Family Day Out

I seriously love family days out! Time away from all the TV, video games, Facebook, and cell phones is so precious now-a-days (kinda sad when you think about it) and unfortunately because of work schedules and activities, my family hasn't been able to spend as much time together as we would like. That being said, my husband and I recognized the slip in quality time and even how it has affected our two little ones' attitudes, and decided to make an active change!

We've decided to make a list of weekly activities, and get back to working together and engaging as a family. This past weekend we decided to take a small hike and a picnic in Red Rock Canyon, NV. The kids had a GREAT time! As we were walking, I read a little history of the trail we were adventuring down. My husband stopped to show the kids different cactus types and how they could be used to help us. We each tried a piece of prickly pear.. and the kids were not impressed! lol

 

We made it half way up the ridge before stopping for a quick snack. Pears, bananas, tuna, trail mix, and peanut butter crackers were on the menu.

I picked up the idea from this hiking forum- hiking_forums_here)

and of course we all had water bottles or camelbacks!

 

                                  

 

The views were breathtaking, and the temperature was perfect! Being in Southern Nevada we definitely get some harsh temps in the summer (120+ in areas); and with it finally cooling off, it was a great time to get out. We even saw a gardener snake slithering after sunbathing, and identify animal droppings (so we could tell what kind of wildlife was out and about)!

As were packing everything back into our vehicle I asked my oldest what she learned, She was so excited to recite back all the information she had learned while on our little outing! My little one (he's 3) interjected several times that the snake was his favorite part!

Then of course they asked me what I learned. Well, I learned that I really needed to get more familiar with my surrounding areas! I learned that my kids really learn more in a life experience situation rather than being told so. I learned how much I missed seeing them excited to be spending alone time and have the undivided attention of their dad and myself.

We already have our next hike planned out and several other outings and camping weekends.

After our little adventure, I HIGHLY encourage you all to break away from your computer, cell phone, tablet, tv... get out and enjoy your city, town, desert, swamp, hills, and/or mountains! Focus on spending quality time with your loved ones or even as an alone time break to read a book and enjoy mother nature.

                               

 

* Check out more fun stuff on Facebook: HERE 

OR needing some ideas follow us on Pinterest HERE*

                                                                                                             Don't be square! Get out there!

                                                                                                                                              - P

Adventures in Tomato Canning!!!

I have the GREATEST neighbor who is a community outreach activist. Yesterday he gave me a whole box of yummy tomatoes! This is nothing new - I have received several donations from him- unfortunately he can't find enough people in need willing to take the food for themselves. He is reduced to giving the food to those he can, my family being one of them!

 

As excited as I was to receive this generous donation, I was nervous all the same! I have canned a few time but never tomatoes! Thankfully I have an awesome book that I picked up at Wal-Mart in the canning section called - Ball Blue Book Guide to Preserving! This book is my go-to book when I am canning.

 

My canner/pressure canner is not big enough to water bath the tomatoes so we ended up pressure canning these bad boys! Which was better because it takes less time! WE LOVE SAVING TIME!!!

 

~What You Need~

Jars with lids, Canner (water bath is fine), Citric Acid

 

~What To Do~

1. Heat seals and lids in a pan. Also heat water to pack tomatoes in

2. Sterilize Jars ( I do a bleach water wash method because my dishwasher sucks and leaves residue on everything!)

3. Wash and core tomatoes

4. Blanch and skin tomatoes (Blanch is not one of the Golden Girls, it's a process to remove the skins of the tomatoes)

5. Place 1/4 tsp (for pints) 1/2 tsp (for quarts) Citric Acid in each jar.

6. Cut tomotoes as desired (or DON'T it's up to you!)

7. Fill jars with tomatoes (leave 1/2" - 1" head space)

8. Fill jars with heated water (leave that head space again!!!)

9. Get the bubbles out (don't want exploding jars do ya?)

10. Wipe the rim of the jar (this ensures a clean seal - gunk on the rim will not allow the jars to seal properly and that's BAD JUJU!!!)

11. Apply lid seal and ring (Don't be He-Man here - tighted only until you feel the tension starting)

12. Place in canner and pressurize (or water bath) for allotted time (ours was 28 minutes but you should DEFINITELY follow your canner's manual guidelines - safety first!)

13. Time's Up - take them out of canner and put on a covered surface to cool. (Be careful that a fan or A/C breeze doesn't hit the jars - this is also bad JUJU, unless you like cleaning up boiling hot food and broken glass!)

 

VIOLA!!! Canned Tomatoes!!!

 

Several hours and 14 jars later we have whole, quartered and diced tomatoes that will last a lot longer than a few days in my fridge! These are great for stews, chillies, spaghetti or even some salsa. Anything that you use tomatoes in really!!!

 

 

Canning is one of the greatest ways to preserve food for a long term storage! You can preserve practically any kind of fruit, vegetable and even meats! There are many ways to can foods as well and different foods call for different methods. High acidic foods, such as fruits, tomatoes and pickles, require only a water bath method (though you can pressure can them for time's sake). Vegetables and meats, because of their low acidic content, require pressure canning (and strict times should be adhered to). I have also canned using a dry method in the oven, this is for dry goods like crackers. We will go into canning methods and times in future posts!

 

Find more Canning and Food Preservation tips on our Pinterest board - http://www.pinterest.com/nevadawatchmen/food-preservations/

 

See ya on the flip side!!!

~ G

 

 

Welcome to the Blog Everyone!

First and foremost, thank you SO much for stopping by and checking out our blog! I would like to take our first official blog post to explain who we are and what we do.

The Women of Nevada Watchmen aim to provide support to Nevada Watchmen in various domestic and hostile situations caused by (but not limited to) civil unrest and turmoil, natural disasters, or simply finding yourself stranded without help. Furthermore we will prepare our homes, families and lives to survive in any situation through training, cooperation and determination. The Women of Nevada Watchmen also aim to improve the self-reliance of individuals within the group, as well as overall group preparedness.

 

 

We strive to become a close knit, cooperative unit in which various preparedness, domestic and tactical trainings will occur. These trainings occur on a regular monthly basis in which the members receive specialized, focused instruction in areas that best suit the needs of the group at the time. Our focus is whole group needs and prioritized by urgent, important and necessary. Prioritizing is a combined effort by group leaders with input from Nevada Watchmen leadership, since they are who we also support. Training times are coordinated with members of the entire group to ensure maximum participation. As women we understand that our main role in a survival setting is to provide and care for our families, meals and general domestic needs of the group. Our secondary role is to aid in the protection of the group itself through defensive posturing and tactics. We are not an offensive force. It is through the combined efforts of the group that we will be successful in surviving. We wish to make weaknesses strong and strengths impenetrable!

 

We are a family oriented group of women that teach each other how to survive and thrive in emergency situations. for example- Do you know how to build a fire without additives? we can teach you! Ever been interested in canning your fruits and Veggies? We LOVE to!

What we are not- Doomsday Preppers, religious extremists, political activists, or vigilantes.

We encourage firearm education and a self reliant lifestyle.
We participate in community outreach programs.
We are the Women of Nevada Watchmen

You can find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/womenofNW
Pinterest addict? we're on there too! www.pinterest.com/nevadawatchmen

 XOXO,

G & P