Emergency Preparedness: Pill Bottle Emergency Kit

You never know when you may experience an emergency.  Here is a great idea for an emergency kit small enough to fit into your backpack, purse or glove compartment. It may have just what you need to survive in an emergency. 

http://pillbottle.littlethings.com/pill-bottle-survival-kit/?utm_source=hmc&utm_medium=Facebook&utm_campaign=lifehacks

Frugal Living: Make Your Own Inexpensive Fabric Softener

I found an easy and inexpensive recipe for homemade fabric softener.  Check it out at mom4real.com:

http://www.mom4real.com/homemade-fabric-softener-recipe-cheap/

Financial Preparedness: Make Money by Selling Clothing on Consignment

This blog has often mentioned that you have money just sitting in your closet--in clothing that you are not wearing.  The link below is an excellent article detailing how you can make money selling clothes to consignment stores.  

http://bargainbriana.com/how-to-get-the-most-cash-for-your-consignment-clothing/

Source:  bargainbriana.com

Provident Living: 10 Ways We Waste Money on our Kids

Do you buy everything your children ask for?  Dave Ramsey has compiled a list of 10 ways we waste money on our kids.  If we cut some of these items out of our budget, we will save money and have children who are a bit less spoiled.

http://www.daveramsey.com/blog/10-ways-waste-money-kids

Source:  daveramsey.com

Preparedness: New Counsel from the Prophet

President Thomas S. Monson shares a message of preparedness in the September First Presidency Message.  I have learned when a prophet speaks, we should listen and heed his counsel.  Here is an excerpt:  

"We urge all Latter-day Saints to be prudent in their planning, to be conservative in their living, and to avoid excessive or unnecessary debt. Many more people could ride out the storm-tossed waves in their economic lives if they had a supply of food and clothing and were debt-free. Today we find that many have followed this counsel in reverse: they have a supply of debt and are food-free.

I repeat what the First Presidency declared a few years ago:

“Latter-day Saints have been counseled for many years to prepare for adversity by having a little money set aside. Doing so adds immeasurably to security and well-being. Every family has a responsibility to provide for its own needs to the extent possible.

“We encourage you wherever you may live in the world to prepare for adversity by looking to the condition of your finances. We urge you to be modest in your expenditures; discipline yourselves in your purchases to avoid debt. Pay off debt as quickly as you can, and free yourselves from this bondage. Save a little money regularly to gradually build a financial reserve.”¹

Are we prepared for the emergencies in our lives? Are our skills perfected? Do we live providently? Do we have our reserve supply on hand? Are we obedient to the commandments of God? Are we responsive to the teachings of prophets? Are we prepared to give of our substance to the poor, the needy? Are we square with the Lord?

We live in turbulent times. Often the future is unknown; therefore, it behooves us to prepare for uncertainties. When the time for decision arrives, the time for preparation is past."

For the rest of the message, click here:

https://www.lds.org/ensign/2014/09/are-we-prepared?lang=eng

- September 2014 Ensign, First Presidency Message 

Provident Living: 17 recipes for spice mixes

                                 Photo:  care2.com

I love the idea of making your own spice mixes and Keeper of the Home Blog has 17 recipes to share.  Just click on the link:

http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2013/02/17-homemade-spice-mixes.html

Provident Living: Make Your Own Mozarella in 30 minutes

I knew I hit the jackpot when I came across this post!  You really can make your very own, fresh and delicious Mozarella cheese in just minutes!  

http://www.simplebites.net/the-best-party-trick-ever-how-to-make-thirty-minute-mozzarella/

Source: www.simplebites.net

Financial Preparedness: Building an Emergency Fund

Building an emergency fund is vital if you want to become financially prepared. You never know when you'll need a repair on your home or car or face a medical emergency or job loss which all drain money in a flash.  Just this week, we registered my daughter's car and realized she needs major repairs in order for it to pass the state inspection.  It's a blessing to know that we have money set aside for emergencies.  Need help finding ways to stockpile money for such events?  Check out this link for some great ones:

http://www.livingwellspendingless.com/2014/03/28/10-ways-build-emergency-fund/

Source:  www.livingwellspendingless.com

Cooking with Food Storage: An Eggless, Butterless, Milkless Yummy Cake

During World War I, eggs, milk and butter were in scarce supply.  This recipe provided a sweet treat without requiring those ingredients.  This cake is also a delicious dessert for people with allergies.  Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/3 cup shortening
• 1 cup raisins
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/4 cups sifted cake flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 1/4 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds (optional)
• 1 teaspoon almond extract (optional)

• Directions

  1. Combine the sugar, water, shortening, raisins, spices, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, and stir while cooking for 3 minutes. Cool.
  2. Measure flour, soda, and baking powder, and sift together.
  3. Gradually stir dry ingredients into raisin mixture. Beat well. If an almond cake is desired, stir in almond extract and almonds. Pour batter into a greased 8 x 4 inch loaf pan.
  4. Bake at 325 degrees F (165 degrees C) for about 1 hour.
• Source:  allrecipes.com
• 
  
  

Emergency Preparedness: Prepare for flooding

A few days ago, my hometown was hit with a microburst storm followed by unusual flooding.  Teenagers were canoeing and wakeboarding down their streets while others were frantically bailing out basements.  I recently moved from Pennsylvania where flooding is extremely common and most homes have sump pumps in their basements.  Even when flooding is unexpected or uncommon, preparation brings peace of mind and can make an enormous difference in the unlikely event that a flood arrives.  One of my friends whose basement flooded was so grateful that she had just boxed up her storage items in the basement and placed them on shelves so nothing was on the ground to be ruined.  Here are some ideas to prepare for flooding:

1. Safeguard your possessions.
Create a personal flood file containing information about all your possessions and keep it in a secure place, such as a safe deposit box or waterproof container. This file should have:

• A copy of your insurance policies with your agents contact information.
• A household inventory: For insurance purposes, be sure to keep a written and visual (i.e., videotaped or photographed) record of all major household items and valuables, even those stored in basements, attics or garages. Create files that include serial numbers and store receipts for major appliances and electronics. Have jewelry and artwork appraised. These documents are critically important when filing insurance claims. For more information visit www.knowyourstuff.org.
• Copies of all other critical documents, including finance records or receipts of major purchases.

2. Prepare your house.

• First make sure your sump pump is working and then install a battery-operated backup, in case of a power failure. Installing a water alarm will also let you know if water is accumulating in your basement. (If you have one)
• Clear debris from gutters and downspouts.
• Anchor any fuel tanks.
• Raise your electrical components (switches, sockets, circuit breakers, and wiring) at least 12 inches above your home's projected flood elevation.
• Place the furnace, water heater, washer, and dryer on cement blocks at least 12 inches above the projected flood elevation.
• Move furniture, valuables, and important documents to a safe place.

3. Develop a family emergency plan.

• Create a safety kit with drinking water, canned food, first aid, blankets, a radio, and a flashlight.
• Post emergency telephone numbers by the phone and teach your children how to dial 911.
• Plan and practice a flood evacuation route with your family. Know safe routes from home, work, and school that are on higher ground.
• Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to be your emergency family contact.
• Have a plan to protect your pets.

For more information on emergency preparation, talk to your insurance agent or visit Ready.gov.

Source: floodsmart.gov 

Frugal Meals: Make Your Own Frozen Burritos

If you're like me and need convenience foods in the freezer for those days on the go, you'll be as thrilled as I was to find this economical alternative to store-bought frozen burritos.  

Freezer Bean and Cheese Burritos

•  (10-count) package of tortillas (or homemade tortillas)
• 1 16-oz. can of refried beans (or two cups homemade refried beans)
• 1/4 cup salsa
• 6 to 8 oz. of cheddar cheese, shredded

Mix refried beans and salsa together (you can add chopped cooked chicken or browned ground beef, if you’d like). Spread bean mixture down the middle of tortilla. Sprinkle with cheese and roll up.

To freeze: Wrap in plastic wrap or a sandwich baggie and stick in a gallon ziptop freezer bag. When freezer bag is full, seal until airtight and freeze for up to two months.

To serve: Thaw for a few hours and warm in the microwave or oven. Can be eaten cold, though warm would be better.

Makes 10 burritos.

Cost: Approximately $3 if using groceries from Aldi = $0.30 per burrito. Approximately $0.15 to $0.20 each if using homemade tortillas and homemade refried beans.

Source:  moneysavingmom.com

Frugality: Pantry, Refrigerator and Freezer Essentials

We all know that planning menus and preparing food from scratch is the best way to frugally feed a family.  Stocking your pantry, refrigerator and freezer allow you to have the things on hand that you need to prepare healthy and delicious meals.  These are the basics that every pantry, refrigerator and freezer should have, but customize your list to items that you like and will use.

PANTRY

BAKING
Baking powder
Cornstarch
Flour-Wheat and White
Sugar-granulated, powdered and brown
Chocolate-Cocoa, semi-sweet, chocolate chips
Baking Soda
Baking Powder
Shortening
Corn Syrup
Molasses

CANNED FOODS
Beans-Black, pork and beans, kidney, garbanzo, white
Broth-Beef, chicken
Fruit-Fruit cocktail, peaches, pears
Meat-Beef, chicken, tuna, salmon
Soups-Cream of chicken, Mushroom, Tomato, Vegetable Beef, Chicken Noodle
Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce
Vegetables-Corn, green beans, mushrooms

CONDIMENTS
Gelatin
Maple Syrup
Vinegar-Balsamic, white, apple cider
Honey
Peanut Butter

DRIED FOODS
Dried Beans-black, pinto, red, white
Dried Fruits-raisins, craisins, miscellaneous

GRAINS/PASTA
Spaghetti
Egg Noodles
Oatmeal-Quick Rolled Oats
Rice-White, brown, wild
Whole Grain Cereals-Ready to eat
Split Peas
Lasagna Noodles

HERBS/SPICES/EXTRACTS
Basil leaves
Cilantro
Cumin powder
Dill weed
Onion powder
Pepper
Rosemary
Salt
Chili Powder
Coriander
Curry powder
Garlic Powder
Oregano
Poppy Seeds
Sage
Thyme
Cinnamon
Cloves
Ground Allspice
Ground Ginger
Ground Cardamon
Ground Nutmeg
Almond Extract
Vanilla Extract

OILS
Olive Oil-Food Preparation
Non-stick Vegetable Oil Spray
Safflower or peanut oil-for high temperature cooking

REFRIGERATOR

CONDIMENTS
Ketchup
Mustard-Regular and Dijon
Salad Dressings
Soy Sauce
Worcestershire Sauce
Mayonnaise
Pickles-Dill, sweet, relish
Salsa
Teriyaki Sauce

DAIRY
Cheese-Cottage, cream, mozzarella, cheddar, parmesan
Butter, margarine
Milk
Yogurt
Eggs
Sour Cream
Cream Cheese

FRESH FRUIT
Apples
Lemons
Avocados
Oranges

FRESH VEGETABLES
Lettuce
Carrots
Garlic
Peppers-green, red
Sweet Potatoes
Celery
Onions
Potatoes
Tomatoes

FREEZER

JUICE
Apple
Orange
Grape

FROZEN VEGETABLES
Peas
Beans
Broccoli
Mixed Vegetables

MEAT
Beef-Ground beef, roast, steak
Fish-Cod, Tilapia, Salmon
Poultry-Chicken, Turkey
Pork-Pork Chops, roast, Canadian Bacon
Shellfish-shrimp, scallops, imitation crab

Sources: eHow.com, flyer from BYU 3rd Stake Stake Relief Society Meeting

 

Cooking with Basic Food Storage: Black Beans With Rice

This is a quick pantry meal, perfect for those days that you don't have time to go to the store for ingredients.  You can also used dried beans from your food storage if you plan ahead. The equivalent to a 15-ounce can is about 1 2/3 cups of beans. Just soak beans overnight, cook 1 cup of dried and measure out 1 2/3 cups. You will have a little extra.

Black Beans and Rice
3/4 cup uncooked white rice

2 cups water

1 (15 ounce) can black beans; drain and reserve liquid

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon garlic powder

1 1/2 teaspoons dried cilantro (fresh is even better if you have it on hand.)

Directions

1.Bring a medium size pot of water to a boil, add rice. Bring back to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer. Let rice simmer 15-20 minutes, until tender.

2.Place beans and rice in a medium size saucepan. Heat over a medium heat, stirring frequently. Stir in reserved bean liquid as needed. Remove pan from heat and stir in lemon juice, garlic powder and cilantro. Let sit a moment, and stir in fresh oregano. Serve immediately.

Yield:  2 servings

Source:  allrecipes.com

Disaster Preparedness: How to Prepare for and Respond to a Tornado Warning

On Monday night, our family hunkered down in our basement storage room during an extremely rare tornado warning in our area.  After the devastating tornadoes that have been pummeling the U.S. this spring, we made sure to follow the directions of the weather service and seek shelter.  Thankfully, although a funnel cloud was spotted nearby, a tornado didn't touch down in our area and we experienced no damage but we did realize we should be better prepared for the next time.  The kids had a great time building a "base camp" out of blankets and eating crunchy chow mein noodles from food storage so hopefully they'll have a positive memory of our experience.  This event did make us realize that everyone everywhere should be prepared for a tornado.  With that in mind, I found this information on the FEMA website and thought I'd share it with you. 

 
What are Tornadoes?

Tornadoes are nature’s most violent storms. Spawned from powerful thunderstorms, tornadoes can cause fatalities and devastate a neighborhood in seconds. A tornado appears as a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that extends from a thunderstorm to the ground with whirling winds that can reach 300 miles per hour. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. Every state is at some risk from this hazard.
Some tornadoes are clearly visible, while rain or nearby low-hanging clouds obscure others. Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that little, if any, advance warning is possible.
Before a tornado hits, the wind may die down and the air may become very still. A cloud of debris can mark the location of a tornado even if a funnel is not visible. Tornadoes generally occur near the trailing edge of a thunderstorm. It is not uncommon to see clear, sunlit skies behind a tornado.
The following are facts about tornadoes:
•They may strike quickly, with little or no warning.

•They may appear nearly transparent until dust and debris are picked up or a cloud forms in the funnel.

•The average tornado moves Southwest to Northeast, but tornadoes have been known to move in any direction.

•The average forward speed of a tornado is 30 MPH, but may vary from stationary to 70 MPH.

•Tornadoes can accompany tropical storms and hurricanes as they move onto land.

•Waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water.

•Tornadoes are most frequently reported east of the Rocky Mountains during spring and summer months.

•Peak tornado season in the southern states is March through May; in the northern states, it is late spring through early summer.

•Tornadoes are most likely to occur between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., but can occur at any time.

What to do Before a Tornado


Be alert to changing weather conditions.

•Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information.

•Look for approaching storms

•Look for the following danger signs:

◦Dark, often greenish sky

◦Large hail

◦A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)

◦Loud roar, similar to a freight train.

If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately.

What to do during a tornado warning

If you are under a tornado WARNING, seek shelter immediately!  Do the following depending upon where you are: 
In a structure (e.g. residence, small building, school, nursing home, hospital, factory, shopping center, high-rise building):   

Go to a pre-designated shelter area such as a safe room, basement, storm cellar, or the lowest building level. If there is no basement, go to the center of an interior room on the lowest level (closet, interior hallway) away from corners, windows, doors, and outside walls. Put as many walls as possible between you and the outside. Get under a sturdy table and use your arms to protect your head and neck. Do not open windows.

A vehicle, trailer, or mobile home:

Get out immediately and go to the lowest floor of a sturdy, nearby building or a storm shelter. Mobile homes, even if tied down, offer little protection from tornadoes.

The outside with no shelter:

Lie flat in a nearby ditch or depression and cover your head with your hands. Be aware of the potential for flooding.
Do not get under an overpass or bridge. You are safer in a low, flat location.

Never try to outrun a tornado in urban or congested areas in a car or truck. Instead, leave the vehicle immediately for safe shelter.
Watch out for flying debris. Flying debris from tornadoes causes most fatalities and injuries.

Source:  http://www.fema.gov/hazard/tornado/index.shtm

Cooking With Basic Food Storage: Simple and Foolproof Honeywheat Bread

Honeywheat Bread

3 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)

2 (.25 ounce) packages active dry yeast

1/3 cup honey

5 cups bread flour

3 tablespoons butter, melted

1/3 cup honey

1 tablespoon salt

3 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1.  In a large bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and 1/3 cup honey. Add 5 cups white bread flour, and stir to combine. Let set for 30 minutes, or until big and bubbly.

2.  Mix in 3 tablespoons melted butter, 1/3 cup honey, and salt. Stir in 2 cups whole wheat flour. Flour a flat surface and knead with whole wheat flour until not real sticky - just pulling away from the counter, but still sticky to touch. This may take an additional 2 to 4 cups of whole wheat flour. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to coat the surface of the dough. Cover with a dishtowel. Let rise in a warm place until doubled.

3.  Punch down, and divide into 3 loaves. Place in greased 9 x 5 inch loaf pans, and allow to rise until dough has topped the pans by one inch.

4.  Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 25 to 30 minutes; do not overbake. Lightly brush the tops of loaves with 2 tablespoons melted butter or margarine when done to prevent crust from getting hard. Cool completely

Variations:

To make cinnamon raisin bread, roll it out, sprinkle a little water on it then sprinkle about 1/2 cup cinnamon / sugar mixture and lots of raisins on top. Roll it back up tightly and pinch the ends together. 

You can also have put a little more whole wheat flour and less bread flour to make it healthier. 

Source:  Allrecipes.com, STibbs photo

Financial Preparedness: Seven Ways to Boost Your Savings

Many Americans do not understand how to manage and save their money.  But this problem can easily be solved through education. If you feel that you need to better control money, getting started may be easier than you think – here are some tips to boost your savings. We must learn to invest in ourselves. After all, aren’t we worth it?

1.  Stick to cash:  When you're shopping or eating out, use cash instead of credit cards.  A recent study showed that people spent 47% more money when they used a credit card instead of cash.  You can use the extra money to jump start your savings.

2. Set a monthly savings goal and invest that amount each month:  Create some special savings funds.  Contribute to them monthly and have the money directly deposited in your funds if possible. If your employer has a 401k plan, take advantage of the companies' match.  Most employers match fifty cents to each dollar you save up to six percent.  This is free money.  Even if your employer has stopped making contributions, it's still a good idea for you to save in a 401k plan.  If you are already contributing to your 401k, try to increase the amount you save in it.

3.  Wheel and deal:  Go over every bill and start haggling.  Request lower interest rates from your credit card companies, ask companies to give you new customer promotions and threaten to switch if they don't.  You'll be surprised how much money you may be able to save.  A friend who recently lost his job called his internet/cable/phone provider and after attempting to cancel service was offered a significanly lower rate.  It's worth taking the time to ask for help lowering your bills.  I often call my telephone company and ask them if I am on the cheapest plan.  Almost every time I call, I end up saving money on future phone bills.

4.  Learn to say no to your kids:  Many children have little or no understanding of the value of a dollar.  Say no when your kids want something and encourage them to earn the money or to contribute some of their own money toward the purchase.  That way, they're not getting something for nothing and you'll get work out of them or save the portion of the money that they are required to contribute. 

5.  Refinance your mortgage or lower your housing costs:  Interest rates are at historic lows.  Money experts recommend you spend no more that 33 percent of your income on housing.  If you are spending more than that, consider making a change in your housing situation if at all possible.

6.  Track your spending:  There are several websites where you can securely upload bills, credit cards and savings.  These websites will then slot your spending into categories and allow you to view them in easy-to-read graphics.  If you follow your money, you'll be able to find ways to save and will spend less.  Check out Kiplinger's slide show which gives a snapshot of some of the most popular money management sites: 

http://www.kiplinger.com/tools/slideshows/slideshow_pop.html?nm=BudgetingSites2010

7.  Save extra money that comes your way:  Did you receive a raise, a bonus or a tax refund?  Save it rather than spend it away into oblivion. 

Disaster Preparedness: What to do Before an Earthquake

Earthquakes strike suddenly, violently and without warning. Identifying potential hazards ahead of time and advance planning can reduce the dangers of serious injury or loss of life from an earthquake. Repairing deep plaster cracks in ceilings and foundations, anchoring overhead lighting fixtures to the ceiling, and following local seismic building standards, will help reduce the impact of earthquakes.

Six Ways to Plan Ahead

Check for Hazards in the Home

• Fasten shelves securely to walls.
• Place large or heavy objects on lower shelves.
• Store breakable items such as bottled foods, glass, and china in low, closed cabinets with latches.
• Hang heavy items such as pictures and mirrors away from beds, couches, and anywhere people sit.
• Brace overhead light fixtures.
• Repair defective electrical wiring and leaky gas connections. These are potential fire risks.
• Secure a water heater by strapping it to the wall studs and bolting it to the floor.
• Repair any deep cracks in ceilings or foundations. Get expert advice if there are signs of structural defects.
• Store weed killers, pesticides, and flammable products securely in closed cabinets with latches and on bottom shelves.

Identify Safe Places Indoors and Outdoors

• Under sturdy furniture such as a heavy desk or table.
• Against an inside wall.
• Away from where glass could shatter around windows, mirrors, pictures, or where heavy bookcases or other heavy furniture could fall over.
• In the open, away from buildings, trees, telephone and electrical lines, overpasses, or elevated expressways.

Educate Yourself and Family Members

• Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on earthquakes. Also read the "How-To Series" for information on how to protect your property from earthquakes.
• Teach children how and when to call 9-1-1, police, or fire department and which radio station to tune to for emergency information.
• Teach all family members how and when to turn off gas, electricity, and water.

Have Disaster Supplies on Hand

• Flashlight and extra batteries.
• Portable battery-operated radio and extra batteries.  
• First aid kit and manual.
• Emergency food and water.
• Nonelectric can opener.
• Essential medicines.
• Cash and credit cards.
• Sturdy shoes.

Develop an Emergency Communication Plan

• In case family members are separated from one another during an earthquake (a real possibility during the day when adults are at work and children are at school), develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster.  
• Ask an out-of-state relative or friend to serve as the "family contact." After a disaster, it's often easier to call long distance. Make sure everyone in the family knows the name, address, and phone number of the contact person.

Help Your Community Get Ready

• Publish a special section in your local newspaper with emergency information on earthquakes. Localize the information by printing the phone numbers of local emergency services offices, the American Red Cross, and hospitals.  
• Conduct a week-long series on locating hazards in the home.
• Work with local emergency services and American Red Cross officials to prepare special reports for people with mobility impairments on what to do during an earthquake.
• Provide tips on conducting earthquake drills in the home.
• Interview representatives of the gas, electric, and water companies about shutting off utilities.
• Work together in your community to apply your knowledge to building codes, retrofitting programs, hazard hunts, and neighborhood and family emergency plans.

 Source:  FEMA

Cooking with Basic Food Storage: Brownies made from Black Beans

I found this recipe for brownies made from black beans on pinchingyourpennies.com and thought I'd share it.  If you try it, let me know what you think!

Mayme's Dark Fudge Brownies


This sneaky recipe has drawn rave reviews. Imagine peoples' surprise when they learn that black beans are the secret ingredient. One of these brownies has the same amount of fiber as a slice of whole wheat bread.

1 (15-ounce) can unseasoned black beans (Or if you're using dried beans, a 15-ounce can is about 1 2/3 cups of beans. Just soak beans overnight, cook 1 cup of dried and measure out 1 2/3 cups. You will have a little extra.)

4 ounces unsweetened chocolate

1 tablespoon light butter

6 egg whites

2 cups sugar

3 tablespoons all-purpose flour

2 tablespoons rich cocoa powder

1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9- X 13-inch pan with nonstick vegetable spray. Place the beans in a colander and rinse thoroughly under running water to remove "slime"; set aside and drain.

Place the chocolate and light butter in a small microwavable bowl. Microwave for 60 to 90 seconds, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.

In a food processor or blender add the drained beans and 2 egg whites. Blend or process until smooth.  Make sure beans are smooth (like frosting) or you will taste them in the brownies.

In a large bowl combine the bean puree, sugar, flour, cocoa powder, and the remaining egg whites. With an electric mixer, beat until well combined. Mix in the melted chocolate.

Pour the brownie mixture into a prepared pan. Sprinkle the walnuts on top of the brownie batter. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the brownie pulls away from the sides of the pan.

Cool completely in the pan before cutting into bars- rows of six by five.

Source:  http://www.pinchingyourpennies.com/forums/showthread.php?s=9368e88582a6453853757bd2adc765f2&t=20639&page=2

Provident Living: Stores that accept competitors' coupons and will match prices

Recently, our family was in the market for some appliances.  My husband got an unbelievable deal by getting prices from several stores and making the other stores match or beat their prices.  Now you can do the same!  Here is a list of stores that will accept competitors' coupons and may match prices.  See individual store websites for complete coupon/price matching policies.

Grocery Stores

• Harris Teeter
• Lowes Foods
• Giant

Home Improvement Stores

• Home Depot
• Lowes
• Menards 

Big-Box Stores

• Walmart

Craft Stores

• AC Moore
• Jo-Ann
• Michael's

Office Supply Stores

• Office Depot
• Office Max  
• Staples

Pet Stores

• Petco
• Petsmart

Source:  about.com

Cooking with Basic Food Storage: Panera Bread Black Bean Soup

I love Panera Bread.  It is a delicious restaurant near my home.  Since I've been on a diet, I usually order Black Bean Soup because it's low-cal, tasty and the fiber keeps me full through the afternoon.  I realized this morning that I could use black beans from my food storage and make my own "Panera-like" soup and looked for a recipe online.  Sure enough, I found one!  FYI:  Generally dried beans expand between 2 - 2 1/2 times when cooked.  A 15-ounce can is about 1 2/3 cups of beans. Just cook 1 cup of dried and measure out 1 2/3 cups. You will have a little extra. 

Black Bean Soup

1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
1/4 large red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 small chicken bouillon cubes
1 -1 1/2 cup boiling water
2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, undrained  (or  approximately 1 2/3 c cooked black beans)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/2 lemon, juice of
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch

In a pot, combine the first six ingredients; simmer for 10 minutes. Add half a can of beans, salt and cumin; cook for 5 minutes. Puree soup (I use an immersion blender which makes it easy to do it right in the pot).
Add the rest of the beans to the soup. Combine the cornstarch with 1 1/2 tablespoons of water. Add the lemon and the cornstarch to the soup; cook until thickened.

Source:  food.com