in coming and can save me a phone call, call me today at 801-368-9865. We can carpool from my house around 5 p.m. or you can meet us at the cannery at 5:30 p.m. or whenever you can get there. Please let me know if you plan on coming so I can let the cannery missionaries know. If you are in need of a ride, please let me know as well so we can have enough cars. Remember: If you will be purchasing product that night, we need to make sure that we have enough cargo space in the cars to transport it home.

2. The November 7th Potholder Open House has been moved to the afternoon in order to accommodate our important ward service project that morning. You are welcome to come to my home anytime between 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 7th and either pick up your supplies that you have ordered and/or sit down and sew them together at my house. Come anytime within that timeframe. If you have a sewing machine and can bring it, that would be wonderful! I don't sew so I don't have one!

3. I am attending a FREE CLASS in Holladay on Wednesday, November 18th at 12 noon -- it is at the home of my friend, Anitra Kerr -- the food storage guru in my book! It is a class that will teach and answer any and all questions about cooking with pressure cookers! I am planning on attending and we need to RSVP asap if you are interested in attending as well. I have a few seats left in my car -- or we can carpool up there. Take a look at her weekly newsletter for more information.... and she has lots of other great information as well.... you will love Anitra! She has such a warm personality and makes learning FUN! Here is the link: http://www.madmimi.com/promotions/25637104529221/raw

STAY WARM AND WELL!!!

Susan

UPCOMING "RELIEF SOCIETY" CLASSES FOR 2009 and a TRIP TO THE CANNERY

2009-10-15T16:52:00.005-06:00

I am excited to announce that we now have a schedule together for upcoming "Enrichment" or is that "Relief Society" meetings for the Sunset 13th Ward through the end of 2009.

Our plans are to have a monthly Provident Living class and/or activity the first Saturday of every month. In addition, we have received quite a few requests for a weekly cooking class, which we will also begin in November on the other Saturdays of the month...

Here is a listing of the remaining 2009 classes...

Saturday, November 7th:
Potholder First Aid Kit Open House (10 am - 2 pm at Susan Wheatley's home)
For those of you who ordered the first aid kits (and there was a whopping 137 ordered -- way to go), we will have sewing machines set up at Susan Wheatley's home from 10 am - 2 pm on Saturday, November 7th. You can either come and just pick up and pay for your kits OR you can pick up, pay and assemble your kits during this open house.

Saturday, November 14th:
Thanksgiving Taste Testing and Recipe Swap (12 noon - 1 pm at Susan Wheatley's)
Make your favorite Thanksgiving side dish, main dish or dessert and bring it for everyone to sample. Also, bring a copy of your recipe and we will make copies of it for everyone.

Saturday, November 21st:
Quick and Easy Breads Class (10 am - 11 am)
Come and watch how easy it is to make several "quick and easy" bread recipes, from the "5-minute bread" recipe to "Easy Whole Wheat French Bread" and possibly others. If you are interested in this class, please either post on my blog or send me an e-mail at susan_wheatley@comcast.net and I will send you a listing of ingredients for you to bring so that you can go home with a batch all ready to be baked! So fun, so easy, and so quick! You'll love it!

Thursday, December 3rd:
Quarterly Relief Society Activity (6-9 p.m.)
This will be a dinner and our traditional service exchange. We are excited for what we have planned and look forward to spending an evening with all of our ladies in the Sunset 13th Ward!

The December 3rd activity will be the last Relief Society activity for 2009. Watch for announcements of the 2010 activities/classes, which will begin Saturday, January 9th.

We plan on going to the Springville cannery more often -- once a month/once a quarter -- depending on your interest level. Please drop me a note and let me know how often you would like to go. These trips will go fast and easy when we help each other. AND IT IS FUN! I LOVE THE CANNERY!

Cannery hours are as follows (as of this printing):

Mondays: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
T, W, Th: 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. You have to be there and ready to work no later than 6 p.m. at the latest to give time for clean up at the end

WE PLAN ON OUR FIRST OUTING TO THE CANNERY AS A GROUP TO BE ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29th at 5 p.m.
Please let me know if you would be interested in going -- and if you are willing to drive, if needed. Drop me a line at susan_wheatley@comcast.net

I am SUPER excited for these classes. I have a lot of fun classes ready for 2010. If you have any class that you would like to see us provide, please let me know.

Susan

Apples or Peaches

2009-10-07T17:12:00.002-06:00

Is there anyone out there who cans and would be willing to help me learn how to put up apples and / or peaches (if I am not too late) this year? I really don't have the time, but.... I so want apple and peach cobbler and/or fruit crisp in the middle of the winter and don't have freezer space.

I know I am late, but would so appreciate anyone who has had lots of experience in this and would do it WITH me -- I am a visual learner and don't want to try it on my own by following directions from a book. Does that make sense?

I could be available this Saturday (except 3-5 p.m.) or better yet, the following Saturday (October 17th).

Let me know -- and, if anyone else wanted to come and learn, I am open to that as well! If not, maybe next year..... :(

Thanks everyone!

Priesthood Session Girls' Night Out

2009-10-01T07:35:00.003-06:00

If anyone would like to come over to my house during Priesthood session, we could have a girls' night out -- I would love to show you the COOLEST new recipe that I have on making bread that is QUICK, EASY, and YUMMY! It only needs four ingredients (water, flour, yeast and salt) and you will LOVE IT! I could show you how to make it so you can take it home with you that night -- Sunday will be so yummy with warm bread coming out of the oven --

And, we could make a yummy dessert or whatever else you want to learn.

If anyone is interested (one person or 50), I am game! If you ARE interested, please e-mail me (or call at 801-368-9865) and give me some ideas of what you would like to learn this go-around.... then I'll e-mail everyone and let them know what to bring!

If no one shows up, I'll just do it myself! :)

ENJOY CONFERENCE!!!! I LOVE CONFERENCE WEEKEND!

SWINE FLU UPDATE!

2009-09-16T22:56:00.003-06:00

Today on the Oprah Show, "Dr. Oz" had a show about the Swine Flu:

He spoke about how the 1918 flu pandemic had a second wave & our second wave is coming.

Expect 150 million people in the US to get swine flu

Expect 90,000 people in the US to die from swine flu

Five things everyone needs to have in their home:

1. Cleansers – Swine flu is very contagious so use lots of soap and water. It’s also good to use alcohol cleansers and wipes. Send the kids to school with wipes and hand sanitizers.

2. Probiotics and Prebiotics – Need to keep up the healthy bacteria in your digestive tract. Garlic, onions and yogurt are good to take. Probiotic capsules are also good to take since they get more of the good bacteria to your digestive tract (gets more past the stomach).

3. Supplements- Everyone should be taking Vit D3, North American ginseng is also recommended.

4. Home Kit – You should have thermometers, electrolyte replacements, acetaminophen, masks, and a one month supply of key foods. Surgical masks are good to prevent mucus from traveling when sick people sneeze or cough.

5. Seasonal Flu vaccine – everyone should get theirs (this is what HE said, but everyone needs to make their own decisions about vaccines).

Those most at risk are pregnant women, people with predisposed conditions like diabetes, and young people who haven’t been exposed to any flu before.

Time line of swine flu:
Day 0 – 2 No symptoms
Day 3 – Body aches and pain
Day 4-6 Cough, sore throat, vomiting and diarrhea
Day 7-10 Feeling better or getting worse.

See your doctor right away if you start feeling worse.

I am grateful for a church that teaches preparedness. I am also grateful for a Heavenly Father who speaks with us through prayer so that we can know for ourselves what course to take everyday, not just with this H1N1 flu. Take your concerns to your Father in Heaven and He will direct you and your family -- what is right for YOU and YOURS.

The time to prepare is almost past.... get those last minute items to help you and your family ride the storm ahead.

Have a great week!

Susan

NOW'S THE TIME -- CASE LOT SALES, HERE WE COME!

2009-09-14T17:01:00.003-06:00

OK, ladies -- hopefully you have been watching the sales. Now is the best time of the year to stock up on items for food storage.

Harmon's is having their huge case lot sale
Smith's and Albertson's are having "mini" case lot sales, with "some" items on great sale
Macey's is having their huge case lot sale

You can go online and look at all the ads, EXCEPT for Macey's, you will want to go into Macey's and ask them for the "printout" of all the sale items.

There are some great sales that you won't want to miss --

The best prices that I have found for canned beans (kidney, pinto, black, garbanzo, etc) is at Smith's: 2/$1. Even if you store the dried beans, like I do, it is a good idea to have some canned beans in case the electricity is out or if you forgot to soak the beans the night before and you don't have a pressure cooker.

Sugar and Flour are on great sales at Macey's ($6.99 for 25 lbs of flour and $8.99 for 25/sugar)
Chicken Noodle and Tomato soup are on great sales at Albertson's (2/$1)
Tuna is on sale for 2/$1 at Smith's
Kroger Peanut Butter is on sale 12/$12 at Smith's
Macey's has its Chicken (Boneless/Skinless) on sale for $1.48/lb (pretty good price)
Mandarin Oranges are on sale for 3/$1 at Smith's
64 oz Apple Juice (WF) is on sale for 98 cents each at Macey's (fabulous buy)
Honey is on sale at Macey's for $10.79 / 5 lbs
Macey's has quite a bit of "packaged foods on sale" -- i.e. cornbread mix, brownie mix, Hamburger Helper, etc. if you are interested in that type of product
If you have little kids (or big kids like mine who still like this), Spaghettios is on sale for 48 cents each at Macey's
Brown Sugar and Powdered Sugar (2 lb. packages) are on sale at Macey's for 99 cents each

There are so, so much more, but this is just a sampling of some of the sales. GET OUT THERE and GET YOUR FOOD STORAGE!!!!

Let me know if you need any help or if you have any questions -- Susan

CASE LOT SALES ARE HERE!

2009-09-09T12:10:00.002-06:00

Grab your ads from the mail (and online) -- the case lot sales are HERE! There are some GREAT deals at Harmon's and Smith's right now and Macey's as well -- Just remember that the Macey's ad that you get in the mail is NOT all of the sales at that store -- they are only mailing the two page mailer and the rest of the ad you can get in store -- there will be complete ads in the store for you to pick up.

Compare prices and get stocking up! Peanut butter is $1.00!!!!! Tuna for 50 cents! Tomato sauce for 5/$1!!! Canned veggies 44 cents! Pasta sauce is 69 cents!!!! Mandarin oranges 3/$1!!!! Canned fruit is 68 cents!!!! Canned beans for 50 cents!!!! Campbells Chicken Noodle and Tomato Soup are 2/$1!!!!! AND SO MUCH MORE!!!!

This is your chance! The fall case lot sales is when I stock up the most!

If you have any questions about prices, feel free to give me a call - 801-368-9865!

Have at it!

Susan

OH, NUTS (and seeds and dried fruit, etc)

2009-09-06T18:31:00.004-06:00

Hi, everyone!

ALPINE FOOD STORAGE ORDER:

We are trying to put together an order from the company THE NUTTY GUYS -- it is a company that sells really fresh nuts, dried fruit, and seeds. We order through the company ALPINEFOODSTORAGE.COM.

If you are interested in seeing what they have and possibly ordering, follow this link: http://www.alpinefoodstorage.com/Order%20Forms/Nutty%20Guys%20Fall%202009.pdf and check it out. If you are interested in ordering, please either send me an e-mail at susan_wheatley@comcast.net or comment on this blog post. We will pick it up and bring it to our neighborhood -- that way you don't have to drive all the way to Alpine to pick it up.

www.alpinefoodstorage.com is also a very good site to purchase other items for your food storage. Check them out -- Chirine (the owner) is wonderful to work with and their orders are fresh!

PANDEMIC SUPPLIES ORDER

We are also putting together a second order of N95 masks, earloop masks and hand sanitizer. If you are interested, please post a message on this blog OR e-mail me at susan_wheatley@comcast.net.

Later this year, we will be purchasing first aid supplies from them. They are wonderful to work with so I am excited to finally get started with that.

I think that is it for now -- Have a great Labor Day!

Susan

PANDEMIC SUPPILES ORDER HAS ARRIVED

2009-09-04T10:04:00.002-06:00

For anyone who has ordered these supplies, please call me at 801-368-9865 to arrange to pick them up as soon as possible.

thanks! Susan

BULK ORDER -- PANDEMIC SUPPLIES

2009-08-30T18:25:00.003-06:00

OK, after our 5th Sunday combined meeting topic, I thought I might as well get moving on putting together a quick turnaround order for N95 masks and a few other items that would be helpful if this nasty piggie flu hits the fan.

So, my question today is -- who would be interested in purchasing supplies for a bulk order if I do that? I would want to turn the order in QUICKLY so that we have them whenever/if it hits our neighborhood.

Please either post a comment to this blog and/or send me an e-mail at susan_wheatley@comcast.net. I will look at prices tonight.

Also, here is an article I read this weekend about how this H1N1 flu might turn more severe:
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,544262,00.html

Thanks to John and Susan (and Jordan) for today's presentation.... this could potentially be serious stuff. And for those who have already had it, you KNOW how serious it can be....

Let's get prepared....

FOOD STORAGE MADE EASY

2009-08-18T07:58:00.002-06:00

OK, all of you who have questions on WHERE DO I BEGIN with food storage -- I have the answers for you. Well, better put, ANITRA has the answers....

If you are interested in attending a TELECONFERENCE where she will answer your questions, address your concerns, and help you understand those very first steps in personalizing your food storage program in your home, set aside this date and time:

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1st at 6 P.M.

Come join me around my computer where we can listen and learn together or call me and I will tell you how to connect at your own home. I love it when we get together because we can help each other answer questions, but you can certainly do this in your own home as well. I am reserving us a spot online today -- please let me know if you are interested in joining me here -- and afterwards, I am happy to answer whatever other questions you may have about food storage and how to get started, how to get to the next level, etc.

You are also more than welcome to come and see how I have my food storage laid out in my own home and how I organize it. I am a visual person and I learn best by "seeing" -- if that is you, come join me at my house that evening and let's learn together. Please e-mail me at susan_wheatley@comcast.net if you are interested in joining me that night or if you would like to find out how to join the teleconference at your own home/computer.

School starts tomorrow... are you ready?

Have a great day!

Susan

Sick and Tired

2009-08-16T15:46:00.002-06:00

Well, I am home sick today for the second day in a row, but can't sleep anymore (hopefully that is a good sign that I am finally on the mend).... so, I thought I would post on my blog....

A few things have been on my mind lately. Thought I would share some of them with you:

1. For those of you who haven't heard, sugar prices are going to be going up quite a bit. Bad weather in India and Brazil (the world's two largest producers) has made it so that the crops are threatened this year. Analysts say to prepare for a 28 year high on prices of sugar. So, watch for a decent sale and STOCK UP soon!

2. I found a WONDERFUL blog the other day and would like to share it with you: www.preparedldsfamily.blogspot.com -- I still haven't gotten through all the good information that she provides, but let me tell you -- the best thing she has on there is a comparison of prices so that when our case lot sales come on line in a couple of weeks, we will be prepared with all of her wonderful preparations so that we will know what is a good deal, a great deal or a so-so-deal. Check it out!

3. While perusing the above blog, I was referred to another one I really enjoyed -- www.theamericanhomemaker.blogspot.com and I enjoyed that one immensely as well. Thought you might enjoy two new places to search for ideas for your food storage, preparedness, and good tasty recipes.

4. All of our bulk orders have arrived and I am ready to have you come to my home to pick them up. Since I am sick today, let's wait until tomorrow, but please call before you come or else I might be gone. My number is 801-368-9865. I would really appreciate your help in picking these items up as quickly as possible -- also, please remember to bring your money if you haven't paid for them yet.

5. Did you see on the news about the typhoon that hit Taiwan (I think) last week and the fires in California? Thousands of people were given literally MINUTES to evacuate from their homes. Are you ready if suddenly it was our turn? Take a moment and review your emergency plan and your 72-hour-kits.... LET'S GET PREPARED! Follow the counsel of the prophets and be prepared!

6. One last item -- Andrea Urban sent this to me last week and it really brought it home how easily things can turn out of control, even in a small crisis. I, for one, don't want to have to "run to the store with the masses" if a calamity strikes -- I want to be so prepared that I can sit at home and not worry.... read this story and you will see ways that you can be better prepared. For one, please keep cash (in small bills and coins) in your house -- don't rely on the ATM to be working or the credit card machines to work .... read on for more info...

One person's experience when the power was down for ‘just a bit’ imagine the problems if it had not come back on for an extended period of time, or not at all.

An event at my grocery store.A severe storm came through my town last night and it knocked out power in my local grocery store for a bit. This was no big deal, as it has happened before. There was, however, a bigger problem we discovered very quickly: The credit and debit no longer worked, and checks couldn't be used. Foodstamps did not work either. Coincidentally, there was a rush of people in the store at this same time, and the lines began to clog very fast. People in line joked about how anyone ever did this 100 years ago, things like that. Everyone figured the glitch would be ironed out momentarily. Since nothing else worked, those people who were stuck were forced to use the store ATM that would charge them to withdraw money. They weren't happy but they got in line and started to get the cash they needed. Until the ATM froze up. Now the fake smiles and annoyed chatter had disappeared and reality struck for a lot of people, they had no way to access their money, they had no way to pay for their food. Those who unloaded their carts were completely stuck and the ones waiting in line didn't want to give up their spot to go to the bank. People became vocal very quickly. "There's no way the whole system can go at once!" "What do I do now?" "I'm not leaving without this food." People started pointing fingers at the cashiers, THEY must have done something. When the manager tried to explain it was not the cashier's doing, the company was to blame for making such a flawed system. Soon enough, with no knowledge of how the system actually worked, people began blaming others for buying too many groceries in the first place. In the span of a few minutes, perfectly calm, content people turned on those around them and eventually each other because food and money weren't immediately available to them. About that time the manager announced that the debit and checking was back up, and the ATM unfroze and people got their money. All of the things mentioned could have been causes for the glitch, but how the customers reacted was stunning to me. I can't say what would have happened if the problem hadn't resolved itself, but I know that in a situation where other variables were involved such as a national crisis or mass panic, there would have been chaos. If people react in such a way when a small wrench is thrown into the works, what reactions would come from a multitude of things going wrong all at once? After what I saw last night, I wouldn't want to be near a public place should the house of cards topple over, and I don't recommend anyone planning a trip to the store that day.

Just a little food for thought as I am sitting at home not feeling well -- just wish I felt well enough to work on some of those areas. Instead, I think I'll go back and take yet another nap. I hope I feel better tomorrow...

And, as for this coming week, SCHOOL IS STARTING!!!!!

Susan

THE BEST KEPT SECRET IN UTAH COUNTY!

2009-08-12T08:00:00.002-06:00

Did I get your attention? Well, yesterday I found the best kept secret in Utah County -- THE SPRINGVILLE CANNERY! Yes, that's right -- SPRINGVILLE! I have always gone to the Lindon Cannery, but this cannery in Springville is only an exit away from my house, so I decided to try it.

Here are the advantages:

1. First of all, it is closer than the Lindon cannery.
2. I WAS THE ONLY ONE THERE!!!!!!
3. There is no limit as to how much I could can in one session. I canned about 30 cases of product and the missionaries there were so happy I was there!
4. Brand new facility -- just opened in January of this year!

So, here's the deal -- they said that when they had their cannery in Spanish Fork that it was packed with people everyday and they had to limit it to six cases of product and no more than two hours each. I CANNED over 30 CASES YESTERDAY! There is no limit at the Springville cannery.

I don't know why people aren't coming to the Springville cannery, but between the fact that the prices have dropped so drastically at the cannery and the fact that you can walk in and not be limited as to how much you can can, I have only one piece of advice...

GO TO THE CANNERY!

I plan on going again either Thursday (tomorrow) or next Monday. If anyone wants to join me, I'd love the company! I don't have tons more to can, but I can help you!

We have been given a wonderful gift -- others would love to have this opportunity. Springville is my cannery from now on for dry pack foods (they don't do wet pack, so I'll still be going to Lindon for that).

Also, go to this link for Anitra's newsletter this week. I LOVE ANITRA -- she has helped me so much in my organization of and passion for food storage and preparedness. Check her out...

http://www.madmimi.com/promotions/16663802943938/raw

Also, a reminder to those in my ward -- tonight and tomorrow are the nights to go to Jacquie Wood's house to pick out the watch faces for the watches that you will be making at Super Friday on September 18th....

Have a great day -- I already am! Keep smiling!

Susan

Preparedness Fireside, Sales and Enrichment Meeting

2009-08-09T20:09:00.002-06:00

Happy Sunday Evening everyone!

FIRESIDE: I received information about a preparedness fireside for NEXT SUNDAY, August 16th (7-9 pm) in the Santaquin North Stake Center (200 East 550 North, Santaquin). The speaker will be Tim Woolf, who coordinated preparedness efforts in that area of the church for several years. He will be speaking on "how to survive disasters, famine, plague, economic failure and more..." he supposedly has a talent for teaching/sharing that knowledge with others.

So, bring your husband (face it -- both husbands and wives need to know this information) or go with a neighbor -- carpool and you'll have lots to talk about on the way home :) BTW, although the fireside starts at 7 p.m., it should be packed, so plan on getting there EARLY if you want a soft seat!

SALES: For those of you working on our current Humanitarian project (or who need school supplies for your own children), here are a few of the super school sales going on this week:
AT OFFICE MAX: 70 page spiral notebooks - 1 cent each (limit 3 while supplies last), rulers - 5 cents each (limit 3), 10-pack #2 pencils - 10 cents each (limit 3), or Crayola crayons (24 pack) - 20 cents each (limit 3).

AT STAPLES: 70 page spiral notebooks - 1 cent each (limit 6)

AT TARGET: 24 count Rose Art colored pencils - 88 cents each (no limit)

SUPER FRIDAY ENRICHMENT MEETING - Sunset 13th Ward:
Everything is in place for our Super Friday Enrichment Meeting -- Friday, September 18th from 5-10 p.m. We have great mini-classes, a dinner, and craft projects to work on that evening.

For those of you who plan on making the beaded watches craft, make sure to contact Jacquie Wood. She will be hosting an open house this Wednesday and Thursday in the evening for you to come over and order watch faces and she will also have pre-purchased packets of beads that you can purchase from her. Orders should be placed THIS WEEK so that we can have them in time for Super Friday. Don't miss out on these fun watches! If you want to purchase your own beads, try Roberts or Michaels Crafts and use their 40-50% off coupon.

For those who are going to be making the Flirty Aprons, you will need 1 yard of fabric for the front and 1-1/4 yard for the back and ties and pocket. You will also need coordinating thread and a sewing machine. You will want to have your fabric pre-cut so that you can spend the evening doing the actual sewing. CONTACT BRANDI WORLE for more information.

Are you interested in putting together some great gifts of Tiled Sayings on boards? If so, this class is for you! Emily Miller will have samples of different projects next Sunday(16th). At that point, we will have sign-ups so that she can place her order by the end of this month. If you are interested in purchasing your own materials (vases, ornaments, plates, tiles, picture frames, etc.), go ahead and do that and they you can either order your vinyl from Emily or purchase your own separately.

What to do with all those pictures? If you don't want to spend all that time in front of a scanner scanning in all of your old pictures, bring them to Super Friday and we will have a high speed scanner there and we will do it for you! For only 19 cents each, we will have your pictures scanned in and then you can either bring your own CD or flash drive to load them on or you can purchase a CD from our consultant who will be overseeing the scanning.

It's a Grinding Party! If you need/want to have your beans, grains or popcorn ground into flour, bring some with you to Super Friday and we will grind it for you that evening. Don't forget to bring ziplock bags to put it in.... After you grind them, they will store the longest (and keep their nutritional value longer) if you put them in the freezer.

If you have any questions or need phone numbers for the ladies in charge (listed above), please contact me by email (susan_wheatley@comcast.net) and I will direct you....

BULK SALES ORDERS:
I will be picking up all the rest of the orders of bulk powdered milk, seeds, etc. this coming week. Contact me for your total of how much you owe. They can be picked up on Saturday/Sunday (15th/16th) of August at my home. E-mail for more information.

A trip to the cannery planned!

2009-08-07T14:54:00.003-06:00

I am planning on making one and maybe two trips to the cannery this next week (August 11th and 13th). If anyone would like to join me, please call me at 801-368-9865 or email me at susan_wheatley@comcast.net.

If you haven't been to the cannery in the VERY RECENT past, you will be astounded and amazed at how low the prices are... they have dropped at the cannery whereas in the grocery stores the prices have skyrocketed! Isn't it amazing how Heavenly Father really, really, really wants to help us obey His commandments and provides such incredible opportunities for us?

If you would like to take a look at the prices at the cannery (as of today), click this link:
http://providentliving.org/pfw/multimedia/files/pfw/pdf/121874_Fall2009WE_HomeStoragePriceSheet_pdf.pdf

I am also going to be taking a trip out to Alpine Food Storage in American Fork on either Tuesday (hopefully) or Thursday of next week. If anyone would like to join me, please let me know. Their website is www.alpinefoodstorage.com and has a wealth of different products (you really need to see this in person to see what a wonderful service this woman -- Chirine -- has to offer to help us in our food storage quest).

Please contact me ASAP if you are interested in going with me next week! FIELD TRIP TIME!

Have a great day -- woke up this morning and it almost felt like fall weather!

Susan

CHECK OUT THIS WEEK'S SALE ITEMS!

2009-07-29T17:11:00.004-06:00

Picked up the newspaper ads that come in the mail today and .... WOW! There are some great sales in these pages!

BUY LOW:
Lean Ground Beef - $1.38/lb. FRIDAY ONLY -- sold in 3 lb. chub for $4.14 each
TODAY (Wednesday) ONLY AT BUY LOW: Bananas - 3 lbs/$1, Cucumbers - 4 / $1, Green Onions or Fresh Radishes - 5/$1

MACEY'S:
OK, so I am not a soda/pop drinker, but if I was.... check this out:
6 pack/12 oz. cans (7up, A&W, Sunkist and more) = 93 cents / 6 pack -- WOW!
WF 12 oz. Frozen asst Orange or Apple Juice - 93 cents
Speed Stick Deodorant - 93 cents (2.25 oz.)
Oscar Mayer Bologna - 12 oz pkg - 93 cents
Home Pride Bread (20 oz. white or wheat) - 3/$5

ALBERTSON'S:
Pop Tarts- $1.00 each (when you buy 5)

SMITH'S (Love the milk and ground beef prices):
Extra Lean Ground Beef - $1.69/lb
Mountain Dairy Milk - 2/$3
Cottage Bread - 4/$5
Crest Toothpaste (6.4 oz. size) - 10/$10

SUNFLOWER MARKET:
All natural boneless and skinless Chicken Breast - $1.57/lb in family pack
Large California Grown Yellow Peaches - 39 cents/lb.

REAM'S:
WF Milk - 2/$3
Grandma Sycamore's Bread - 3/$5
Yoplait Yogurt (6 oz. size) - 2/88 cents
Red or Green Seedless Grapes - 88 cents/lb

So, that's it for the sale items for this week! Happy Shopping!

Now, how about some recipes for all that yummy ZUCCHINI that we have coming out of our gardens right now --

**Tip before you begin** If you have a very large zucchini (anything bigger than 6 inches) make sure you scrape out the seeds before you grate it. The larger the zucchini gets, the harder the seeds are.
Brown Sugar Zucchini Bread
1/4 cup butter, at room temperature
1/4 cup vegetable oil or 1/4 C. applesauce
1 cup light brown sugar
1-1/2 cups whole wheat flour
1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Pinch nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 egg (1 T. dehydrated egg + 2 T. water)
1-1/2 cups shredded unpeeled zucchini
1/2 cup walnut pieces
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (you don’t have to have this, but it does add a very nice flavor. Remember the zest is only the yellow part. If you grate the white skin underneath the color, it will be very bitter)
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees
Grease an 8 by 4 by 2-inch loaf pan with 1 teaspoon of the butter.

In the bowl of an electric mixer, combine the butter, oil/applesauce, and sugar. Cream the mixture until smooth. In a separate bowl combine flour, spices, baking soda, baking powder, and salt and set aside. Add the egg to the creamed mixture and mix until incorporated. Add the flour mixture, about 1/2 cup at a time until all is incorporated, and the batter is smooth.

Fold zucchini, and lemon zest into batter.

Pour batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle nuts on top (this toasts the nuts and creates a fabulous flavor and makes the bread look SO gourmet!). Bake for 55 to 60 minutes until golden brown or when skewer inserted in the center comes out clean.

Remove from the oven and cool for 10 minutes before serving. Serve the bread, warm, with butter.

Death by Chocolate, Zucchini Cake

Makes one 8 inch pan, but if you want it for a 9×13 just double the recipe

1/2 C. Brown Sugar
1/4 C. White Sugar
1/4 C. Butter
1/4 C. Oil (or Applesauce)
2 Eggs (if you’re doubling the recipe use 3 eggs)- 2 T. dehydrated eggs + 1/4 C. Water
1 t. Vanilla
1/4 C. Buttermilk-3/4 T. Dry powdered milk + 1/4 C. Water + 1/4 T. lemon juice or white vinegar, let stand for 5 minutes before adding to the recipe
1 1/4 C. Whole Wheat Flour
1/2 t. allspice
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. salt
2 t. baking soda
3 T. cocoa
2 C. Zucchini, grated
1/2 C. Chocolate Chips

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 325.
2. Cream brown sugar, white sugar, butter and oil together in large bowl.
3. Add eggs vanilla and buttermilk and stir well to mix.
4. In a separate bowl mix remaining dry ingredients together and add to mixture.
5. Fold in grated zucchini.
6. Pour into greased, floured 8 inch round cake pan or 8×8 pan.
7. Sprinkle the top of cake with chocolate chips and bake at 325 for 30-35 minutes or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.

Spaghetti Zucchini Bake-serves 8

1 lb. Penne or Macaroni Pasta
1-1/2 lb. Italian Sausage, cooked and cut into bite size pieces or Meatballs (Costco has GREAT Italian meatballs)
2 cans 14 oz. Diced Tomatoes
1-2 cans Mushrooms (optional)
1 can Tomato Paste
1/4 C. Dehydrated onions, hydrated
1-2 Cloves of Garlic
4-5 C. Zucchini, cut into large chunks
1 t. Oregano
2 t. Basil
2 C. Mozzerella Cheese, grated
Salt to Taste

1. Cook your pasta in boiling water until tender.
2. Combine diced tomatoes, mushrooms, tomato paste, hydrated onions, garlic, oregano, and basil in large pot. Heat to boiling and simmer for 5- 10 minutes.
3. While the noodles are cooking, grill Italian sausage. (Or if you’re using the frozen meatballs from Costco, you can just microwave them…EASY!)
4. Place zucchini chunks in a bowl and microwave for 3 minutes (just to cook them slightly).
5. Add zucchini and meat to sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Add in noodles and 1 C. of cheese and stir. If you don’t want to heat up your oven just place remaining cheese on the table for people to top theres with.
6. Place Spaghetti Zucchini Bake in a 9×13 casserole dish and top with remaining cheese. Place under broiler until cheese is melted. Make sure and watch it so the cheese doesn’t burn.

**Make ahead tip** You can make this meal in the morning (do everything but place under the broiler) and place in the fridge. To re-heat place it in the oven at 350 for 1/2 hour or until the cheese is melted.

So, let's give it a try -- let others know what you thought of these recipes. BTW, I pulled these recipes from one of my very favorite food storage websites: www.everydayfoodstorage.net CHECK THEM OUT!

Until next time....

Susan

Sales, Great Newsletter, etc....

2009-07-27T08:48:00.006-06:00

I love the days when I wake up in the morning and go outside and "commune" with my garden. I don't have the best garden around, by any stretch of the imagination -- as a matter of fact, I am having quite a few problems with it this year. I have been told that I overwater, so this year I am not putting on as much and I think I went the opposite direction. At any rate, I digress... I love early morning -- with the birds chirping and the sun just coming up and my "alone time" -- I love my quiet time. Hope you make time for "me time" often -- it refreshes the soul!

For those of you who are working on our ward's next humanitarian project (or who simply need to buy school supplies for the upcoming school year), here are some of the items on sale this week (though August 1st) here locally (Provo/Orem area):

Office Max:
• 24 count Schoolio Von Hoolio crayons = 1 cent per pack (limit 3)
• Junior Scissors (blunted or pointed) = 20 cents each (limit 3)
• Assorted erasers and grips = 25 cents per pack (limit 3)
Staples:
• Elmer’s glue (4 oz.) = 25 cents
• Manual pencil sharpener = 25 cents
• 12 pack cap erasers = 25 cents
• Bic Matic Grip mechanical pencils (5 pack) = 25 cents
• Index cards (100 pack) = 25 cents
• Pencil case = 25 cents
Target:
• 12 count Paper Mate pens, pencil box, pencil pouch, or 8 ct water colors = 50 cents
Shopko:
• 70 page notebook of paper or 2 pocket folders = 10 cents each (limit 18 of each)
• Elmer’s glue (4 oz.) Or 24 ct Crayola crayons = 20 cents each (limit 4 of each)
• 12 count Paper Mate pens, Glue sticks (2 pack), 150 pages of filler paper,
100 page composition book, or pencil box = 50 each (some limits apply)

FYI: I receive a newsletter that I absolutely love. It is usually chock full of great ideas, recipes, special classes, special bulk orders, etc. I have been working with the editor of that newsletter, Anitra Kerr (I am sure you have heard me talk about her OFTEN -- I just love the information she puts out there for us) and she has figured out how to give me a link to her newsletters. So, I am going to post it here: http://www.madmimi.com/promotions/16196702861417/raw and then you will see this week's newsletter.

If you are interested in receiving this newsletter every time it is published, please send me a quick e-mail to susan_wheatley@comcast.net and I will forward your e-mail to Anitra. I don't want to send a bulk e-mail list to her in case some of you do not want to be on this listing. You will love her newsletters (as well as her website at http://www.simplylivingsmart.net/). Lots of free instructional videos, etc. -- I subscribe to their site and get trained in classes all year long. I LOVE THIS SITE -- you have heard me say it before and you will hear me say it again. So, go -- check it out!

Also, putting a feeler out there for anyone who would like to get together for another basic breadmaking class OR a Mix a Meal class, where we put together quick and easy mixes that will shorten your time in the kitchen. I am putting together a bulk order (see below for items on sale) of Powdered Dairy products -- using those products, we can make a lot of wonderful "mixes" that help you rotate your food storage, yet eat VERY well--without spending money for the prepackaged mixes. Notice the Mix a Meal cookbook -- a must-have! FABULOUS!

Powdered Eggs (100 per can) = $18.70
Powdered Milk - Country Cream (5 gallons per can) = $13.30
Powdered Cheddar Cheese (great for Mac and Cheese) = $16.20
Powdered Butter = $16.30
Mix a Meal Cookbook = $11.95

If you are interested and have not already signed up, send me an e-mail at susan_wheatley@comcast.net with your order NO LATER THAN AUGUST 15th!

Take care -- have a great week and I'll be posting grocery sales on Tuesday! See you back here again then!

Susan

GREAT CLASSES AVAILABLE

2009-07-23T07:20:00.004-06:00

My friend, Anitra, has just released her new schedule of classes -- I highly recommend them to you. I am going to the August 15th class on artisan breads if anyone wants to join me, but there are so many other classes as well. These classes are what helped me jumpstart using my food storage! I highly recommend them! Call her quickly and sign up -- there are only spaces for 12 people in each class... well worth the money -- you even get a great homemade lunch made in front of your eyes!

Here is the info:

Food Storage Classes…
“Eating Gourmet, the frugal way!!!”

Ever wonder what to do with all that wheat that’s been sitting in your basement, or would like to learn how to sneak other healthy foods into your family’s diet? Are you ready to step up your culinary repertoire, and venture into a whole new concept of meal planning and organization?

Well, I invite you to come share a great time learning how to turn your food storage into an extension of your pantry by learning the simple pleasures of everyday meal planning. Learn skills that will empower you to do more for yourself, eat fresh and preservative-free, and see creative storage solutions that will help you access your food more efficiently.

90 minute classes are held every Satuday morning at the home of Anitra Kerr, “THE FOOD STORAGE DIVA”

Lunch is served with each class, and you’ll leave with great ideas, a full stomach, and some great literature to inspire you at home. I’ll even have products and food storage items at the class for you to purchase!

Please register early to reserve your spot. Classes are limited to 12 people, so grab a friend, and join us!

Anitra Kerr (801)910-6233
(801)278-9845

Class Fee $35

CLASS SCHEDULE

Aug. 1 10:00 am The Wonders of Wheat
Learn how to grind, crack , bake, pop, sprout and do many other fabulous things with your wheat! We’ll make whole wheat bread, using healthy ingredients from your food storage, and sample everything from wheat grass smoothies to pita bread, tasty salad, feather-light pancakes, and more! You’ll also learn about the best grinders, and bread mixers on the market.

Aug. 15 10:00 am Artisan and Variety Breads
This is a great class that teaches advanced bread making techniques. Learn how to make classic rye bread, sourdough and English muffins, bagels, pretzels, pita, French baguette, Italian Focaccia, and more. Explore various baking tools that make artisan bread truly simple and successful!

Aug. 22 10:00 am Capture the Harvest—Dehydrate!!!
Come and learn how to dry delicious fruits, Veggies, leathers, granola, jerky, and more. Then see how simple it is to use these foods in your every day meals. Stock up your pantry with wholesome and delicious dried foods, and enjoy the convenience of implementing them often. Explore freeze –dried fruits and veggies and see how versatile they can be!

Aug.29 10:00 am Powdered Dairy and Pantry Mixes
Learn to make your own pantry mixes using powdered butter, eggs, milk, cheese, and much more. Learn how versatile and essential powdered dairy products can be in your food storage. No more trips to the grocery store for cake and pancake mixes, great recipes for dips, sauces, and dressings. Also make yogurt and creamcheese from scratch—all at home without a machine! This class will blow your socks off!

Sept. 5 10:00 am Alternative Grains
Learn how to incorporate a variety of grains into your daily diet. Power grains such as Amaranth, Quinoa, Kamut, Sweet Brown Rice, and others are packed with flavor and healthy nutrition, and add a great balance to your daily menu. We’ll make fluffy rolls, multi-grain pancakes, granola bars, sourdough English muffins, and even caramel candy that’s all kinds of healthy!

Sept. 12 10:00 am Classic Breads…
A great class for beginner bread makers. Come learn how to make you’re your favorites from scratch—cinnamon rolls, crescent dinner rolls, breadsticks, delicious pizza crust, buttermilk scones, honey wheat bread, and more. Learn how simple it is to make yeast breads with just a few simple tips and tricks.

Sept. 19 10:00am Beans, Beans the magical fruit….
From tasty cereals to rich fudge, from tantalizing salads to hearty burgers, come and see what you’ve been missing from your beans! Learn the secrets of using a pressure cooker, and why it’s not only healthier, but time-saving. See how to make beans user-friendly, and how to sneak them into foods you already eat every day!

Sept. 26 10:00 am Meal Planning
Come and learn how to turn your tired old 10 meals into 91 fresh and exciting meals by creating your personalized meal planning calendar. Learn how to save time and money by planning ahead not only for mealtime, but also stocking up your pantry, your fridge, and your freezer with healthy and nutritious foods that make snack time and meal-planning a cinch! See the value of using a pressure cooker and how to create healthy and well-balanced meals in minutes!

Oct. 10 You and Me, Gluten Free…
Enjoy all your favorite comfort foods gluten-free. Learn how to create your own everyday foods like breads, cream soups, snacks, desserts, and salad dressings—gluten free. Save money and eat better by eating from scratch instead of “out of the box”. Open your mind to a whole new world of gluten free foods and start enjoying life again!

Oct. 17 10:00 am Artisan and Variety Breads

Oct. 24 10:00 am The Wonders of wheat

Oct. 31 10:00 am Beans Beans the Magical Fruit

Nov. 7 10:00 am Powdered Dairy, Pantry Mixes, and yogurt

Nov. 14 10:00 am Alternative Grains & Comfort foods

Nov. 21 10:00 am Classic Breads

Dec. 5 10:00 am You and Me, Gluten Free

Dec. 12 10:00 am Home Organization Made Simple…
From Anitra’s new book, “Simply LivingSmart—Everyday solutions for a more organized you!” Come learn how to keep every part of your house neat and organized. Everything from taming the paper tiger and organizing your pantry space to creating a mini office and learning to containerize! Get excited to dejunk, donate, and live clutter free!

Don't miss these classes -- I have taken almost all of them and they are GREAT!

Also, an important note -- their website has been updated and the new website has been changed to http://www.simplylivingsmart.net/ -- check it out. It is a lot more user-friendly and has TONS of free instructional videos that will help you get started on your food storage and USING IT!

Time Travels Too Quickly....

2009-07-22T07:59:00.003-06:00

Everyday I plan to post on this blog and before I know it, a month has gone by. Life is traveling too quickly for my taste! I have friends that I want to check up on, projects to work on, and places that I want to go, but the day-to-day "have tos" take up almost all of my time. How do we "make" time for those things that we most want to do? I don't have the answers... I wish I did. I think sometimes the house has to wait to be cleaned (which is really hard for me), so last night my husband and I went on a bike ride. I hate to exercise but I love to bike. My sweet husband is good enough to ride "my speed" and we have some good talks while we are riding. We don't go out as often as I would like, but I truly cherish those times when we get to get away and ride together.

Last night, we started off on our "little" ride and got to a place where the paved road met a dirt road. Now, for those of you who know me, I am not an adventurous person and I am NOT a mountain biker. I like to ride on flat surfaces in safe places. I am the same way with food. I rarely try something new (although that has been changing recently). At any rate, we decided to go on an adventure and try the dirt road. We thought it was probably a short-cut to where we wanted to go and since it was already getting late, that might be the best option for that night.

However, as we quickly found out, it was no short-cut! An hour later, we hit paved roads again. It was an adventure - full of rocks and holes and some very breathtaking scenery. It was just here in Provo (actually, just down the street from our neighborhood), but it was a place that I would venture to say most Provo residents have never been. We passed large fields of vegetables, swamplands, a few people fishing, cows, horses, and LOTS of sagebrush (I know this because I am very allergic to sagebrush and boy were my arms itching). Our reward? A BEAUTIFUL, breathtaking sunset over Utah Lake. Before we arrived at the lake (where the dirt and paved roads met), we saw so many bits of scenery that would have been incredible picture moments -- we just recently bought a digital SLR camera and oh, man -- I was so upset that I hadn't brought it with us. However, with the mosquitos, etc. following quickly on our heels, I doubt that I would have really wanted to take the time to shoot pictures last night. You can bet that we will be taking that ride again -- this time with camera in tow.

What did I learn from this "little" ride that ended up being well over an hour? I learned that sometimes you have to take chances and that sometimes taking those chances are the very same that create the most beauty and joy in your life. So, try a new food -- take a bike ride "off road" and see the beauty that God has created for us -- MAKE time to visit friends that you haven't seen for awhile even if it means that your house will have to wait "one more day" to be cleaned. I sure hope that my company that we are having over this week until next understand when my house isn't spotless (or even close to it) -- I hope they understand that that time with my husband and with God's nature was, for a moment, more important. I hope it always is...

Thanks for indulging me. Now, for the "preparedness" part of this blog....

1. Are you interested in learning how to make artisan type breads (rye, sourdough, english muffins, etc) -- if so, join me for a class with Anitra Kerr on August 15th! Two hour class which includes a full lunch and handouts, etc. costs $35 and is worth every penny. I have already signed myself up and would love to have someone to drive up to Murray with to the class. These are small classes (around 8 people or so) -- if you are interested, call me and I will put you in touch with Anitra. I would be happy to drive! You won't be disappointed! I love her classes and was so excited to see that she was offering a new one!

2. Speaking of Anitra, she is having a big "dairy" sale right now -- powdered milk, eggs, butter, cheese at a discount. Contact me if you are interested! And remember -- simplylivingsmart.com is her website!

3. Watch for sales this week and in the coming several weeks on school supplies -- we were out of town last Sunday when the ads came out, but my guess is that there were a MOUNTAIN of sales on school supplies. Don't forget about our Humanitarian project of school bags. Check with Sister Vena Lee Cannon for a list of needed items. Stretch yourself and donate more than you think you can -- you will be blessed! We will be collecting these supplies until our September Enrichment (September 18th) -- Super Friday event.

4. Local grocery sales -- Just a sampling of the sales (look in your ads that came on Tuesday in the mail for more details):
BUY LOW: T-Bone Steaks (our family's personal favorite) -- $3.98/lb
Wednesday only -- Yellow onions (4 lbs/$1), Celery (4 bunches/$1),
Cantalope (5 lbs/$1, Kiwi (7/$1) and Watermelon (5 lbs/$1)
Friday only -- Super Lean (93%) Ground Beef -- $1.79/lb., Boneless/Skinless
Chicken Breast -- $1.69/lb.
REAMS: Boneless/Skinless Chicken Breast - $1.69/lb.
SMITH'S: Philadelphia Cream Cheese (8 oz) - 99 cents (when you buy 10 items from sale)
VO5 shampoo or conditioner -- 79 cents each
Crest Toothpaste -- 10/$10 (6.4 oz size)
Smith's Hamburger/Hot Dog Buns - 10/$10
Kroger Orange Juice (Gallon) - $1.99
Homepride Bread -- $1.69 each
Smith's Cottage Bread - 4/$5
SUNFLOWER MARKET: Blueberries (pint) - 99 cents; Strawberries (1 lb) - 99 cents
MACEY'S: Hamburger or Hot Dog buns (WF) - 89 cents each; WF Relish -- 99 cents;
Gallon of ShurSaving Milk - 3/$5

I hope you are all enjoying the sunshine and good weather. Our lawn is suffering greatly -- wish we could rip out the old sprinkler system -- this one is a piece of junk. We get mushrooms in some parts of the yard and dry grass in the other parts. We have replaced all heads and adjusted all the timers and had sprinkler repair people out here -- it was just installed incorrectly. UGH! I hate a dry yard!

One more thing -- it is that time of the year again -- ZUCCHINI is everywhere over here. If you are interested in any zucchini, let me know -- i also have a few cucumbers! Soon I will have more tomatoes than I will know what to do with. I am looking for the best salsa recipe to can this year -- I have never canned salsa but I planted tons of tomatoes and peppers so that I could do my own this year. If you have a great recipe, I would love to hear it! If anyone would like to help by teaching me how to can salsa this year, I would be forever in your debt! Let me know!

Until next time (which I hope will be soon) -- KEEP SMILING!

SuWheat

"A small percentage of something is so much better than a higher percentage of nothing"

2009-06-28T07:39:00.002-06:00

I was looking for updates this morning on all of the Provident Living blogs that I follow and saw the above title. It intrigued me, so I logged in and read it. Basically, it was a motivational post for those who are not working on our food storage and preparedness that it takes "BABY STEPS" to get to the end product (the year's supply, etc). Here is what she said:

In a conversation I had with a salesman, it came up that at times, he has to reduce the price of what he's selling in order to get the business and make the sale. Reducing the price of the item(s) he sells lowers his commission. He then said along the lines of, " A (lower) percentage of something is better than a (higher) percentage of nothing." He's so right. That saying has emerged in other conversations, but I was thinking about how it applies to food storage.

If you are like me, I like to have things done. That's why, for a longer time than I care to admit, I put my food storage on the shelf and walked away. I didn't want to use my food storage. If I used it, I would have less, right? So I put it there and felt pretty good about the numbers, but had very little to no idea about what I would do with it if a crisis hit. Rice and beans were good in theory, but didn't make an appearance on the dinner table until I decided to get serious about the actual preparation of food storage. Practical application trumps the dream of self-sufficiency any day.

Back to the percentage thing--I'm pretty sure that those concerned with being prepared for emergencies (you have no idea how much I wish that meant absolutely everyone) would like to be 100% prepared. Well, ummm...the bad news is that in my personal opinion being absolutely prepared for everything is not possible. The good news is that you can be absolutely prepared in some areas, though. And that's where the lower percentage of something undeniably beats a higher percentage of nothing.

I think that sometimes, people think they will do things all at once, and usually the time for that will be sometime in the distance future. They may think that they will save up for an entire year's supply of food, when they could just purchase needed items little by little---they want the 100% prepared version, which, since it is not in their hands, is essentially 100% of nothing.

Personally, I think that a smaller percentage of something in our possession, even if at the beginning it only amounts to a three-day supply of food, is far superior to having nothing on hand. Set goals for yourself if you are just starting out, and don't let food storage overwhelm you. You can get a 3 days' supply to start out with, and chances are, rice and beans won't even be on the menu at that point. Then move on to 3 weeks. Then to 3 months. Then to 3 years. (Yeah, I was just checking to make sure you were paying attention--would love to have 3 years' supply on hand, but still working on that year goal....)

There are still things that I need to work on. Here we are in June, and I still haven't completed my inventory and worked out a system that works for me where that's concerned. Part of it is just that I don't think about that particular aspect of it enough. I haven't worked enough on the 3 month supply as opposed to long-term storage. We all have our areas that we need to work on (hey, if I'm alone on this, be kind :) but we can up our percentages if we set realistic goals and work on them. And it is work.....work that we might not be able to do tomorrow, so we better do it today. http://adventuresinbloggingtoo.blogspot.com/ (this is the blog that I pulled this from)

I wholeheartedly agree with what she says. So, start off with "baby steps" -- that is what I did and now I have a nice supply of food (always still working on it, but it is so comforting to know that we could survive for "quite some time" on what we do have). When I first started food storage, I would buy one can extra of "something" (for example, spaghetti sauce). That was the most I could do at that time in my life. Then, it got to be a habit to buy one extra can of several things and then several extra cans of several things and then an extra case of something and then extra cases of several things.... see the progression? Now I am to the point of typically ONLY buying storage items when they are on sale and buying LOTS of that particular item. When I go to the grocery store, it is usually for a cart full of dairy and produce -- and the sale items.

Well, I like some of the new ideas that have come out on how to begin your food storage. There are many different ways to approach this elephant. The most important thing, though, is to start. Some may say that it is most important to store the wheat and the rice and the beans and the powdered milk first. However, I tend to like the "new" counsel to store three months of what you actually eat now and then work on the year's supply of the other items. And, as a side note, if you are not used to eating beans, wheat, etc., you better start learning to use them now or your body will reject them if that is all you are using in an emergency. I never thought my family would be able to get used to eating beans and wheat and now we eat them all the time with no side effects.

What I am saying is... START NOW! You've heard this before and I am sure you will hear it again -- time is running short. We have been counseled for so many years -- we have no excuses. How blessed we are that we have been warned and shown how to do it. Now, progress ladies... onward and upward.

BTW, if any of you would like help in getting started, please contact me and I would be happy to help you get on your way. I have a passion for this subject and love to share with those around me. Call me (or e-mail me at susan_wheatley@comcast.net) and set up a time to come over and I'll give you handouts and more importantly, help you make a plan.

Have a beautiful Sabbath -- it is a gorgeous day out there! Susan (SuWheat)

With a "quiet urgency"

2009-06-24T21:42:00.003-06:00

I don't know how many of you get the "Prepare Today Newsletter". Oftentimes, it has some very thought provoking quotes or stories. Tonight's newsletter had a wonderful three minute video montage that just hit me in my heart. I wanted to share it with you -- in hopes that it touches you the way it touched me. These are things we have all heard before, but... I hope that if we haven't followed the counsel before or if we haven't followed the counsel consistently enough, that we will start RIGHT NOW and move forward with a "quiet urgency" to put our houses in order and get prepared -- not just a little, but LOTS...as much as we possibly can...NOW. I feel such an urgency to do so that I can't express enough how much I hope that each and every one of you moves ahead quickly, consistently, and boldly in your preparations. I know that our Prophets speak for the Lord -- I know that the time is NOW to sacrifice our wants for our need to prepare. I hope you enjoy this little clip and then ... DO IT!

http://preparetodaynewsletter.blogspot.com/2009/06/shhhh-im-not-really-here.html

Love you all! Susan

A new beginning...

2009-06-23T18:16:00.003-06:00

Until the last couple of days, I haven't had the time to keep up with this blog, but I am feeling more on top of things now and so I have several things to add tonight... and, if you didn't see yesterday's blog post, make sure to check it out - great deals at the cannery! Don't miss out!

For tonight, I wanted to pass along a few things....

1. Not sure if you have visited alpinefoodstorage.com, but Chirine sells all sorts of different food storage items. I know a few of you have signed up to buy a can of seeds. As soon as I get a bigger order together, I will send it into her and I'd be happy to pick it up for you all. At any rate, check out her website (alpinefoodstorage.com) and let me know if there is anything you would like me to order for you. Or, order it yourself and I'll pick everything up together. They have all sorts of storage items. I think I am going to get some of their canned butter from New Zealand. I have some of the canned cheese from New Zealand -- now I will try the butter. I also have their seeds and they are really good! I store mine in the freezer! She is also putting together a berry order that ends on Friday. This one is like the berry order that we did a few years ago when Betsy Tanner put it together. VERY YUMMY! Either e-mail me or post on here if you order anything.

2. How much do you know about flaxseed? It is very good for your skin because of the Omega 3 that is in it. The nutrition comes as you grind it -- it isn't very nutritious whole (unlike most other foods). To grind it, you must have a small coffee grinder. I picked one up on ksl.com for $5 and love it! You can grind it (or bring it to my house and I will grind it for you) and then put in a small jar or a ziplock bag and store in freezer or refrigerator. You can sprinkle the ground flaxseed in just about anything! No one will be able to tell the difference. Start with 1 Tbsp of ground flaxseed a day -- add it to your smoothies, in your casseroles, cookies, breads. Get that nutrition in your body! Let me know if you want me to grind it for you!

3. Quinoa -- you have heard me talk about this wonderful grain before! Well, have you tried sprouting it? Raw quinoa can be sprouted to activate its natural enzymes and boost its vitamin content. And, it only takes about FOUR HOURS to sprout the quinoa -- wow, that is FAST! Add them to salads and other foods without having to be cooked. Sprouted quinoa is best eaten in 2-3 days. And, one thing that I am looking forward to experimenting with -- it is said that quinoa in your diet helps alleviate migraines! I HAVE TO TRY THAT ONE!

4. Ginger -- Studies found that ginger reduces morning sickness and ginger tea is used many times to help ease an upset stomach or runny nose. It can also help relieve arthritis and migraine headaches! (Another one I need to try!) Researchers speculate that ginger works like aspirin, blocking the production of natural substances that cause inflammation and pain. Since fresh ginger is strong, make the herb into a tea to dilute it. Add 1/2 to 1 tsp freshly grated gingerroot (or 1/4 tsp of the powdered version) to a cup of hot water. Let it steep for 10 minutes, strain the ginger and drink.

5. Just wanted to share with you another one of my favorite blogs: http://orgjunkie.com/family-favorite-recipes Take a gander at her blog. Not only does she have a mountain of recipes to choose from, but look back at some of her older posts as well. I love this blog, as I love to organize!

I am hoping that now that I have a few other things under control, that I can blog more often -- I would really LOVE to be able to answer the types of questions that YOU have! Drop me a line at susan_wheatley@comcast.net or post a comment to this post and I'd be happy to write about your interests in the future. I would love to help, so let me know.

NEXT BLOG: Some great recipes to share!

I LOVE THE CANNERY! Prices have gone DOWN!

2009-06-22T21:46:00.002-06:00

I received an e-mail from Andrea Urban and I absolutely loved how she worded her post:

"I believe that our Heavenly Father really wants us to have a storehouse in our homes, so when troubled times come, we can still feed our families. I also believe in the Tender Mercies of the Lord (Elder Bednar gave a fantastic talk on this subject http://www.lds.org/conference/talk/display/0.5232.23-1-520-33.00.html ). He loves us and wants us to be happy and successful. He gives us opportunities to obey counsel and these lower prices will certainly help us get some food put away."

I truly believe what Andrea says is true. How many times has our Heavenly Father pulled out "yet another" blessing for us -- I mean, for heaven sakes (no pun intended), food prices going DOWN? Unheard of! Except at the Cannery!

I tried to attach the spreadsheet that Andrea put in her e-mail that shows a comparison of what the prices are now and the prices in red are how much they have gone down, however I am still blog-illiterate and couldn't get it to line up correctly. I will put it in the e-mail that I send to everyone that tells you that I have a new post on her.

How many of us will actually take advantage of this wonderful blessing? I think we need to get to the cannery more often. I will pass around a sign-up sheet on Sunday for anyone who might want to go with someone else to the cannery. Or, you can post here and I can get a group together. It goes so much faster that way -- a very fulfilling cannery session -- I love going to the cannery.

Plan to go more often -- while the prices are still low, go as often as you can!

Humanitarian Project:
Last few weeks of our current humanitarian project and I found a sale on bath towels. K-Mart has bath towels on sale for $2.49 each. They are the "Essential Home Manor Bath Towel". Remember your blessings and buy some towels to bless the lives of the Women and Children in Crisis. They are also in need of toiletries (shampoo, toilet paper, paper towels, deodorant, etc.). Remember to take them to Vena Lee Cannon or bring them to church on Sunday. The last day to contribute to this project is July 10th at the Relief Society Summer BBQ.

CONTEST TO WIN FROM SHELF RELIANCE!

2009-06-19T06:39:00.003-06:00

I just wanted to let you all know about a great FREEBIE contest! You could win a SHELF RELIANCE food storage shelf -- talk about a great contest -- these are wonderful shelves and the one that they are giving away retails for $459.99! I don't know about you, but this is a contest I HAVE to enter!

Simply go to: http://www.shelfreliance.com/blog/index.php/2009/06/15/free-friday-bringing-harvest/comment-page-52/#comment-2672 and enter the contest!

Having trouble finding space for your food storage! This will help you so much! Imagine your cans of food storage neatly organized and rotating without you keeping track of it! This particular system (the Harvest 72") holds up to 600 cans! 600! Can you believe that?

They are also having a sale right now on them where you get shipping for FREE! Hurry, though -- it ends soon!

Now, GO ... enter the contest! And, good luck! Maybe one of us will win and we can show it off to the others!

SALE TIME!!!!

2009-05-27T21:43:00.002-06:00

I just found some incredible sales tonight -- just thought I would let you know in case you want to go out and pick any of these things up:

HOME DEPOT:
2 bags of charcoal (wrapped together) - total of 43 lbs = $8.97!!!! Incredible (Reg: $15.97)
1 gallon garden plants (I was looking at the euonymous) - $3.33 each -- WOW!!!!
16 x 16 tile squares (selected styles -- along the front of the store) -- 77 cents each
(for anyone who will be attending "Christmas in July" Enrichment, this is a great
price for that size!)

BUY LOW:
This Friday only: T-bone steaks = $2.99/lb. (I'll see you there when they open at 6 am)
This Friday only: Salmon Fillet = $2.99/lb

FOR THE HUMANITARIAN PROJECT:
At Smith's until next Tuesday: Suave Shampoo or Conditioner = 88 cents each
At Smith's until next Tuesday: Colgate Toothpaste (4.6 oz) or Single Toothbrush = 10/$10

ALSO AT SMITH'S:
Powerade Sports Drinsk (32 oz. size) = 2/$1

ALBERTSON'S:
Tree Top Apple Juice - $1.48 each (first 3 only) - take your family and buy 3 each! :)
Gallon of Shoppers Value Milk = 3/$5

SUNFLOWER MARKET:
Blueberries (pint): 2/$3
Fresh Salmon fillets - $3.97/lb
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts = $1.67/lb in a family pack

REAM'S:
Bananas = 39 cents/pound
Grandma Sycamore Bread = 3/$5

MACEY'S:
Propane Fuel (small canisters) = 4/$10
Shur Saving Milk (gallon) = 3/$5
Grandma Sycamore Bread = 3/$5
Western Family Kidney Beans, Black Beans, etc. = 59 cents / can

That's it for today -- I scored tonight on the sales and hope that you see these sales quickly and can jump for joy at your savings too!

BTW, isn't the weather GORGEOUS! Yeh! Summer is here!

Until next time.... SuWheat

Anitra's Place

2009-05-19T15:31:00.003-06:00

I'm sure many of you have heard me talk about my wonderful mentor, Anitra Kerr. She is the woman who really helped me "take off" with food storage and preparedness projects! I took a series of classes from her last year that really made me realize that it is a lot easier than it seemed to use your food storage on a daily basis.

At any rate, Anitra has a weekly e-mail that she sends out called, "Anitra's Place". She typically gives little helpful hints and also tells about classes that she is currently teaching or will be teaching in the future.

I tried to post a link to her e-mail that is also online, but it didn't work, so here is some of the information that she posted in that e-mail:

NEW BREAD CLASSES OFFERED:
Here's a quick update on the new Bread Classes I'll be teaching in the fall.....
I'll be offering 2 different bread classes, one for beginners and one for those who are more advanced.

The beginner class will be titled: Classic Breads, and will demonstrate 6 basic and everyday breads--Dinner rolls in various shapes, cinnamon buns, appetizer breads, breadsticks,homemade pizza, corn and flour tortillas, and buttermilk scones.

The advanced class will be titled: Artisan and Variety Breads, and will demonstrate 6 more challenging creations--bagels & soft pretzels, sourdough & english muffins, herbed foccaccia, french baguette,rye, panettone, braided bread, and more.

Each class will include a recipe booklet with 15 more delicious bread recipes, along with tips and tricks and everyday bread terminology, faqs and interesting facts about bread and it's origins. I hope you'll look forward to these classes and spread the word to your friends who may like to attend as well.

BBQ CHICKEN IN THE PRESSURE COOKER....
If you've ever tried making bbq chicken in your pressure cooker, you know that it's irresistable, and embarrassingly easy to do. At my home, bbq chicken pizza is a favorite, and we grill the pizzas outside. It's the perfect summer meal, and tastes great with a tall glass of lemonade.
BBQ CHICKEN 10 frozen chicken tenders 3/4 cup barbeque sauce

Place the frozen tenders and barbeque sauce in the pressure cooker. Turn to high for 15 minutes, and release the pressure. Shred the chicken, and let it rest in the sauce for 15 minutes to absorb all the juices.

Barbeque chicken is delicious served over rice, wrapped in a tortilla with lettuce and cheese, or served as a pizza topping. We even like to eat it cold on a bed of greens with tortilla chips and sour cream.

For more information on this incredible 3-in-1 digital pressure cooker, drop me an e-mail. Also, if you have a favorite pressure cooker recipe you'd like to share in my next newsletter, i'd love to hear from you!

DON"T MISS OUT....
You're invited to join me this weekend, May 23rd for my last class of Spring--Home Organization made Simple. This 90 minute class will get you excited about organizing every space in your home--from your garage and your purse to your bathrooms, closets, laundry rooms, and offices, you'll even learn how to put together your own emergency car kit, and create a mini office in your kitchen so you can efficiently organize your everyday paperwork!

Lunch will also be served--a delicious Chicken Caesar Salad Pizza with homemade pies for dessert! There are only 4 openings left, so call a friend, and reserve your spots!
Catch the organizing bug!

CONTACT ANITRA...
You can contact Anitra by e-mail (anitrakerr@gmail.com) or by telephone (801-910-6233). You won't regret it -- she is a wonderful teacher!

Also, be sure to visit her website, Simplylivingsmart.com, a wonderful place to learn! It has how to videos, helpful tips, and much more!

I am going to try to try to add the link and see if this will work -- http://www.madmimi.com/promotions/10800901908159/raw

Sunshine and I'm happy!

2009-05-14T10:23:00.003-06:00

Well, I just posted a WHOLE BUNCH of things on here and lost it all -- so, now being discouraged, I will try to recreate it....

GROCERY STORE ADS -- yesterday, the grocery store ads came in the mail. I am not posting any particular ad today because they were just so-so in price (for the kinds of things I am looking for), but make sure to take a peek at the ads because your family will eat differently than what mine will and perhaps you will find one of those "steals of a deal" in your ads.

WEBSITE OF THE DAY -- I discovered a wonderful little website the other day and I wanted to share it with you. It is called My Square Foot Garden and the woman who writes this blog is wonderful -- she writes in gardening terms that I can even understand! It is a perfect "how to" for the beginning gardener. If you read her blog and take time to explore her past posts as well (with how to pictures, which always helps me), you can see step-by-step how to plant a garden from seed to harvest. Go to http://www.mysquarefootgarden.net/ ENJOY!

YARD AND GARDEN TIP -- I just learned a tip from http://www.simplylivingsmart.com/ . Do you have grass growing between the cracks in your sidewalk? Take one cup of salt and 1 gallon of water and boil it. When it comes to a boil, take it outside and pour it on the grass in the cracks and supposedly it shrivels it up and it dies! I haven't tried it yet, but plan to this weekend! BE CAREFUL, though -- don't get it on any grass that you WANT to live.

BULK ORDER -- We are in the last few days of a bulk order for the firestarter as well as for a porta potty and the chemicals and biodegradable bags to dispose of your waste in an emergency. If you want more information, please contact me at susan_wheatley@comcast.net and I would be happy to forward it to you. Or, call me at 801-368-9865 and I'll tell you about it. I need the order for the porta potty items by tomorrow, May 15th and for the firestarter by this Sunday. If you order the firestarter you will be in a drawing for a FREE VOLCANO STOVE.

TALK OF THE WEEK -- One of my friends sent to me a talk given by President Ezra Taft Benson in November of 1980. INCREDIBLE! It is a must read! I am having troubles with the link, but if you go to http://www.lds.org/ and then type in "Prepare for the Days of Tribulation". VERY insightful talk and it actually is quite motivating to get prepared and get your food storage and other emergency items in place NOW! Great prophecy for what is actually happening now! Be sure to check it out. If you have trouble finding it, let me know and I will forward the talk to you via e-mail.

So, let me know what you think of any of the above items -- be sure to post on this website -- press COMMENTS at the end of this post and speak your mind! I would love to be sure that people are actually reading this blog!

More good stuff another day.... I hope you get to go out and enjoy the sun today! It's BEAUTIFUL!

EXCELLENT ARTICLE!

2009-05-13T08:18:00.002-06:00

I just read this article and it contains so much good information, that I wanted to pass it along to all of you . . . (thanks Darlene for the link). This is good information even if the swine flu DOESN'T rear its ugly head again in the fall. As for me, I am topping off what I have and adding a few things I hadn't thought of before. Look over this list that she provides near the bottom of the article and GET PREPARED... in my book, once again we have been warned in a way that helps us to see how wise it is to get prepared, so no more waiting... LET'S DO IT... get prepared. As always, I am available if you would like me to help you get started! Just leave me a comment or e-mail or call me.... that is what I am here for -- to help YOU!

Here is the link: http://meridianmagazine.com/emergency/090513flu.html

Beautiful day outside -- make sure you take a few minutes at least and go out and enjoy it!

Ads coming later today -- watch the blog....

Susan (SuWheat)

I think it's Spring!!!!!

2009-05-07T07:29:00.000-06:00

I do believe it is finally springtime in Utah! Thank you Mother Nature! Just a few announcements today...

HEAT, LIGHT, FUEL and ALTERNATIVE COOKING CLASS:
There will be a class TONIGHT, May 7th in Orem (5:30 p.m. - 8 p.m.) for those of you who are interested. It is by Jim Phillips. For those of you who don't know Jim Phillips, he is an expert in the field of heat, etc for emergency situations.

FROM 5:30 - 6 there will be a Q&A during the set up for the class
6-7 p.m He will teach us about alternative heat, light, fuels and cooking
7-8 p.m. He wiill talk to us about Pandemic: Reducing Your Risks

This class will be held at Parley's Hardware (Upstairs Meeting Area, 260 South 1220 West, Orem - immediately south of Trafalga)

GRAIN AND BEAN GRINDING PARTY THIS SATURDAY:
Don't forget that this Saturday, you can come to my home and bring your grains or beans or popcorn and we will grind away from you. You will want to make sure to keep it in the refrigerator or freezer until you use it. Also, we will talk about cooking with our grains and a bit about beginning sprouting.

PASTA AND SPICES:
Also at Parley's Hardware (in the parking lot) this Saturday (11 a.m. - 7 p.m.), there will be pasta and spices (sold in bulk form) available for purchase. The pasta will be 75 cents/pound and the prices for the spices varies, but are very good. This would be an excellent time to stock up.

HOME DEPOT YARD & GARDEN MAINTENANCE FREEBIE CLASS
Thursday, May 14th 7 -8:30 p.m. Provo Store
Home Depot provides this class to help us and will gear the class to whomever is there, so if you have questions on vegetable gardening, come and ask -- if you have questions on paving stones, come and they will show you how, or if you have any questions, come and ASK! They will have treats, too (yummy).

BLOG OF THE DAY....
Here is another website that I particularly like. It isn't a "food storage" website -- instead, it is a website where this woman tries different recipes and then posts how they turn out. I don't know about you, but I am always looking for recipes for dinner. Make sure to scroll down through her blog because she has a lot of really good recipes. I have tried several of them and they were great! Here is her address: http://www.tasteandtellblog.com/

Make sure to go out and enjoy your spring day! SuWheat

GREAT WEBSITES, A CLASS THIS SATURDAY and LOOK IN YOUR MAILBOX!

2009-05-05T11:03:00.001-06:00

It's Tuesday and your weekly grocery store ads are in your mail today! Check them out! Here are a few of the specials:

MACEY'S:
Gallon of ShurSaving Milk: 3/$5

SUNFLOWER FARMERS MARKET:
Strawberries: 88 cents/lb.
All Natural Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: $1.67/lb

Albertson's:
Watermelon: 29 cents/lb
Yoplait: 49 cents each (in multiples of 10)
Dozen eggs: 99 cents each for first 3
Sara Lee Soft & Smooth Bread = $1.57 each

Ream's:
Yoplait yogurt: 2/88 cents

Smith's:
Millk (Gallon): $1.69
Watermelon - 4 lbs of $1
Smith's Bread: 99 cents each

Just a few of the specials starting tomorrow at the local grocery stores.

I promised that I would post here some of my very favorite food storage/preparedness websites -- try some of these:
http://letusprepare.blogspot.com/

http://everydayfoodstorage.net/

http://foodstoragemadeeasy.net/

http://preparednessmatters.blogspot.com/

http://preparednessnibblesandbits.blogspot.com/

http://www.simplylivingsmart.com/sls-first-steps.html

From each of these, you can navigate to other websites and the possibilities are endless! I have learned so much from these websites -- I will post more in a week or two -- believe me, it will take you that long to go through all the links that these few provide. LEARN FROM OTHERS -- it is so much easier than learning on your own -- and so much more fun!

CLASS THIS SATURDAY, MAY 9th at 10 a.m.!

For those of you who are interested, I will be holding a "grain and bean grinding party" at my home at 10 a.m. this Saturday, May 9th! I know that sounds silly, but not everyone has a grinder and I want you to start using your grains and beans, so come by, grind away (I'll help you and you will be hooked and want a grinder of your very own) and we will also talk about using your grains and beans (including sharing some recipes) and talk about sprouting as well. If you are interested in coming, if you could please drop me an e-mail at susan_wheatley@comcast.net or post a coment on this blog that would be helpful to know how many are planning on coming. THANKS!

I'm happy that the weather is starting to look like spring -- FINALLY! Get out and enjoy it -- take a bike ride, a walk, garden -- get some Vitamin D outside!

Take care -- SuWheat (Susan)

THIS WEEK'S LOCAL GROCERY SALES

2009-04-29T07:19:00.000-06:00

Here's this week's grocery ad sales -- remember, though, this is just a sampling of some of the products -- check your mailbox -- the ads should have arrived yesterday! As you get used to watching the ads, you will know what are the good prices, what are the great prices and what are the... WHAT? NO WAY I WOULD PAY THAT prices!

Smith's:
Milk (gallon) = $1.69
Kroger Peanut Butter (18 oz.) = $1.00 (stock up NOW)
Oscar Mayer Hot Dogs (16 oz) = $1.00
Cottage Bread = $1.49 each (everyday low price)

Albertson's:
Kellogg's Cereal (limit 2) = $1.49 each - Raisin Bran, corn flakes, Fruit Loops, Cookie Crunch or Pop Tarts
Mission Medium Flour Tortillas = 97 cents each (limit 4)
Fresh Whole Watermelon =39 cents/lb (three days only - Friday through Sunday only, May 1-3)

Sunflower Market:
Extra Lean (85%) Ground Beef - $1.77/lb in the family pack - ground fresh daily
Red Seedless Grapes = 77 cents/lb.

Macey's:
Ground Beef (80% Lean) = $1.49/lb
WF Canned Refried Beans (15 oz.) = 2/$1
Lynn Wilson's 20 oz pkg of Flour Tortillas = 79 cents each
Tillamook Cheese (32 oz.) = $5.99
Shur Saving Milk (Gallon) = 3/$5
WF Diced Green Chiles (4 oz can) = 2/$1
Remember that Macey's typically has unadvertised specials on Saturdays -- walk through the store and catch the deals!

Well, that is just a sampling of what you can find -- open up the newspaper ads and see what your family eats and start stocking up! Remember, we should start with a three month supply of those foods we regularly eat and then build up from there.

If any of you have questions on building your food storage (where to start, what to buy, etc.), feel free to contact me and I'd love to help.

HAVE A GREAT DAY!

Upcoming Community Classes and Swine Flu Update

2009-04-28T09:33:00.000-06:00

The following classes will be held at Parley's Hardware in Orem (behind Trafalga -- just south of it in a new building):

Thursday April 30th Neal Bosshardt - Redmond Clay, home remedies
6:00 – 7:30

Th ursday May 7th Jim Phillips – Heat Light and Fuel
6:00 – 7:50 (Jim is available for questions at 5:30)

Friday May 8th Susan McGhie, Master Gardener - Organic Gardening
6:00 – 7:50
(future class options by Susan: Raising Chickens, Melons, Berries, Cold Weather Vegetables, Warm weather Vegetables, Extending the growing Season with a greenhouse.)

Saturday May 9th Tina Crowder, Solar Cooking Basics for everyday use
3 p.m. - Food available if sun is out

I have never been to any of these, but I think they could be really good. I am going to try to get to the Master Gardener class on the 8th and possibly the one on the 7th, if anyone would like to carpool with me. You can either e-mail me at susan_wheatley@comcast.net or call me at 801-368-9865.

******************************

Here is some important info on the swine flu. I have some handouts that I need to figure out how to attach to this blog -- if anyone has any ideas of how to do that, please contact me -- in the meantime, if you would like the handouts e-mailed to you, please let me know and I'll jet it over to you. Thanks to Andrea Urban for sending this my way....

The attachment provides a wealth of practical information about how to prevent or treat the flu if you find yourself dealing with that situation…I prefer the prevent part myself, but I also think that it’s a great idea to PRINT the information so you can refer to it if needed.

This should go into your preparedness binder and be readily accessible. As always, prevention is the best medicine. The info below should be put into practice immediately if it isn’t habit for us yet. We should teach it to our kids and grandkids as well.

The best way to deal with this Flu is to avoid it. One of the ways to do that is to maintain impeccable personal hygiene practices.

(This SHOULD be our everyday practice, in sickness and in health, but if not….START NOW! and we need to teach this to the children within our influence)

Wash your hands (no don't wash . . . scrub) with antibacterial soap thoroughly before every meal and after touching questionable surfaces. Sing in your head the alphabet song twice while washing. That should be sufficient time.

When using public restrooms use the paper seat guards for the toilets.

Wash your hands before and after you touch intimate body parts while relieving yourself.

After washing your hands in a public restroom try to use paper towels when provided. When you are done drying your hands use the towel to open the door and then dispose of your towel.

Sneeze or cough into your armpit or elbow. Don't use your hands to cover your faces when sneezing or coughing.

Carry a handkerchief with you and use it when needed. Wash it when you come home. Don't save it for another day or another person. If you don't have handkerchief carry a wad of toilet paper or Kleenex packages.

Don't share eating utensils or dinnerware or towels,

When greeting someone I would prefer at a 20' distance but shake elbows if you must come in close.

Alcohol hand gels and wipes are okay to use but they should not be your only source of keeping your hands clean. Wash your hands with soap and water frequently then use the alcohol gel or wipe.

Brush your teeth like your dentist wants you to after every meal.

When touching questionable surfaces (especially in public) never touch your face afterwards.

When the environment is questionable (possible outbreak) use an N95 dust mask and gloves and then go straight home.

Bathe regularly.

Sanitize "touchable" surfaces in your home like door knobs, toilet handles, cold and hot water handles, etc.

The solution to pollution is dilution.

Welcome to the SuWheat Life!

2009-04-26T21:24:00.000-06:00

Welcome to all!

Instead of sending to an e-mail list of friends and acquaintances every time I had a thought, I woke up in the middle of the night two nights ago and thought, "Why not create a blog?" Well, here is the fruits of that thought!

I hope that this blog will allow me to pass along to you:
1. Sales in our area on a more timely basis (especially the new grocery ads each Wednesday);
2. Information on building your food storage one step at a time;
3. Information on emergency preparedness -- after all, "If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear";
4. Tips on how to use ALL of your food storage -- yes, even the wheat, beans, and powdered milk;
5. Recipes that I use and love;
6. Organizational hints;
7. Financial tips;
8. Links to other blogs and websites that I have learned from; and,
8. A place where you can share YOUR wisdom on these items as well.

So, without any further procrastinating, here we go...

First of all, I am sure that you are all aware of the problems in Mexico (and now in the US and New Zealand and spreading into other countries of the world) with the swine flu. The CDC is watching this very closely, but it concerns me because of how rapidly it has spread from one country to another to the other side of the world. It definitely started down in Mexico and the worst hit population is down there (I am SO thankful my son is back from his mission in Mexico). However, there have been several cases here in the US as well, but thankfully no deaths here in the US. The good news: it is treatable if discovered and treated in the first 72 hours of the disease. The bad news: not everyone will get treated or even realize it is a problem. So, we have to be on alert to watch out for ourselves, our families and our neighbors. This outbreak is a good example of why we need our year’s supply of food and preparedness products already in place.

Here's a question that I want you to ask yourself -- I asked myself this question on Saturday morning and it certainly helps you see where the gaps are in your food storage and emergency preparedness:

If the US was put on quarantine TODAY, would you be able to do it RIGHT NOW without going to the store to get those last minute HAVE TO HAVES? We are all in different places in our quest for food storage and I truly believe that if we have been doing all that we can and then some, the Lord will bless us. Remember, if we are doing that, we have the right to call down the powers of heaven to help sustain us. I truly believe that.

OK, enough of SuWheat Philosophy 101, let’s get on to the different things that I have for you today:

1. HONEY BULK ORDER. The time is short. The absolute deadline is May 1st. As this is such a short deadline, I am going to let you each make contact yourselves with the person putting together this order. If we had more time, I would be happy to put a group order together on it. This is for RAW HONEY. Raw honey has great medicinal purposes. Because it is raw, it will crystallize, so be aware of that, but it is better for you. The honey comes in 4 lb tubs. You can purchase them by the case (8-4 lb tubs for $80) or individually at $11.00 each. The honey was produced in Cache Valley, Utah. It is mostly clover and alfalfa honey and is unpasteurized. If you are interested, contact Emily or Brian Rowley at emilyrowley1@hotmail.com or isee2020@hotmail.com for more information. But, remember this is the last week and the money has to get to them by this coming weekend!
2. GARDEN BOXES. If any of you are wanting garden boxes, but can’t make them yourselves, there is a gentleman down in Santaquin that is making them and charging a nominal fee. Each box is 4 feet square and 8 inches deep. They are made of wood with steel reinforced corners and are $25 each. For more information, contact Jim or Loretta at utahhome@aol.com.
3. FIRE STARTERS. At first I was not very interested in this bulk buy (thanks to Mary's daughter-in-law who keeps us stocked with lots of great ideas and buys), but then she sent a follow-up e-mail with some youtube videos and after watching them, I thought, “I have to have this!” Take a couple of minutes and watch the two youtube videos and see if you are as impressed as I am. I have always worried about how to store “fuel” without the worry of explosion – this is the solution! Looks great – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpYKaPwoClQ and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aa4HR5Nr2FA . The fire starters are eco-friendly, granulated, and are storable without the worry of it exploding! It is a patended blend of volcanic rock, wood pellets, and paraffin wax. It is also water repellant so it can be used in wet or snowy conditions. My goodness, what doesn't this stuff do? It comes in 5 gallon buckets (160+ hours of burn time). Each bucket retails for up to $79.95. This group deal is for $49.95 + $3.00 tax. This includes delivery to us in Provo! And, if we order five (5) buckets, we get a FREE Volcano II Cooker (over $100 retail value). To make it fair, all those who order, I will put their name in for a chance to win that Volcano II cooker. That's a deal I can't pass! I would be happy to put the order together and place it all as one bulk order. In order for me to get this order placed in a timely manner, I would like to have all orders AND MONEY to me no later than May 17th!
4. FIRST AID KITS/SUPPLIES. As you probably noticed, I never got the bulk order prepared on this – I will try for the month of May. So sorry about that.
5. QUINOA. For those of you who ordered red or white quinoa from me, I should be getting with you this week. I received the red quinoa (and it was an even better deal than I told you) and I should hopefully receive the white quinoa this week. Alpine Food Storage does have the white quinoa for the same price if anyone missed out on that order. Go to alpinefoodstorage.com.
6. CLASSES. One last thing – if I arranged some basic (and some advanced) cooking classes, what would you like to see taught? I would like to start up again in the month of May (starting hopefully next week), but it may be that it will be best to have them on Saturday mornings instead of Thursday evenings (seems like all of a sudden, Thursdays have become busy church-wise). Let me know your thoughts ASAP by posting on our new BLOG! Also, please let me know what other type of classes you would like to attend (budgeting, organization, emergency preparedness, etc) and we'll see what we can do!

While you are thinking of it, if you are interested in following this blog (because I am going to stop all e-mails from this time forward), mark this as one of your favorites and do a "quick check" each day to see if I have added anything new.

Let me know of ways to improve -- I love suggestions, especially since I am a blogger-novice!

Next post: List of great blogs and websites that I follow....

Take care of yourselves and stay away from this swine flu – let’s get prepared!