An Apology

  I must apologize for the lack of posts lately. I will be working on getting a product review up soon. If you'd like to know why I've been a little absent over the past week, check out what I've been up to.

                                                                                                                        Autumn Christiansen

                                                                                                           Independent Consultant-Shelf Reliance

                                                                                                        To purchase products, visit my online store:                                                                                                         http://THRIVEwiththebasics.shelfreliance.com

                                                                                                                             Join my team!

New Month-New Specials!

   It's November! Can you believe it? Before we know it Christmas will be here. In case you haven't thought of it, THRIVE makes the perfect Christmas gift. For the more difficult people on your list (you know, the ones who already have everything), have you considered emergency supplies? This Deluxe Survival Kit is the perfect gift at only $59.39. The Deluxe Survival Kit is contained in a crushproof watertight case that floats and weighs 16 oz. It includes the following survival tools:
 

BlastMatch™ Fire Starter: This revolutionary one-handed, all-weather fire starter generates intensely hot sparks three times hotter than a standard match.

WetFire™ Tinder: This amazing fire starting tinder is non-toxic and can start a fire in the

driving rain.

StarFlash® Ultra Signal Mirror: The NEW highly reflective Ultra™ is over 95% as

reflective as glass.

SaberCut™ Saw: This hand operated chain saw needs no fuel and cuts through the

hardest wood. The 24-inch patented flexible chain saw blade has bi-directional, selfcleaning

cutting teeth to ensure smooth, fast action.

JetScream™ Whistle: This whistle is one of the loudest in the world. JetScream's™ earpiercing

shriek can be heard above most natural or man-made noise. Use JetScream™ in

the city or woods for communication and personal protection.

  I'm offering another Screamin' Deal!

Chicken & Beef Package $185.00!

  Chicken and ground beef are some of the most commonly-used meats in the average home. The package comes with three #10 (or gallon size) cans each of freeze-dried chicken and ground beef (48 servings per can). This package retails for $246.54, so this is a savings of over $60!

Order this "Screamin' Deal" through me today.

I want to let you in on the November deals as well. These deals are effective for this month only, so don't miss out!

How I Keep My Long-Term Storage Guest-Post

 Heather at "Cooking With My Food Storage" has a section on her blog about how people store their long-term storage. She recently asked me to share my own storage. Check out my guest-post.

New Products!

We have new products!

The new products will be available for Q-club members to order on November 3rd and will be released to retail customers on November 10th. If you're not a Q-club member, now is a great time to join. You may also get these products by contacting me directly.

  I am so excited to try these new products. Freeze-dried grapes, who knew?! Applesauce in a snap! And let me just say how happy I am to see freeze-dried diced tomatoes and zucchini! Pasta anyone?

  As well, I'm anxious to add buckets of powdered and instant milk to my long-term storage, for an even greater savings!

Contact me November 3rd or log in to your Q customer account, to purchase these fantastic new products!

Product Review-New Drink Line

  First let me begin by mentioning how fantastic my "Upline" (the consultants three levels above me) is. I have a support team of three women above me who spend countless hours devising ways to help me better my business (the beauty of being part of a Shelf Reliance Team). 

  Last night I had the opportunity to attend a training at the home of one of these women, to discuss and taste many of our fantastic new (and old) products. The first set of products I'd like to highlight is the new drink line.

  The following is a list of the products within the line, my thoughts on each of them, and the value for the money. 

  Just to note: I did think all the fruity drinks were too weak, so I rated them according to flavor. I feel they would all be much tastier a little stronger than the directions on the can instruct.

Mango Passion- Very good flavor, quite fruity tasting. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the best), it gets a 7.

85 8-oz. servings per #10 can= $.25/8-oz. serving or $1.98/64-oz. container juice

This is cheaper than a 64-oz. container of juice at the supermarket, and it's all-natural!

Melon Berry Blast- I'm not a fan of melon-flavored things, so I was surprised to find myself enjoying this one. I'd give it a 6.

85 8-oz. servings per #10 can= $.25/8-oz. serving or $1.97/64-oz. container juice

This is cheaper than a 64-oz. container of juice at the supermarket, and it's all-natural!

Orchard Apple- Yummy cold, but I prefer it warm. Add a little cinnamon and clove, and you've got a fantastic cider! Think Christmas gifts. This one gets a 9.

85 8-oz. servings per #10 can= $.21/8-oz. serving or $1.66/64-oz. container juice

This is cheaper than a 64-oz. container of juice at the supermarket,                                   and it's all-natural!

Orange Bliss- Not my fave, but I'm also not a fan of Tang. If you like Tang, you'd enjoy this.

85 8-oz. servings per #10 can= $.21/8-oz. serving or $1.67/64-oz. container juice

This is cheaper than a 64-oz. container of juice at the supermarket, and it's all-natural!

Simply Peach- I give this drink a 7. It's yummy, with a slight Jolly Rancher taste.

85 8-oz. servings per #10 can= $.20/8-oz. serving or $1.59/64-oz. container juice

This is cheaper than a 64-oz. container of juice at the supermarket, and it's all-natural!

Fruit Punch Performance- Not a win for me. I can't stand Gatorade because of it's salty after-taste, and that's what this reminds me of. This is a great option for a sick child in need of electrolytes, or someone who actually enjoys Gatorade.

85 8-oz. servings per #10 can= $.21/8-oz. serving or $1.69/64-oz. container juice

This is cheaper than a 64-oz. container of juice at the supermarket, and it's all-natural!

Chocolate Drink Mix- I was amazed to find how much I enjoyed this. I'm not one for powdered chocolate milk mixes, but wow. I wish I had purchased this product a long time ago, because I've been missing out! We tasted it warm last night (Hot Cocoa for Christmas gifts anyone?), and it was delicious. The recommendation for serving it cold immediately is to mix it with enough hot water to dissolve the powder, then make the remaining water very cold. The other option                                 is to mix it with hot water then refrigerate to chill.

                       

48 servings per #10 can= $3.20 per 1/2 gallon

  Although you may be able to purchase fresh chocolate milk at your supermarket cheaper, this product is shelf-stable (lasts 25 years sealed and 2 years opened). As well, my family does not need to drink an entire gallon of chocolate milk in the amount of time required before fresh milk expires, so this is a perfect alternative for the occasional glass of chocolate milk!

  One more thought: If you are considering giving this product as a "Hot Cocoa" Christmas gift, it is cheaper than the cans of hot cocoa found in the supermarket (serving for serving), and it has a longer shelf life!

  The per-serving prices are calculated at "Q" pricing. These prices are available as a Q customer, or by purchasing through me directly.

Cinnamon Rolls...Or Not

  I absolutely love Cinnamon Rolls; they're a staple in our home. I also love Orange Rolls, something my husband does not. These particular rolls are my compromise with him. He enjoys these rolls because of the addition of pineapple. 

  I've mentioned before how I like to find multiple uses for all my THRIVE ingredients. The 9 Grain Cracked Cereal has become one of my favorite products. I love that I can incorporate nine grains into my family's diet in a variety of ways. If you haven't seen my recipe for 9 Grain Buttermilk Muffins, it's a must-try.

  Get creative! Try using a THRIVE product in a way you haven't before.

 

9 Grain Pineapple-Orange Rolls

2 T. yeast 

¼ c. warm water                                                      

6 Tbsp. THRIVE Powdered Eggs 

1 c. + 6 Tbsp. warm water

1 c. THRIVE 9 Grain Cracked Cereal powder (Ground in a wheat grinder)

4 ½-6 c. THRIVE White Flour                             

½ c. THRIVE White Sugar                               

½ c. shortening

2 t. THRIVE Salt

2 ½ c. THRIVE FD Pineapple (Blend in food processor to a powder)                                               

2 Tbsp. THRIVE White Sugar

additional shortening for spreading

  In a small bowl combine yeast and ¼ cup water; let soften.

  Combine egg powder and 2 ½ cups flour in bowl of stand mixer. Add yeast mixture then everything else but remaining flour. Beat till smooth. Add flour a little at a time, and mix till dough is soft and no longer sticks to the sides or bottom of the bowl. Transfer dough to a large bowl that has been lightly sprayed with cooking spray; cover and raise till double.  

  Turn dough onto floured surface and roll into a ½” thick rectangle, spread with shortening and sprinkle with pineapple powder and 2 tablespoons sugar. Roll lengthwise and cut into rolls. Place in greased baking dish; cover and raise till double.

  Bake 350 degrees 20 min. Top with Orange Cream Cheese Frosting.

Orange Cream Cheese Frosting:

4 oz. Cream Cheese                          1/2 tsp. Vanilla
3 Tbsp. Butter, softened                     4 Tbsp. reconstituted THRIVE Instant Milk
3 c. THRIVE Powdered Sugar            ¼ c. THRIVE Mandarin Oranges

  Heat milk to boiling; add mandarin oranges and whisk to dissolve. Beat together cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth. Gradually beat in milk until spreading consistency. 

Strive To Give THRIVE!

   

   As we approach the holiday season, I believe most of us begin thinking of ways we may be able to help those less fortunate than ourselves. My husband and I have been blessed by a series of unfortunate events throughout our nine years of marriage, and thus have also been blessed by the kindness of others. I am in awe of the wonderful things people do to help someone in need.

  I joined Shelf Reliance at a time in our lives when we were looking for a way to rebuild our severely depleted food supply, and add some extra income (my husband had just found employment after a 19-month lay-off). Over the last 10 months, Shelf Reliance has given our family back a sense of security, and has blessed us in ways I can't even begin to describe. It is with great gratitude for the many blessings our family has been given, that I come to my fellow consultants asking for your assistance.

  As Shelf Reliance consultants we are given many perks. One of the great perks, is the opportunity to earn half-price product for "parties" we teach. It is with this benefit, that I would like you to help me in giving back to our local communities. In a combined effort, here's what I'm hoping we will be able to accomplish together:

  The week prior to Thanksgiving (November 14th-18th) head to your local Food Bank/Pantry and donate at least one #10 can of THRIVE Freeze-Dried or Dehydrated food. It's that simple! 

  There are currently 3750 Shelf Reliance consultants. The average number of servings in a #10 can of THRIVE is 51 (I did not include Pantry Basics, Entrees or Desserts in my calculations.) What this means is if every Shelf Reliance Consultant donated just one #10 can of THRIVE to their local Food Bank/Pantry, together we would be giving 191,250 servings of food in just one week! Imagine the number of people that food would help!

  I'm making it even easier for you to join this combined effort. Here is the link to Feeding America's website. This link will take you to an alphabetical listing of all 50 states. Click on your state (or enter your zip code) to be directed to your local Food Bank, to find your nearest drop-off location.

  The Shelf Reliance mission statement is "Through superior products and sound education, Shelf Reliance empowers people to become self reliant, prosperous and charitable". Let's all find the time this holiday season to be charitable together.

  Please link to this page and spread the word to every consultant you know, so we can fill our local Food Banks! Once you've committed yourself to this effort, join us on the Facebook event page so we can see who's giving and share our experiences.

  During this time when things are especially hard on struggling families, let's all find the time to "Strive To Give THRIVE", and see what a difference we can make.