Saturday, January 25, 2014
5 Tips on How to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Before the cold strikes, it is best to get your pipes ready for winter. Here are five easy tips on how to prevent frozen pipes:
1. Insulate Pipes
One of the most basic things that can be done to prevent your pipes from freezing is to put some insulation on them even before the cold season comes. You can use either of these two methods to insulate your pipes:
Heat Tape. Using heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables on your pipes is one of the most effective ways to protect your pipes from the freezing cold. Heat tape actually resembles an extension cord more than a tape. Wind the tape in a spiral pattern around the pipes, closely observing the manufacturer's installation and operating instructions. Some heat tapes are best used with additional insulation.
Fiberglass or Foam Jackets. Insulation by itself is also a good way of keeping your pipes from freezing. You may use fiberglass insulation or polyethylene foam jackets. Keep in mind that the more insulation used, the better protection your pipes will have.
2. Use a Heat Lamp
Heat from a light bulb can also help prevent frozen pipes. A 100-watt bulb should be able to do the job. Attach the bulb to an extension cord and hang it by your pipes. This is especially effective if most of your pipes are located in one enclosed area.
3. Prevent Cold Winter Drafts
Seal all openings in your crawl spaces and windows to keep the frigid air out and the heat in. Air leaks may also be found around electrical wiring or dryer vents. Any cracks in the house's foundations should be caulked as well.
4. Allow Heat to Circulate
When winter does come, it is important to create heat circulation. You can easily do this by keeping closet doors open to allow the heat to get to pipes located under the sinks or on the other side of the walls.
5. Keep the Faucets Dripping
Sometimes, a steady small trickle of water is all it takes to prevent frozen pipes. The continuous movement of water can keep them from freezing. Let the water drip continuously throughout the night preferably from a faucet connected to a wall outside.
With these tips on how to prevent frozen pipes, you won't have to worry about an expensive plumbing emergency due to a burst pipe ever again.
Friday, January 24, 2014
Sewing To Save Money
Yes, I am already sewing for spring and summer! I have cabin fever and tons of fabric. I am starting with some tshirts for my Little Man. I have enough fabric to make him , maybe, 10 in different patterns. He is going to need all new shorts also. He has gotten so tall. With what I spent on " fabric " and the patterns, I would have him all new clothes for spring and most of summer for about $10.00! That is a great savings!
I get all of my fabric from thrift stores. Repurpose sheets etc. I love those " tshirt" fabric sheets! I can make so much out of those. $1.50 a sheet! Vintage sheets with the cool prints make great skirts.
I get most of my patterns from thrift stores. You can find some great ones. Usually about 50 cents a piece or box lots for a couple of dollars.
I taught myself how to sew on a singer sewing machine that I got at a flea market for $25.00. I still am using it. Ten years later.
Sewing can be a real way to save money.
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Food Storage Recipe - Homemade Taquitos (easy)
So easy!
I couldn't wrap them up very tight though.
Precooked grilled chicken strips - I always keep a big bag of them in freezer for quick meals.
Taco seasoning
4 ounces of cream cheese
Shredded colby jack cheese
1 can black beans - you won't use whole can.
Tortillas - I used wheat ones this time
Slowly soften the cream cheese. Heat up the black beans.
Put some of the frozen chicken in pan. Let cook and then shred it up. Add some water and taco seasoning. Let cook for a few minutes, until it thickens.
Take a tortilla and put some of the cream cheese on it. Put the chicken and black beans and top with cheese.
Roll them up as tight as you can. I was able to make 7 with mine. Place them on a lightly greased pan and put some vegetable oil on top of them , tiny bit. Put in oven at 375 degrees and bake til golden brown.
Serve with salsa to dip them into.
Homeschool Minute - Make Hand Cast
We are starting to get cabin feaver! Super cold weather has us stuck in the house. I mixed up some of this simple dough for my Little Man to make a cast of his hand for daddy!
Recipe:
12 tablespoons of flour
9 tablespoons of salt
9 tablespoons of water
Let kids mix it up than put on a cookie sheet. They use a rolling pin to roll it out. Press their hands into it to make a good handprint. Use something to make name and date. Stick in oven at 200 degrees for about 4 hours. Bring out and let cool. They can decorate them anyway they want.
Dough is not edible.
Get Your Teeth Fixed Before SHTF!
Make sure that you take care of your teeth. The pain can lay you out for a while. Don't put it off! What if there was a disaster or something that kept you from being able to get to a dentist. Don't take any chances - get the work done ASAP and if you can't get to the dentist make sure you have some good books on hand , like Where There Is No Dentist
The Basics 4 Survival (A Wilderness Survival Topic)
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Zombie Apocalypse Survival Guide 2nd Edition (100 TIPS) #1 Favorite of Walking Dead Fans (Zombie Survival PRO)
***100 ZOMBIE SURVIVAL TIPS FROM THE PROS!***
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100 top-rated professional rules that will help you stay alive in the zombie apocalypse!
While everyone else is hiding in their house, being eaten alive, and waiting for it to all blow over,
you'll be high on the streets kicking undead ass & having a gold ol' time!
This is more than just a funny book with rules about the zombie apocalypse... this might actually save your life and the lives of your friends & family!
The Cordyceps Brain Infection (real-life disease) is already working its way through insects and will soon hit on humans, creating the dreaded zombie apocalypse.
Grab this guide now & be prepared!
~ Sven Van Dijk & Temper Thompson
(Zombie Apocalypse Ass-Kicking Experts)
Monday, January 20, 2014
Way to wash small loads
I have been saving my laundry soap bottles. They are perfect for small loads, like unmentionables. There is just enough soap left in them for this. Fill the bottle about three quarters of the way with really hot water. Stuff your items in and shake it up for a couple of minutes. Empty and rinse a few times. I then hang them up on my clothes dryer that I have in the kitchen. Clean and dry in no time! Plus save money by not wasting water and power running washing machine and dryer.
So, start saving your " empty " bottles of laundry soap.
Saturday, January 18, 2014
Reality Check: W. Va. chemical spill's plume and Ky.
This is a story that I have been following. Really makes you think about being prepared for any kind of water disaster. You have to have clean water to use and drink. Something like this would be awful.
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