Gift Ideas For Preppers, Off-Gridders, etc

It is getting to be that time of the year again. Wondering what we will buy for our family and friends. Here is a list that might help you if you have any survivalist, homesteaders, etc on your list of if you are one and want to help your family and friends become more prepared.
1 month food supply

 
Family Ebola Preparedness Kit

Dupont X-Large Yellow Tychem QC Chemical Protection Coveralls

Kindle You can get some great preparedness books for it and survivalist fiction.You can get a Suntactics sCharger-5 High Performance Solar Charger, Quickly Charges iPhone, iPad Mini, iPod Touch, Android Phones, Samsung, Nokia, eReaders, BlueTooth Speakers, and Many Other USB Devices Directly From Sunlight. Extremely Durable and Reliable. to be able to charge it in an off the grid experience.

Katadyn Pocket Water Microfilter

3-Day Lite Emergency KitI am getting one of these for my son to keep in the trunk of his car. I got him a Jump-N-Carry JNC300XL 900 Peak Amp Ultraportable 12V Jump Starter with Light for his birthday and he has already used it a few times to help friends.

Mr. Heater F215100 MH4B Little Buddy 3800-BTU Indoor-Safe Propane Heater



Complete Pillar Candle Making Kit: Learn how fast, easy & fun it is to make your own pillar candles. Perfect for beginners!This is a great idea for a teen or just for someone that you know would love to be able to make their own candles.

Mountain House Best Sellers KitThis is a great idea for getting someone you know started into food storage.

Emergency Survival Food Supply 275 Meal PackGreat idea also to get someone started in food storage.

Global Sun Oven® - World's Best Solar Oven

RoadPro RPSL-350 12V 1.5 Quart Slow Cooker

Wonderwash

Advanced Elements 5 Gallon Summer Shower / Solar Shower

Kaito Electronics, Inc. Portable Dynamo & Solar-Powered Radio and Cell Phone Charger

Solar 11-in-1 Battery Charger

Glo Brite L201 Galaxy Clear Glass Kerosene/Oil Lamp

FoodSaver V2222 Vacuum Food Sealer PLUS Starter Kit

Nesco/American Harvest FD-80 Square-Shaped Dehydrator

Motorola MR355R 35-Mile Range 22-Channel FRS/GMRS Two-Way Radio (Pair)

Gerber 31-000701 Bear Grylls Survival Series Ultimate Kit

Whistle Creek Survival Kit in a Sardine Can

There are some great survivalist type movies that you can get someone for a present also. The Walking Dead: Season One, The Walking Dead: The Complete Third Season, The Colony: Seasons 1 & 2
, and The Road are just a couple that are my favorites.



The Prepper's Pocket Guide: 101 Easy Things You Can Do to Ready Your Home for a Disaster Ultimate Family Preparedness Pak
120 Serving Breakfast Only @ $198 (120 Servings breakfast assortment. No entrees) - Order Now!

Homeschool Minute - Homemade Water & Landform Tiles

I had seen these water and landform tiles in a catalog and online, but just couldn't bring myself to pay as much as $$40.00 for the set. Like these Sandpaper Land and Water Form Cards. I thought about it for a week, thinking of ways to make some. First, I thought of going to hardware store and getting actual tiles and painting them etc. But, even that would cost too much for us. Thought some more. Was at Dollar Tree and it came to me...get some foam poster board, sandpaper, and poster paint.  Total cost was $5.00!!!!!

Frugal homeschooling!


I first cut the foam board into 10x10 squares getting 6 squares out of each foam board. I had printed some water and landform cards from pinterest, either Montessori Now or another one, and used that as idea of how to cut the sandpaper. Sandpaper being the land. Glued it on the tile, then painted the water with the blue paint. I left room at the bottom for writing what it is, like gulf, island, etc.


Great learning tool that didn't cost an arm and a leg. Little Man loves them. Has been looking, learning, and playing with them all day. Even got his small boats out to push them around in the "water".

DIY Water Filter

To ensure that you have clean water , that is free of sediments, vegetation, etc, you have to have a good water filter. You will still have to boil to kill the germs, bacteria, etc. This is great for if you have a stream close by or some other water supply.

You can make one very easily. You need 2 clay flower pots . You will be setting them one above the other one. In the bottom of the upper pot you want to place a large sponge. A clean new one. Stuff the sponge into the bottom tightly so that no water can get by it.  You will also put one in the bottom of the lower pot. But the bottom pot also has layers of other filtering material , 1 layer of smooth pebbles, coarse sand, and then a top layer of pounded charcoal about 4 inches thick. On top place one more layer of smooth pebbles. This prevents the charcoal from getting all stirred around from the water dripping down from the upper pot.

The upper pot should be the largest and if the lower one is strong it should be able to set on it just fine. You could add two strips of wood as support. Put the two pots on a stool with a hole drilled in the bottom that is lined up with the hole in the bottom pot so that the water can drip down into a clean jug for using the water. The sponge in the upper pot acts to stop the worst of the impurities and should be replaced frequently. Very frequently. The lower pot should be fine to only be replaced about once a year. Only a bit of attention , with changing sponge in top pot once or twice a month and this should last you and with little care.

Food Storage Recipe - Quick Pasta Sauce

Quick pasta sauce to make.

Need:

1 medium onion

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 can diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, & oregano

1 can tomato paste

1 cup water

Dice and cook onion in oil until tender. Add everything else listed and bring to a boil. Turn down heat and let simmer about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally. Serve over pasta.

Cooking with a Kerosene Lamp

 

This is something that surprisingly works great. 

Make a tripod to hang your small cooking pots from that is measured to where the pot is within about a half inch of the top of the lamp. This will ensure that the heat from the lit lamp will go right to the pot. You can easily make one out of wood - making 3 legs and a wooden center to put the hook on for hanging the pot. 

You can quickly boil water, make coffee, warm up canned food, etc. Great way to have warm food when you have no power. You can find these lamps at thrift stores and yard sales all of the time. Great investment. I think , right now, that I have 12 of them! I buy them when ever I see them. LOL I am a kerosene lamp hoarder and I am not embarrassed by it. You can never have enough.  

5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Energy Bites

 These 5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Energy Bites are the perfect healthy snack for when you need a boost of energy or a quick bite to eat. Packed with wholesome ingredients and delicious flavors, these bites are simple to make and even easier to enjoy!

NEED:

- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats 

- 1/2 cup peanut butter 

- 1/3 cup honey 

- 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips 

- 1/4 cup flaxseeds 

Directions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the rolled oats, peanut butter, honey, mini chocolate chips, and flaxseeds.

2. Mix Well: Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined. You may need to use your hands to ensure everything is evenly mixed. 

3. Form Balls: Roll the mixture into 1-inch balls using your hands. Place the balls on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 

4. Chill: Refrigerate the energy bites for at least 30 minutes to allow them to firm up. 

5. Serve: Enjoy these delicious and healthy peanut butter energy bites! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. 

Food Storage Recipe - Simple Sautéed Vegetables

 

Enjoy the fresh flavors of sautéed vegetables with this simple and delicious recipe! Perfect recipe for fresh vegetables out of your garden.

NEED:

2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced

1 small zucchini, sliced in half circles

1 small summer squash, sliced in half circles

1 large bell pepper, cut into medium pieces

1 tbsp. grapeseed oil or other kind like olive

½ tsp. oregano

½ tsp. garlic powder

½ tsp. paprika

⅓ tsp. salt or to taste

¼ tsp. pepper or to taste

1 tbsp. plant butter

2 tbsp. chopped dill or parsley

Instructions:

Heat the oil in a large, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the carrots and cook for about 3 minutes.

Add the zucchini, summer squash, bell peppers, oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well, reduce the heat to medium, and cook covered with a lid for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Turn off the heat and place the plant butter on top. Cover with a lid again and allow the butter to melt (wait for 1 minute).

Lastly, add the fresh herbs and stir everything well. Serve immediately.

Food Storage Recipe - Asian Beef & Noodles

 

Asian Beef & Noodles 

1 pound of ground beef 

2 cups water

2 packs of oriental flavored ramen noodles

2 cups of frozen stir fry vegetables mix

2 tablespoons thinly sliced green onions

In a large skillet brown the ground beef and then drain very well. Season the beef with one of the seasoning packs from the noodles.

In the same skillet, combine 2 cups of water, noodles (broken up), vegetables, and the remaining seasoning pack. Bring this to a boil and then reduce the heat. Cover this and let it simmer for a few minutes or until the noodles are done. 

Stir in the green onion before serving this.

 

Homemade Blueberry Fruit Rollups!

A neighbor gave me about 10 cups of blueberries Yesterday and I thanked them , then started to wonder what I would do with them. Luckily hubby is home on vacation , because he said to make some fruit leather with them. Something that we all would like and it would keep longer. Maybe. So I got them all cleaned up and put into the Blender. I used the recipe that I seen on Youtube by the TheRecipeDude. Very easy to do! I took the picture when I checked the Food Dehydrator after about 4 hours. I think that It will take about another 4 -5 hours. I have 2 fruit leather trays. Used 2 cups of blueberries per tray. I still have 6 cups of blueberries to make into leather. The first tray I made for this had some strawberries thrown into it. Wonder which tray will taste the best??

 

Emergency Preparedness Checklist

No one knows when disaster might strike or where they will be when an emergency situation happens. It could occur while you're at home, traveling in your car, at work, while on vacation, or while exploring the great outdoors. It could be something that lasts a few hours or a few days. To cope with any type of crisis situation, emergency preparedness is essential.
There are several key components of a comprehensive emergency preparedness plan. How well are you prepared? Below is a checklist that addresses emergency preparedness. See how prepared you are to face any type of catastrophe. Give yourself a point for every "Yes" answer.
1. When you go hiking, mountain climbing, boating, fishing, cross country skiing, canoeing, or take part in any other outdoor activity, do you have a survival kit in case you get lost, injured, or separated from the group?
2. Do you have an emergency preparedness plan so that all family members know where to go and how to get in touch in case a disaster occurs when everyone's away from home, such as at work and at school?
3. Do you have an emergency preparedness disaster supplies kit for your home? For your office? For your car?
4. Does your survival kit include the basics of a three-day supply per person of food and water; a battery powered radio; a flashlight; a first aid kit; an emergency blanket; matches in a waterproof container or a fire starter kit; hygiene and sanitation items; a rescue signal, such as a whistle; extra clothing; a manually operated can opener; extra batteries; copies of identification; cash and change; and other items that you and your family require on a daily basis, such as prescriptions, eye glasses and hearing aid batteries?
5. Do you maintain your disaster supplies kit by changing food and water supplies every six months; storing canned and packaged foods in a cool, dry place; replacing expired items; and updating the contents each year or as your family's needs change?
6. Are you aware of the risk level in your community for possible hazards or emergency situations? These can include floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and lighting, winter storms, earthquakes, extreme heat, volcanoes, landslides, fires, tsunamis, hazardous material leaks, nuclear power plant incidents, terrorism, explosions, chemical threats, biological threats and nuclear blasts.

7. Does your emergency preparedness plan include an evacuation route for you and your family in the event you have to leave your home, work, or school?
8. Do you know how to shut off utility services to your home, such as natural gas, the main water valve and electricity?
9. Have you established an emergency preparedness plan for your pets?
10. Are you prepared to shelter-in-place at home, work, school, or in between, and to seal off a room from outside air in the event of chemical or radiological contaminants?
While preparing for an emergency or natural disaster can be overwhelming, taking emergency preparedness steps will help you and your family better cope with a stressful situation. Emergency preparedness also ensures that you and your loved ones will all make it through the crisis situation just fine.

Survival-Gear.com has survival kits and gear suited to help you prepare for the unexpected. Their emergency preparedness packs are stocked with high quality survival items you can count on when you need it.

Food Storage Recipe - Cappuccino Crispies

 I woke up at 3 this morning and just could not go back to sleep. So, I am going to need all of the coffee and things made with coffee that I can get my hands on today!

Cappuccino Crispies

1 tablespoon instant coffee

1 tablespoon hot water

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 10 ounce package of marshmallows

5 cups of crisp rice cereal

vegetable cooking spray

Combine the first 3 ingredients and stir until the instant coffee is dissolved.

Put the marshmallows in a bowl and melt them in the microwave or melt them on the stove top. Remove from the heat stirring until smooth. Add the coffee mixture to the melted marshmallows and stir together. Working fast - add the crisp cereal and stir it until it is lightly coated. Press the mixture into a 13X9 pan that was coated with the vegetable cooking spray.  Let this cool completely and then cut into bars. Should get about 24.

Food Storage Recipe - Oatmeal Pancakes

My kids love these and I have had to make them 5 times out of the last 7 days for breakfast! They are yummy.

Oatmeal Pancakes

2 1/2 cups of milk

1/3 cup of vegetable oil

2 eggs

1 teaspoon salt

2 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

2 cups oatmeal

1 cup of whole wheat flour

Mix all of the ingredients up well. Makes sure they are really mixed together. You can use your blender here if would like.

Let this stand for a few minutes to thicken it up.

Cook up on a hot griddle and serve them hot with maple syrup.

 

4 Ways to Involve Your Kids in Food Storage

Starting up a collection of food for storing can be difficult when you are a mother during the summer. When the kids are home from school, your role tends to be more of an entertainer than food storage extraordinaire. Do not fear- there is a way to stay on track with your goals for this project without shipping your kids off to your parents’ for the summer. Here are a few ideas…

1. Age Appropriate Learning. Depending on what age your child is, think of what they are learning at the time, and use it to help you! If they are learning to read, have them read the recipe card for practice, and then run around the house and storage bringing you all the ingredients. If they are younger, have them dump the ingredients into the mixing bowl, or stack cans in the storage area. If you have older kids, have them write labels or get half of the list at the grocery store for you. You can also test them on their fractions or math when stacking things or doubling a recipe. (One hint that might help to motivate: Kids will do anything if you make it a race or game of some kind!)
2. Cooking Lessons. So much of food storage involves cooking. You’ve got to use the food the food every once in a while and cycle through it in order to get your money’s worth, and you’ve got to know how to cook with the emergency foods that you’re storing. So, instead of plopping the kids in front of the tv and having the kitchen to yourself, make it a family activity! Teaching kids how to find their way around the kitchen and make food early on is an excellent idea. It is a fun learning and memorizing activity for kids, and it makes it less work for you once they can make food on their own.
3. Gardening. Many food storage junkies also like to have their own garden that they can live off of in case of an emergency. This is a great idea for getting your hands on fresh produce when your town or state is in crisis. Your kids can help you out in the garden by weeding, planting, digging holes, watering, or fertilizing. Just give them a lesson on what to do and they will love feeling like an important helper. You can also teach them what ripe fruit or vegetables look like and have them help pick. Not only does this help you, but it is a valuable learning experience for kids to be outside with nature in a world where they are surrounded by technology all the time.
4. Pick their Brains. Many times I have been surprised by an idea that my child had that I would have never thought of. If you have limited space and money, food storage is all about creativity. Kids are in the prime state of life for being imaginative, so have them help you solve problems with your food storage. Teaching problem-solving skills young is important for their overall growth and it will also help you get more ideas for how to store your food. Show your son or daughter the pile of food you need to find a place for, and walk around the house together on a hunt for a new food storage spot. Older kids improve your original organization or build proxy shelves out of plywood and cans.

Whatever you do to get them involved, I can guarantee you and your kids will have a bonding experience and make a new memory. You can get more done this summer if you just set your mind to it! Click here for more tips on food storage.

Author Bio- Dirk Puckett has been in the emergency preparedness industry for more than 20 years and is a proud family man.

Food Storage Recipe - Quick Creamy Mushroom Soup!

This is what Little Man and I had for lunch yesterday! Yummy and fast!

Creamy Mushroom Soup

1 package of Ramen Noodles - it doesn't matter the flavor, you do not use the flavor packet.

1 can of condensed cream of mushroom soup

a handful of sliced mushrooms, I used my dehydrated ones this time and it turned out great.

salt and pepper 

Cook the Ramen Noodles as it says to on the package. drain.

Prepare the soup as directed and then add the noodles and mushrooms to it. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes. Salt and pepper this and eat! Just enough for the 2 of us.
 

Food Storage Recipe - Easy Vegetable Beef Soup

Easy Vegetable Beef Soup

Yummy soup to make and I serve mine with grilled cheese sandwiches.

4 (15 ounce) cans mixed  vegetables

  4 (16 ounce) cans diced tomatoes 

 1 onion, chopped 

 ground black pepper to taste 

 salt to taste 

 In a large soup pot, cook ground meat over medium heat until  browned. 

Drain grease from the pot.  

Add chopped onion, mixed vegetables, and diced tomatoes.

 Give it a stir.  

Reduce heat, and simmer for about 3 to 4 hours. 

Season to taste  with salt and pepper.

Food Storage Recipe - Super Easy Rocky Road Candy

Food Storage Recipe - Super Easy Rocky Road Candy. This would be a great one for kids to make.

NEED:

 3 (7 ounce) bars milk chocolate  with almonds candy (such as  Hershey's Milk Chocolate with Almonds) 

 1 cup miniature marshmallows  

Place the candy bars in a microwave safe bowl, and cook in the  microwave on Low until melted, approximately 5 minutes.

 Stir and  allow to cool enough to prevent the marshmallows from melting  when added to the chocolate. 

Once cool, stir in the marshmallows  and pour into a 8x8 inch baking dish. 

Refrigerate until firm, about 2  hours. 

Break into pieces to serve.

 

DIY Laundry Solutions: Off-Grid Washing Machine Tutorial - YouTube

 DIY Laundry Solutions: Off-Grid Washing Machine Tutorial - YouTube

 

This seems easy enough to make. Would be a great way to clean smaller items.

 

 

 

camping washing machine

Decorating garden bricks like books!

 

 

What a fun way to make your garden unique. 

Get your paint and bricks to create some of your favorite books out of bricks.

How to Paint Bricks to Look Like Books

Get you some acrylic paint and some stencils to get started. 

 

Food Storage Recipe - Lemon Sugar Cookies

 Great recipe for some yummy lemon sugar cookies. Great addition to a summer picnic or reunion. 

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature

1 ½ cups granulated sugar

3 tbsp lemon zest

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 large egg

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp baking soda

¼ tsp salt

¼ cup sugar (for rolling)

Directions:

Beat butter, sugar, and lemon zest with a mixer for 1-2 minutes.

Add lemon juice and egg, mix well.

Gradually add flour, baking soda, and salt, mix by hand until combined.

Refrigerate dough for 30-60 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Roll dough balls in sugar.

Bake on a lined sheet for 11-13 minutes.

Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes, then transfer to a rack.

Solar Powered AC

Solar powered air conditioners are a revolutionary technology that have the potential to reduce energy consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions. These systems harness the power of the sun with Solar Panels to generate electricity, which is then used to cool indoor spaces. By utilizing renewable energy, solar powered air conditioners offer a more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional air conditioning units.

One of the key benefits of solar powered air conditioners is their ability to reduce electricity costs for homeowners and businesses. By drawing energy from the sun, these systems help to lower the overall energy consumption of a building, resulting in significant savings on utility bills. Additionally, solar powered air conditioners can help to offset peak electricity demand during hot summer months, reducing strain on the grid and promoting energy efficiency.

In addition to cost savings, solar powered air conditioners also offer a range of environmental benefits. By reducing the reliance on fossil fuels for energy generation, these systems help to lower carbon emissions and combat climate change. Solar powered air conditioners are a clean and renewable energy source that can help to create a more sustainable future for our planet. As technology continues to improve and costs come down, the adoption of solar powered air conditioners is likely to increase, leading to a more energy-efficient and environmentally conscious society.

 

Food Storage Recipe - The Best Macaroni Salad

 Food Storage Recipe - The Best  Macaroni Salad

NEED:

 16 oz. elbow macaroni
½ red onion
1 green bell pepper
1 red bell pepper
¼ cup fresh parsley
1 carrot
¾ cup mayonnaise 

1 tbsp. spicy Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:
Cook Macaroni: Cook macaroni to al dente according to package directions. 

 Drain and rinse. Transfer to a large bowl and let cool.

Chop Vegetables: While the macaroni cooks and cools, chop red onion, bell peppers, and parsley. Dice the carrot and set aside.

Combine Ingredients: Add red onion, bell peppers, parsley, carrot, mayonnaise, mustard, and salt and pepper to the cooled macaroni. Mix well.

Chill and Serve: Refrigerate until cool. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Food Storage Recipe - Chili, Chips, and Cheese Casserole

Easy and quick recipe that uses items that should be in your food storage.

Chili, Chips, and Cheese Casserole

1 bag of corn chips. 

1 can of red beans, but the great thing about this is that you can use any style of canned beans. Use what you have on hand. 

1 jar of mild salsa

1 can of chili

1 package of shredded cheese

1 cup of sour cream

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

In a large bowl mix together most of the corn chips, the beans, chili, salsa, and half of the cheese. Mix it well and then add it to a lightly greased baking dish. Bake it for 20 minutes and then top with the sour cream , remaining cheese, and the remaining chips. Put back into the oven and bake for another 10 minutes. Serve immediately.