Sunday, March 17, 2013

Weekly Grocery Roundup 3/18-3/23


There are some decent deals this week if you participate in the office supply store rewards programs or clip coupons. Here are just a few:
OfficeMax-Free staplers (limit 2) and free 3-ring binders (limit 2) ONLINE (free shipping online over $20)
Staples-Free large packs of batteries (AA, AAA), ream of paper (limit 2), and photo paper (I don't print my own photos but use this for invites, flyers, etc-limit 2) IN STORE
That's over $100 in free items!!!

Kroger-
Stockpile sale with coupons (Remember the coupon policy has changed-no doubling) Check out www.stockpilingmoms.com for more deals)
They are having their "buy 5, get $5" off sale. It's a great price for severals items if you combine coupons with them, like the soy milk or Cottonelle toilet paper.
Lunchables
Kraft Mac and Cheese
Soy Milk

Meijer-
All with coupons
Granulated Sugar or flour (M-perk deal) (buy 5, get $5.00 next baking product)
bacon and sausage (Eckrich, Morrell, Armor deal-buy 7)
Land O' Lake butter
FREE shampoos if you clip the 3 M-perks for the trial size Dove, Axe, etc. Use in your 72 hour kits!!
Vine tomatoes $0.77/lb. 
Also, right now you can get 4x the fuel points at Kroger, if you buy gift cards. AND, there is a Lowe's coupon you can print for $10 off a $50 purchase. (You can print more than one!!) If you're going to be doing any kind of house maintanence or planting flowers, etc, it's a great time to stock up on your Lowe's gift cards and print some coupons.  Copy and paste the link below-it should get you to the coupon. If not, go to www.coupons.com and in the top bar click "more", then "coupon codes" and type in "Lowes" . http://www.coupons.com/coupon-codes/printable/?cid=43891_2&pid=13903&nid=10&zid=xh20 

 That's just a few of the deals I found. Check out www.bargainstobounty.com orwww.stockpilingmoms.com and see what else you can find. 

Monday, March 11, 2013

Preparedness Expo 2013-Product Descriptions


Product Descriptions for Preparedness Expo items
If you would like a printable version with photos, please download here:
 Poncho-Tuck an Emergency Poncho away in your car or backpack and stay dry during sudden storms. Ponchos are a great addition to emergency kits, and they're lightweight and reusable. Each emergency poncho includes an attached hood. One size fits most.
 Emergency Blanket-This lightweight and compact blanket fits in any emergency kit or bug out bag. The Emergency Blanket’s unique reflective material maintains up to 80% of your radiant body heat to help preserve crucial warmth. The emergency blanket is large enough to cover from head to toe (84" x 52") or to wrap around the upper body front to back. Small enough to fit in a pocket. It's lightweight and waterproof. Thicker material than other reflective blankets of this size and price range. With an Emergency Blanket you’ll have a powerful pocketful of warmth.

Whistle-basic whistle on lanyard (string)
 3600 Calorie Food Bar-These calorie food bars taste like a lemon butter cookie and provide calories for one person for up to 3 days.
  • 5 year shelf life
  • Non-Thirst Provoking
  • Individualized portions eliminate the messy breaking-up that occurs with other bars
  • Enriched with vitamins and minerals exceeding the RDA requirements
  • Pleasant lemon flavor
  • Can also be used for three individuals for 24 hours
 Hand Warmers-These hand warmers provide up to 8 hours of continuous warmth—in any place, at any time. Keep several on hand in emergency kits, camping gear, and the trunk of your car. The Hand, Pocket & Glove Warmers heat up in minutes. Ideal for winter sporting events, outdoor activities, camping, fishing, and other outdoor situations. Invaluable as an instant heat source in emergency situations. Environmentally safe and disposable. Inner contents are biodegradable.
 Lightstick-Simply bend, snap and shake for a light that lasts approximately 12 hours. Lightsticks are a safe, reliable source of light in an emergency, or for your camping, boating, and recreational activities. They are also ideal for holiday fun and safety, and can work as a flare in your auto emergency kit. Non-toxic, non-flammable, and weatherproof. A valuable addition to your emergency kits!

32 oz. Water Bottle-Blue Water Bottle is a clear, 32-oz. PBA-free bottle.

  • Great for outdoors, sports, and quick hydration on the go
  • Wide-mouth opening is convenient for adding ingredients.

Water Purification tablets-
  • Potable Aqua Water Purification Iodine Tablets (50 Tablets)
  • Iodine tablets designed to make contaminated water suitable for drinking
  • Tablets prove effective against Giardia lamblia when used as directed
  • Intended for short-term or limited emergency use only
  • Water is ready within 30 minutes; neutralizes iodine aftertaste and color
  • Ideal for campers, travelers, hikers, militaries, and emergency organizations
Water Filtration Bottle Kit-This advanced bottle removes up to 99.99 percent of pollutants and contaminants found in drinking water. Produces up to 100 gallons of filtered water. Kit contains one 28-ounce bottle and two filters. Bottle includes an insulator sleeve and clip.
5 gallon water jug-The Five-gallon Water Jug is a great container for transporting water anywhere you’ll need it.
  • PBA Free
  • Holds 5 gallons
  • Easy to move, rotate, and use
  • When used for storage, keep away from light to prevent growth of algae
  • Spigot not included

55 gallon barrel-These are USED. They previously had other food products in them, such as vinegars, syrups and flavorings. They have two bung openings on the top, and will need to be cleaned out thoroughly. They measure approx. 3' tall and 2' wide. 

 Water Syphon hose-The Emergency Siphon™offers an easy, efficient way to remove water from your storage barrel in the event of an emergency.

  • Allows you to siphon water, gasoline, and other liquids with ease.
  • A seven-foot, clear plastic siphon tube that can be extended using the optional hose adapter (sold separately)


   Tube Tent-Set up your shelter quickly with the Emergency Tube Tent. It's the most basic tent made, and it's an essential item for your 72-hour kits and emergency preparedness plans. This emergency tent is lightweight and easy to setup. The emergency tent is great to take camping, backpacking, hiking, and on other outdoor activities. Nylon rope included. 8' long. Can fit two adults, or one adult and two small children.

 Tarp-The tarp is 5 mils thick with reinforced corners and rust-resistant grommets placed approximately every 36 inches. This all-purpose tarp is designed for greater strength. It is light weight, tear resistant, water proof, and mildew resistant. This all-purpose tarp is designed for greater strength. It is light weight, tear resistant, water proof, and mildew resistant.Use to protect items outdoors or as an emergency shelter.

 Wavelength Emergency Radio-Charger-Flashlight-The WAVELENGTH is an all-in-one hand crank flashlight and AM/FM Radio with a mobile phone charging adapter that charges most cell phones that have a car charger (excluding most smartphones). One minute of hand cranking charges the internal NiMH battery to generate up to 30 minutes of continuous light. There is virtually no need to replace bulbs or batteries. Excellent for providing light and communication in emergencies. (DOES NOT HAVE NOAA Emergency Notifications) (You must have your own cell phone car charger to charge cell phone)


   
 Self-Powered AM/FM/NOAA Weather Radio with Flashlight, Solar Power and Cell Phone Charger
Always be prepared wherever you are with the MICROLINKFR160 emergency preparedness radio. Get all the convenience and functionality that you need on the go in a compact, portable design. The digital tuner receives AM/FM radio and NOAA weatherband with weather alerts based on your location. You will never lose power with the two power sources that allow you to charge your emergency radio anywhere at any time. Instantly charge your USB device after cranking, to get power from the USB dump charge feature! With this multi-featured emergency radio you will never go unprepared!

Digital tuning and NOAA radio
No matter where you are, the MICROLINKFR160 lets you listen to your favorite music, news, and radio shows while also keeping you safe with up-to-date weather forecasting. This high quality emergency preparedness radio features a digital tuner with AM and FM band and NOAA weatherband that provides all seven channels. It gives you infirmity that you can rely on!
Power wherever and whenever you need it
The MICROLINKFR160 is innovative in design! It can be powered from two different sources including the dynamo/hand crank and solar power! With different power options, you will never be without power, and you experience the unfailing reliability that you expect for the American Red Cross.

Compatible with your USB devices and media players
This emergency preparedness radio is extremely versatile and user friendly! Not only does it charge itself from two different power sources, but also it is compatible with your USB devices. This special USB dump charge feature instantly charges your USB device after cranking, to get power when you need it most. Plus it has a 3.5 mm headphone jack so you can enjoy music from your portable devices.

Convenience and portability at your hands
The compact design of the MICROLINKFR160 is lightweight and portable. It is perfect to take camping with you or even to keep in your home or car for emergencies! Plus it includes 3 built-in white LED light source.
Features:
  • AM (520-1710 KHz) and FM (87-108MHz)
  • NOAA weatherband – all 7 channels
  • Built-in 3 white LED light source
  • Powered by solar or dynamo both of which charge internal Ni-MH battery
  • USB cell phone charger (USB cable not included)
  • 3.5 mm headphone output
  • Accessories: owner's manual, warranty card

 100-hour candle-This candle burns liquid paraffin and is clean-burning, odorless and smokeless, making it a great choice for indoor use.
  • Thoughtful neighbor, friend, or family gift
  • Everyday uses
  • Relaxing for kids in a blackout
  • Definite home emergency item
  • Packaged with a plastic storage cap, so you won't have to worry about messy spills
Reminder: This candle should be used only with adult supervision. Remember, safety first!

5-in-1 Whistle-The shrill sound of a survival whistle can carry a long distance, making it very helpful in locating people who are lost. The additional components on this emergency whistle make it a fantastic item for your camping and emergency needs.
Each survival whistle features:
  • waterproof match box (matches not included)
  • liquid-filled luminous dial compass
  • shrill signal whistle
  • signal mirror
  • and flint fire-starter

LED headlamp- This three-mode LED headlamp is bright, lightweight, and a great value. The High Uinta Gear™ Endurance™ Headlamp's 10 LEDs provide a high-intensity light for power outages and emergencies. The light is also great for hands-free work at home or in the shop. An adjustable, elastic head strap allows for wear on your head, hard hat, or helmet, and the pivoting head allows you to direct light where you need it most.
Multi-function Knife- The versatile High Uinta Gear 13-Function Pocket Knife is a great addition to your supplies. It is a good value for the money. Keep one in every kit, at home, and in your car. Includes a 2" stainless steel blade, phillips and standard screwdrivers, reamer punch, nail file and cleaner, sewing eye, 2" double-cut saw, spring-loaded scissors, scaler and hook remover, corkscrew, can opener, bottle opener, and key ring.

 Multi-function Tool- The High Uinta Gear Multi-Function Tool is a stainless steel all-in-one tool that includes a closeable storage sheath with a belt loop for easy carrying. A great value for the money, this versatile tool works for everyday use and emergency situations.
Includes: pliers, wire stripper, cutter, and crimper; small and large knife blades; small, medium, and large flat-head screwdrivers; bottle opener; fish scaler; hook remover; ruler; file; phillips-head screwdriver; and can opener.

 Emergency Gas Wrench- Metal gas shut-off wrench. An excellent tool to keep handy for dealing with gas leaks, fire safety, and other disasters or emergencies.
  Includes diagrams and emergency instructions for shutting off your gas valve
  Color may vary
 Tri-fold Shovel- The Tri-Fold Foldable Shovel is an essential tool for emergency, camping, and automobile kits. Compact, durable, and versatile.
  • A great gift for camping enthusiasts
  • Folds up compactly and offers amazing digging power
  • The Tri-Fold Shovel Includes a nylon storage sheath with loop for attaching to your backpack or for carrying on a belt
  • Features 2 serrated blade edges for cutting or sawing

 Barrel Buddy- Nylon barrel and gas shut-off wrench. Opening water barrels is convenient with a Barrel Buddies Wrench. It fits 2” and 3/4” barrel bungs, and the slotted cavity on the back works as a gas shutoff wrench.
 Bung & Bucket Opener- This nylon bucket and bung opener has fittings for 2” and 3/4” barrel bungs, and can open 4.5-, 5-, and 6-gallon buckets. To open buckets, simply place opener under lid and lift lid. Continue moving opener around lid and lifting until lid is removed.
  A great accessory for your storage area
  Lightweight nylon construction
  A great 2-in-1 tool

 N95 Respirator Mask- When worn properly, the N95 Particulate Respirator Mask will help minimize contamination from microorganisms exhaled by other individuals. Will also reduce potential exposure to blood and bodily fluids. Box of 20 masks.
  • Designed for infection control practices in the health care industry
  • Meets NIOSH and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services standards
  • Latex-free
  • Great for emergencies or projects around the home
  • For single use only

Hygiene Kit-Includes comb, bar of soap, hand sanitizer and toothbrush
 Sanitation Kit- This portable toilet includes a 5-gallon bucket and a snap-on seat. Also includes two enzyme packets to help break down and deodorize waste. Have the convenience of home in an emergency or in the great outdoors. This portable toilet kit can be set up anywhere and quickly in order to meet your family’s sanitation needs.
 Ready Bath Cloths- Ready-to-use, pre-moistened washcloths to clean and soothe the skin, kill germs, and eliminate odor. The ReadyBath cleansing system washcloths help you clean your body in an emergency or when water to bathe may not be available. They are enriched to moisturize, condition, and soothe the skin. Rinse-free, hypoallergenic and pH-balanced formula. Light and compact. Each pack contains eight cloths.
 Medium Backpack- This medium backpack is great for emergency kits, car kits, or for simple everyday uses.
  • One large compartment and one medium front pocket
  • Extra small pouch attached to the pack (great for holding hard candies, matches, or other small items)
  • Earphone port on top and an interior music player pouch
  • Mesh water bottle pouch and side cell phone pouch
  • Padded straps and padded back panel for extra comfort

 Large Backpack- This Large Backpack is an excellent backpack for many of your preparedness needs. This Large Backpack is great for emergency kits, car kits, or simply for everyday use.
  • Earphone port on top and an interior music player pouch
  • Zippered key ring pouch for storing keys, money, and small items
  • Mesh water bottle pouch and side cell phone pouch

 X-large Backpack- This Extra Large Emergency Backpack offers larger compartments for carrying more gear in your portable kit.
  • Has an earphone port on top and an interior music player pouch
  • Padded straps and padded back panel for extra comfort
  • Generous zippered front pocket for essential items

 MREs-These come in a variety of flavors (subject to availability)-We will substitute flavors if we can't get the ones you marked (unless you state otherwise). The MRE kits provide 900-1000 calories per pack. Each contains an entree, side dish, drink, dessert, snack, utensils and heater (pour water in it, place entree in and it warms your food)


Sunday, March 10, 2013

Preparedness Expo 2013-Order Information


In April, we will be assembling 72 hour kits and rain barrels at the Preparedness Expo. If you already have a kit, maybe there's an item or two that you're lacking. Or maybe it's your water storage where you're falling short. We're here to help. 
Order forms will be available from Feb. 24th-March 10th. Please make out checks to "Kettering Ward" (or your individual ward) and submit with order form in a tithing envelope to your Bishopric. Write "Preparedness Expo" under "Other" on the form. Here is the order form to download and print:


Here is a list of the items and their prices (tax and shipping included) We are trying to get group pricing on the items. HOWEVER, we're not able to obtain the discounted price until we know about how many of each item we need to order. SO, in order to simplify things, we will be charging the prices below (retail), and then reimbursing for any discounted pricing we are able to receive. We will do our best to get you the LOWEST PRICE available. Thanks for your patience!

Backpack info-The cheapest place to get backpacks is at the local Thift Store. You can usually find them for $1-2. If you can't get a backpack, you can also bring a tote, or cardboard box. 

Food info-Due to the short shelf life of items such as granola bars, beenie weenies, fruit cups, etc., we will not be offering these short term food options. We are offering food ration bars (taste like cookies) and MREs-each have a shelf life of 5 years. If these two options don't suit your situation, please feel free add your own food options. 

Item Price 
Basic 72 hr kit: (you can order "kit" or items individally)
Basic "kit" (includes 9 items listed below-DOES NOT INCLUDE BAG)
14.10
Poncho1.05
Emergency Blanket1.05
Whistle0.80
3-hard candies0.10
3-Water bottles0.40
Food Ration Bar (3600 cal)7.45
Tissues0.20
3 pair-hand and body warmers2.00
Lightstick1.05
Add-on items:
32 oz. water bottle4.22
Water purification tablets (25 quarts)7.50
Water Filtration Bottle Kit (filters up to 100 gallons)23.55
5-gallon water jug8.50
55-gallon barrel (USED-Food grade quality)10.00
Siphon hose 7'9.58
Duct tape1.10
tube tent4.25
tarp 9'x12'6.37
rope1.05
Standard Flashlight (2 D batteries included)3.50
Windup light & phone charger18.15
NOAA Weather Radio30.00
100-hour candle5.30
Waterproof matches (box of 45)1.00
5-in-1 survival whistle 1.60
LED headlamp and batteries7.50
multi-function knife4.25
multi-function tool6.35
Emergency gas wrench5.30
leather gloves4.22
tri-fold shovel9.58
barrel buddy 7.45
Bung & bucket opener5.30
N95 respirator mask0.80
mini first aid kit4.00
hygiene kit (hand sanitizer, soap, comb, toothbrush)2.50
toilet paper roll0.30
Sanitation Kit 16.00
Ready Bath Antibacterial Body Cleansing system2.10
medium backpack (17" x 12.5" x 5)8.50
large backpack (17" x 12.5" x 6.5"10.65
extra large backpack (20" x 14.5" x 7.5")16.00
 Rain barrel kit (includes barrel)            45.00
MREs-4.75

Friday, March 8, 2013

Preparedness Expo 2013-Class Information


Preparedness flyer

ORDERS DUE BY SUNDAY-MARCH 10TH!!


Mark your calendars for April 20th! We will be having our first Preparedness Expo for Kettering, Miamisburg and Centerville Wards.
Here's a run-down on the classes. 4 will be offered the first hour and 4 the second hour. The third hour we invite you to browse all the booths setup in the gym and outdoors.
#1-Water Storage and purification-Come learn how much water to store, the best containers to store it in, rotation ideas and purification methods.
#2-Using your food storage-I have my food storage-now what do I do with it?!? Learn how to use and rotate your grains, beans, milk and more!
#3-Storm Prep-Step-by-step what to do to prepare for a storm, tackle during a storm, and what to do after a storm.
#4-Financial Preparedness-All of our pocketbooks can use a little more money in them! Come learn how to get out of debt, save a little and budget.
#5-72-hour kits-We’ll discuss the basic reason behind a kit, what goes in a kit, and how to rotate your kits. We’ll also be assembling kits that have been pre-ordered.
#6-Gardening-Are bunnies eating your garden? Or maybe you want a garden, but don’t know where to start. We’ll discuss the different garden options, what to plant, when to plant, and how to care and protect it. You’ll even start your own garden in class.
#7-Canning-Wondering what to do with all your garden produce? Have you found a great price on chicken but you don’t have freezer room? CAN IT! We’ll teach you the basics of water bath canning and pressure canning.
#8-Alternative heating and cooking-No heat, no power, no problem!! Come learn how to cook during a power outage! Use the sun to help feed your family.

Order forms are available now. All orders must be turned in by March 10th (no exceptions!). Order forms are available online, or from your food storage specialists. Product descriptions are listed further down on the website. 
Here is a flyer to print and give to your neighbors and friends!

Sunday, March 3, 2013

Weekly Grocery Roundup 3/3-3/9


Not sure why, but I'm not terribly impressed with prices this week. Maybe it's just because I've been sick and I haven't felt like shopping. Or maybe it's possibly because of all the coupon policy changes that just make me frustrated. I don't know. Here are the few deals I did find:
Aldi-
1.49 potatoes 10# (mine usually go bad quickly so use up soon!)
.79 onions 3#
1.49 strawberries 1lb.
1.59 oranges 4#
1.59 pineapple
1.99 milk (believe this is all locations this week)

Kroger-
Man, they are just frustrating me lately. First the coupon policy change. Now they are lowering prices, but I find the ad hard to understand. Is the "lower price" just for this week, or forever!?!?! Ideas?
.99 Idaho potatoes 5#
.79/lb. hot house tomatoes
1.99 gallon milk (watch their limits)

Meijer-
1.99 gallon milk
1.67 pork loin
.89/lb. grapes
.89/lb. peaches and nectarines

Abby and I have been working on a price comparision Excel sheet. Hopefully we'll have it done in the next week or so and can post it so you can see what the best price is, and where to find it. 
If you need to stock up on office supplies, here are the best deals:
Staples-
Free Copy paper (500 sheets) limit 2 Easy Rebate
Free 4x6 photo paper (60 pack) limit 2 Easy Rebate
20% back in Staples Rewards on Ink (when purchase $50 of same brand ink) and recycle your old cartridges
CVS-
You can get 2 free writing items. Either a pack of 12 highlighters, correction tape, or a pack of multi-color Sharpies, if you use your MaxPerks.
I LOVE both these stores and "play" their game to score free stuff. If you want to learn how, just ask.