Monthly Archives: February 2011

I have always like black beans.  I don’t know if it is because they are usually associated with Mexican food, which I like, or if it is just because they taste good.

How about you?  If you like black beans, you’ll enjoy our Ready or Not #96: Layered Black Bean Salad. Mmm-mmm-good!

Today is almost a heat wave – it is a whopping 40+ degrees!  Okay, not suntanning weather, but certainly a lot warmer than two weeks ago.  Two weeks ago as I was driving to work it was two degrees.  Not Celsius, but Fahrenheit!  Are you staying warm during cold weather?  I hope you not like the jogger that I saw . . .

Ready or Not #202: Staying Warm discusses . . . well . . . staying warm!  Read it — and stay warm for the remainder of the winter season.

I was driving by our local gardening nursery the other day when I noticed that they were open for business already.  It is still mostly below freezing during the warmest part of the day right now, but when you have a green thumb, that is just the way it goes – you tend to get a little antsy.

Have you started planning your garden?  Do you know about the “three sisters” style of gardening?  Our Ready or Not #203: Gardening Readiness gives a motivational push to start planning your garden now and explains the sister style of gardening.

How many of you felt the 7.0 earthquake in Chile a couple of days ago?  Okay, not very many if you are living in Utah. But how many of you here in Utah felt the 2.5 and the two 2.8 earthquake near Saratoga Springs and Lehi this past Saturday and Sunday?

Are you ready? Read article #201 Earthquake Preparation.

It’s one thing to have items in your food storage. It’s something completely different to use them in your daily cooking. Here are two new recipes to try that uses your food storage: Easiest Whole Wheat Bread and Banana Bread (with beans).

Try them. I’m sure that you will like them!

The United States (especially Chicago) has been in the grip of cold, cold weather.  The kind where you would rather stay home, sit by a fire, and eat something warm and filling.  Like our White Chili recipe.  If your family turns up their nose at beans or chili, this will be a recipe they like.  I know.  My bean-hatin’ daughter loves it!  So, quick! Read Ready or Not #95: White Chili so that you can go home and make some tonight!

It’s amazing how the words of a song written 50 years ago still ring true today.  Our Ready or Not#200: Communication shares that toe-tappin’ song and gives excellent advice about communication during emergencies.