Homesteading Handbook

Homesteading Handbook vol. 1: The Beginner's Guide to Becoming Self-Sustainable (Homesteading Handbooks) (Volume 1) was a free kindle book when this post was written. Use the FREE kindle reading app if you do not have an actual kindle.

Learn how to homestead and learn to be self-sufficient with this helpful handbook.

Modern-day homesteaders are throwbacks to the days of old. They raise and grow much of their food, practice food preservation techniques and know how to live off the land. While some may scoff at the lifestyle of a homesteader, they tend to be happier and healthier than most people caught up in the hustle and bustle of the Western lifestyle.

Homesteaders make efficient use of their time and their money in an effort to be largely self-sufficient. This book covers many of the topics a beginning homesteader is going to want to learn more about before getting started.

Here are just some of the many topics covered in this helpful handbook:

• What homesteading is and how it can benefit you.
• Why the all or nothing approach isn't the best approach for most people.
• Urban homesteading: Homesteading with limited space.
• How to get started when money is an issue.
• 20 ways homesteading can save money on groceries.
• How to save money by buying food in bulk. Includes a number of places you can buy bulk food from you might not know about.
• Purchasing land and building a home.
• How to get free or inexpensive land for a homestead.
• Growing your own produce.
• How to store food by preserving it: Canning, drying, fermenting, freezing and root cellaring.
• Raising livestock.
• Beekeeping.
• Rainwater collection.
• Greywater collection.

Off Grid Living Box Set

Off Grid Living Box Set: Protect Your Loved Ones With 25 Lessons on the Advantages of Living Off the Grid and Dangerous Places You Should Avoid When An ... Living Off Grid Box Set, Off The Grid) was a free Kindle book when this was written. MAKE SURE THAT IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A Kindle TO GET THE FREE Kindle READING APP! MY Kindle WAS SMASHED A WHILE AGO SO I GOT A CHEAP TABLET THAT I INSTALLED THE FREE KINDLE APP ONTO AND IT WORKS AWESOME. THE FREE READING APP WORKS GREAT ON THE COMPUTER ALSO.

BOOK #1: Off The Grid 101: Outstanding Lessons for Living Off the Grid and Protecting Your Loved Ones

Off the Grid 101: Outstanding Lessons for Living Off the Grid and Protecting your Loved Ones gives practical advice for identifying how our information is accessed and used both online and offline and how we can take steps to be less visible to scammers, fraudsters and marketers.

This eBook covers reducing visibility and protecting yourself in the following areas:

• Offline
• Your Computer
• Browsing
• Your Online Presence
• Spam
• Phones

Read on for key advice on how to free yourself from many of the pressures and concerns of the digital world. A must-have guide for anyone who has had enough of being on the grid.

BOOK #2: EMP Survival: 10 Dangerous Places You Should Avoid When An EMP Starts

This guidebook is going to present you with the top 10 places you should not be when an EMP attack occurs. Since the country will be off the grid, it is basically not safe to be anywhere that would rely on electricity or has a circuit because they are not going to be working any more. Take for example the first place on our list; being in an airplane. When this attack occurs, you will be stuck in a falling plane with no way to get out; if you are lucky, the pilot might be able to successfully make an emergency landing, but you probably will not be that lucky.

BOOK #3: Off Grid Living: 15 Amazing Lessons on the Advantages That Living Off the Grid in a Community Brings

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go back to a simple way of living where you live off the land? Our ancestors all did it, so why shouldn’t we? One way of accomplishing this is by living off the grid, but many people don’t understand what that actually means, or how to go about it.

Being able to supply your own source of electricity and water supply is one of the biggest steps, and removes those nasty little utility bill surprises each month. Imagine never having to pay one of those again! The financial freedom is tremendous!

No more utility bills, no more relying on the national power grid, no more paying high prices for vegetables in the stores. These are just a few of the many benefits that can be gained by going off the grid. But where do you start? The answer to this question and many more can be found within this book.

Included topics in this book are:

• Types of energy sources
• Growing your own food
• Relieving stress
• Health benefits
• How to find and utilize water
• Family time
• Enhanced creativity

Prepper: Bug Out Bag Basics: Create Your Apocalypse Survival Bug Out Bag for Urban Survival

Prepper: Bug Out Bag Basics: Create Your Apocalypse Survival Bug Out Bag for Urban Survival (Prepper & Survivalist Book 1) was a free book for the kindle when this post was written.

 Disaster happens.

It has happened before and it'll happen again. You need to be prepared.

A tornado hits. Floods sweep the country. A deadly virus is released into the population. A nuclear bomb explodes. The zombie apocalypse finally arrives. Are you ready?

In Prepper: But Out Bag Basics, Jack Gunnar gives readers a step-by-step guide to preparing for any major disaster. A bug out bag contains an important set of supplies which will help anyone to survive the evacuation and first few days after disaster strikes.

Beginning with the preparation, this book ensures that the reader starts out on their adventurous journey with all the right foundations. Moving on to the supplies that every bug out bag should contain, this guide has impressive, comprehensive and reliable advice for both budding beginners and experienced survivalists.

Perhaps one of the most unique and helpful aspects of this book is the chapter dedicated to life beyond the bug out bag, which offers tips and advice for surviving long-term in a post-apocalyptic scenario.

This easy-to-read book is the perfect accompaniment for anyone who likes to be prepared, for anyone who wants to prepare for the end of the world, or for outdoors types who want to challenge themselves to something different.

In Prepper: Bugout Basics Basics you will learn:

• The different types of bug out bags and how they're used
• Essential items for your bug out bag and how to procure them
• How to build a bug out bag for long term survival
• How to maximize your bug out bag for wilderness living
• Living out of and then beyond your bug out bag
• ...and more

You need to be prepared for any scenario - that's the job of a prepper. Are you prepared?

Food Storage Recipe - Lentil & Sausage Stew

YUMMY! I cooked this up yesterday and it was so good that there was nothing left at the end of the day. The pot was empty!

NEED:

2 tablespoons of olive oil

half a pound of italian sausage - you could try spicy here too.

2 medium carrots, peeled and chopped

1 small onion , chopped

a couple of cloves of garlic

salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons of tomato paste

3 cups of chicken broth

3 cups of water

1 cup of brown lentils

Heat the olive oil in a pan and add the sausage, carrots, onion, and garlic. Season it with salt and pepper. Fry it up , breaking it up as you fry it. Break it up into tiny pieces.

When the meat is no longer pink , stir in the tomato paste. Cook this while stirring.

Add the chicken broth, water, and the lentils. Bring it to a boil. Turn down the heat to a simmer and cover.

Cook until everything is tender. About an 30 minutes to an hour.

The Mug That Won't Fall Over!

I received this in the mail a few days ago and right away my son tried it out. He was freaking out because he was actually hitting it and it would not go over!! It is the The Mighty Mug. The reason I do not have a photo of the actual mug is because my husband came home and he snagged it! He is a truck driver and has had so-called mugs that have flat bases on them to "keep them from falling over" and they do! Spilling his coffee. But, this he actually said works. The smartgrip technology it has is something else. The crazy thing is that the mug moves easily when you pick it up and such, but it will literally NOT FALL OVER!

My husband was in Georgia last week and had someone pull out in front of him and he had to pull on the jake brake. Everything went flying in his truck , ending up on the floor, but he noticed that the only thing left still in place was that mug! It is crazy how it works. When my son first opened it and we were looking at it, we were actually telling each other that there is no way that will stay up. But, we soon found out that it does what it says. It will not fall over.  The Mighty Mug is something amazing and would make a great gift for the person who has everything.

How To Defend Your Home Against Looters When The SHTF

It's not just the people who watch "Doomsday Preppers" who are concerned that the time is coming when we will have civil unrest in our country. More and more people see the handwriting on the wall with our unmanageable national debt and entitlement society and want to be prepared for anything that may come. The term "SHTF" (Sewage Hits The Fan) has become a much more popular term in this country for good reason.

Since our home is our castle, it is natural to want to feel safe in it. Unlike in most other countries, where every home has a wall around it and is more secure from burglars, our homes in the United States are not very secure. When the police are either overwhelmed or outgunned during a time of civil unrest, having an alarm system will be little consolation.

Let's look at 3 ways you can make your home more "hardened" as a potential target for rioters or looters or burglars who lose all worry that the police are coming to help you.

1) Make It Look Uninviting

The best way to defend against the "zombie hordes" attacking your home is to encourage them to move on and never even get up close. This is done with some easy steps that provide a great deterrent, without having a moat stocked with alligators around the house.
Having a decorative wrought iron storm door is a great way to make the bad guys choose another house, because it is clearly tougher to break down. You can also plant rose bushes under every one of your windows to make burglars decide that crawling through thorns is not the best way to enter your house.

2) Make It Stronger

In addition to making your house look like a "hard target" you also want to make it much stronger. In the majority of home invasions, the burglar comes right through the front door. If your wrought iron storm door has a lock that is pickable, then you have a problem.
On the other hand, if you can't afford a new storm door, you can make your front door almost impenetrable when you are home by purchasing and installing a "Door Club" for under $50.
If you want to secure your windows, you can obtain a film to have all of your windows coated that makes them shatterproof. Depending upon how much you are willing to spend, the film could make your windows so hard to break that a man with a baseball bat would practically wear himself out before the film-coated window gave out.

3) Don't Advertise For Burglars

The worst thing you can do is have NRA bumper stickers on your car and stickers on your front door advertising how readily you will shoot a home invader. While that may be a comfort to you, telling the world that you aren't afraid, all it really does is tell the bad guys where the guns are.
If the bad guys know that you have guns, it may well deter them from coming when you are home. However, it can also encourage them to stake out your house and pay a visit when you're not home.
Have a 5 ton gun safe that they bad guys could never open? No problem. All they have to do is let themselves into your house and wait for you or a loved one to come home and surprise them. The most rugged gun safe in the world can be opened very easily if they put a knife or gun to your wife's throat and ask YOU to open it for them.

The key to staying safe in your home when the SHTF is a multi-faceted approach. Keep your mouth shut and don't advertise to become a victim, make your house less of an easy target, and harden your doors and windows.

By the way, do you want to discover the 5 things you should always have in your car? If so, download my free MP3 HERE.
And to learn all about a simple way to start stockpiling food, you can click HERE.

EMP SURVIVAL 30+ UsefuL Tips to Survive The Electromagnetic Pulse

EMP SURVIVAL 30+ UsefuL Tips to Survive The Electromagnetic Pulse. Learn Them All, Save Your Electronic Devices, And Be Prepared For Anything!: ( How ... Novels, How to survive anything) (Volume 1) was a free kindle book at the time of this posting.


EMP SURVIVAL
30+ UsefuL Tips to Survive The Electromagnetic Pulse. Learn Them All, Save Your Electronic Devices, And Be Prepared For Anything!

If you have become aware of the possible occurrence of an electromagnetic pulse (EMP) and it’s devastating consequences to our planet, you are already ahead of many others. Educating and preparing yourself for an EMP event could be one of the best things you’ll ever do for yourself and your loved ones.


The topic of EMP is often misunderstood. It can be difficult to sort out the true from the false information on this topic.


While it may be understand theoretically that an EMP’s aftermath could create catastrophic events, we can only guess the details relating to the cause and effects. This silent shock wave followed by a surge, and an intense burst of electromagnetic energy caused by a rapid acceleration of charged particles could eliminate the entire power grid, wiping out electronic devises everywhere.


While this topic can be anxiety provoking, if you were to see things objectively, facing fear is the best way to overcome it. With knowledge comes power to overcome adversity.


This book is not designed to to promote conspiracy theories about politics and government, to glamorize doomsday scenarios, or get you to buy into some quack theories or products. Firstly, we will give some basic understanding and background of EMP followed by 30 + practical and useful tips to empower you and your loved ones so that you will be feel prepared to do your part if we are ever faced with such an event.

Be Prepared for Your Camping Trip With the Right Outdoor Equipment

Portable Heater

When you are planning your next camping trip, make sure you have the right outdoor equipment to make it a fun experience. With a little preparation, you can enjoy the beauty and simplicity of nature without sacrificing comfort and security.

Following are some key pieces of outdoor equipment you won't want to be without:

Tent

The kind of tent you choose should depend on where you are camping, how long you'll be camping, and how many people will be in the tent. Some of the instant, easy-to-assembly tents are fine for a couple of days in a state park. They come as small as 2-person and go up to 8 or 10-person sizes. If you want a more durable solution, look at the tents that are made specifically for camping trips. They are usually more durable and made with a sturdier fabric and frame. They are made to perform better under stormy conditions.

There are also tents that attach to a truck bed, and ones with front or back canopies for added shelter. If your tent doesn't have one of these, you may want to consider a separate canopy for eating or just as an additional shelter on your campsite.

Bedding

Cots - Maybe you would rather not sleep directly on the ground. If there is a chance of wet weather or you're camping in a rocky area, you may need a cot just to get a good night's sleep. They are easy to fold up and put away, so you just need to make sure they fit inside your tent when they're flat and opened up.

Air mattresses - If you want to sleep on an air mattress, make sure it is not made of a material that is easily punctured. They are available in single or double sizes, and they come in varying heights. Just be sure your tent capacity will allow for the air mattress you have in mind.

Sleeping Bags - You can find a sleeping bag in just about any size, shape, or material. If you're going to be in very cold conditions, you want to look for ones that are insulated and made for extreme temperatures.

Eating

Portable grills - If you're going to be camping for several days, you may want a small portable propane grill to do some cooking. If you don't want the hassle of a big grill, you can also purchase portable camp grills or stoves that work well on a campfire.

Cookware - Regardless of what you'll cook, you will likely need pots, pans, kettles and other equipment to cook the food in. Also, make sure you have the plates, cups, and utensils needed for the meals.

Coolers - Even if it's cold outside, a cooler is a good idea for item storage. This is a reliable way to protect your food from the elements and animals. Make sure it can be secured and is large enough to store all you need for the trip.

Hiking

Shoes/Boots - More than likely, regular athletic shoes won't be enough for hills and rugged terrain. Invest in some good hiking shoes or boots that are made for the conditions.

Backpacks - Besides transporting items to the camping site, you'll want a good backpack to take with you when you are exploring the area.

Lighting

Everyone on your trip should have access to a flashlight. In addition, you may want some additional portable lighting for the general campsite needs.

You may need other outdoor equipment specific to your trip, such as a portable heater for extremely cold areas or chairs for everyone. Take the time to ask questions about the campsite and weather conditions for your trip so you can make sure you have the things you need for a great experience.

When looking for quality outdoor equipment, Portage, MI residents visit Lee's Adventure Sports. Browse our selection at http://www.leesadventuresports.com.

Food Storage Recipe - Crockpot Brown Beans

Pinto beans are the most common bean in the USA and are often eaten whole or refried which makes them a great filling for burritos. Eating beans is a good source of fiber and protein and doesn't contain fat, sodium, or cholesterol. A half of a cup of beans is about 120 calories. They are filling and a great alternative to eating meat.

Dry beans will keep indefinitely as long as you store them in a cool dry place. The longer you keep them their nutritive value and flavor will decrease over time. It takes a long time to cook beans, and you should soak the beans first to shorten the cooking time.



NEED:

1 lb bag of pinto beans

6 cups chicken broth (water)

1 ham hock

1 onion

4 garlic cloves

Salt and pepper to taste

Beans out of a bag need sorting through for rocks or other debris that could come up. Basically, you look through the beans and pick out anything that doesn't look like a bean. Then you wash them well. If you want them to cook fast, presoak them first. I cook my beans in a Crockpot, so I never use the presoak method. Once sorted and cleaned I put in 6 cups of water or chicken broth in the Crockpot. Put in the beans then cut up the onion and mince the garlic and add to the Crockpot. Add in the ham hock or whatever meat you season the beans with. I sometimes use smoked turkey as a healthier alternative. Season the beans with salt and pepper. I let the beans cook several hours on low inside the Crockpot; about 4 to 6 hours since I like the meat to fall apart. While the beans are cooking, you can make some hot buttered cornbread to serve alongside the beans. The great thing about Crockpot's is you don't have to constantly watch your food. You add the ingredients and go watch TV, read or write a book. When the beans are ready grab a bowl full and enjoy the warm cornbread.

Food Storage Recipe - Cereal Candy

This is something to make to take to holiday parties. Everyone loves it and it goes super fast , so make a lot of it.

NEED:

1 cup of sugar

1 cup of Karo light corn syrup

1 1/2 cup of peanut butter

2 tablespoons of pure vanilla extract

9 cups of corn cereal squares (corn chex)

Line a cookie sheet with wax paper and set it aside.

In a large cooking pot or dutch oven combine sugar and corn syrup.

Bring it to a boil.

Remove from heat and add the peanut butter and vanilla.

Stir in the cereal.

Drop by teaspoonfuls onto the cookie sheet.

Let it set up.

Enjoy.