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Nov 20, 2013

Shells Famous Bean Burrito Mix!

Shell's Famous Bean Burrito Mix!  Can be made entirely from food storage if necessary! Freezes well too!




2 cups cooked rice
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 can of green chiles - Optional 
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 Can Diced Tomatoes

1 can (15 oz. each) pinto beans with liquid  (Or prepare from dry beans first)
1 can (15 oz.) Black Beans, drained and rinsed  (Or prepare from dry beans first)
1 1/2 cups water
1 (10 oz) package frozen corn or 1 can whole kernel corn, drained 

6 green onions, white and green parts finely chopped - optional
1/2 teaspoon onion powder

16 burrito-sized (10-inch) flour tortillas
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese



(If using dry beans, pressure cook, or crockpot SEPARATELY, the day before) Cook rice; set aside.  Meanwhile, heat oil in large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion, garlic, and cumin; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are softened and golden, being careful not to let the garlic burn.   Add can of pinto beans with juice and mash gently in the pan (a potato masher or fork works great here). Add the can of black beans and the water and stir to combine. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 10-12 minutes, being careful not to let the mixture stick to the bottom of the pot. Add diced tomatoes and corn; cook to heat through, 2-3 minutes. Stir in onion and garlic powders. Remove from heat; stir in green onions (if using) and cooked rice.

Heat tortillas in microwave for about 30-45 seconds or until all are warmed through. 

If eating fresh, layer burrito mix, shredded cheese, avocado, and even lettuce and tomatoes if desired.

This recipe works great prepared ahead and made into freezer burritos.  Just be sure to use the small fajita size tortillas, otherwise it is hard to reheat them.  They are cold in the middle if you make them too big.


Recipe adapted from Mel'sKitchenCafe.com

Sep 13, 2013

Frozen Shoulder Syndrome - Natural Remedy

Frozen Shoulder is the lay mans term for what is medically termed  "Adhesive Capulitis."  Most Dr's will say that they do not know what causes it, and that there is no known "cure".

My experience with this "disorder" started when I woke up in the middle of the night in excruciating pain, unable to move my shoulder, arm, or even the slightest movements in my hand.   I had not had an "injury" so to speak with my arm, and had even been playing volleyball every week for the last several months.  So a week later when I finally went to the Dr. and received this diagnosis, I was not comforted to hear that a typical Frozen Shoulder lasts usually a minimum of 2 months and as long as 5 years.  I have known people personally that have had surgery for correcting this problem as well.  Whether or not that is a reliable fix, I am skeptical.

As I mentioned before, they don't know what causes it.   Honestly I think it is somewhat of a "copout" diagnoses that is given when everything else is ruled out.   No torn rotator cuff, no broken bones, etc.
I am not one who generally goes to a Dr. for advice, unless there is something beyond my ability to handle, and in this case it was the pain.  Once I got that under control, I was able to focus on fixing the arm myself.    When I DO go to a Dr., I use a Naturopathic Physician.

Through a weekly regimen of massage, stretching, and using Essential Oils, I was able to see a huge improvement within 2 weeks from starting the treatments.  Now 5 weeks later, I would say I am at about 98% of normal function in the arm.   There are still signs of weakness from literally not using it for several weeks, but the ability and range of motion are totally back.

Just a note, not all massage therapists are equal.   It is necessary to have a MT that is well trained, and knows how to perform deep tissue massage WITHOUT bruising your entire body.   Bruising, though sometimes a side effect, is not the best way to accomplish healing.   You will definitely feel it later, but it should not overshadow the original problem you went in for.    And a good MT will tell you to drink lots of water to flush toxins out of your body, as well as ice the areas that deep tissue massage was performed.  It is also important to listen to your body, and let your MT know if something is hurting more than is good, and if you think you need to stop.

Although my knowledge is really quite small about exactly how Essential Oils work and the science behind using them, I did look up some instructions on how to create blends for yourself, and I created a recipe that worked for me in helping with the inflammation and healing of my Frozen Shoulder.

It is important to ad the oils in the order they are listed:

Added in the following order:
1 oz. Fractionated Coconut oil (or fill a 10ml bottle 3/4 full with Fractionated Coconut oil)

Winter green - 3 drops
Peppermint - 2 drops

Basil -15 drops
Birch  -10 drops
Frankincense -8 drops
Lemongrass - 15 drops

White Fir - 12 drops

Lavender - 4 drops
Lemon - 4 drops

Now just to cover my @$&  I need to say that these statements have not be evaluated by the FDA and that this information is not intended to be used as medical advice as the author is not a physician.  This recipe has not been proven to treat, diagnose or cure any of the above mentioned ailments.  Blah blah blah, yadda yadda... :-)

Aug 23, 2013

Preparing for an Earthquake w/ the Earthquake Lady!

 According to a KSL news cast on April 17, 2012:


"The infamous Wasatch Fault Line is 240 miles long, extending from Malad City, Idaho south to Fayette, Utah.  The Brigham City, Weber, Salt Lake, Provo and Nephi segments of that fault run through the most populated areas of our state.


At least 23 magnitude seven quakes have hit these segments over the past 6500 years - an average of a big shakeup every 300 years.
"I don't want to say we're overdue, but based on this paleo-seismic evidence and the geologic evidence from trenching the fault, it would not be unexpected for one to happen soon," Koper said.
Tomorrow, five, fifty, a hundred years from now? The experts don't know but say it will happen."

These so called "rumors" of Utah being long overdue for a quake are really more than rumors.  There is much scientific evidence pointing to the likely hood that "the big one" is coming.



This past Thursday, I attended a local presentation about earthquake preparedness.   The presenter was Maralin Hoff, otherwise known as the "Earthquake Lady."  Below are my notes from the meeting as well as photos of her display.   I am also including links to all of the handouts that were given, as they are available on the Utah state website.


Click on Photo to see details
The first thing she discussed was our immediate responses to an earthquake when we feel one starting.  Most of us know to "Take Cover" but it is also important to stay put.   An earthquake can cause an upset stomach, dizziness, nausea, etc.   So you shouldn't try to move about during one, other than to get to a safe area.

Click on Photo to see details
Safe areas include the inside solid walls if you are in a church or commercial type building.  The center wall in home nearest the hall is usually the safest area.  Stay away from window walls or outside walls.
Train your brain to know and get to these safe areas.  Door frames are generally recognized as safe as well as Bathrooms (commercial bldgs.), closets, or hallway.

It is a good idea to go through each room at home with your family and at work with your employees and/or co-workers and talk about which areas are safe.

We have lots of options for protecting ourselves.  But the most important thing is to drop, cover, and hold,  protecting our heads is #1.  If you are under a parking garage go to the nearest pillar.  Pillars are the safe part of the structure.   Maralin jokes that we should hug it and pray-- alot.
Be aware of glass-display cases, etc. in public places.  Picture windows in stores and malls, anywhere that glass can explode from you want to be away.   If you can't get away, at least turn your back to the glass so if it shatters your face and organs are protected.

If you are in a basement go to center of it.  Furthest away from outside windows.  Stairs are weak and could collapse.  As part of preparing your home for an earthquake, you should secure stairs with "L" brackets from the hardware store.   Check basement windows to make sure they will open in an emergency.  They used to tell us to get under the beds but now they say don't get under the beds-that's a no-no now.   Because if you are under the bed and something falls next to it, you could be pinned from getting out.  Stay away from fireplaces and chandeliers.  Securing water heaters with heavy metal straps should be #1 on our homework list in order to prevent gas leaks and fires during earthquakes.    Bookcases should also be secured to walls with brackets.

If you are outside stay outside find an open area out from under power lines, away from trees and buildings.  If you're at the store squat down and put your head under the basket. Or turn the basket sideways and crawl in.  If you have a baby or young child put them in first and then stick your head in.
Stores like Bed Bath Beyond, Costco etc are stocked to Ceiling.  Wouldn't want to be in that store when the earth starts moving.   

If you are driving you may not know you're in an earthquake right away. Things will happen in slow motion.  You should pull off to the side of road and stay in your car.  Check for wires up above and make sure you are not underneath a possible falling power line.

Freeways will become parking lots.  Authorities have asked that you  do not abandon your vehicle on a main Road, especially on the freeway.   Be patient  UDOT will get the cars moving.  You may have to wait for hours but eventually they will want you to be there to move your car.
Click on Photo to see details

It's always important to have an emergency kit in your car.  Some of the most important items include flashlight(s)-crank style or battery operated.  An umbrella, shovel (snow shovel in utah).  Blankets-emergency, wool, flannel, mylar.  And most importantly, water.  You should always keep comfortable walking shoes in the vehicle as well.  Whistles are an imperative item.   If you are always carrying one, you can more easily alert rescue crews to your location.   Ladies- keep a whistle in your purse.  Men in your briefcase or wallet.  Keep whistles everywhere.   They can even be tied to zipper pulls on school backpacks.  You can wrap things in mylar to stabilize temperatures such as the water in your cars.   

Click on Photo to see details
When creating emergency kits, its a good idea to get together with friends and neighbors and try to order things in groups.   Don't order pricey pre-made kits when you can get items affordably--dollar stores have lots of great items.   If you need medications - take them with you everywhere.  
Include the basics in your kit and then add your personal items.  Ie:  Sanitary items for women and girls, etc.  Cell phones don't usually work during an emergency.  However  texting may work.

Do not store emergency kits in the basement.  They should be on the main level or in the garage easy to grab and go.   Kids can have kits in bedrooms under beds w/ handle sticking out .
Keep track of kit expirations on a Calendar  ie: batteries, food, etc,  so that you remember to regularly update consumable items.
Kids Kits should grow with them.  Be sure to update toys and reading items to reflect their current interests.  

I'm sure there are many more tips and ideas included on the website in the following handouts:


Your Guide to Personal and Family Preparedness
Emergency Plan
72 Hour Kit Checklist
Car Survival Kit
Childrens Activity Book
Disaster Preparedness for Seniors
FEMA Guide for Citizens Preparedness

Emergency Porta-Potty Kit
Animal 72 hour kit
Animal First Aid Kit

For more information, links and flyers please visit:
http://beready.utah.gov


Jul 9, 2013

What do I do without electricity?

   About 9:30 on Sunday morning the lights flickered, dimmed, and went out completely.   The AC came to a screeching halt, and the entire house went silent as all of the noise from running fans stopped abruptly.  "You've got to be kidding me," I thought.   Exactly one week to the day since the boil order was lifted on our water supply.  Seems we have been blessed with all sorts of opportunities recently to test our preparedness skills. We began to think about how this would affect us.  I claimed the first shower, just in case the hot water went cold before the the tanks could heat again, and then I remembered we have gas water heaters.  :-) We wondered if church would be cancelled if there was no power in the building, and hubby started dragging out the solar panels we haven't had a chance to set up yet.  {Notice the shade tree directly over them... ha ha.}  
     Truthfully that kind of made me laugh because we didn't even know yet if this would be a long term outage.   And there's wouldn't be enough power coming from those to run a freezer, which was my biggest immediate concern.  Freezers will continue to keep your food frozen for quite a long time if you don't open the doors.   But in a long term outage, most food would begin to thaw within 12-18 hours.  Requiring cooking up of any meats, and other foods.   Canning of vegetables, and tossing out ice cream and popsicles.     We have tons of Goat milk in our freezer that wouldn't be good for anything but Cheese or soap.   And truthfully, I'm not prepared for the amount of work it would take to salvage/process all of this.
     We have had a heat wave lately as well, and it was already over 80 outside at 9am so I knew the house was going to heat up pretty quickly.   The Solar panels might power a few fans, but ultimately, we'd have to start living in the basement to keep cool.   I had noodles boiling on the {gas} stove in preparation for dinner, which was actually a good thing, because I had contemplated using my electric pressure cooker that morning, and decided against it.   But all of this ads heat to the room quite easily.
   I also rather enjoyed the fact that within minutes, people were posting on Facebook about the outage from their smart phones with internet contracts.   The whole neighborhood was out of power and we still have Facebook.   Kind of oxymoronic in a cool sort of way.   And I don't discount the usefulness of Facebook in times of emergency either.   It was how the city kept in contact with us about the water issues as well, and how I found out the boil order was lifted.  Its sort of our latest source for local news and information.   And tidbits spread like wildfire, so its really an effective means of checking on everyone and spreading the updates.
    I know you are used to very informative updates from me, but this one is just intended to make you think.   What would YOU do if you had a long term power outage?   Are you prepared to carry on?   Would you be able to cook, eat, keep warm/cool?   Are there things in your house that could/should be changed replaced to accomodate such a situation?  Ie:  having a gas rather than electric stove, water heater, etc. etc.
     I'll ad more to this topic as time goes on.   We can discuss alternate power options, energy efficiency ideas and more.  In the meantime, I'm super grateful that my power was only off for 2 hours and 3 minutes.  :-)   Have a great week!
     

Jul 2, 2013

Update on the Beehive! All Engines are go!



I just started my Bee education with this fabulous book, also approved by my beekeeper, Jed.
This is one of the definitive resources for new beekeepers.  Get your Copy today!


This is just a reference photo I downloaded so you can compare it to what is in MY hive.

MY HIVE UPDATE:

My friendly neighborhood beekeeper, Jed came by today to check on the little buzzers.  I love being there when he takes off the lid so I can see what all they've been up to since the last time we looked.   I was amazed at the sheer quantity of the bees this time.  They have probably tripled of more the number of inhabitants.  This mean the queen has been doing her job, laying lots of eggs, and the workers have been busily gathering everything and building out the hive.

We saw lots of Nectar, Honeycomb, Larva, eggs, and Brood.  Even a bit of Pollen and the precurser to honey.

Here he is pulling out the first frame, and I was just amazed at what we saw.


Yes, this photo is from MY hive!  Yahoo!   These little critters have been busy working and preparing for winter.   You can see all the elements from the diagram above visible in this photo.

Rogue comb - the bees are building somewhat outside the frame.  This has to be removed to keep the frames from sticking together and sticking to the lid which would prevent being able to check on and care for the bees.


Jed also added a second box to the Hive today.   The bees have filled all the frames in the original blue box on the bottom and they are ready to work into the next box.


He also installed this new sugar water holder in place of one of the frames in the new box.   It makes it much easier for the bees to get the fuel they need to build out this first year.

Jun 28, 2013

Water storage & Preparation for contamination scenarios

Well, today it happened.  The city issued a warning to all residents that the culinary water had tested positive for E-coli.  There have been a lot of questions, and frantic running to the store to buy water.   How do you properly prepare for this scenario?   Water storage, and water purification systems and products.  Be sure to scroll down to see how to care for your pets as well.

I have always kept old juice containers, washed them out and filled them with tap water to keep in the bottom of my pantry for emergencies.   This is the 2nd time this year I have had to use them.   A few months ago a water main broke at a construction site near our home, and there was no water for about 1/2 a day.   But at our house things went on as usual, we simply pulled out the jugs and used them for hand washing and drinking while waiting for the water to come back on.  Just don't forget to refill them for next time.
 If you haven't planned ahead, the best thing to do is set your largest pot or several smaller pots on the stove, fill them with water, and bring them to a boil.   Once they have boiled for 1 minute you can turn them off on let them cool.   The water is now safe to drink.




In Utah, we are always on the verge of, if not IN a drought.   Some cities are already restricting water use.  So really we should all be prepared with some type of water storage.   Ifyou are in an apartment having 55 gallon drums to store water is, of course, impractical.  This is where I recommend re-using juice containers and keeping them in the bottom of closets.   You should plan to have enough water for every person in your home for at least 72 hours.  The general recommendation for this is one gallon of water per person per day, MINIMUM.  This would not be enough for hand washing or bathing.  If you have a place to store larger amounts of water, the big 55 gallon drums are a great resource.   Many grocery stores actually carry them here in Utah, and the emergency preparedness stores.  But if you live somewhere where that is not available, you CAN order them online.   Be sure to put pallets or 2x4's under your drums if they are on cement.  Recommended long term Emergency storage is 2 Barrels per person.

55 Gallon Barrell and water use kit.

Water Storage Do's and Dont's :
Rinse and sanitize all previously used containers before storing water in them.
Do NOT use containers that were previously used for NON Food items/ Chemicals.
Store water AWAY from excess light or heat.
Do not store containers or drums directly on concrete.   Use pallets or cardboard underneath.
Do not use milk jugs.  They aren't intended for long-term use.
Plain, unscented household bleach can also be used for purifying water at the rate of 8-16 drops per gallon depending on how clear the water is to start with.



Water storage ideas/locations:
Most homes actually have at least a small amount of water storage built in.  You can find water in different areas of your home if you look closely.

Water heater tanks have 35-50 gallons of water
Reverse osmosis storage tanks usually have 2-5 gallons of water.
Even the toilet tanks on the back of the toilet contain at least a gallon of water.  (You can boil or purify it to be safe.)
If you have a swimming pool, and you maintain it well, this is a great source of water storage for emergencies.   It can be boiled and treated as well before consumption.
Also you can purchase water purification tablets to have on hand for these types of situations as well as hiking and travel to areas where pure water may not be available.
Potable Water purification Tablets

NATURAL PURIFICATION METHODS:
Colloidal silver is well known for its purification properties, as well as just putting a solid silver round or silver dollar in your water filtration device or in a jug of water.
Also you can purchase a portable UV light purification system for bottled water to purify water on the go.





Animals & Water Contamination:

I feed my animals small doses of Diatomaceous earth along with their food daily.  DE is a natural product, and has long be known to kill worms, bacterias and even e-coli, preventing them from having problems related to a tainted water supply.


"As these millions of cylinders move through the stomach and digestive tract, they attract and absorb fungi, protozoa, viruses, endotoxins, pesticides, and drug residues, E.coli, and heavy metals. These are trapped inside the cylinder and passed out of the body. In addition, any larger parasites that happen to be in the stomach or digestive tract are "cut up" and killed by the sharp edges of the Diatomaceous Earth. "

Food Grade DE would even be suitable in preventing these issues in humans, should we not be able to get our hands on pure water.  If you don't have DE on hand, I recommend obtaining some for future emergencies to prepare for your pets needs as well as your own.

Animals are just as susceptible to the symptoms as we are, but this is an easier way to keep them healthy long term, and not have to react in emergencies, since they are already being dosed regularly.






Jun 5, 2013

Past Gardening Methods - Show and Tell!

The 4th and final post in the "6 Rules of Gardening" series.

     When you're a gardener, you're an experimenter, a scientist of sorts.  You research, gather information, and attempt to prove the validity of said information by putting the concepts into practice.  There is definitely a learning process involved, and in trying new things sometimes we fall backward rather than moving forward along the progression.  Ok, lets be honest, sometimes we catapult backward 150 miles an hour, and wonder what the heck we did wrong.  But at my house, I call that "Adventure!"

     My first real garden was probably around the Summer of 2000.  The hubby and I borrowed a gigantic moose tiller from a neighbor to loosen up our mouse sized garden plot.  Lets just say that was quite a job!  Then we formed wide raised rows, covered them with black plastic, cut holes in it and planted started plants from the nursery.   It was a beautiful garden with a bountiful harvest.   I don't remember all the things we grew, but I do remember cutting off tons of stems of green tomatoes right before a big frost, and bringing them inside in boxes to ripen.  This method seemed to work ok, but I was amazed how many weeds still grew beneath the plastic, and made their way over to the holes where the plants were growing.  Not to mention it was a heck of a lot of work.

I actually found some pictures of it!  Hooray!   Click to Enlarge!
 



 The next few years at our next home, we grew corn, tomatoes, peppers, squash, and gourds.  Seemingly without struggle, if I remember.  With the exception of weeds.  (I hate weeds by the way... I don't consider weeding therapeutic as some do.   If I'm gardening, I want results, not weeds. :-) )  Heres a fun story:
I remember we had a tiny little gourd plant that wasn't doing well.  It lost 3 of its only 4 leaves within the first week we planted it.  I thought for sure it was a goner.  Then one day my sister-in-law came by and I showed her my garden.  She asked about the sad little plant and I told her it would probably die.  She knelt down, caressed the plant, named it Joe, and told it to be fruitful and multiply, or something like that.  Then she kissed the leaf, got up and walked away.  I stood there thinking what a crazy loon!    The next day the last leaf fell off.  "Pah!" I thought, "talking to plants... whatever!"  Well 2 days after that the plant had new growth.  A week later it had 4 or 5 new leaves.  And every day after that it seemed to double in size.  Within a few short weeks it had vined and traveled to the back fence a few feet away.  That one plant grew enough vines to cover the entire back fence (We're talking 20 feet or so) and produced more than 150 gourds that summer.  It was the nuttiest thing I had ever seen.  Still I wasn't about to put the plant whisperer on any pedestals quite yet.

Another move, another chance to setup my garden.  This time I chose Square foot gardening.  My hubby helped me to build vinyl boxes, and we even ran water lines directly to the boxes.  I used "Mel's Mix" (A recommended soil mix in the Square foot gardening book) to fill the boxes, and I planted.  The ground in this new home was like solid bedrock.   When were planting our fruit trees, I bought both the boys their very own Pick Axe.  And every time they dug a hole, they came up with an 18 inch boulder.  It was a miracle we got anything in the ground at all, and an even greater miracle that it grew.   I liked the garden boxes, but I noticed that there was too much drainage.  The mix did not provide enough water holding properties and my garden was always dry.  We did still have a beautiful garden, and produced alot of food.  We even greenhoused it at the end of the season and kept tomatoes growing into December until the weight of the snow collapsed the plastic and the PVC supports.

I do like the SFG concept of growing lots of food in small spaces, AND I learned alot about vertical growing.  I grew a couple of 15 lb. Banana squash' vertically on the trellises I learned to make on the SFG website.  But I don't think the soil mix is ideal in the area I live in.  The weather here is much too dry.    I have pictures of this somewhere, but I couldn't locate them quickly, so I'll try to update this later.

I think what I'm getting at is that no one method is the "be all" and "end all" of gardening, and I think we can learn a lot by trying different methods.  And its FUN to learn new things, so by all means, try stuff!

When we moved into our current house, it was June, and I was desperate to get a garden in and growing as quickly as possible.  So I scanned the yard and tried to see what would be the easiest location to tackle quickly.   I decided to use the 6 inches of dirt between our block retaining wall and the fence.  Plus it was waist height and easy to care for.

Click to Enlarge!
I got over 300 tomatoes that year off of just a couple plants!
All the tomatoes, butternut squash, peppers, and cucumbers are from the garden.  It was so pretty I decided to decorate with it!

I have to be honest, my garden as evolved and changed every year, but I love it!  The last few years I have been using the mulching strategies I learned in the Back to Eden film,  and I feel like it has changed the whole game, and made things more doable.  I'm getting older, and could be in better shape, so the less physical maneuvering involved, the better!  Please, Please, Please!!!  Take time to watch the film.  If you love to garden, it will be time well spent!   Good luck, and please post your questions and feedback below!  I'd love to answer garden questions you may have and help you have a successful year!

Also search "Garden" at the top of the page to find all of my other posts on Gardening and see photos of my more recent gardens, raspberry boxes, and more!



May 29, 2013

Homemade Laundry Soap


Ok for all you Preppers out there, here is a homemade laundry soap recipe.  My friend swears by it, and said she actually really likes it and prefers it to what she used to use from the store.  (Which was basically whatever soap was the cheapest that day.)  I'll admit, I am a little bit pickier.  OK a LOT pickier.  So I will stick with my Melaleuca detergent for now.  But I think its always good to know how to do this kind of thing if you needed to.  I also keep all the ingredients on hand in case I run out and can't order more of my favorite detergent.  

This is the liquid recipe:
1 bar grated Fels Naptha soap
5 gallon bucket
1 cup washing soda (Arm and Hammer)
1 cup 20 Mule Team Borax
4 1/2 gallons hot water
Put grated Fels Naptha in saucepan and cover with water. Heat on low until dissolved. Fill bucket with hot water and add soap. Stir to combine. Add 1 cup washing soda and 1 cup borax and mix well. As it cools, it will thicken. About 24-48 hrs. If mixture becomes too thick, add hot water to thin it to desired consistency. May be used immediately. Mix well before each use. Use 1/2(normal) to 1 cup per load (heavy).

This is the powder recipe:
Powdered Laundry Detergent

1 cup grated Fels Naptha Soap
1/2 cup washing soda
1/2 cup 20 mule team borax
Mix and store in airtight container or bag. For light or small loads, use 1 tablespoon. For normal loads, use 2 tablespoons. For heavy loads, use 3 tablespoons.
To make a large batch - grate 6 bars of Fels Naptha Soap and then add 3 cups of Washing Soda and 3 cups of 20 Mule Team Borax. Mix well and store in covered container.

TIP: The above recipes will NOT make suds in your washer so don't be alarmed. Fels Naptha Soap is a pure soap and typically makes little or no suds in the water. This makes it perfect for use in the new HE washers as well as tradional washers. You will also notice the need to either reduce your laundry softener or in most cases you can even eliminate the use of softener completely.  -site unknown

May 12, 2013

Tres Leches Cake, Happy Mothers Day!


My husband is from Mexico, and there is nothing he loves more than a good Tres Leches cake.  If you haven't brushed up on your spanish lately, Tres is the number 3 and Leche is milk.  So it is essentially a 3 milk cake.   The cake is a basic sponge cake, but its the 3 milk syrup that makes this cake divine!

My father in law was so excited to eat this at the family party yesterday, he could hardly stand the wait, and was chanting "I want cake, I want cake!" while we were getting everything ready.  :-)  After the first bite he was shocked and surprised by what is little whitey DIL could pull off!  :-)

This recipe came from my cousin Rachel, who also married a man of latin decent.   She is photographer, prepper, chicken owner, and a cake baker extraordinaire! Theres nothing this girl can't do.   If you are in Idaho, check out her site:  PortraitsbyRachel.com


(I have to admit though, I cheated and took shortcuts all the way through it, and my cake Still came out!  See her tips at the bottom for a perfect cake.)

Preheat your oven to 350. Grease and flour your pan(s) (this will fit in two 9 inch pans or  an 11x13, or even a bundt pan works nicely--  I doubled the recipe and put it in a 1/4 sheet cake pan, 11 x 16).

Sponge Cake for Tres Leches

1c. Sugar 
5 lg. Eggs, separated 
1/3 c. milk 
1 tsp. Vanilla extract 
1 c. flour

Beat 3/4c. sugar and egg yolks until light & fluffy (I used my Bosch with the wire beaters)
Pour Mixture into a separate Mixing bowl and rinse your Bosch.
FOLD milk, vanilla and flour into yolk mixture. (Be gentle- it doesn’t need to be mixed perfectly, just sort of integrated) 
Beat egg whites in the Bosch (or other stand mixer) until soft peaks form. 
Add leftover sugar and beat until glossy and firm. 
FOLD egg whites into mixture.


*Bake 30-45 minutes until firm (Depending on your pan sizes,  baking time might be different. You could check it at 20 minutes to be sure. Test with a cake tester or think sharp knife and see if it comes out clean, and the cake begins to pull away from the sides.)
Milk Syrup
12 oz. Evaporated milk 
1c. sweetened condensed milk 
1c. heavy or whipped cream 
1 tsp. Vanilla extract 

(Mix all ingredients together well.  I used a blender for ease of mixing and pouring.)

Cool completely and pierced liberally with fork. You can dump the cake out and cool it on a baking rack if you want, and then put it back in the pan for the milk syrup part.

When cooled and pierced, pour syrup over cake.  Pour in small amounts, waiting for liquid to absorb.  The first photo below is after pouring most of the syrup over the cake.  The second photo is after the syrup has soaked in.  You can keep any extra in the fridge. 


Ice the cake with whipped cream or cool whip. (I used cool whip) Top with sliced strawberries, Kiwis, Pineapple, or any fruit you like.



Some tips from my cousin Rachel:
"Yeah, it’s a sponge cake. It waits for no one. Have EVERYTHING ready. The key to getting this to rise well is to be quick, but gentle- especially with the eggs- they are your leavening.  Have your pan and oven ready.  Room temp ingredients work nicely. You can run the eggs under hot water in a bowl in your sink for 3 minutes or so- that should get them warmed up but not cooked! You can also beat the whites over a bowl of warm (not hot) water. Milk can go in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to slightly warm to room temp. I would also sift that cup of flour in. Take pictures! "



I just had to include some of these fun shots from the last time we made this cake.  Dad's Birthday!  My little helper was thrilled about her accomplishment, and the look on dad's face says it all!


Heres a closeup of the cake:










May 11, 2013

Preparing a 72 hour kit - Do you have one?

Many preppers begin the journey by focusing on food storage.  While this is a worthwhile pursuit, I would say its almost MORE important to have a well-stocked 72 hour kit FIRST.  When emergencies or even regional disasters strike many people are unable to get to their food storage and other preparations as quickly as they would like to either due to building collapses (earthquakes), or in the case of an evacuation for fire or flood.  For these reasons, it is necessary to have a 72 hour kit within easy access that you can grab on your way out.  This food and other necessities will sustain you during the most stressful time of an incident, which is thought to be during the first 72 hours.

There are many different kinds of kits you can make, and also several available for purchase in emergency supply stores, warehouse stores, and even online.  The 2 I choose to have are as follows:  1) A large Emergency Kit with enough supplies for the whole family, tucked into a rolling garbage can for portability.    2) Several small individual kits in backpacks kept in garage or cars.

What items should I have in my 72 hour kit? Below is a list I've compiled of many different things.  You may consider some of these things optional, I am just including a comprehensive list of ideas for things you may possibly need.

9 meals for each person.  Ideas include:
Soups, canned or dehydrated
Instant Oatmeal packets
Applesauce/Fruit Cups
Canned pastas in sauce
Hot Cocoa Mixes
Granola Bars
Protein bars
Cereals/Crackers
Trail Mix
Dried Fruits
Candy/Gum
Canned Tuna, Beans
Beef Jerky
Water for 3 days

Dishes/ Untensils, and Napkins
Can Opener if your food requires it
Pocket Knife
Rope
Duct Tape
First Aid Kit
Emergency Radio
Medications, inhalers, etc.
Portable Stove & Fuel
Fire starter (Matches or Flint and Steel, lighter)
Flashlight & Extra Batteries
Change of Clothing
Blankets/Sleeping Bags
Tarp or Tube Tent
Sanitary Supplies for Women
Toiletries, soap, shampoo, razor, brush etc.
Roll of Toilet paper (Can be flattened and put in a zip loc)
Extra diapers for Infants
Formula for Infants
Toothbrushes/Toothpaste
Notebook & Pen
Coloring book & Crayons for young children
Personal Documents - Copies of Drivers license, Marriage & Birth Certificates, Insurance Policies, etc.
Cash and Emergency Credit Card
Recent Family photo
Emergency Rain Poncho

For more ideas, see:
FEMA Disaster Supplies List
2 Person 72 Hour Kit in Backpack
Augason Farms 11 Day Grab and Go Emergency Food Supply





Just so you can see, the outside of my can was pretty dirty from hanging around the yard for several years.   But everything inside was clean and dry because I vacuum sealed most things, and Packed clothing and blankets in "Space Bags."

Apr 30, 2013

Cayenne, the Wonder(ful) Pepper!

When you research the medical benefits of Cayenne one of the first things you will find is its amazing properties for healing.  Blood circulation specifically.  Knowing this, you can imagine my surprise when I found myself in a emergency situation with one of my goats and was told to use Cayenne to STOP the bleeding.    I was trimming the hooves on my Nubian/LaMancha Doe and I accidentally cut too much off of one hoof and struck a large vein.  She bled through several rags in a matter of minutes and I started to panic.  I called a friend, a lady who has a large herd and much more experience than I do and she knew immediately what to do.   She directed me to get a clean rag and cover it with powdered Cayenne (which I happened to have on hand because I feed it to my Chickens.)  I packed the rag up tightly against the hoof and wrapped it in sports wrap.  I was astounded that she never really bled through this "poultice" of sorts.  I left the wrap on for days and when I removed it, there was what looked like a large clot directly over the initial wound.  Cayenne actually regulated the blood pressure and started the blood coagulation immediately.  Now in a pinch, white flour can actually act similarly because it absorbs the blood and mimics a clot which is part of the function of the Cayenne-- mimicking a clot.   But Cayenne is actually naturally anti-bacterial so it will also help prevent infection at the site, and reduce swelling as well as pain.   Not only had the bleeding stopped, but the goat was walking on the affected hoof seemingly without flinching.  Going about her business as if nothing had happened.   To me this was nothing short of miraculous.

I also occasionally sprinkle Cayenne in my chickens food.  Especially during the winter, or the wet months.   It actually creates heat within their bodies with the increased circulation which helps to keep their immune systems up and prevent disease.  Chickens don't really have a sense of smell, and they DO have taste buds, but they are so far back in their mouths that by the time anything hits them, is probably too late to spit it back out.  So they don't really complain about about the "Mexican food" I serve up. :-)

And just so you know I practice what I preach, these methods work just as well on people as they do the barnyard critters.   My husband and I both will take a few drops of super hot cayenne extract by mouth when we have a cold or sinus infection.  It literally blows out the infection, clears out the mucous and sets your senses on fire!  I'd also like to clear up a bit of a misconception on hot peppers.  Many people are afraid to try them on an open wound because of the "burn" factor.  But I have found that in a situation where your body is already inflamed and aggravated Cayenne can actually be soothing to the touch.    I know, I know, it sounds crazy, but next time you get a paper cut, try it out and see what you think.  Sprinkle a little in a bandaid and slap it on your finger.  If you don't notice how fast you heal, you weren't paying attention.

I'm going to step out further on my every growing limb here and declare that Cayenne can even stop a heart attack in its tracks!   Famous herbalist, Dr. John Christopher, N.D.  sang the praises of Cayenne pepper and declared: "In 35 years of practice, and working with the people and teaching, I have never on house calls, lost one heart attach patient and the reason is, whenever I go in--if they are still breathing--I pour down them a cup of cayenne tea (a teaspoon of cayenne in a cup of hot water), and within minutes they are up and around."   That is a pretty powerful statement, my friends.  Now of course I am not qualified to give you medical advice, but I think if i were in this type of situation, I would sure want somebody to give me some cayenne!

My husband even remembers when his little sister was badly burned on an iron, and their mom cut open a fresh Cayenne pepper and rubbed it directly over the burn.  The capsaicin prevents the blistering and stimulates healing.  Cayenne has numerous other uses including aiding digestion, boosting metabolism and helping with weightloss.  So I would encourage you to study up on it even more.  There is lots of information available about it online.

The hotness and intensity of peppers is measured in heat units, or Scoville Units and Cayenne usually falls in the 30,000-50,000 range, but you can find it in the 60,000-90,000 range if you want to increase your intake after a while.  It is not the heat alone that heals, as Cayenne is more beneficial than other hot peppers.  So give it a try, and tell me what you figure out! Here are some good options if you want to start taking it as a supplement  (Click image to see product details and purchase info):

         

Also for animals, like I said you can just get the really inexpensive stuff, its still potent enough to help. And here is a bulk bag of it:



Now just to cover my @$&  I need to say that these statements have not be evaulated by the FDA and that this information is not intended to be used as medical advice as the author is not a physician.  Cayenne has not been proven to treat, diagnose or cure any of the above mentioned ailments or diseases.  Blah blah blah, yadda yadda... :-)

Apr 22, 2013

What is cuter than a Sebastopol Goose?

.... why a baby goose of course!   We are so excited to have 4 new baby geese on our farm this week. Geese are actually one of the few species in the animal kingdom that share parenting responsibilities.   Mama is super protective right now and hisses loudly if anyone comes within 6 feet of her.


Papa has come in to sit with her now and help keep the babies warm and protected.



We have seen a few of the goslings peek their heads out and even wander out between their parents.  They won't need any food or water really for the first 3 days as their bodies are still absorbing the final nutrients from the egg.  This gives mom time to continue sitting and waiting for any late hatchers.
   
When she is sure there are no more babies coming, or even when she just decides she's done, she'll roll the unhatched eggs out of the nest and start focusing on her little ones.

Tomorrow I will setup a water bowl and feeder for the babies.  They will start to come out from under their mother more and more each day and by tomorrow will be starting to be hungry.  I usually feed my babies a non-medicated starter that is at least 18% Protein.   I like my animals to be as healthy as I want to be, so I purchase my grain directly from a local mill where I can get freshly milled grains that have  not been sitting in bags on warehouse shelves for as much as 2 years before they get to me.  How could that possibly have any nutrition left.

Also baby geese can eat chopped up greens right from day one.  They can have blades of grass, and kitchen scraps such as spinach and lettuce.  I also feed my birds Hay because even though its not living it is a good source of secondary greens for them and is high in protein and vitamins.  The babies can eat the "flake" that falls off the bale as the pieces are quite tiny.

Setting up a safe water supply for geese can be quite challenging.  More so if they are not being raised by their moms.  Waterfowl (geese and ducks) can get cold very easily and if they don't get warm quickly enough they can die.   When they have their mom to keep them warm, this is usually not a problem, but if they are just under heat lamps, they cannot dry of and get warm quickly enough.  Plus they LOVE water.  So they will play in it all day which will surely endager them.  So the trick is to have water that they can stick their whole head in and wash their eyes several times a day, but also make it so they can't get IN completely to swim.

The best solution I have found is a 16 oz water bottle.  You cut a hole in the side of it at about 1.5 inches above the bottom.  Just big enough for them to get their heads in and drink.  You'll have to get new water bottles and cut higher holes as they grow, but it works great.  Keeps the brooder dryer, and they stay dry as well, while still being able to wash their eyes.  You do have to fill it several times a day.  Also the water needs to be close to the food.  They get food in their mouth and then walk over to the water to get it wet and soggy before they chew and swallow it.

Now I won't have to worry about them swimming when they have a mom to protect them.  This is the first time I have let a mom hatch and raise goslings though, so I am excited to watch!

Stay tuned for more photos and updates as the goslings grow!  :-)


UPDATE 4PM ** FINALLY GOT SOME GOOD PICS!**



The babies found the food I left this morning!   Also I just have a standard chick waterer in here temporarily but will replace with a gosling swimming pool in a few days.   :-) As I mentioned Mom raised goslings are allowed to go swimming from day one.  Its just been so cold and windy I am not quite ready to let them get all wet.  Just being extra cautious.