I will be upgrading my website tonight so it may be unavailable at times.  Please be patient and we will be up and running again tomorrow morning with a much improved site!

Misty

I am an independent consultant for Shelf Reliance; a company with a mission to empower others to become self reliant, prosperous and charitable.  You can learn more about Shelf Reliance, becoming a Shelf Reliance consultant ,buying their products, or earning free products, on my Shelf Reliance Consultant website.    

Survival Kit week #12: Sanitation

If you are just joining us, I recommend starting with week #1.  You can find it here:

 Survival Kit Series Week #1

Once you've completed that, just jump in on this week's focus.  I will cycle through each week again once we are done.  You can do the earlier weeks last instead of first!  You can also read the intro to this series here: Survival Kit Ideas: a week by week approach.

I hope all of you were able to add some bandages to your kit  last week.

This week's focus:  

Sanitation

Suggestions:

Like last week, many of these things may come in a pre-made first aid kit.   If you haven't yet, I would suggest clicking on the above link and purchasing a pre-made kit.  Many readers have also mentioned finding some discounted kits at Walmart. I have looked into purchasing things separately or in a pre-made kit many times, and it is always less expensive to order the pre-made kit.


I would suggest considering having the following in your 72 hr kit.  If you pre-made first aid kit doesn't include them, you could add them separately.

• Clorox Wipes
• Hand Sanitizer
• Antiseptic Towelettes
• Small box of distilled water
• Soap
• Alcohol pads
• Latex Gloves

What we have done in our family:
Basically exactly what is listed above.  I'm using the antiseptic towelettes and alcohol pads that came with my first aid kit.  I've separated them out into the 4 packs we have.  I have Clorox wipes, hand sanitizer, and soap that I found in the travel section at Target in each kit.  I purchased boxes of distilled water and latex gloves separately.  We have gloves in each adult kit and water in all four kits.

This week's focus:  

Sanitation

  

And don't forget....
Add $1 per person to your survival kit this week again.  Make sure you use $1 bills and / or quarters.

This week's winner:

I'm so thrilled (as always) to announce the winner of week #11's drawing:  I had 9 entries (only 1 entry per person).   According to Random.org comment #4 was the winner.

Karlie said:

We have one well stocked first aid kit and other small ones for the jeep/truck. It is hard to know where to keep the major kit. House, jeep, truck, 5th wheel? Right now it is the truck, which is the vehicle we use the most. Oh, we also have one in the race trailer.

Congrats Karlie!

Want to win?
I am giving away 1 prize per week for 26 weeks.  Typically, all you have to do to enter the drawing each week is leave a comment on THIS POST before 9:00 am next Wednesday.  Simple.  However, my blogger comments have been acting up.  If you can't get your comment to post, simply email me instead by Wednesday, December 21st at 9:00 am PST at misty@yourownhomestore.com and I will post your comment for you.   Just tell me what you will be using for sanitation purposed in your kit!

This is open to anyone and everyone: my family members, friends, those I've never met, other Shelf Reliance consultants: anyone! Below are the 4 prizes each winner can choose from:

1. A 55 gallon water barrel, 
2. A Katadyn Hiker Pro Microfilter, or 
3. A Featherlite zero degree sleeping bag
4. A $70 credit to purchase any emergency supplies you want from Shelf Reliance

That's right!  I will be giving away something EACH WEEK for 26 weeks!

Want to guarantee winning one of the above?  
If you want to earn a prize instead (or in addition) to winning one all you have to do is share this series 50 times., fill out the form at the bottom of this post each week.  Once you reach 50 entries (an average of just over 2 per week), I will contact you about which free product you want.
You can share it:

• using the buttons at the very bottom of this post.  This is the quickest and most painless way:...just click on each button!  Each click counts as one entry!
• on your own on facebook (each post counts as one entry, so post often), 
• on your own on twitter (each tweet counts as one entry), 
• on your own on pinterest (each pin counts as one entry)
• by phone (each phone call counts as one entry), 
• by email (each person you email counts as one entry), or 
• on your blog / website (each post / mention counts as one entry).  

The following form will be available at the end of each weeks post.  Simply submit your info each week.  Once you reach 50 entries, I will contact you about which product you'd like.  Please be honest!

Egg Nog with powdered eggs

I thought it would be fun to post some Holiday recipes here for the next few weeks.  I thought I'd start with one of my husband's favorites: Egg Nog.  I'm not a huge fan of egg nog, so I will need you all to try this and let me know what you think.  It was pretty simple and smelled great!

Egg Nog with Powdered Eggs:

• 4 1/2 cups water
• 1 1/2 cups instant milk powder
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg
• Small pinch of ground clove
• 6 T. Whole egg powder
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

Mix all ingredients in a large pot.  Rise the heat slowly while whisking constantly until mixture is just about to boil (about 7 minutes) and remove from heat.  Refrigerate over night.  Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon when ready to serve!

Now you can have egg nog any time of the year!  Yay!

 

I am an independent consultant for Shelf Reliance; a company with a mission to empower others to become self reliant, prosperous and charitable.  You can learn more about Shelf Reliance, becoming a Shelf Reliance consultant ,buying their products, or earning free products, on my Shelf Reliance Consultant website.    

Monday Q&A

I get my food storage through "company X."  Why should I purchase THRIVE instead?
I actually get this questions in different formats often.  I got it 3 times this week, so I decided to answer it here.  I've actually already written an entire post about this and you can find it here:

THRIVE vs Other food storage companies

What is your opinion on the midland radio, what model it is and are there others that are better?
The Midland is small and compact, has a low price point and large range, but must have a power source to charge.  We also offer the Emergency Communication Center. which is great for emergencies because it has a mounting case and dynamo crank function if you do not have a way to charge the radio. However, it only has a 10 mile range and has a higher price point.


What is the best fire starter?  How does it compare with the fire starter that come in the survival kit in a can?
There are two favorites: the Sparkie and the Blastmatch. Both are made by the same company and the only difference is how many uses you will get. Both only require one hand to use, the Blastmatch will give you over 4,000 uses and the Sparkie is good for over 2,000 uses. Both are much better and easier to use than the one included in the survival can. I have the sparkie and it is awesome.

Week #11: Bandages

Time for another week of building our 72 hr kits!  And time to award another prize (my favorite part!)   THANK YOU for participating!  You can see the winner at the bottom of this post.

If you are just joining us, I recommend starting with week #1.  You can find it here:

 Survival Kit Series Week #1

Once you've completed that, just jump in on this week's focus.  I will cycle through each week again once we are done.  You can do the earlier weeks last instead of first!  You can also read the intro to this series here: Survival Kit Ideas: a week by week approach.

I hope all of you were able to add some warmth to your kit  last week.

This week's focus:  

Bandages

Typically, all you have to do to enter the drawing each week is leave a comment on THIS POST before 9:00 am next Wednesday.  Simple.  However, my blogger comments have been acting up.  If you can't get your comment to post, simply email me instead by Wednesday, December 14th at 9:00 am PST at misty@yourownhomestore.com and I will post your comment for you.   Just tell me what sorts of bandages you have in your kit (or what you will be adding)!

Suggestions:

I suggest purchasing a pre-made first aid kit.  It will not only have bandages, but many other items we will be discussing / adding in future weeks.  I have looked into purchasing things separately or in a pre-made kit many times, and it is always less expensive to order the pre-made kit.


I would suggest making sure your kit includes the following bandages.  If it doesn't you could add them separately.

• Butterfly bandages
• Various sized band-aid type boxed bandages: from 1 in x .25 in up to 4 in x 2 in, circular, square etc.
• Various size gauze dressings & adhesive tape
• Large wound dressing
• Triangular Bandages (I just use a couple cloth diapers)
• Quik Clot (this is incredible)

What we have done in our family:
Basically exactly what is listed above.  I have about 20 butterfly bandages, 100+ random smaller bandages, 30+ various sizes of gauze, a roll of adhesive tape, 4 large wound dressing, two cloth diapers and 6 Quik Clots.  Most of it is in our main kit, but each of the boys kits have a few of each of the smaller bandages, 1 large would dressing and 1 Quik Clot.

This week's focus:  

Bandages

  

And don't forget....
Add $1 per person to your survival kit this week.  Make sure you use $1 bills and / or quarters.

December's Monthly Challenge 

I've decided to remove this from my weekly posts and just do one post on the first Thursday of each month.  I will be posting about this tomorrow.

This week's winner:

I'm so thrilled to announce the winner of week #10's drawing:  I had 6 entries (only 1 entry per person).   According to Random.org comment #1 was the winner.  And I think Blogger is having some serious issues, b/c once again, I can't upload images.  Yay for the fact that I will be moving to wordpress soon!  Sorry.

Linda said:

We have several lighters for candles but need to get fire starters and matches so will be ordering those...also liners for sleeping bags...our jackets have the omni heat technology so they reflect body heat and those come from Columbia jackets...expensive but good. also have insulated snow pants for everyone and wool socks and base layers...
got the large back packs and sleeping bags are on order...tent will come soon....working on things slowly but surely 

Congrats Linda!

Want to win?
I am giving away 1 prize per week for 26 weeks.  Typically, all you have to do to enter the drawing each week is leave a comment on THIS POST before 9:00 am next Wednesday.  Simple.  However, my blogger comments have been acting up.  If you can't get your comment to post, simply email me instead by Wednesday, December 14th at 9:00 am PST at misty@yourownhomestore.com and I will post your comment for you.   Just tell me what sorts of bandages you have in your kit (or what you will be adding)!

This is open to anyone and everyone: my family members, friends, those I've never met, other Shelf Reliance consultants: anyone! Below are the 4 prizes each winner can choose from:

1. A 55 gallon water barrel, 
2. A Katadyn Hiker Pro Microfilter, or 
3. A Featherlite zero degree sleeping bag
4. A $70 credit to purchase any emergency supplies you want from Shelf Reliance

That's right!  I will be giving away something EACH WEEK for 26 weeks!

Want to guarantee winning one of the above?  
If you want to earn a prize instead (or in addition) to winning one all you have to do is share this series 50 times., fill out the form at the bottom of this post each week.  Once you reach 50 entries (an average of just over 2 per week), I will contact you about which free product you want.
You can share it:

• using the buttons at the very bottom of this post.  This is the quickest and most painless way:...just click on each button!  Each click counts as one entry!
• on your own on facebook (each post counts as one entry, so post often), 
• on your own on twitter (each tweet counts as one entry), 
• on your own on pinterest (each pin counts as one entry)
• by phone (each phone call counts as one entry), 
• by email (each person you email counts as one entry), or 
• on your blog / website (each post / mention counts as one entry).  

The following form will be available at the end of each weeks post.  Simply submit your info each week.  Once you reach 50 entries, I will contact you about which product you'd like.  Please be honest!

Quick Flavorful Meatballs

Did you ever think you could make meatballs out of food storage!?!  Lindsey over at Why Just Eat did!  Lindsey creates incredible recipes using THRIVE products and shares them almost every day on her blog.  One of her recipes was even recently featured by Shelf Reliance on their website and in the corporate Q-Club newsletter! 

These meatballs are Lindsey's creation and they do not disappoint!  They are so flavorful! I changed my up a bit from Lindsey's recipe in order to better meet my family's taste.  First, I didn't leave any of the veggies "chunky": not that we don't like veggies b/c we eat them all the time, but I don't like chunks in my meatballs.  I know, picky! 

I also used bell peppers and tomato powder instead of celery and wheat flour instead of oats and added a few other ingredients to change up the flavor a bit.  I would encourage you to do the same. Try different veggies, grains etc.  Try peas or spinach and cornmeal or the cracked cereal.  How much nutritional punch can you pack into these meatballs?

Quick Flavorful Meatballs:

Recipe adapted from that created by Lindsey Mote of Why Just Eat When you can THRIVE?

Makes 10-12 meatballs
(I only made 1/2 the recipe in the pictures)

• 1 cup freeze dried ground beef
• 1 T. freeze dried onions
• 1 T. tomato powder
• 1 - 1 1/2 tsp beef bullion
• 3 T freeze dried monterey jack cheese
• 7-10 slices freeze dried bell peppers
• 2 T. egg powder
• 2 T. whole wheat flour
• 1 T. dried parsley
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/3-1/2 cup hot water

Place all ingredients but water in a food processor:

Pulse until you have a fine powder:

Remove from food processor and place in a bowl.  Add water and mix into a thick paste.  Start with 1/3 cup, then let the mixture sit for 10-15 minutes.  Add a bit more water if it is too dry.  You want it thick enough to come together into a ball, but wet enough to be a bit sticky:

Form mixture into balls:

 
The beef and eggs in these meatballs are precooked, so there is no need to cook them.  However, you will obviously want to warm them before eating.   I've found baking to be the best re-heating method.  They don't stay together well when frying (plus that adds extra oil/fat).  Bake at 400 for 10-15 minutes until just brown / crisp on the outside.  Yum!

I am an independent consultant for Shelf Reliance; a company with a mission to empower others to become self reliant, prosperous and charitable.  You can learn more about Shelf Reliance, becoming a Shelf Reliance consultant ,buying their products, or earning free products, on my Shelf Reliance Consultant website.  
   

Monday FAQ:

Why do so many of your posts focus on THRIVE and Shelf Reliance specials?
I focus on THRIVE food because I truly believe it to be the best food storage product available.  I have always believed in "food insurance," but struggled to make it work for me until I found THRIVE.  It truly is delicious, nutritious, and easy to use.

I used to be a rather "extreme couponer" (you can view my old site here:  Frugalicious), and I spent months comparing the price of THRIVE to other options.  I found that they are neck and neck with other companies: usually within a few percentages (above or below) of almost any other company (when you properly compare serving sizes).  But when you add the opportunity to earn free product, and commission, it becomes the most affordable food storage available!  You can read more about how THRIVE compares to other brands here: THRIVE foods vs Other food storage brands.

Yes, I also make a commission when you purchase THRIVE from my site, but remember that I didn't decide to sell it until I had thoroughly (10+ months) researched it and decided it was the best, most affordable product available.  I would not recommend it to you if I wasn't also purchasing it for my own family.

And for the "specials" posts, Yes, you are completely right! A lot of my posts have focused on "specials" lately.  TOO MANY!  Please know that I do not want that to be the focus of this blog.

However, this month Black Friday was followed immediately by the December specials and the free shipping special.  So they have all sort of piled on top of each other.  While I don't want this blog to become something you avoid b/c you feel pressured to buy, I do want to be sure that you know about the great deals that are available to you.  Many of my readers are also customers and appreciate knowing the least expensive way to buy these products.  Typically, I only do 1 "specials" post a month: usually one day during the first week of the month.  This month has been a bit atypical because of Black Friday.

Do you really like (fill in the blank) THRIVE product?  I'm not sure how much of what you write is "hype" b/c you just want to sell stuff.

I am SO glad you asked this question b/c it is SO important to me that you know (and believe) the answer!

I will only endorse products or services that I believe from my own experience are worthy of such endorsement.  I will not promote or recommend a product I don’t believe in 100%.  Every product I link to, mention, or recommend is one I am impressed with.  If I wouldn't use it, or wouldn't let my kids use it, I will not recommend it to you and your family.  In fact, there are some THRIVE products that you will never see me write a post about b/c I just don't love them.  Again, if I'm not using it / loving it, I will not recommend it to you.

It is important that you know I do earn income from this website. But I base my decisions of what to post on what I believe is most helpful for you: my readers & customers.  I started this blog as a means for my customers to learn how to better use the products they were purchasing from me.  I hope to continue to be supportive in that way.  I am very open to suggestions and feedback as to what you'd like to see here at Your Own Home Store.

My integrity is far more important to me than any amount of money.  I firmly believe that my business will do far better if I am completely honest with you.  I simply feel lucky to have found a product I can recommend so wholeheartedly!  And, if you'd even like to try a sample yourself before investing your own money, you can always request a free sample.  You do not just have to take my word for it!

I am very grateful for the compensation I receive from this blog (from YOU!) as it helps to provide for my family.  It helps us be more self reliant!  If you'd like more information about the compensation I receive from this blog you can read my disclosure policy.

Do I have to have a $200 budget Q to qualify for this month's free shipping?

Yes and no.  Yes - you must have a Q, but no - it doesn't need to be a $200 Q.  As long as you have a platinum Q membership, any order you place that is $200+ will qualify for free shipping. 

Do I have to order $200 through my Q (even if my regular budget is less) to qualify for this month's free shipping?

You can order it through your Q, or you could place an order separate from your Q.  You could order food rotation systems, emergency supplies, the December specials, or these deeply discounted packages.  You could even place a host benefit order.  As long as the order is over $200 and you are on the Q, you will qualify for free shipping!

I am an independent consultant for Shelf Reliance; a company with a mission to empower others to become self reliant, prosperous and charitable.  You can learn more about Shelf Reliance, becoming a Shelf Reliance consultant ,buying their products, or earning free products, on my Shelf Reliance Consultant website.    
 

Product Highlight: The THRIVE Q

I get lots of questions about the THRIVE Q and this month is the perfect time to answer those questions because if you are considering starting a Q, December 2011 is the month to start one!  All Platinum Q club members will receive FREE or discounted shipping* on any order of $200 or more during the month of December.

*Contiguous U.S.  customers with a Platinum Q-Club membership will receive free shipping for all orders of $200 or more from December 2, 2011 to January 1, 2012. Alaska, Hawaii, and Canada Home Party customers with Platinum Q-Club membership will receive a 50% discount on shipping.

Yep, that right!

Free Shipping on THRIVE food

Free Shipping on Food Rotation Systems

Free Shipping on Emergency Supplies

Even Free Shipping on Host benefit orders

Below are the most common questions I get about the Q.  But, if you have a questions not answered here, don't hesitate to contact me!

What is the THRIVE Q?

This post should answer that question!

You can also learn more on my Shelf Reliance website.

How do I start a THRIVE Q?
Use the THRIVE Planner to create an overall food storage plan / list of items you'd eventually like to have in your home store.  Once you've created this list, you will have the option to purchase the entire list at once or to setup monthly shipments.  Choose to setup monthly shipments.  Then, simply choose a budget that works for your family, enter a payment method, and choose a ship date!

You may also find this video helpful: The THRIVE Planner Tutorial

How do I become a member at the Platinum level so I can take advantage of this month's promotion (and lots of other great perks)?
Simply set your monthly Q budget at $100 or above.

How do I edit / personalize my Q to my family's needs / tastes once I've started it?
Use this pictorial I've created:

Step #1: Go to ShelfReliance.com:

Step #2: Click on the log-in link:

Step #3: Type in your email address as password and click on "logon" 

Step #4: Click on "View / Edit Q Settings and Shipments"

 
Step #5: In order to view what the THRIVE planner automatically chose for your family based on your ages, calorie requirements and preferences, click on "View/Edit all products:"

Step #6: You should now see a list of all the grains that the THRIVE planner automatically chose for you.  If there are any that you don't want, click on the "remove button."  If there are any products listed that you would like more of, change the quantity and hit "update."  You will have the opportunity later to add products not listed here.

Step #7: Scroll down until you see tabs for the other food groups.  Repeat what you did with the grains for each food group until everything that is in your Q (your wishlist) is something you'd eventually like to have in Your Own Home Store:

Step #8: Now click on the "Add Products" button on the left:

Step #9: You will now see a list of all available grains.  You can add any of these to your Q.  Some may have already been in there, others may not have.  This is also where you can add 6 packs, pantry cans and pouches if you'd like.  Enter the quantity you want:

Step #10: Then scroll down and repeat for each food group. 

Step #11: Once you've entered everything you want to add to your "wish list" hit "Add to Thrive Q"

 

Step #12: Now your personal "wish list" has been created and personalized.  Each month the Q will pull items from that list that fit within your budget and send them to you on the day you chose.  You can let things go on autopilot if you'd like b/c you will always be getting foods that you eventually want to have in Your Own Home Store.  

But, if you'd like a little more control, you can actually customize each individual shipment.  To do this, click on "edit shipments:"

 Step #13: There are a few different changes you can make.  

1. After the first 3 months, you can change the shipment date.  
2. You can also change the cap for each individual order.  So, even if your budget is set to $250,  you can change one particular shipment (say December b/c you will have a lot of bills for Christmas) to cap at $50.
3. You can remove items from that particular shipment.
4. You can click on any food group and add items from that food group that are already in your Q (your wish list) to that specific shipment.

Step #14: Once you've done this for your first shipment, you can click on "next" to do so for future shipments (up to 1 year):

Step #15: There are a few additional ways you can edit your Q:

1. You can change your monthly budget (after your first 3 months are up)
2. You can pause shipments if you need to take a break (again, after your first three months are up):

 Step #16: To edit your address and / or credit card, click on "My Q settings"

 

Step #17: Enter or change your billing address, then chose "continue" to edit your shipping address or "skip to payment information" to change your credit card:

That's it!  Let me know if you have any questions!

I am an independent consultant for Shelf Reliance; a company with a mission to empower others to become self reliant, prosperous and charitable.  You can learn more about Shelf Reliance, becoming a Shelf Reliance consultant ,buying their products, or earning free products, on my Shelf Reliance Consultant website.    
 

December Specials:

What are you interested in?

Read more »

December THRIVE Specials:

During the month of December, you can save up to 18% on select THRIVE products! THRIVE is recognized as the industry leader in freeze-dried food because it offers the highest quality products for the best value. There are MANY of my favorite products included in this month's specials. If you want to save an additional 2%-4% on these products, you can create a Q:.  Interested?  Learn more about the Q

Freeze Dried Zucchini Retail Price: $18.49 Sale Price: $16.29 New last month. INCREDIBLE: even right out of the can! Brownies Retail Price: $15.99 Sale Price: $14.09 Fabulous! Just add water and bake! Freeze Dried Roast Beef Retail Price: $53.29 Sale Price: $46.89 Honestly?  Not my favorite product. Butter Powder Retail Price: $26.39 Sale Price: $23.29 Makes a great honey butter! Good in baking

Freeze Dried Chicken Retail Price: $18.49 Sale Price: $16.29 Pre-cooked and shredded.  Tastes fresh! Quinoa Retail Price: $25.99 Sale Price: $22.89 Easy as rice, but more nutritional punch! Powdered Milk Retail Price: $17.39 Sale Price: $14.49 Different than instant milk.  Great in baking. Whole Wheat Flour Retail Price: $8.39 Sale Price: $7.39 Don't have a wheat grinder?  This is ground!

Freeze Dried Celery Retail Price: $25.29 Sale Price: $22.29 Never throw away celery again! Sugar Retail Price: $11.29 Sale Price: $9.39 9 Grain Cracked Cereal Retail Price: $8.29 Sale Price: $6.89 Dehydrated Pineapple Retail Price: $18.69 Sale Price: $16.49 Chewy and sweet.  Will be discontinued this month.

I am an independent consultant for Shelf Reliance; a company with a mission to empower others to become self reliant, prosperous and charitable.  You can learn more about Shelf Reliance, becoming a Shelf Reliance consultant ,buying their products, or earning free products, on my Shelf Reliance Consultant website.