Heat Alert Is in Effect

There is a heat advisory in effect for the next several days!  I thought it would be important to share with everyone some tips for helping you and your families!  Make sure you DRINK a LOT!  If you aren't going to the bathroom a lot or your urine is dark then you are not getting enough fluids.  This can lead to heat exhaustion and could lead to heat stroke.  Click here for information about heat exhaustion. This can be very serious!!  Today I did some running around doing errands and didn't even think about anything. I was out and about from about 8:30 until 14:00 and I was so tired.  I hadn't been outside much except for going in and out of buildings. I finally crashed for a nap with my kids and when I got up I was dizzy and thirsty so I started drinking like crazy, and I think just that mild running around had caused me to start getting dehydrated!  So to be safe for you and your families DRINK, DRINK, DRINK!

Here is a great calculator that shows how much water you need to drink.  I thought it was interesting that with my weight doing nothing, I still needed 11 cups of water in extreme heat and 16 cups if only doing 60 minutes of working out and normal life i.e. chasing kids or walking a pet can be a workout!

Here is a website about heat and kids and how to keep them hydrated.  Kids do not need as much water as adults, but again monitor how much they are going to the bathroom and notice the color. If it is dark get them to drink more!  Water is the best, but if they don't like the flavor you can add a bit of juice or other things they like. Avoid straight juice and sodas because then you are getting extra calories and sodas really don't quench thirst. Popsicles are also great ways of hydrating.  If you have a nursing infant, nurse them often and if they are able to take a bottle you can give them bottles of water as supplements when you are running around and can't sit to nurse.  My 9 month old will get fussy and I realize "Oh, he's probably thirsty"  a sip can make a big difference!  Ice in a mesh bag food strainer is also a favorite! Chances are that if you are thirsty your kids are too!

Keep water bottles in your car!  My husband hates it because they roll around in the back, but if you get stranded with a flat or run out of gas, it is good to have something there. Plus, I have reached back and just grabbed one several times because I have forgotten to bring something.

Are We Prepared?

When my family moves, my first question is, what type of weather do we have and what do we need to have in order to be prepared.  In the past year, we have had a hurricane, earthquake, tornado, flooding, thunderstorms etc.  So, if you are going to live in Maryland I guess you just need to be prepared for it all!

What are your plans?  Have you made them yet?  If there is flooding and you have to evacuate to higher ground do you have somewhere you are prepared to go? Do you live in a area where you would need to evacuate at the mere threat of a flood?  Do you live on high grounds and can give place to others?  Just some things to think about.

Do you have your 72 hour kit?  Is it mobile if you have to evacuate at the drop of a hat?  I have always had mine spread throughout my house because typically we aren't in places that would have to evacuate.  I think it is about time that I get my stuff in good order.

Don't wait until the disaster hits before getting prepared. Last year with the threat of the hurricane we thought it would be a smart idea to get batteries and a generator. . . lo and behold, the stores were ALL OUT!  So don't wait. . . BE PREPARED!

We have been in places where public water has been contaminated due to flooding and people have been without it for days.  Something that we do is we will fill up a bathtub and then lock the door so that our kids can't get in the room.  That way if something happens and there is no water, we have water that will last for a few days (Our purpose in doing this is for non-drinking water i.e. to allow our toilets to flush, wash things etc.)

Hurricane Season in MD is 1 June until 30 November.  Think about how that affects those of us in Elkridge, Columbia, and Ellicott City.  Heavy winds, flooding, heavy rain fall. . . (If I forgot something feel free to correct me!)

Bunk Bed needed

If you have any bunk bed to give away, let sister Olga Campora know. We have a new sister moving to our ward in July who is looking for one. 


Here is the info:

"There is one thing I am in need of, a bunkbed for my boys.  If anyone in the ward possibly has one they are getting rid of or if anyone has seen an inexpensive one at a local second hand store, that would be great".

Townhouse for rent

We have a family of 4 who are looking for a town house to rent in the Oakland Mills High School area.  If you know of anyone in the area who would like to rent their place, please, connect with Sister Olga Campora. 

Save a Buck and Make it Yourself

A picture of a friend's supply

Here are some more recipes for household cleaners!  I have used the dishwasher detergent and it works just as well as the cascade packets that I was using.  A few friends of mine use all of these, and I will start once I run out of the things I already use.  So. . . here you go!  Try it or don't. It's up to you!

I was able to buy some of the items at the commissary but all of them are available at Walmart and I think the costs are comparable at both places.  I've rounded up the prices that I found at the commissary.

Dishwasher Detergent

1- 4 lb box Borax (approx $3.50)
1- 3 lb 7 oz box Arm & Hammer super washing soda (approx $2.50)
1/3 c citric acid (found in canning section) ($3.24 at walmart probably has 1 cup in it)
3 c Epsom Salt (approx $3.50)  (This is for a large box that has about 6 cups in it)
Total- $12.74  (And you would have enough citric acid and Epson left for another batch).

**I made this one and it makes about 20 cups of powder.  You use 1 Tbs. per load.  I figure that if I run my dishwasher every day then it will last me for 320 loads or for almost an entire year.  **
**Works best with a rinse aid (Jet dry, Lemirinse, or vinegar)**

Laundry Soap

1- 4 lb box Borax (approx $3.50)
1- 4 lb box Arm & Hammer Baking Soda (Approx $2.00)
1- 55 oz (3lb 7oz) Arm & Hammer Super Washing Soda (Approx $2.50)
3.5 lb oxyclean (2- small containers) (I have a large box so not sure on the cost it wasn't much)
3- bars fels naptha soap or pink zote soap (grated with food processer or cheese grater) ($.97 each at Walmart)
Total- $11 + cost of oxyclean

**Use 2 Tbs per load in top load machines and 1 Tbs per load for HE front load washers.  I have heard that in an HE washer a single batch will last about a year.

Fabric Softener

3 c boiling water (Free)
1- 15-16 oz bottle cheap sauve conditioner (I'm assuming other brands will work as well) (approx $1.50)
3 c vinegar (I buy mine in bulk and it isn't much)
Total- Approx $5-$7 for a triple batch

**A triple batch will fill the Sam's/Costco size bottle.  You can pick the scent of conditioner to match the smell you want for your clothes. You will NOT smell the vinegar once the clothes are washed.

There you go!  As I said, I've only tried the dishwasher soap so far, but the friends I got the recipes from are trustworthy people so I'll give the others a try as I run out of what I have!  Enjoy!