D.I.Y. Emergency Heater

Haven't tried this yet, but looks good. You can find the orginially explanation at The Parsimonious Princess


To make your emergency heater, you'll need:

• A new, quart-sized paint can with a lid. These can be purchased at paint stores and home improvement stores like Home Depot for around $2-3.
• A roll of unscented toilet paper (I say, the cheaper the better. I bought a package of the rough, store brand stuff for around a dollar. It wasn't hard to fit into the can -- others at the class had a difficult time because they were using their nice, multiple-ply stuff.)
• A bottle of unscented, 70% isopropyl alcohol
• A box of matches (I just learned that you can waterproof matches by dipping the heads in wax. Pretty cool.)
• A quarter and some tape (I suggest packaging tape)

Making the heater couldn't be easier. Simply remove the cardboard tube from the center of the toilet paper (that's the hardest part) - don't unroll the toilet paper; just bend the cardboard tube, and pull out. Stuff the tube-free roll of toilet paper into the can. Fill with 2 cups of isopropyl alcohol, leaving 1/2 inch headspace (you want it to have room to expand and contract with temperature fluctuations). This may take a little time since you have to wait for the toilet paper to absorb the alcohol. The toilet paper and alcohol should be below the rim of the can. Seal tightly with lid. Tape the box of matches and the quarter to the side of the can. That's it. If you prefer, you can store all the components of the heater in a plastic bag and assemble the heater when you need it. Personally, I like having it ready to go.

When you want to use the heater, pop open the lid, using the quarter as leverage. Place the lit match or lighter carefully against the alcohol-soaked toilet paper. A small flame will develop. The flame only uses the alcohol as fuel -- the toilet paper shouldn't burn. If it does start to burn, that means you need more alcohol. To do this, replace the lid to extinguish the flame. Once out, add some more alcohol and light again. Once you've used this heater, the only thing that ever needs replacing is the alcohol since the TP doesn't burn. Assembling the heater is a one-time thing, really.

Important: if you're going to use this heater in a car, crack open the windows for ventilation. Even though the alcohol doesn't produce carbon monoxide, you still want fresh air in such an enclosed space.

The teacher of the class said that she burned her heater (to test it out) in her kitchen and it lasted for five hours. According to one site I checked, you can keep a car heated at 60-70 degrees for 24 hours with 4 pints of alcohol. These heaters can get hot, so be careful how you handle them and be sure to keep them away from anything that could catch (obviously). Another site I read suggested sliding the passenger seat in the car as far back as it can go and placing the heater on the floor.

You can also use this heater in your home in the event of an emergency. Since the area isn't as small as that of a car, the instructor of the class said that you should be fine without cracking the windows (if you're in a small room, it couldn't hurt to crack it a little). This small heater, of course, won't keep an entire room at 60-70 degrees, but it will keep the chill off enough. These heaters are great for 72-hour kits.

For under five bucks, you can create a heat source for you and your family in the event of an emergency -- and five dollars is a small price to pay for a little extra peace of mind.

Creamy Potato Soup

Ingredients:

10 small-medium potatoes, peeled and chopped

3 carrots, peeled and chopped

1 onion, chopped

butter

milk

1 can cream of chicken soup

salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Place potatoes, carrots and onion in a large pot. Cover with water. Add a tablespoon or two of butter to keep it from boiling over. Bring to a boil and cook until the veggies are tender, about 20-30 minutes.
2. Drain. Smash the veggies with the back of a spoon until some of the potatoes smoosh. You don’t want it to all be mashed, but this makes the soup a bit thicker.
3. Stir cream of chicken soup with 2 cups of milk. Add to the veggies in the pot. Fill the pot with milk, until the veggies are covered. Add salt and pepper to taste. Heat thoroughly over medium-low heat. 

Operation SMILE

{ Our Relief Society Service Challenge }

Sisters we invite you to find the joy in a simple smile over the next few months

A smile costs nothing, but gives much.

It enriches those who receive it, without making poorer those who give

It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes last forever.

None is so rich or so mighty that he can get along without it and none is so poor but that he can be made rich by it.

A smile creates happiness at home, fosters good will in business, and it is the countersign of friendship.

It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and it is nature's best antidote for trouble.

Yet it can't be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value until it is given away.

Some people are too tired to give you a smile.

Give them yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.

 

Week 11: Hearts Full of Love Without Judgment

• President Dieter F. Uchtdorf gave wise council in April 2012 when we said this regarding pacing judgment on others. “This topic of judging others could actually be taught in a two-word sermon. When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges, or wanting to cause harm, please apply the following: Stop it! It’s that simple. We simply have to stop judging others and replace judgmental thoughts and feelings with a heart full of love for God and His children.”
•  http://www.lds.org/general-conference/2012/04/the-merciful-obtain-mercy?lang=eng&query=forgiveness
• This week look at others without judgment. Look at other with unclouded glasses. Smile warmly at all you see and be conscious to look for the good in all you see.



Operation SMILE

{ Our Relief Society Service Challenge }

Sisters we invite you to find the joy in a simple smile over the next few months

A smile costs nothing, but gives much.

It enriches those who receive it, without making poorer those who give

It takes but a moment, but the memory of it sometimes last forever.

None is so rich or so mighty that he can get along without it and none is so poor but that he can be made rich by it.

A smile creates happiness at home, fosters good will in business, and it is the countersign of friendship.

It brings rest to the weary, cheer to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and it is nature's best antidote for trouble.

Yet it can't be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is of no value until it is given away.

Some people are too tired to give you a smile.

Give them yours, as none needs a smile so much as he who has no more to give.

 

 

Week 10: Smiling Has Many Benefits - Smiling Boosts Your Immune System

 

• Smiling helps the immune system to work better. When you smile, immune function improves possibly because you are more relaxed. Prevent the flu and colds by smiling.

White Chicken Chili

-Sister Carol Armstrong

Jennifer Wilson’s White Chicken Chili

Ingredients:

• 3-4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 big cans of Cream of Chicken soup
• 1 big can diced green chiles
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1 tsp dried cilantro
• ½ tsp chili powder or ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• 5 cans pinto beans drained and rinsed
• 2 cups water (approx.)

Directions:

1. Boil chicken in water (can cut in smaller pieces.) Shred.
2. Add all ingredients to a large crockpot. Stir occasionally to keep beans from sticking.
3. Top with shredded cheese and chopped green onions, if desired