Showing posts with label prepared. Show all posts
Showing posts with label prepared. Show all posts

Sunday, June 26, 2016

And the preparations continue...

You know how you have one good day when you live with chronic pain, so you try to do everything you can't normally do? Of course you pay for it later... BUT you get that list dwindled ever so slightly! 

Yesterday was one such day. I was feeling able to ignore the lower pain levels. So we went to pick up my motorcycle that has sat dormant at my fiances for a couple months and bring it back to my place.

Its a good 40 minute drive and the rain decided to give my bike a bath... while I was driving it back. But its now where it should be. 

Then we were able to run errands that I can't find the energy to do during the week while I work. Upon returning home with groceries, I got the bright idea to start cooking and freezing meals again. Until yesterday, I had a grand total of 3 frozen dinners. Being nearly halfway through the pregnancy, I think I should really pick up my game on this...

I made 3 more dinner to freeze and one for me to eat while I cooked. I have decided that Louisiana Purchase boxed dinners suck.
Flavorless but leaving an after taste I can't quite place. *shivers* Anyhow... The dinners I made were all ones that I have been wanting to try but keep putting off. And had my kids begging to dig in to at least one of them. Which is one I'll be making again for dinner tonight. I started a beef stew in the crock pot while I cooked a pepperoni pasta dish (my kids want this one) and a beef and bean soup.

I'll include those last two recipes for you guys. I paid for my efforts in pain last night. But I'm a strong believer that it will pay off later when the baby is born or on those nights that I'm just too tired to cook after work. Tonight, I'll be starting all over again. I think I'll make some brownies while I'm at it too... 



So here are a couple recipes you might want to try. The soup one is a favorite of mine while my kids can't wait to dig into the One Pot Pepperoni Pizza Pasta. 



Italian Sausage and Bean Soup



Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided use
1 pound Italian sausage
1 1/2 cups each chopped onion and diced carrots
1 cup chopped celery (include leaves if you want)
1 tablespoon minced garlic in oil
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
5-6 cups chicken broth
1 can Italian-style diced tomatoes
1 can red kidney beans, drained
1 cup elbow macaroni


Place 1 tablespoon oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat; add sausage and cook, breaking up into small pieces with edge of cooking spoon. Remove to a plate and set aside. 

Add remaining oil to same pot; saute onions, carrots, celery, garlic and Italian seasoning. Cook 7-9 minutes or until tender; then return sausage to pot. 

Stir in broth, tomatoes, and beans. Bring soup to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer 15-20 minutes, uncovered. Right before serving, bring soup to a full boil and add macaroni; simmer over medium, stirring occasionally, 10 minutes or until al dente. Season to taste with salt, black pepper and crushed red pepper flakes, if desired. 



Substitute:

You can use ground beef instead of the Italian sausage. 


One Pot Pepperoni Pizza Pasta



Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion
40 slices of pepperoni (or just wing it like I did)
24 oz jar of spaghetti sauce
3 cups penne pasta
2 cups of water
1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella 


Brown ground beef and onion in a large skillet and drain excess fat.

Add some of the slices of pepperoni and spaghetti sauce.

Add pasta and water, stir and bring to a boil.



Reduce heat, cover and simmer for 15 minutes until most of the liquid is absorbed and pasta is tender.


Remove lid and sprinkle top with cheese and remaining pepperoni.

Broil until the cheese is lightly browned. 

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Protecting your child

I recently ordered 2 DNA kits from my Disney Movie Rewards account. As a child, I remember being fingerprinted at a public safety awareness event that we happened upon as we went shopping with my mom. Back in those years, I remember a widely publicized story of a girl named Maddie Clifton who went missing in her neighborhood and was later found under the waterbed mattress of the teenage neighbor boy across the street. Parents went frantic trying to protect their kids from things like that. My parents were what many refer to as "over protective". We weren't allowed out after dark. When that sun wasn't visible, our butts had better be inside. We couldn't go anywhere out of sight of the house without permission. We didn't stay over at friends without prior permission and even then, it was only with a select few friends that we knew and trusted really well. At that public event, they were only doing basic fingerprinting. That was a step in the right direction. Now though, technology has changed to broaden the possibilities of DNA tracking and genetic fingerprinting makes the chances for finding a missing child all the better. I've been offered the chance to share with my readers a better and more in-depth way to protect your child.
A DNA profile which years ago was over $400 is now only $99.  But my readers will receive a limited time $50 off coupon by going to www.childprotectbydna.com and using code USFamily50.
This exclusive offer will allow you to get a hefty discount on a $99 DNA Profile for your child.  This is not kept in a database, but is kept solely by you.   In the case of an emergency, you can provide this profile to law enforcement who can compare it to DNA at a crime scene and speed up the process to bring your child back safely.  In addition to the DNA Profile, you will receive a kit that allows you to store your child’s fingerprints, key information, and a photo. What better way to safeguard your child besides implanting them with a tracking chip of some sort? (Which is still not available or legal I believe...)
No one wants to think about what if something were to happen. But not being prepared could cost you.
Things to consider about what a DNA profile means:
  • ChildProtect by DNA is provided by DNA Diagnostics Center, the largest private DNA company in the world and #1 hospital recommended in the US
  • Over 800,000 children go missing every year!
  • Law enforcement agencies state the first 3 hours of a missing child’s search are the most important. After the first 24, hope of finding them alive and well begin to decrease dramatically.
  • A DNA profile is a Genetic Fingerprint and every person’s is unique. No two DNA profiles are exactly alike (even twins).
  • Every profile is signed by a PhD when it leaves the DDC laboratory
  • A DNA profile is used by police when they find an item (saliva) that contains traces of DNA. By having a DNA profile on hand, the police have something to compare against.  If there is no DNA profile, police need to collect DNA from the child’s home and send it to a laboratory to get the profile. This costs valuable time. Remember what I said above about 3 hours and 24 hours?
    So let me know what you think! Once I receive my own kit, I'll write a review about it further and let you know more details about the kit itself!

    Wednesday, June 26, 2013

    Wise Company food review and emergency preparedness

    I recently requested a sample from the Wise Company of emergency food storage. The Wise Company specializes in emergency prepared foods that can be stored for extended periods of time.  Have you ever seen Doomsday Preppers? Have you ever considered the possibility that some kind of emergency might arise causing you to rely solely on what you have stored at home?
    I know I have. I've been living in a state where hurricane parties are normal and anything less than a category 4 isn't worth worrying about. I've filled up Rubbermaid bins with water, kept a first aid kit in all my vehicles (even my motorcycle), and also try to keep things in the pantry for emergencies.
    Food is always one of the most important things to have on hand in case of emergency. There have been many times when the power goes out and canned beans become the main part of your diet. Let’s face it though; you really don't want to be cooped up in a home with everyone eating baked beans morning, noon and night. The smell gets so bad you might just brave the storm outside instead.

    Wise Company sent me a pack of Chili Macaroni that feeds up to four adults. It's 100% vegetarian. You just need to boil 4 cups of water, add the contents in the package and stir. After turning off the heat, cover it and let it stand 12-15 minutes while stirring occasionally. Let it cool and dig in!
    My homemade chili macaroni....
    Now, to be perfectly honest, it’s not the greatest chili macaroni I’ve ever had. (I much prefer my home cooked kind.) But when it’s an emergency, this would be the best thing ever for dinner! Food is always on the top of lists during an emergency, so be prepared with something that won’t require a lot of attention or things that go bad without refrigeration. Better than beans and better than MRE's, which I've also had a taste of before. However, while it might taste better than your other options, its still on the bland side so have some hot sauce at the ready. Texture is flat too.
    Cooking Wise Company...

    My husband brought up a valid point about how you would heat such a food without electricity? Well, if you have a grill, a pot of water over the charcoals or fire wouldn’t hurt to heat this up. Also, most people around here invest in generators. For people with those, voila! Electricity at your disposal. But only for a limited amount of time until you get it recharged for use. And lastly, option three would be a camp fire. Just remember to keep loose brush, leaves, or other debris away from it. Last thing you want is to start a wild fire and cause more damage.
    A fully cooked batch of Wise Company chili macaroni.
    Your opinions may vary greatly from mine and my family's, so why not contact Wise yourself and request a sample? Leave me a comment on your thoughts about emergency preparedness. What would you prepare for? How would you prepare?

    Friday, June 7, 2013

    Preparing for an emergency

    Hurricane season is getting into swing here in Florida. Having been a native, I’ve seen my share of crazy storms and the after math that can follow. I no longer freak out during storms. I’m used to them. I do, however, still believe in being prepared. Anything is possible and having your family set up for success in hurricane season means you have supplies and plans all set.
    For this season we have gotten a head start. Candles and flashlights in case the lights go out. My sons are scared of the dark during storms and my husband is partially blind as well as deaf so having light is a must. Don’t forget the extra batteries and matches (or lighter and fluid). You never know how long the power could be out.
    What are other ways to prepare? Food is important. If they close the roads or the power goes out, you might be stuck with only what’s in your pantry. How long will it last your family? What will you be able to use without power? We chose to stock up on things like bread and crackers, peanut butter, water (bottles and gallons), my husband’s chips (can’t go without them for too long before going into withdrawal!), finger snack foods for the kids like cheese crackers and fruit snacks.
    There are other canned foods that may not taste that great straight from the can, but when it comes down to it – you make do. Those types of things are beans’n’weanies, beans, and even ravioli. What types of things would your family have on the emergency list of foods? You could even consider investing in something like the Wise Food Storage company products.
    First Aid comes next in the list of important things to have on hand. No matter what the emergency that comes your way – hurricane, tornado, flood, snow storm – injury can be imminent. Having bandages, Vaseline, Neosporin, gauze, surgical tape, Ace bandages,  saline solution, eye drops, lip balm, rubbing alcohol (you can keep the drinking kind on hand too if that’s your thing), peroxide, surgical scissors, sunscreen, hand sanitizer…. You get the idea? These are things that could come useful and I keep them packed in a kit for “just in case” moments. Don’t forget a blanket or few always clean and packed to go.

    Make sure you keep your valuable documents not only locked up, but in a waterproof casing of some sort. A large baggie works. Insurance information, birth certificates, I keep baby books with them too, marriage license (no, just because you lose this doesn’t absolve the marriage – just means you have to pay for a new copy). On the same token, medications and special instructions should be kept with these. Don’t forget your Will if you have one!
    Now for miscellaneous items that might seem trivial… spare razors, spare toothbrushes, eye glass cleaners for all my fellow ‘four eyes’, perhaps things to pass the time with. Keep everything packed in waterproof bins if you can and keep them in a place that has easy access when you are in a rush.
    But being prepared shouldn’t end with homes only. I also try to keep as prepared as possible on the go. My diaper bag is actually a backpack. It holds more things and is easier for me to keep things organized. In my trunk I keep another backpack with a thick but easy-to-carry blanket, bottled water, and a first aid kit. I also try to keep a portable case that has my jumper cables neatly stored. Keeping snacks in there is a good idea as well. Just remember to switch them out every so often so you aren’t stuck with hard/stale food in your car. If you are able, keep a gas can or two full of gas somewhere nearby. I don’t suggest you keep it inside your home as it’s a fire hazard (especially for apartment dwellers like me). Keep a mini tool kit with things helpful for not just inside needs but car needs as well. Address books are great too in case your smart phone (if you rely on it) should run out of battery.
    Remember that this list is not all inclusive! Every family is different with their own unique needs. I need diapers for my baby girl as well as baby foods (or a grinder). I also refuse to leave without my Bible, cape and katana. But I’m a nerd. For my sons, I have little individual-sized pillows and a little bag of toys. Fashion your list to fit your needs and the needs of your family.
    If you can afford one, I suggest investing in a power generator. Then you can have electricity for important things like cooking and heating water. Another thing that might be worth investing in is a grill. Even a small one that is easy to store and use can come in handy.  
    Also have a plan. Know what you and your family will do during an emergency. For my own family, I might be at work so I have a plan for my husband and children to follow until I can return home to them. Add variations to cater to different scenarios. Hurricanes are treated differently than fires. Tornadoes require different actions than a flood. A little prevention goes a long way.

    Now I'm curious... what kind of emergencies would you be most likely to prepare for? Have you seen Doomsday Preppers? Talk about hardcore. Radiation, government collapse, extreme weather, and yes - even a zombie apocalypse! What steps do you or have you taken so far? Leave me a comment below!