My Preparedness Calling

Brian and I have a new shared calling in our church. We have been wanting to do this ever since we were first married, but I guess the Lord had different plans for us then. We have been given the preparedness calling of the church. We can have an open curriculum. My husband and I are gearing up for teaching classes, disseminating helpful information, and planning ways to get our ward members more involved in the community to get people more prepared in case of any emergency that comes our way.

My church, The Church of JESUS CHRIST of Latter Day Saints (LDS/Mormon Church), have been very vocal about how being prepared is so very important. We as members of the LDS church have been counseled to have a year's supply of food supply and life's necessities for every family member, just in case. On May 21st of this year, before we were called to this calling, there was a Preparedness Fair at our church. I attended, but didn't demo anything because I wanted to see what would be offered and be a student instead. We were taught about Canning Beans & Potatoes, Smoking Meats, Food Storage, Preserving/Sprouting Foods; Water Filtering, Storing, & Alternative Sources; Ham Radio, Alternative Heating Sources, Sanitation, Fires & Alternative Ways to Start Them, Alternative Methods and Sources for Cooking, Sources and Storage for Fuel. They also had displays for a 72-Hour and Basic First Aid Kit. I hoped that we would have had more come from the community, non-members and members alike, but we still had a good turnout. I brought home a packet of information and some notes I wrote. These were helpful demonstrations for the novice beginner and even I learned some things while I was there.

Our background: 
Brian and I are both Master Gardeners. We have been to Soil School taught by Oregon State University (OSU) and other mini courses taught by the local extension service. I have also taken a course in Permaculture, sustainable landscape design also taught by OSU. I am currently in study about wilderness foraging, organic gardening, cool season gardening, gardening year round, companion crops, herbal/natural medicine, etc. I have been volunteering at the Rainier Oregon Community Garden, Hope Gardens, to give food back to those that are in need of it. Brian is learning about aquaponics, a system where you raise fish or other aquaculture (aquatic animals) and the waste produced by them supplies nutrients for plants grown hydroponically (in water) that in turn purify the water. We are placing a aquaponics system at our farm. We are also preparing our farm to be more self-sufficient as well so we can showcase ways of doing so. I will be posting more about preparedness and updates on our farm as well. In the meantime, please see my post on Planting a Fruit/Nut Orchard and Edible Garden with Food Stamps (SNAP EBT).

Some other helpful links:

• Provident Living - Self-Reliance and Welfare Resources
• Prepared LDS Family - A blog on Practical Food Storage and Preparedness Ideas (not just for LDS/Mormon)
• Emergency Preparedness - LDS page about how you can prepare both spiritually and temporally for an emergency.
• 32 Preparedness Quotes from LDS Church Leaders - from the Purpose Driven Motherhood blog
• Emergency Preparedness Family Home Evening Lesson - from LDS Daily
• If Ye Are Prepared Ye Shall Not Fear - October 2005 Talk by Gordon B. Hinkley
• LDS Preparedness Manual - a collection of information from different authors compiled by Another Voice of Warning

LifeStraw Go Filtered Water Bottle Review and Giveaway

This review and giveaway is sponsored by Vestergaard through Coyne PR. This post contains affiliate links which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting my blog!

LifeStraw Go in Packaging

Water, we all need it to survive. It is said we can live without food for about 3 weeks, but water is a different story. Water makes up about 60% of the adult human body. It is essential to keep our bodies functioning. The estimate of how long a person could live without water seems to be a week (less in hotter conditions), but this is a generous estimate...three to four days is more likely. The dangers of dehydration are very real and could cause death in severe cases. Whether you are exploring the nearby nature trail or camping in the mountains, having access to clean drinking water is always a priority.

The LifeStraw Go by Vestergaard is a filtered water bottle that uses an advanced hollow fiber membrane technology to convert micro-biologically contaminated water into safe drinking water. The Lifestraw filters and removes 99.9999% of bacteria (E. coli, Salmonella, etc.) and 99.9% of protozoa (Giardia, Cryptosporidium, etc.), and some viruses. It will filter a total of 1,000 liters / 264 gallons to 0.2 microns over the filter's lifetime capacity. When the filter has reached its lifetime capacity it will stop taking in water. Since the water filter is detachable, you can simply purchase a replacement filter when the filter has reached capacity. The bottle can be reused indefinitely, saving waste from disposable plastic water bottles.

LifeStraw Go is durable, convenient, lightweight, safe and portable. It requires no: electricity, pumping, batteries, iodine, or chemicals to use. This filtered water bottle meets US EPA drinking water standards and is made of BPA free Tritan plastic. It has a handy carabiner to hook it to a backpack or belt loop so you always have it ready and accessible. LifeStraw Go holds 23 ounces of water and doesn't leak.

The LifeStraw Go is great to take with you different places where you might not have access to clean drinking water. Take the LifeStraw Go with you and rest assured that you will have clean drinking water on-the-go. It is ideal for:

• hiking
• biking
• camping
• travel
• boating
• fishing
• running
• trekking
• survival
• gift giving

The LifeStraw Go filtered water bottle is so easy-to-use. Just fill container with dirty or unfiltered water. Stop at any lake, river, pond, stream, or even a puddle to fill up the bottle. You can even drink directly from the LifeStraw by placing the end directly in the water. After filling screw on the lid and sip filtered water through the mouthpiece and straw. After each drinking session, unscrew the lid and blow through the LifeStraw to expel dirty water. The food-grade silicone mouthpiece is flexible which prevents it from chipping or cracking, and is also removable for easy cleaning.

I will be taking the LifeStraw Go filtered water bottle with me hiking, backpacking, horseback riding, camping, canoeing, kayaking, etc. Everywhere I go the water will taste amazing with LifeStraw Go and I don't have to worry about the water making me sick. It will be so wonderful to have a water bottle I can always rely on to have clean good tasting water any where I go.

LifeStraw Go is wonderful for trips overseas and cross country. This water bottle is also great for storing in a bug out bag or emergency preparedness kit. It makes a great stocking stuffer for anyone young, old, or in between.

LifeStraw Go and I.

Not only does LifeStraw Go provide clean drinking water to the user, but LifeStraw's 'Follow the Liters' campaign provides one school child in Africa with safe drinking water for an entire school year with the purchase of any LifeStraw water filter!

BUY IT:


Follow them: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Instagram.

WIN IT
Prize:  LifeStraw Go

I am trying out Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received this product for free to facilitate this review and the opportunity to give away one for free. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review. This post contains affiliate links which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting my blog!

Green Giant “Raise a Giant”

This post is sponsored by General Mills and Green Giant through MyBlogSpark.

Green Giant® knows that raising kids is a lot more involved than just getting them to eat their vegetables.

Bullying is something that unfortunately we have all been exposed to at one time or another. In fact I can attest that it isn't just kids that are bullied. Unfortunately bullies come in all sorts of forms, but the fact that kids are targeted, especially by peers, is really sad. Not only do kids these days have to watch there backs in school, at the playground, etc. but in this day and age kids can even be bullied on the internet. This is why I believe that our children need our help by giving our encouragement and support to help them learn and grow with confidence.

Green Giant has teamed up with PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center and We Day Minnesota to help parents Raise A Giant and put a stop to bullying in their community.



What Does it Mean To Be A Giant?
Being a giant isn’t about being the biggest or the best. Being a giant means standing up for others. It means lending a hand to those who are in trouble and speaking up for those who sometimes find it hard to speak up for themselves.

Studies show that an effective way to stop bullying is for kids to simply speak up and say, “That’s not okay” when they see bullying happening.

But asking kids to have the courage to stand up to bullying is a tall order and that’s why they need our help.

How Do You Raise A Giant?
Green Giant is asking parents to write a letter to their kids telling them how special they are and encouraging them to be part of the bullying prevention solution by being a giant.

1. Visit RaiseAGiant.com to find inspiration from the letters parents have written to their children.
2. Start your letter by letting your child know how special he or she is. Give examples of the unique things you love most about your child.
3. Encourage your child to always be proud of who they are, no matter what others may do or say.
4. Help your child recognize the signs of bullying.
5. Ask your child to not stay silent when they see someone being bullied. Show them that the right thing to do is help the person being bullied or go tell an adult. And, if they are comfortable with it, to speak up and say something.
6. Explain to your child how bullying is never ok, no matter what.
7. Share a story from when you were a kid of a time you experienced bullying and how you handled it.
8. Offer some suggestions for how to deal with bullying and explain how just one kid saying “that’s not ok” can influence other kids and help them become giants too.
9. Make sure your child knows that you will always protect and support them.
10. Let your child know that they are not alone and reassure them that you will always work with them to overcome whatever problems they may experience.
11. Share your letter at RaiseAGiant.com to inspire other families to be a part of the bullying prevention solution.

With your encouragement we can help all of our kids create a safer, happier world.

My Letter to my kids:
My Dearest Children,
I am so grateful to have you all as my children. You are so very special to me and I love you so very much.   Each of you have special talents and interests unique to you and that is what is so great about each of you. It is very hard for me to admit that you are all getting older. Each step into adulthood from childhood brings with it more responsibility. Standing up for truth and right are some of the things I have taught you.

When a child at school is bullied by another, speak up! Tell an adult about what is happening. Know that you are not alone and what ever problems arise I am there for you. Bullying is never right, no matter what the circumstance. Have courage to stand up for what is right and defend the one being hurt. Always be kind and caring to everyone. Don't ever make anyone feel bad about themselves. Lead by good example. I have faith that each of you will make the correct decisions. CTR and hold to the rod!

Love, Mom

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I was given the opportunity to give someone of my choosing a $25 Gift Card and have $25 donated in my name to the PACER Center for Bully Prevention. Information were all provided free by General Mills and Green Giant through MyBlogSpark. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this promotion.

Real Kids Shades Eye Protection For Kids Review and Giveaway

Everyone knows that the sun can damage the skin and most parents know to whip out the sun screen to lather on their family before they go outside as a protection from harmful UV rays. But did you know that UV rays from the sun can cause permanent damage to the eyes. Eyes can not repair themselves like the skin can and the damage can build up over time. UV rays can also still do damage anytime of the year and even on overcast and cloudy days. This is why it is so important to protect not only your whole family's skin, but also their eyes when they are outside.

Real Kids Shades is a great company that promotes sun eye protection for kids. They sell a wide variety of stylish sun glasses with super sun protection for babies, toddlers, and kids up to age 12. These sunglasses have a number of wonderful features which make them even more desired for a parent to purchase for their kids:

• Third-party verification of 100% UV-A/UV-B protection
• Durable - shatterproof and impact-resistant polycarbonate lenses
• Wrap-around frames to protect from peripheral light
• Comfortable fit - not too tight, not too loose
• Transparent enough to see your child's eyes
• Tested to contain no lead, BPA or phthalates
• Affordable - prices range from $14.99-$39.99

Teela received the Flex Duo Shades for 3 - 7 Years in Purple/Pink to try out. The Flex Duo Shades for 3 - 7 came with a reusable pouch and removable neoprene® strap. They have flexible rubber frames that are a great fit for Teela's head. They are also rustproof and waterproof proving to be great when she is playing in water or in the rain. I had a lot of trouble getting the neoprene® strap on her sunglasses, so I just left it off. It would be a great addition if I could get it on easier. Teela does keep the sunglasses on her face so hopefully she won't misplace them or have them fall off. She really loves them and wanted to wear them all day when we first got them. I had to tell her they were only for outdoor use. So when ever she goes outside now she puts them on.

Jaedan received the Xtreme Gear Convertible for 7 - 12 Years in Silver to try out. The Xtreme Gear Convertible for 7 - 12 Years came in a reusable zippered case with foam padding inside. They have a small button on each side where you can slide the temples (arms/sides that are placed over the ears) off and replace them with bands that snap into place and can be adjusted. Before putting them back in the case you have to put the temples back on or they will not fit. Also, even with proper adjusting my son had problems with the lenses fogging up. I am not sure what to really do for this issue. Otherwise he really liked them and thought they looked cool on him.

WIN IT
Prize: Win one pair of Real Kids Shades - winners choice (style, size and color).

I am trying out Rafflecopter on my blog. Please click on this post link if you do not see the script for it below. Also, if there is anything that is wrong with it let me know by emailing me: finamoon AT gmail DOT com I will try my best at fixing it. Thanks for being awesome readers!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE/DISCLAIMER: I received product to review and one to giveaway for free. My thoughts are mine and my family's own opinion and have not been altered by anyone else. I did not receive any other compensation for doing this review.

LATCH Cross Country Blog Tour

With the holiday season moving into full swing, families across the country are in the car and on the go. Whether you're driving across the country to visit family or across town to holiday shop, it is important that your child passengers are riding safely and that child safety seats are used correctly.

AAA estimated that 30 million people traveled this Thanksgiving holiday alone, and for many this is just the beginning of the holiday hustle and bustle. Now is the time to utilize the Child Car Safety tools provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Ad Council to learn more about proper car seat use and installation. You will find informative resources that include instructional videos.

Have child passenger safety questions that you need answered before you travel over the river and through the woods to Grandma's? NHTSA is always available to answer your questions online through Facebook and Twitter.

DISCLAIMER: Momfluence now called Global Influence graciously gave me the information for this campaign. Amy Lupold Bair, founder of Momfluence/Global Influence, is acting on behalf of NHTSA's child passenger safety efforts and so am I by posting this information.

Child Passenger Safety LATCH Campaign‏

Here is some important child passenger safety information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Ad Council...

I would like you to know that there are wonderful resources available for free to help you make safe choices about car seats and to help you use your car seats properly for maximum safety.


- Twitter: An actual safety expert mans the @ChildSeatSafety account on Twitter, and they will continue to answer any questions that parents have about child passenger safety. This is such a unique resource from a government agency!

- Facebook: NHTSA has a Facebook page at http://facebook.com/childpassengersafety where parents can learn about everything from LATCH to locating inspection offices.

- Websites: The Ad Council and the NHTSA have created a site with all the resources parents need to keep their smallest passengers safe: http://childcarsafety.adcouncil.org
Find your local inspection station, watch instructional videos, and even take a fun quiz!

Child Passenger Safety: http://www.nhtsa.gov/cps

Inspection Station Locator: http://www.nhtsa.gov/cps/cpsfitting/index.cfm

Recall Information from NHTSA:
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov
http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/subscriptions/index.cfm

Child Seat Registration:
http://www-odi.nhtsa.gov/recalls/register/childseat

DISCLAIMER: Momfluence graciously gave me the information for this campaign. Amy Lupold Bair, founder of Momfluence, is acting on behalf of NHTSA's child passenger safety efforts and so am I by posting this information.

SafetyCaps Review and Giveaway

SafetyCaps are outlet covers/caps that are safer than regular outlet covers/caps. They were made by a father that almost lost his daughter when she choked on a regular outlet plug cover. SafetyCaps are 2 1/4 inches across. Other outlet plugs measure only 1 3/8 inches across. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Dorel Juvenile Group both puts out a Choke Hazard Tester or Small Parts Test Fixture (SPTF), a clear plastic tube that you can put things into to test out if they are a choking hazard. I too have one of these and tested this product out. Sure enough the SafetyCap didn't go in. You can buy one of these handy Small Parts Test Fixtures (SPTF) at OneStepAhead. I also had another brand of safety outlet cover (not going to mention what brand here) that I tested. It too didn't fit in the tube, but it was very close to fitting...too close for comfort! I could now see why the SafetyCaps were so much safer than regular ones.

Not only that but the SafetyCaps are clear so they blend in with the outlet cover whatever color it might be. If somehow swallowed they also have holes in the shield that are an added extra safety feature. The holes comply with US pacifier anti-choking regulations.

Win it! George at SafetyCaps is generously giving one 24 pack of SafetyCaps away for my blog giveaway.

Mandatory:
Go to the SafetyCaps website and tell me one thing you learned about SafetyCaps.

Additional entries:
1. Email Ellen AND Oprah and ask the shows to do a show about SafetyCaps and outlet safety. (4 extra entries)

2. Subscribe to my blog by blogger, by email, or both and let me know. (1 extra entry)

3. Become my fan on facebook. (1 extra entry)

4. Blog about this giveaway on your blog and provide me with the link. Make sure you have the link to this post and SafetyCaps in your blog entry or it won't count. (2 extra entries)

5. Grab My Button - See Sidebar to the left - Leave your link (1 extra entry)

6. Technorati my blog and let me know your link. (1 extra entry)

7. Add me on twitter and retweet this: @finamoon: @safetydad WIN: SafetyCaps http://bit.ly/OAqTj
(Daily Extras are Available)

8. Become SafetyCaps' follower on Twitter. (1 extra entry)

9. Become a fan of SafetyCaps on Facebook. (1 extra entry)

Make sure you leave me your email in all posts so that I can contact you. If you blogged about this leave 2 entries saying you did. This contest ends on Friday July 03, 2009 at midnight (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada). This Giveaway is only open to U.S. only.

My Pregnancy and the Use of Herbs

I have always loved drinking herbal tea. But I always look up the herbs involved in making the tea while I am pregnant or breastfeeding as a precautionary measure. I don't want to cause any harm to my baby. I have found a pretty good website that sums up what I was looking for and want to share my findings here. Here is the website... http://www.selfessentials.net/essentialoilsafety.html