Flu Fighting Tea

 Mix this up and drink it while it is still warm.

NEED:

3 cups of water

Juice of half a lemon

1 cinnamon stick

1/4 inch of fresh ginger

1/4 teaspoon of cloves

1 teaspoon tumeric

a pinch of cayenne 

Add everything to a pot and bring to a boil.

Then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes.

Pour the tea through a strainer and add 1 tablespoon of honey.

DRINK THIS WHILE IT IS STILL VERY WARM.

Have A Sore Throat? Have A Hot Toddy.

I have been suffering with a cough and sore throat for a week now and it is worse at night. This is what I made the other night so that I could sleep. It worked.

NEED:

1 1/4 cup of orange juice

2 teaspoons of lemon juice

2 teaspoons of honey

1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

1 shot of rum

Mix the first 4 ingredients in a saucepan and bring it ALMOST to a boil. Just let it get hot.

Turn off the heat and add the rum.

Pour into a large mug and drink it while it is still hot.

Tips For Winter Camping

You have got to take extra precautions if you are planning to camp in the winter.

1. Keep track of the weather forecast before you go camp. The weather can change on a dime in the winter.

2. Take more than enough food and preps. You never know what could happen and you might be stuck for a few days because of a snow storm.

3. Have several ways to keep warm. They have foldable wood burning stoves now that would help. Plus have sleeping bags that are graded for below zero weather. Have layers on with thermal underwear. Gloves are a must.

4. Navigation tools for getting anywhere safely in a winter storm. If you have to get anywhere to safety , you need to be able to navigate. Know you surroundings.

5. The right boot could save your life. It can get very slippery in the winter and you have to have traction. My son also has a great Folding Collapsible Travel Hiking Walking Stick Trekking Pole , that he takes with him every time he hikes and camps.

6. Only camp in places that are frequented by other campers and are known camping sites. You will be easily found and you can easily find your way out if the winter weather gets to bothering you.

7. It gets darker earlier in the winter than it does in the summer so have plenty of lighting and batteries.

If you prepare for everything - you can camp in the winter!

Yummy Cake Mix Cookies!!

 Some cake mixes you can use, or try your favorite out.  - 

Betty Crocker Delights Super Moist Triple Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix

 

Betty Crocker Delights Super Moist Strawberry Cake Mix

 

Duncan Hines Signature Perfectly Moist Carrot Cake Mix

 

 

Easy enough your kids could make them!

I stock up on cake mixes everytime they are on sale.

NEED:

1 package cake mix

2 eggs

1/4 cup oil

Mix all together.

It will be a thick dough.

Roll into small balls and flatten onto a cookie sheet.

Bake for about 8 minutes at 350 degrees.

Tons of styles of cookies to make with any of the different types of cake mixes. One of my favorites uses carrot cake mix and are iced with white icing!

 

 

Preparing Your Home for Wind Damage Before A Storm

Back in 2008 we had a major wind storm here in Indiana, really the whole east did, because of a hurricane that then brought the wind to us. We lost our roof, a few outdoor toys, and our power ( for 3 days)  because of it. There are things that you can do to keep the damage down to a minimum.


How to Avoid Wind Damage

• Know your risks. Do you know the hazards in your community? How often do floods or wind storms occur?When there is a wind storm in your area will power go out?
•  
• Ensure that your roof sheathing is properly installed. The roof sheathing is the boards or plywood nailed to your roof rafters or trusses. During a heavy windstorm, wind forces flow from the roof down to the exterior walls and then the foundation. Homes are damaged when wind is not properly transferred to the ground in a storm. Properly installed sheathing helps to ensure wind is transferred correctly. Make sure the sheathing nails haven't missed the rafters. If they have you'll need to redo them.
•  
• Make sure end gables are secured to the roof. 'In a hurricane or other wind storm, the side walls of the roof (end gables) take a real beating and can collapse. Gable bracing often consists of 2"x4"s placed in an "X" pattern at both ends of the attic: from the top center of the end gable to the bottom of the brace of the fourth truss, and from the bottom center of the end gable to the peak of the roof,' Federal Emergency Management Agency.
•  
• Check that your garage door is properly secured. In a windstorm the garage door can be easily ripped off allowing wind to enter your home and blow out doors, windows, walls and even the roof.

• Protect your windows with storm shutters. Installing storm shutters is one of the best ways you can protect your home from high winds. You can purchase these in wood, aluminum or steel.

If you take the measures to secure your home, than you should be able to weather any storm.