April 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter

 Click here for a complete copy of the April 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.

  April showers bring May flowers! (And during this series of drought years – we need to pray for that April rain!) April is a wonderful month with everything greening up, flowers popping, and we finally get the rest of the garden in! This year we celebrate Easter in April and remember the Atonement of our Savior Jesus Christ. It is the perfect way to spend our spring. As we focus this month on the new life of spring and the resurrection, let us also honor Him with obedience to the law of preparedness. We have been told, “If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear.” It is a promise we do not want to miss out on. As the storms of weather, politics, economy, and evils, swirl around us, we can know that by gathering supplies, storing our food, and following the Lord, we have no need to fear!

Included in this month's newsletter:

Protecting your Food Storage Investment - a list of ideas and info to help give protection to your food storage.

Disaster Prep - Holding Drills - this is the month to hold a drill in your family!

Spiritual Preparedness - a quote from Elder Dallin H Oaks on preparing for the Second Coming.

In the Southern Utah Garden - things to plant and chores for April in the yard and garden.

Disaster Prep: When to turn off your gas at the meter? Info to help you keep your home safe from gas leaks.

Cooking with Food Storage - Easter Picnic Salads - recipes using items on the food storage shelf for fruit, potato, or Italian salad.

Provident Living - Easter Egg Tips -  money saving tips to  help dye Easter Eggs, and :Natural" ideas for ingredient colors.

Food Storage Tips - a list of things to help you in your food storage endeavors.

Click here for a complete copy of the April 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.

March 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter

 

Click here for a complete copy of the March 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.

March may come “marching” in like a gentle lamb and blow out like a fierce lion, or vice-versa! You just never know! The only thing that is sure is – March is not predictable!  And that is exactly how life is. Just unpredictable. This is the reason we have been admonished to be prepared! We cannot sit around and hope for “The Luck o’ the Irish” (the wish that comes with St Patrick’s Day!) We have to be prepared for “every needful thing.”  As we put food storage on the shelves, fill the freezer, pack a 72-hour kit, and sharpen our self-sufficiency skills, we are able to say, as Elder Joseph B Worthlin did, “Come what may and love it!” Preparedness is something we do not want to procrastinate! We never know when a storm may blow in or how long it will stay! Having the “Luck o’ the Irish” really does depend on the effort and work behind the Pot of Gold!

Included in this month's newsletter:

Chicken Time - Live Storage -  tips to get your onw flock of egg layers going!

The Chicken Farmer's Favorites - a list of breeds experience recommends.

Spiritual Preparedness -a quote from President Russell M Nelson on preparing for the 2nd coming of our savior Jesus Christ.

In the Southern Utah Garden -tips for your garden and yard this month.

Cooking with Food Storage - Using Rice:  tips and recipes for rice.

Disaster Prep: Sheltering In - basic tips for sheltering in, and specific for chemical leak or hazardous air quality.

Provident Living Tips:  ideas to save you money or make life easier.

Click here for a complete copy of the March 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.

February 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter

 

Click here for a complete copy of the February 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.

It’s February – and “love is in the air.” Not just because it is the month of Valentines Day with the cards, candy, and flowers, or pink pancakes and “heart attack” doors – but also because it’s the perfect month to show your family some love! Preparedness style! Taking care of our loved ones IS an expression of love. This month we can get our gardens going (if you are in the right climate) and plant some indoor seeds to save on gardening costs. You can make plans for disasters and find the items you need to be ready for whatever comes our way. This world is filled with commotion, as has been prophesied. But we have also been promised that “If ye are Prepared, ye shall not fear.” If we are prepared, we are ready to say, as Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin’s mother taught him:” Come what may, and love it!” We have ring-side seats for these last days! Let us show the love, Be Prepared, and sit back to enjoy the ride!

Included in this month's newsletter:

Preparedness - By Small and Simple Things - ideas of items that have low cost - but high value!

Disaster Prep - Keeping Your Fridge and Freezer Cold - what to do when the power is out to keep your fridge and freezer going - and to dry or can if you cannot keep things cold.

In the Southern Utah Garden - tips for the February garden, inside and out!

Cooking with Food Storage - Easy Casseroles - multiple casseroles from one recipe and four boxes.

Spiritual Prep - Begin With the End in Mind - President M Russell Ballard teaches us about setting goals.

Know Your Disasters- Sign up for Alerts - a list of tips for disasters, and a link to sign up for alerts.

Click here for a complete copy of the February 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.

January 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter

 

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January has arrived! Father Time has passed on his wisdom, and Baby New Year slid right in! It is hard to believe it is 2025! Each new year brings the annual “New Year Resolutions” – which is also a great time to review lists and renew efforts for all of our preparedness endeavors. This month, take inventory of your food storage, and make a plan to update it, or how to better rotate that investment. Try some “new” ideas – like making your home an “ingredient household” – to help you to use your food storage. If you are searching for extra space – check out the ideas in this newsletter to add storage behind doors or even in a hallway. As you set your 2025 goals, be sure to add preparedness to the list!

Included in this month's newsletter:

New Year - Old Lists! A summary of basic one year storage amounts, and a list of items to include in a 3-month supply.

New Year Resolutions - Be and Ingredient Household - what this means and why we should do it!

Words to Live By - A Prophetic Quote - a quote from Elder Christopher Waddell reminding us that sacrifice must be made to establish a food storage.

In the Southern Utah Garden - things to do for January including an idea for a compost bin, and a reference for pruning tips.

Finding Rooms for Food Storage - ideas to find or make space to store your food!

Cooking with Food Storage - ideas and recipes to make your food storage into quick snacks and fast food!

Click here for a complete copy of the January 2025 Back to Basics Newsletter.

December 2024 Back to Basics Newsletter

 Click here for a complete copy of the December 2024 Back to Basics.

December is here! “It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” Christmas time provides opportunity for extra service, love, and goodwill to all men! There is peace and wonder all around. We see it in the lights, decorations, parties and concerts. Sometimes we can get so “wrapped up” in the hustle and bustle, that we forget that “Jesus is the reason for the season.” This year let us find Christ in every activity that we do. We can listen for the message of His birth and life in concerts and music all around. As we shop for presents we can emulate the wise men bringing gifts, or the Savior and the greatest gift of all. The long winter nights are the perfect time to read stories and sing songs as a family that bring our hearts together and turn us to Christ. Christmas giving is also the perfect time to help our families with temporal and spiritual preparedness. May you use this Christmas season to add to the preparedness of family and friend’s shelves and hearts, and spread that to the poor and needy around us. May you use this Christmas to truly bring Christ into the season.

Included in this month's newsletter: 

A Preparedness Christmas - ideas for gift giving that help others get more prepared.

Baking Soda - The Storage Room's Secret Weapon - Ideas to use Baking soda in the kitchen, medicinally and cleaning and household uses.

In the Southern Utah Garden - tips for December.

Spiritual Preparedness - Christmas Joy - a quote by M Russell Ballard on things to do to bring peace and joy.

Cooking with Food Storage - Make-a-mix - basic quick mix and recipes to make Madeline's Christmas Muffins, Christmas Morning Pancakes, and Santa's Sugar Cookies.

First Aid Kit - Disaster and Daily Living Prep - a list of items to put in a first aid kit.

Christmas Treats - a suggestion of  past newsletters with yummy Christmas treat recipes.

  Click here for a complete copy of the December 2024 Back to Basics.

November 2024 Back to Basics Newsletter

 

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November is the “Thankful” month! Beautiful fall days still abound, with a few hints of winter dispersed throughout. Of course the annual Thanksgiving Dinner – complete with family and fun – is looked forward to. Many families will trek “over the river and through the woods” to grandmother’s house! As we gather, let us remember that we live in a world with so much to be thankful for! Even as the world around us seems to be disintegrating, there are many aspects of these “last days” to fill us with gratitude. One way we can show our gratitude is by keeping the commandments! At this “end of harvest” time of year – we can focus on keeping the commandment to Be Prepared. Hopefully your storage shelves are full of items to make a Thanksgiving dinner. If they are not, let that be a goal. Establish a preparedness life – a life of provident living – where you have prepared “Every Needful Thing.” Let us be thankful by being prepared - so we can all say, “All is safely gathered in!”

Included in this months newsletter: 

Rotation Rotation Rotation! - A list of tips to keep your food storage from spoiling by using a good rotation method.

I Can't Afford It - A testimonial by a sister who started over from nothing to get her food storage. It includes a wonderful Quote from Elder Featherstone.

Preparedness Prophecies - A quote from President Hinckley after the attack on the world trade centers reminding us of years of prophecies concerning our food storage.

In the Southern Utah Garden - Tips for the November yard and garden.

Unexpected Disaster Prep - Tips from regular "life living" that help you Be Prepared.

A Food Storage Thanksgiving - Recipes and tips for a dinner straight from your storage shelves.

Storing Expanded Item "Ingredients" - Items you need to add to your basic long term storage.

Click here for a complete copy of the November 2024 Back to Basics Newsletter.

October 2024 Back to Basics Newsletter

 Click here for a complete copy of the October 2024 Back to Basics Newsletter.

October is when we know fall has arrived! The weather changes, first frost arrives, the harvest is in, and a fire in the fireplace starts a cold morning. The weather may send flurries of leaves dancing down the street, or require an open window to cool off a surprise warm afternoon. It’s a favorite season for hunters, hikers, and sport enthusiasts alike. Its roundup and branding for the rancher, and harvest finishing for the farmer. It’s also the perfect season to be sure “all is safely gathered in, ere the winter storms begin” in our own homes.  Now is a great time to store a sack of potatoes and a box of apples for winter. You could finish up that applesauce, or bottle a few more pears. Perhaps it is one more trip to a case lot sale, or the church’s Home Storage Center. Whatever you do – use this time wisely! We have seen across the county how quickly a disaster creates a need that, if people are prepared can be easily addressed. But if they are not, it is frightening and difficult. Choose to Be Prepared TODAY!

Included in this newsletter:

Real Life Lessons from Hurricane Helene - a list of things a variety of people in the middle of the disaster said they needed to have.

Preparation Smorgasbord - a variety of thoughts and ideas to consider as you prepare.

In the Southern Utah Garden - tasks for October for your garden, trees, and yard.

Cooking with Food Storage and Provident Living - ideas to use your pumpkins at the end of the month including dinner in a pumpkin. Recipe for Homemade Halloween makeup.

Preparedness Warnings -  two quotes to give major incentive for getting ourselves prepared!

Don't Forget - reminder for fall rotations and activities.

The Doctor is In...Dr. Mom that is! -  home remedies to help avoid a visit to the doctor office.

Click here for a complete copy of the October 2024 Back to Basics Newsletter.

September 2024 Back to Basics Newsletter

 Click here for a complete copy of the September 2024 Back to Basics Newsletter.

September means kids are back to school, weather turns mild, days are shorter, and the apples and pears are ripe. It is one of the most pleasant months! We can still sit out and enjoy the evening stars, but might need a sweater to start the day. The harvest continues but slows a bit, and there is great reward as we enjoy the “fruits of our labors.” September is also the “National Preparedness Month.” This makes it a great month to focus on preparing your home and family for emergencies and disasters that might affect you. Store sales abound to accompany this focus. No one knows the needs of your family better than YOU do. So let us use our time wisely. Let us, “today while the sun shines, work with a will,” and “today - our duty fulfill.” Let us prepare for the sake of our families, and the peace preparedness will bring.

Included in this month's newsletter: 

Signs of the times - State of the World Incentives - the events we see happening around us can be addressed with preparedness. This list gives ideas.

Provident Living Tip: A Penny Saved is a Penny Earned - a list of tips to save money!

Spiritual Preparation - Quote from President Nelson with lessons from Moroni, and a scripture to go with it.

In the Southern Utah Garden - garden tips for September.

Grains - tips to store and use a variety of grains.

Using the Harvest - Apples and Pears - tips to harvest, how to use, and recipes.

Click here for a complete copy of the September 2024 Back to Basics Newsletter.

August 2024 Back to Basics Newsletter

 

Click here for a complete copy of the August 2024 Back to Basics Newsletter.

As August rolls around, it brings the lazy dog days of summer, with hot days and some humidity if the monsoons are here. It brings “back to school” shopping, and kids heading back for another year of learning. Harvests in the garden are in full swing, and orchards continue to produce juicy fruits. It is the perfect month to add to our preparedness! We can take advantage of the bounteous harvests, either from our own gardens, or local farmers. Home canning has made a comeback as more and more people recognize the benefits of bottling your own. You know what went in the jar and how it was prepared and taken care of. If you follow safety guidelines of canning, your family will eat very safe and healthy food. This has also been a summer of disasters across the country. Wild fires, earthquakes, and tornadoes have reminded us we live in the last days. Let those disasters propel you to greater preparations for the unexpected! This last month of summer offers numerous opportunities to add to our preparedness! Let us take advantage of the time we have to prepare!

Included in this month's newsletter:

Disaster Prep - Earthquake! A list of things to do BEFORE, DURING, and AFTER an earthquake.

In the Southern Utah Garden - a list of what to plant, and chores in the garden and orchard this month.

Using the Harvest: Tomatoes - ideas of ways to bottle, dry and freeze tomatoes.

Basic Storage: Slick Facts about Fats and Oils -  info to help you store fats and oils including amounts and tips to keep long term.

Food for Thought - Preparedness Matters -  four quotes to encourage you in your preparedness endeavors.

Click here for a complete copy of the August 2024 Back to Basics Newsletter.

July 2024 Back to Basics Newsletter

 Click here for a complete copy of the July 2024 Back to Basics Newsletter.

July is our month to celebrate freedoms! We are blessed to live in God’s “Promised Land!” Even amidst political and economic strife, or the wars at home and abroad – we are STILL blessed with amazing freedoms - bought and paid for by “those who came before us.” This month we celebrate both America’s freedom, and the coming of the “blessed, honored pioneers” - who settled this harsh land seeking religious freedom. Part of celebrating freedoms is using our agency wisely. Not every country allows families to store food and supplies (they call it hoarding,) and religious freedoms are threatened worldwide. Let us take advantage of the privileges we have as we worship God with all our might, and store supplies to care for our loved ones when those inevitable storms arrive! This month as we set off fireworks, join in the races, or march in parades - we can remember the freedom we all have to “Be Prepared!” When we pray, read the scriptures, bottle some peaches, or fill buckets of wheat – we truly join in letting Freedom Ring! May it ring and echo in each of your homes!

Included in this months newsletter:

Disaster Prep - EMP's - a list of what to do in ANY disaster - including an EMP!

A Basic Reminder: One year Basic Food Storage - the list of amounts per person for one year of basic storage items.

Spiritual Preparedness - A quote from President Russell M Nelson on preparedness and lessons from Captain Moroni.

In the Southern Utah Garden - tasks for your July garden.

Using Food Storage - in the Good Ol' Summertime - ways to use bottled or frozen fruits for summer treats.

Honoring Pioneers - Preparedness Style - A list of things we can do to be prepared that our forefathers did.

Fun in the Sun - Outdoor Cooking - Ideas to try and basic instruction for a simple solar cooker.

 Click here for a complete copy of the July 2024 Back to Basics Newsletter.

June 2024 Back to Basics Newsletter

Click here for a complete copy of the June 2024 Back to Basics Newsletter.

June is a wonderful month with temperatures usually on a milder side – before the heat of summer settles in. It is perfect for finishing the garden, outdoor activities on a warm evening, or trips to the mountain to cool off and maybe catch a fish! June brings first harvests of berries, cherries and apricots. It is the perfect month to take a dip in a pool or wade in the river. So many family activities are perfect in the month of June! With all the fun to fill our time, let us look towards including preparedness in the activities we pursue. Try out the ideas in this newsletter to make summertime livin’ easy! Stock up on more of the basic storage items, and fill some water jugs. Find a way as a family to improve your preparedness, make it a “way of life,” AND enjoy the “Good Ol’ Summertime!”

Included in this months newsletter: 

Sweets for the sweet - tips for storing sugar- a basic storage item!

Disaster Prep - A Power-Up Bag- ideas for items to put in one bag ready for any power outage or evacuation.

A Ball Book tip.

Spiritual Preparedness - Quote from Bishop W Christopher Waddell on preparing for challenging times.

In the Southern Utah Garden - tips for your June garden and yard.

Summertime and the Preparedness Livin' is easy - ideas for summer activities that help you in your preparedness.

Cooking with Food Storage - Everlasting Yeast, Sour Dough Starter, and Dads Sour Dough Biscuits recipes.

Provident Living Hints - ideas to save some money as you take care of June fruits.

Click here for a complete copy of the June 2024 Back to Basics Newsletter.

May 2024 Back to Basics Newsletter

 Click here for a complete copy of the May 2024 Back to Basics Newsletter.

May is here at last! A wonderful month filled with flowers (from those April showers), longer days, and growing lawns and gardens. “May-Day” celebrations, which originated in the USA, are today held all over the world, as communities welcome spring, Weaving the May Pole and local festivities are not as prevalent as they used to be. But we are still happy to see May arrive.  In May our yards burst with color, we start to harvest a few garden veggies, and we prepare for the bounty soon to come in summer! This month is a great time to make plans to use the harvest and store your garden and fruit tree produce. Do you have a canner? Ae you ready to try using that pressure cooker? Do you have new canning lids on the shelf? Is your canning jar supply sufficient? Have you stocked up on sugar, canning salt, and vinegar? Now is the time to take inventory and re-supply so you are ready when canning season is here.  As May blooms all around us, let us add to our preparedness efforts as well. We can let our preparedness blossom!

Included in this month's newsletter:

The Right Tools for the Job - Canning Equipment - get ready for canning season with the "tools of the trade." This list can get you started.

Provident Living - Frugal Living Ideas - a list of things to do to help save your hard earned cash!

Disaster Prep - Cool Clear Water - a list of things to remember as you store water for your family.

Spiritual and Temporal Preparedness - a timely quote from Robert D Hales.

In the Southern Utah Garden - plant almost everything if you missed getting your garden going. A few tips are included to help your May gardening tasks.

72-Hour Kit Recipes - Recipes for Emergency Bars (for your kit) candles, and wicks.

Disaster Prep: The 72 Hour (or more) kit - a list of specific supplies to help you build a kit for each member of your family.

Click here for a complete copy of the May 2024 Back to Basics Newsletter.