Eating Well by Eating Locally

Stocking your pantry with food grown by local farmers is a great way to eat fresh, interesting, ever-changing meals all year long at low prices. You can find a listing of local foods are currently in season in your state at the National Resource Defense Council's website along with recipes and other helpful information.

A Simpler Life

I hope you had a wonderful holiday season!  My family and I had a very thoughtful, meaningful Christmas this year.  Our holiday was filled with extended family and friends, good food and relaxing times. 

This year we concentrated on "the reason for the season"...There was less  "keeping up with the Jones" or "shopping until we dropped".  We participated in less activities, visited with friends and family, and gave gifts that were meant to provide a feeling of love and friendship.  We decided not to rush through December trying to "beat the clock" before the 25th arrived, rather we slowed down a bit and just enjoyed the moment.

After it was all over, my family has decided that we like this new, slower and more deliberate way of life.  So, we are going to try to keep the feeling going by living a simpler life in 2010. 

What is your primary goal for 2010?

More on Disaster Preparedness: A Household First Aid Kit

        Whether preparing for a natural disaster or for a child’s “ow-ee” a first aid kit is essential to have around. The Red Cross suggests the following to be included in any first aid kit for a household of 4:
  • 2 absorbent compress dressings (5 x 9 inches)
  • 25 adhesive bandages (assorted sizes)
  • 1 adhesive cloth tape (10 yards x 1 inch)
  • 5 antibiotic ointment packets (approximately 1 gram)
  • 5 antiseptic wipe packets
  • 2 packets of aspirin (81 mg each)
  • 1 blanket (space blanket)
  • 1 breathing barrier (with one-way valve)
  • 1 instant cold compress
  • 2 pair of nonlatex gloves (size: large)
  • 2 hydrocortisone ointment packets (approximately 1 gram each)
  • Scissors
  • 1 roller bandage (3 inches wide)
  • 1 roller bandage (4 inches wide)
  • 5 sterile gauze pads (3 x 3 inches)
  • 5 sterile gauze pads (4 x 4 inches)
  • Oral thermometer (non-mercury/nonglass)
  • 2 triangular bandages
  • Tweezers
  • First aid instruction booklet
Of course, it should also include any medications that one’s healthcare provider suggests. In addition, it is a good idea to include emergency phone numbers.

        An alternative to putting a first aid kit together is to purchase one. You can find first aid kits at most pharmacies, “one-stop-shopping” stores or on-line.

Until next time!

Kathy

PS. For more information about first aid kits, go to the Red Cross Website.