Survival Kit Series week #10: Staying Warm

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 sleeping supplies to your kit  last week.

This week's focus:  

Add warmth to your kit

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 7th at 9:00 am PST at misty@yourownhomestore.com and I will post your comment for you.   Just tell me what you have in your kit (or what you will be adding) to keep you warm!

So, now you have some protection from the elements and something to sleep in or under, but what if it is really cold?  Even where I am in So Cal, it doesn't get below freezing, but it can get chilly: especially if it is rainy.  I know that I will want ways to stay warm: especially for my kids.

Suggestions:
Make sure you have a way to start a fire: remember, you could be dealing with extreme weather.  Then, consider other options for warmth

Starting a fire:

• Water proof or even storm proof matches.
• Lighter
• Emergency Tinder Kit
• FireSteel
• Sparkie Fire Starter
• Blastmatch Fire Starter

Other Warmth:

• Heat Packs (put inside a sleeping bag, jacket, or under a blanket)
• Heat Cell

What we have done in our family:
We have fireproof matches in each person's kit.  We also have a Sparkie fire starter in both adult kits as well as a lighter. We have 3 heat packs per person (1 per day).

This week's focus:  

Add warmth to your kit

  

Be sure to leave a comment ON THIS POST by Wednesday, December 7th at 9:00 am PST to be entered in this week's giveaway. Just tell us what you have in your kit (or what you will be adding) to keep you warm!

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

November's Monthly Challenge: Fire Prevention.  

This is separate from your 72 hr kit and will help you be prepared to deal with the after effects of an emergency that you do not have to evacuate for.  

I hope you were all able to store at least 14 gallons of water per person in your family during the month of October.  During the month of November, we will be focusing on fire prevention

• Check all smoke alarms in your home and replace batteries as needed.  You should have at least one on every level of your home.
• Make sure you have a gas shut off tool and know how to use it.  Read this post on facebook for great tips from reader Marcia about this.
• Make sure you have a fire extinguisher in your home and that you know how to use it. If possible, have one on every level of your home.
• Consider adding a home fire sprinkler.  This can decrease insurance rates and increase your home's value.
• Practice an escape plan from every room in the house. Caution everyone to stay low to the floor when escaping from fire and never to open doors that are hot. Select a location where everyone can meet after escaping the house. Get out then call for help.
• Make sure all matches, lighters etc are kept up high out of the reach of children.
• Review the information at the USFA on Home Fire Prevention

Other weeks in the Series:

Intro: Survival Kit Ideas: a week by week approach
Week #1: Rotation and Packaging
Week #2: Water Part I: Bring it with you
Week #3: Water Part II: Clean it as you go
Week #4: Food Part I: Breakfast and Lunch
Week #5: Food Part II: Snacks and Dinners
Week #6: How ya gonna cook?
Week #7: How ya gonna eat?
Week #8: Protection from the elements

This week's winner:

I'm so thrilled to announce the winner of week #8's drawing:  I had 8 entries (only 1 entry per person).   According to Random.org comment #6 was the winner.  For some reason, Blogger isn't letting me upload any photos right now, so for the 2nd week in a row, you are just going to have to trust me that #6 really was the winner.  Sorry!

 Julie said:

Each one of our children, besides babies, and ourselves have warm sleeping bags in our BOBs : ) 

Congrats Julie!

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 at misty@yourownhomestore.com and I will post your comment for you.
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!



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.    
 

Veggie and Cheddar Soup

I love fall.  Love the temperature.  Love the colors. Love the smells. Love the Holidays. Love the hot chocolate.  Love all the comfort foods.  Love the soup. 

One very easy way to use your food storage, especially your freeze dried food storage, is in soup.  Washing, cutting, peeling, and chopping vegetables can be time consuming.  But when you use freeze dried products, you don't have to spend time doing any of that, but have have the same great taste and nutrients!

In addition, many soup recipes make far too much for our family.  Yes, we have four kids, but they are all 4 and under and still don't eat that much!  But if I try to cut most soup recipes in half, I ended up with wasted produce: like onions or celery!  They really should sell celery in single stalks, I telling you!  Freeze dried products solve this issue as well b/c I can add just what I need for my soup that night and the rest stays good in the can for months!

This Veggie and Cheddar soup recipe was delicious!  I got the idea for it from Jessica over at Good, Cheap Eats.  Hers included zucchini and at the time I didn't have any freeze dried zucchini b/c Shelf Reliance didn't carry it.  So, I used fresh zucchini.  I guess now that I have freeze dried zucchini, I will have to go back and try it that way!

Veggie and Cheddar Soup:

•  2 cups freeze dried cheese
• 1/2 cup freeze dried zuchini
• 1/4 cup carrot dices
• 1/3 cup freeze dried chopped onion 
• 1 cup freeze dried broccoli 
• 4 cups water
• 2 T. Chicken Bouillon
• 1/2 cup instant milk powder
• 2 cups water
• 3 Tablespoons butter powder
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 T water
  

Place cheese in a bowl with enough water to cover. Set aside for 10-15 minutes







In medium sauce pot, add zucchini, carrots, onion, broccoli, 4 cups water and bouillon. Simmer.
 








While broccoli mixture is simmering, mix milk powder and 2 cups water in another bowl. Meanwhile, mix butter powder and flour in a large pot.  Add 1 T water and cook for a minute or two over med-high heat.. Whisk milk in flour mixture until smooth. Simmer until thickened.  
 
Drain cheese and then add to milk mixture.  Whisk until smooth again. Incorporate vegetable mixture into cheese sauce, whisking until smooth once again. Serve immediately.

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.    
 

Taking a Break

No FAQ today.  I need a break after that crazy Black Friday weekend!

 I already have posts scheduled for the rest of the week though.  Check back soon for a great vegetable, cheddar soup recipes, another week in our 72 hr kit series, a product highlight and the new December Shelf Reliance specials!


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.    
 

Black Friday Sale ends TOMORROW!

These once a year prices end tomorrow!  Don't miss out! You will not see prices this low again until Black Friday of 2012!  Act now!       Save Up To 60%!       I've just highlighted a few of my favorites.  You can view all items on sale here.  Remember to shop through my online store for the deepest discount.  You should see "Misty Marsh Store" in the upper right hand corner. Tomato Powder Retail: $35.19 Sale: $24.39 Use this to make tomato sauce, paste and juice for far less! Sweet Corn (FD) Retail: $17.39 Sale: $10.39 First product I tried.  My kids still think it tastes like candy. Apple Chips Retail: $14.69 Sale: $8.79 Make a fresh apple pie without any peeling, or cutting! 6 Grain Pancake Mix Retail: $10.99 Sale: $7.59 Make delicious, nutritious pancakes in minutes! Harvest 72" or Harvest 72" #10 cans Retail: $459.99 Sale: $249.99 LOWEST PRICE in 6 years! Mixed Veggie Pack Retail: $97.89 Sale: $57.79 Under Bed Rotation System or Under Bed #10 can Rotation System Retail: $99.99 Sale: $69.99 THRIVE Cookbook Retail: $24.95 Sale: $12.19 Don't miss this sale!  You will not see these prices again for another year!

Black Friday Reminder!

Don't miss out on these incredible deals! Starting today, you can save up to 60% on many Shelf Reliance products including THRIVE food, Food Rotation Systems and Emergency Kits.  These are ONCE A YEAR PRICES.  You will not see prices this low again until Black Friday of 2012!  Act now, while supplies last! 20% off all Consultant Starter Kits! If you've been considering joining my team as a Shelf Reliance consultant, now is the time!  I've only seen consultant kits discounted one other time.  Being a Shelf Reliance Consultant is an incredible opportunity for so many reasons.  Call me at 760-814-9833 if you are interested.  I'm happy to answer any questions you might have about if this opportunity is right for you.  If you do decide to join my team,  I offer real, quality support for you and your business.      Save Up To 60%!      I've just highlighted a few of my favorites.  You can view all items on sale here.  Remember to shop through my online store for the deepest discount.  You should see "Misty Marsh Store" in the upper right hand corner. Brown Sugar Retail: $10.99 Sale: $7.59 SO FLAVORFUL!  The best brown sugar you've ever tasted. Beef Bouillon Retail: $26.69 Sale: $18.49 Time to stock up at this incredible price! Broccoli Retail: $19.59 Sale: $13.69 No more un-used wasted broccoli in the fridge! Macaroons Retail: $16.69 Sale: $11.59 Just add water and bake.  Easy! Cansolidator Cupboard Retail: $34.99 Sale: $17.09 LOWEST PRICE in 6 years! Vigilance Basic 72 hr Emergency Kit 1 Person Retail: $74.99 Sale: $49.19 Cansolidator Pantry Retail: $44.99 Sale: $18.99 LOWEST PRICE in 6 years! Expedition Basic 72 Hr Emergency Kit 4 Person Retail: $189.99 Sale: $138.09 Don't miss this sale!  You will not see these prices again for another year!

Thanksgiving

 HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

I hope you are all able to enjoy this day of Thanksgiving and gratitude with those you love.  I am lucky enough to be spending it with my parents and one of my siblings and his family.

I have so much to be grateful for:


The gospel of Jesus Christ, especially his Atonement for my sins, weaknesses and trials and the effect it has in my life. It has changed me and allowed me to be more accepting of others as they struggle to change as well. It offers so much hope...most importantly, the hope that I can change/become better and more than who I currently am.

The power of God in my daily life.

My wonderful husband. He understands/accepts/fulfills his responsibility as the provider for our family. He also loves me and is always willing to sacrifice for me. He makes me laugh more than anyone I know and has a way of getting me to relax and enjoy life a little more. (for those of you who know me, you know why this is so amazing) He makes regular efforts to understand me better and change himself in order to make me happier.

My beautiful children. The fact that they were conceived. The fact that they are here. The fact that they are perfectly healthy. The opportunity the Lord has given me to do my best to teach them of his love and plan. I can think of no greater blessing than the opportunity to be a mother, and it is a privilege that not everyone gets in this life.

My devoted parents. Being raised in a home where I regularly felt the spirit of God, and the effect that has had in my life. I am coming to realize more and more what amazing people my parents are. There is an amazing spirit in their home and I am slowly coming to understand how hard they have worked/are working to make it that way. My parent put nothing before each other and their children. Few parents take their responsibility as seriously as mine do.

My supportive siblings. I love each of my brothers and sisters. I would call them my dearest friends. We can laugh, cry, and play together, and best of all we can discuss Christ's gospel and I can learn from them.

My good health. I haven't always had it, so it means a lot. I have been incredibly healthy during my pregnancies and after and it has allowed me to enjoy the process more. With all the diseases/problems that exist, I am grateful for my health.

Living in the USA, and the opportunities that affords: I can worship as I want, learn and improve myself as I wish, speak my mind, and live free of oppression. I am grateful to those who have sacrificed to make it so.

The ability and opportunity to be self reliant, prosperous and charitable.  This has become far easier since I joined Shelf Reliance in this mission and has been an incredible blessing my life.  My life is more at peace knowing that my husband and I have the ability to provide for ourselves in many situations (always working toward more!).  My life is more joyful as I've been able to give more.

And now some less significant, but fun things:

*the smell of the beach that reminds me of my husband b/c he loves it so much
*the sound of water and the peace it can bring me
*baby stretches, baby body parts (mini noses, hands, toes, tongues, ears), baby smiles and coos,
*chocolate ice cream and berries
*hot baths and a good book
*blogs/facebook/staying in touch with friends
*long walks and fresh air
*naps
*the smell on rainy days
*thrive Brownie mix
*otter pops
*music and it's ability to affect my mood
*the beauty of the world we live in and the evidence that is of God's love
*good books

Overall, I feel that I belong to a very select and blessed group of people. I can't even put into words how grateful I am. Where much is given, much is required.M y commitment to doing God's will and striving to bless the lives of others has been renewed as I have thought about all these blessings: my blessings.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Survival Kit Series week #9: Where ya gonna sleep?

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 protection from the elements to your kit last week.

This week's focus:

Add sleeping supplies to your kit

Be sure to leave a comment ON THIS POST by Wednesday, November 30th at 9:00 am PST to be entered in this week's giveaway. Just tell us what you have in your kit (or what you will be adding) for sleeping purposes!

So, now you have some protection from the elements, but even if you have a nice tent, you need something to sleep in / under.

Suggestions:
Keep things as lightweight as you can! While you can use blankets from home if funds are limited, they will add a lot of bulk and weight to your kit. You may not have room for much else! If you have any sort of budget, I would consider purchasing a blanket / sleeping bag that is made to be lightweight and used in such a kit. If you live where it get very cold, be sure that whatever you choose is rated to provide warmth at freezing temperatures.

Small Budget:
Emergency Blanket or an Emergency Thermal Sleeping Bag

Medium Budget:
Fleece Sleeping Bag or Microfiber Emergency Blanket (maybe a bit more than a medium budget)

Larger Budget:
Backpacking type sleeping bag. They make them for kids too!

What we have done in our family:
We have an emergency blanket or sleeping bag for each person in the family in our kits. We also have 1 microfiber emergency blankets in each adult kit. It does not get below freezing where we are. However, we do occasionally travel to Utah. We keep blankets from our home in our van as well as zero degree rated sleeping bags for Cory and I next to our kits. We could grab these if needed and our kids are small enough now that they could share with us. We would like to get a nice sleeping bag for each kid when they are 5-6 years old.

This week's focus:

Add sleeping supplies to your kit

Be sure to leave a comment ON THIS POST by Wednesday, November 30th at 9:00 am PST to be entered in this week's giveaway. Just tell us what you have in your kit (or what you will be adding) for sleeping purposes!

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

November's Monthly Challenge: Fire Prevention.

This is separate from your 72 hr kit and will help you be prepared to deal with the after effects of an emergency that you do not have to evacuate for.

I hope you were all able to store at least 14 gallons of water per person in your family during the month of October. During the month of November, we will be focusing on fire prevention

• Check all smoke alarms in your home and replace batteries as needed. You should have at least one on every level of your home.
• Make sure you have a gas shut off tool and know how to use it. Read this post on facebook for great tips from reader Marcia about this.
• Make sure you have a fire extinguisher in your home and that you know how to use it. If possible, have one on every level of your home.
• Consider adding a home fire sprinkler. This can decrease insurance rates and increase your home's value.
• Practice an escape plan from every room in the house. Caution everyone to stay low to the floor when escaping from fire and never to open doors that are hot. Select a location where everyone can meet after escaping the house. Get out then call for help.
• Make sure all matches, lighters etc are kept up high out of the reach of children.
• Review the information at the USFA on Home Fire Prevention

Other weeks in the Series:

Intro: Survival Kit Ideas: a week by week approach
Week #1: Rotation and Packaging
Week #2: Water Part I: Bring it with you
Week #3: Water Part II: Clean it as you go
Week #4: Food Part I: Breakfast and Lunch
Week #5: Food Part II: Snacks and Dinners
Week #6: How ya gonna cook?
Week #7: How ya gonna eat?
Week #8: Protection from the elements
Week #9: Where ya gonna sleep?

This week's winner:

I'm so thrilled to announce the winner of week #8's drawing: I had 9 entries (only 1 entry per person). According to Random.org comment #3 was the winner. I don't have access to my photoshop, so I don't have the screen shots today. I guess you will just have to trust me! (-:

Marcia said:

I am lucky to have a 16' travel trailer that I pull with my car. It "lives" at my son's house about 15 miles from my house. It is fully stocked with clothing, bedding, and some food. I do need to get a couple of rain ponchos - one for the trailer and one for my car.

Congrats Marcia!

Want to win?
I am giving away 1 prize per week for 26 weeks. 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. 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!



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.

A food storage smoothie

Jamba Juice anyone?  How about Orange Julius?  You can make your own at home with freeze dried fruit!

This is one of the very first things I ever made with my Thrive food.  Easy.  Delicious. Healthy.  My kids love these smoothies!


The basic recipe has 5 ingredients:

• 1 cup Fruit (be sure it is freeze dried and not dehydrated)
• 1/3 cup dairy (instant milk or yogurt bites)
• 2 T. Drink Mix
• 1 1/2 cup water 
• 1 1/2 cup ice

I change up exactly what I put in each time I make these depending on what flavor I'm craving, but the ratios are the same.  They are very healthy as the fruit has no additives or preservatives and all the same nutrients as fresh, plus the drink mixes are vitamin fortified!


For this particular smoothie, I put 1/3 cup each of mangoes, pineapple, and strawberries, 1/3 cup pomegranate yogurt bites, and 2 T. Mango Passion fruit drink into the blender:

and poured the water over it all.  I let it soak for about 10 minutes and then blended it well.  Once blended well, I added the ice and blended until smooth again.  We all enjoyed it for a great afternoon snack!

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.  
 

Black Friday!

Don't miss out on the incredible savings available through Shelf Reliance starting this Friday, November 25th and continuing through Monday November 28th.  These are ONCE A YEAR PRICES.  You will not see prices this low again until Black Friday of 2012!  Act now, while supplies last! 20% off all Consultant Starter Kits! If you've been considering joining my team as a Shelf Reliance consultant, now is the time!  I've only seen consultant kits discounted one other time.  Being a Shelf Reliance Consultant is an incredible opportunity for so many reasons.  Call me at 760-814-9833 if you are interested.  I'm happy to answer any questions you might have about if this opportunity is right for you.  If you do decide to join my team,  I offer real, quality support for you and your business.           Save Up To 60%!          I've just highlighted a few of my favorite products.  You can view all items on sale here.  Remember to shop through my online store for the deepest discount.  You should see "Misty Marsh Store" in the upper right hand corner. Peach Slices (FD) Retail: $30.79 Sale: $21.39 Great right out of the can, or in pie or jam! Mixed Bell Peppers Retail: $18.39 Sale: $10.99 A favorite of almost all Shelf Reliance consultants! Raspberries (FD) Retail: $33.69 Sale: $23.39 Eat fresh raspberries all year round! Powdered Non-fat Milk Retail: $17.39 Sale: $10.39 Works great in baking.  25 year shelf life! Cornmeal Retail: $8.59 Sale: $5.09 Just one of 6 gluten free grains! Potato Chunks Retail: $12.89 Sale: $6.39 No more washing, cutting, peeling and dicing potatoes! Green Peas (FD) Retail: $20.59 Sale: $12.29 As easy as canned, but so much healthier! Orange Yogurt Bites Retail: $43.59 Sale: $30.29 Snack on these next time you're craving something sweet! Harvest 72" or Harvest 72" #10 cans Retail: $459.99 Sale: $249.99 LOWEST PRICE in 6 years! Rotate up to 460 regular cans or 112 #10 cans Grain Mill Wheat Grinder Retail: $79.99 Sale: $55.19 Under Bed Rotation System or Under Bed #10 can Rotation System Retail: $99.99 Sale: $69.99 Rotate up to 115 regular cans or 28 #10 cans! THRIVE Cookbook Retail: $24.95 Sale: $12.19

Don't miss this sale!  You will not see these prices again for another year!