June 2014 | Prepared For Survival - Food Storage & Preparedness

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Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Keeping Important Paperwork Safe...

I was sent some really great items to review last week. The SlimMate Storage Clipboard really caught my eye when I opened the box because of its awesome bright pink and the fact that it is a storage clipboard. It has a closure on it that really holds tight and there is no way that it will come open. Perfect for keeping paperwork in so that it won't get lost or tore up. It has a Slim design that minimizes bulk and fits easily into a backpack, briefcase or other tight space yet offers plenty of storage. Perfect for someone who is mobile. You can use it as a desk with its smooth surface. My hubby grabbed this when he came home last night for his sleeping break. I was in shock because it is so bright pink, but he said that he didn't care about the color of it , that it was perfect for him to use in his truck for his logs and tickets.

I kept the Recycled Clipboard that I also got. It is smaller, but still has a strong clip to it. But don'[t let the memo size scare you off. It will securely hold up to 1/2 and inch of paper. I love that it is Assembled in Mississippi by Adults with Disabilities. Proudly made in the USA!I love the smaller size of this one, it fits perfectly in my handbag. When I was at the park with my son the other day, I had it out and was figuring out bills. I love it. a neat little take along clipboard for everyday use.

We have gotten a lot of use out of the Glue Stic and the Glue Style Pen that I was also sent. Being a homeschooling family we use a lot of glue and love these glue stics. The one is colored so my little man can see where it is and gets the stuff stuck onto the project where it needs to go. Very good idea to make it colored like that. The glue pen has a very precise tip to it that makes it very useful for smaller details. It goes where you want it to go and dries quickly. It has a ergonomic shape that fits perfectly in young hands. Washes easily with cold water. The quick 'n clean paper glue for school and home!

Shoplet is the place to go for all of your Office Supplies. Very good prices. They also have all of the Promotional Products that your business an use no matter how small or big it is. Office Stationary can be found here also. Anything that you can think of needing for your office, even Medical Supplies.

Perfect for a Get Home Bag

I received our 3rd one of these LifeStraw Personal Water Filter today!I am working on a Get Home Bag for hubby to keep in his big rig.

Having clean water is VERY important and will help him in trying to get home.

Will post later other items to have in a Get Home Bag! We should all have one in our vehicles. 

Food Storage Recipe - Campground Nachos

Get out your Cast Iron Skillet!

Easy recipe for on a grill or over campfire.

Need:

1 bag tortilla chips

Diced tomato

Shredded cheese 

optional jalapeno peppers

Salsa

In your Cast Iron Skillet start layering all Ingredients until all used. Cover with foil put over fire or grill and cook about 15 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Eat.

Saturday, June 21, 2014

Powdered Milk is Versatile and Frugal


There is beauty to cooking with and using powdered milk. It is far more than just a powdering substance that sits on the shelf for years at time waiting for some major catastrophe to be removed and used. So what is it about powered milk that is so great?
Powdered milk is a powder made from dried (dehydrated) milk solids. Due to its low moisture content, powdered milk has a far longer shelf life than its liquid counterpart and does require refrigeration. At one time people shunned at the thought of powdered milk but today more and more people are embracing the wonders of milk solids.
Using powdered milk is economically friendly being that is not only cheaper, but, as mentioned earlier, it last longer than liquid milk. It is also good for stockpiling in cases of emergency. Using powdered milk is also economical because in the event that you run out of liquid milk, you can just run over to your pantry, instead of the store, and grab that box of milk solids. Imagine what you save in gas.
As far as cooking with powdered milk, it is definitely something you want to consider. And don't limit yourself with what you can do with it.
You can use powder milk to make macaroni and cheese. Think about it if you buy boxed mac and cheese, they use dried cheese which is what? Dairy, just like powdered milk and with the right ingredients you can create your own recipe using milk solids instead of liquid milk.
Powdered milk is frequently used in baking; in recipes where adding liquid milk would render the product too thin to be used. It is also a common in wherever fresh milk is not a viable option. You can also use it to make your own fat free cream soup base. And I would be remiss if I did not mention that you can also make sweetened condense milk and even sour cream with this handy and useful powder.
If your kids are chocolate or flavored milk fans, then powdered milk is a great way to provide them with all the healthy benefits of liquid milk while saving a few dollars by utilizing the powdered version for drinks that required milk. You can also use powdered milk to whipping cream, yogurt and other dairy items.
If your mother used powdered milk and you remember a watered down version of your favorite creamy white drink, don't let it stop you from trying it again. The taste has gotten better over the years and you really can't beat the economical value of powdered milk.
The Hillbilly Housewife has quite a few powdered milk recipes you may find useful. While you are there be sure to sign up for the Hillbilly Housewife Newsletter.

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Camping Preparations 101 For Beginner's - A Starter Guide


Are you wanting to try your hand at hiking and camping? Does the sound of the great outdoors, the smell of fresh air, the smell and sound of a campfire under the stars sound appealing to you? Will this be your first camping trip? Well then maybe this article can be of some useful information.
First of all, one of the most important things to do before planning your camping or hiking trip is to let someone know at home or at work details of where you plan to camp or hike, how long you will be gone and any other details about your trip that you can leave that will be helpful in the event of an emergency or you fail to return when you said you would.
So now plan your trip. Where will you go? How do you learn about the area you plan to hike and camp into? Where can I get a map? Make sure you get a map for the area you plan to hike or camp in. Most U.S. Forestry Centers carry free maps of wilderness areas. You can also find maps online and at most outdoor stores. You will also want to check the weather of your camping location and plan accordingly.
So what will I need? What kind of equipment will you need?
Camping requires equipment, and the basic equipment is the same for seasoned experts or those just starting out. While there is plenty of high-quality camping equipment to make your stay outdoors a lot more comfortable, most of these items aren't necessary, especially for beginners. Choose good quality equipment, but don't blow your budget buying the most expensive gear. Remember that costly doesn't always mean top quality.
Here is some basic gear you'll need for your trip:
Tents: Decide how many people will be sleeping in one tent. You may want to have one tent for adults and one for children if you will be camping with the whole family. For a more comfortable arrangement, purchase a tent that will hold two more people than the number you expect to have sleeping inside. See my Article on camping tents for more information.
Sleeping Bags: Sleeping bags are graded for temperature and come in different shapes and sizes. Choose sleeping bags that are appropriate for the season and that have a comfortable size. See my Article on tents and sleeping bags for more information on these pieces of camping gear.
Cooking and meal equipment: A small, portable propane stove is very handy and makes mealtime as easy as if you were cooking in your own kitchen. You can also purchase a barbecue or find a stove that has both burners and grill. Choose washable dishes and utensils to be environmentally conscious. Don't forget two plastic bins for washing up!
Coolers and food storage: Choose coolers big enough to allow for blocks of ice. It's a good idea to have two separate coolers in different sizes as well, one for frozen foods and one for refrigerated foods. Select coolers with a snap-lock lid and handles. Purchase plastic bins to hold food that doesn't require refrigeration.
Luggage: The best luggage for camping is a cloth bag like as a hockey bag. Stiff-sided luggage doesn't hold as much clothing and takes up space.
Extras: Buy two tarps - one to use as a ground sheet underneath your tent and one to shelter the tent in the case of rain. Bring some rope for a makeshift clothesline. A nighttime lantern is always handy, especially for trips to the bathroom. You'll also need a basic survival kit, a cell phone, and a flashlight in case of emergencies. If you're going on a trip that lasts more than two nights and three days, bring biodegradable soap and shampoo.
When considering extra items to bring, try to think of functional items that fit your lifestyle like as sunscreen, bug spray, a pair of extra sandals, and a doormat for entry to your tent. Browse the aisles of the sporting goods section to determine what other items would be good to bring along.
Don't get caught up with gadgets and unnecessary items. They'll just take up space and probably won't be used more than once, if at all.
Clothing and Packing
Determine how many days you are going camping, determine how many sets of clothes you will need for that period, and then cut that number in half. Pack only the necessities, minimal lgear is key to a great camping trip experience. Hauling, packing, storing, and trying to fit everything in the car before you leave for your trip and when it's time to come home and unload it all is no fun at all. When you pack, fold each piece of clothing - and then roll it up. Rolled clothing takes up less space than stacked, folded clothing.
Food
Camping involves plenty of planning, and that goes for food planning too. Prepare your menu ahead of time, and have a menu for each meal that includes every item you'll need. The more detail you have on your menu, the better prepared you'll be to shop for exactly what you require, no more and no less.
Choose supper meals that you can prepare ahead of time and freeze, and freeze as much as you can in plastic bags to save space. The advantage of freezing food is that you will have "ice" ready for your cooler and not have to buy as many blocks of ice, and the food can safely defrost in the cooler. If it's frozen tight and you're planning on eating it that night, transfer the food from your frozen food cooler to the fresh produce cooler. Alternatively, thaw it out by placing the plastic bag in a bucket of cold water.
It's a good idea to prepare food you can freeze a couple of weeks ahead of time and the rest of the food the day before you leave. Remember, the more you can prepare at home, the less time you'll have to put into cooking while you camp.
There are tons of other camping tips for beginners, but most camping trips involve common sense, creativity, and keeping calm when things get stressful. Camping is experience you have to try at least once. If all goes well, you will probably want do to it year after year!
A camping trip can be a fun and educational vacation for the whole family. However, for that to be a reality, it's essential for every family member to be aware of some general and useful rules to follow. Camping tips can keep you from getting frustrated and will make the experience more fun for everyone, especially if you have smaller children. Here are some camping tips you need to consider before you leave:
1. Choose your tent wisely
When choosing a tent the most important things to keep in mind are size, weight and weather rating.
2. Consider pitch position.
When you pitch a Tent, one of the best tips to remember is to choose the location very wisely. If you can, try not to sleep on a slope. Think about where the sun comes up, and goes down. Think about some shelter in the day, it's often useful to have trees on one side of you to provide some natural protection from the heat, or any foraging animals that may decide your tent looks interesting enough to explore. If you plan to have an open fire, be sure that the flames won't reach any overhanging canopy of branches that could trigger a fire. Take note and follow any posted warning signs and look for animal tracks on the ground. Do not disrupt mother nature.
3. Read the instructions!
An obvious but often overlooked camping tip is to read the instructions to learn how to put your tent up before you even go off on your camping trip. If you have a new tent, which you haven't used yet, and are unfamiliar with how to put it up, it's a good idea to pitch the tent in your back yard for practice. When you do this see if each pole is marked and if not, take some masking tape and label each piece in a manner that it is foolproof. Mark pole 1 a-b, pole 2 b-c, pole 3 c-d and so on. Also if you return from your trip and your tent is wet, it is a good idea to set it up in the back yard and let it dry out before storing for your next trip.
5. Deal with your food needs appropriately.
You may not know the area you will be camping in very well and therefore not know what shops if any are in the local vicinity. If this is the case, try to take some basic food items with you, so that if you are unable to obtain any extra food, no one will go hungry. If you are planning on cooking all your own meals, make sure the gas cylinders are full, and you have packed everything you need to make meals from scratch. Don't forget the matches and remember to keep them dry! When you leave your campsite, make sure that all food is out of reach of wildlife. They will rip open boxes and climb trees to reach food if they really want it! It's a good idea to carry your food in a plastic container so that it will be kept safe, especially if you'll be camping in areas where there are larger animals, like bears. Keeping the food out of site (and smell) will prevent these dangerous creatures from being lured to your campsite. If you are camping in a location where there are bears it is imperative to use bear boxes. Bears can rip a car apart looking for food and can easily open a cooler and eat its contents if left out overnight.
6. Stay organized.
Be neat, tidy and organized inside of your tent and outside on the campgrounds. Although too much of a routine can be bothersome, having a few general rules is one of those camping tips which prove invaluable in the long term. Simple things such as not allowing dirty shoes inside the tent will not only make the camping trip a cleaner and more enjoyable experience, but also protect the tent's material making it last longer than it otherwise might. Assign everything a place inside the tent. Also have specific places where things that are often needed can be found so that you aren't fumbling in the dark and waking others looking for a flashlight or spending hours hunting for the matches.
7. Leave no trace.
Once your camping trip is at an end, make sure you tidy up after yourself, leaving no trace you were even there. If using a private or public campsite, this is essential, since people arriving will be arrive to use the same spot after you've left.
8. Prepare for next time.
You should be preparing for your next camping trip from the moment you end the current one. This means packing away all your equipment, including the Tents in a way that makes it easy and simple to start the next camping trip. Make sure the tent goes away dry (if it's raining as you pack up, air the tent out once you get home) and clean so that it's suitable to use without any fuss in future. As you pack away, make a note of any equipment you may need to buy, such as new pegs or a replacement gas bottle. Also make a note as to items that need to be repaired.
Camping Code of Ethics
While traveling to your favorite camping spot, stay on designated roads and trails. It is a good idea to follow best practices for negotiating terrain for your type of travel. Don't disturb the natural habitat by creating new routes or expanding on an existing trail. When you come to a stream, only cross at fords where the road or trail crosses the stream. When you come to a posted sign, comply with all the signs and barriers, they are there for a reason. It is always a good idea to go camping with two or three campers. Traveling solo can leave you vulnerable just in case you have an accident or breakdown. Always leave details with someone at home before leaving as to; where you are planning to go camping, how long you plan to be gone, and any other details that could be helpful in the event of an emergency or if you do not return when you planned. Respect the rights of others including private property owners and all recreational trail users, campers and others to allow them to enjoy their recreational activities undisturbed. Be considerate of others on the road, trail, or campground.
Keep noise to a minimum especially in the early morning and evening hours. Be considerate of other campers' privacy, keep your distance and avoid traveling through their campsites. Camping supplies in natural colors blend with natural surroundings and are less intrusive to other campers' experiences.
Leave gates as you find them.
If crossing private property, be sure to ask permission from the landowner. When driving yield to horses, hikers, and bikers.
Educate yourself by obtaining travel maps and regulations from public agencies, planning for your trip, taking recreation skills classes, and knowing how to use and operate your equipment safely.
Obtain a map of your destination and determine which areas are open to your type of travel. Make a realistic plan, and stick to it. Always tell someone of your travel plans. Contact the land manager for area restrictions, closures, and permit requirements. Check the weather forecast for your destination. Plan clothing, equipment, and supplies accordingly. Carry a compass or a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit and know how to use them. Prepare for the unexpected by packing emergency items. Avoid sensitive areas such as meadows, lake shores, wetlands and streams, unless on designated routes. This protects wildlife habitat and sensitive soils from damage.
Other sensitive habitats to avoid unless on designated routes include cryptobiotic soils of the desert, tundra, and seasonal nesting or breeding areas. Avoid disturbing historical, archaeological, and paleontological sites. Avoid "spooking" livestock and wildlife you encounter and keep your distance. Motorized and mechanized vehicles are not allowed in areas designated Wilderness. Do your part by leaving the area better than you found it, properly disposing of waste, minimizing the use of fire, avoiding the spread of invasive species, restoring degraded areas, and joining a local enthusiast organization. Pack out what you pack in.
Carry a trash bag and pick up litter left by others.
Repackage snacks and food in baggies. This reduces weight and amount of trash to carry out. Whenever possible, use existing campsites. Camp on durable surfaces and place tents on a non-vegetated area. Do not dig trenches around tents. Camp a least 200 feet from water, trails, and other campsites. For cooking, use a camp stove. They are always preferable to a campfire in terms of impact on the land. Observe all fire restrictions. If you must build a fire use existing fire rings, build a mound fire or use a fire pan. For campfires, use only fallen timber. Gather firewood well away from your camp. Do not cut standing trees. Let your fire burn down to a fine ash. Ensure your fire is completely extinguished. Do not wash in steams and lakes. Detergents, toothpaste and soap harm fish and other aquatic life. Wash 200 feet away from streams and lakes. Scatter gray water so it filters through the soil. In areas without toilets, use a portable latrine if possible and pack out your waste, otherwise it's necessary to bury your waste. Human waste should be disposed of in a shallow hole (6"-8" deep) at least 200 feet from water sources, campsites, or trails. Cover and disguise the hole with natural materials. It is recommended to pack out your toilet paper. High use areas may have other restrictions so check with a land manager.
Hopefully this was useful camping information. Enjoy the great outdoors and please leave it the great outdoors when you pack up and go home.
You can read more on camping and also visit my "Your Summer Ideas" site below.
[http://www.summerfunandtravel.com]

Sunday, June 15, 2014

My $30.00 a Week For Prepping...



 Hubby set the limit that I could spend on food prepping to $30.00 a week. So my purchase this week was Mountain House #10 Can Beef Stroganoff with Noodles (10 -1 cup servings). We have had the small pouches of this and liked it. Next week I want to get the beef stew.

What other ones should we try? Which ones do you like? 

I had also went to a yard sale and got some nice thick blankets for $2.00 each and a real nice flashlight for 50 cents. 

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Charcoal Grilling

Charcoal grilling can be a lot of fun and provide a host of tasty foods for a wide range of occasions, including major holidays. Unfortunately, each year many people are injured or become ill by not following the proper basics of charcoal grilling. Charcoal grilling need not be difficult, but there are a few basic steps that should be taken into consideration in order to ensure that food turns out tasty as well as safe to eat. In addition, there are some basics of charcoal grilling safety steps that should be considered in order to prevent accidents and injuries.

One of the first basic steps when you are grilling with charcoal is to make sure that you arrange the charcoal on the grill in a pyramid shape. The pyramid shape will allow air to flow properly, providing the ventilation that is critical for coals to burn properly. Simply spread the coals out will not provide good ventilation.

Another of the basic principles of charcoal grilling, which many people overlook, is that the coals should be started at least 20 minutes before starting to cook. Do not wait to start the coals at the same time as when you put the food on to start cooking.

Other important basics of charcoal grilling include making sure that you use lighter fluid to soak the coals. Use approximately half of a cup and then wait a minute or so for the lighter fluid to soak into the coals. Next, light the coals with a match.

NEVER, ever, use anything like gasoline or kerosene to start your charcoal fire. This can cause an explosion and result in serious injury. Every year, people who ignore this basic rule are seriously injured.

Be sure that you have a reliable meat thermometer nearby When you are grilling food. You should check the temperature of the meat as it cooks and never serve meat that is done under the minimum temperature guidelines for the type of meat that you are cooking. Eating meat that is not cooked well enough can lead to serious illness.

Keep in mind that an outdoor grill should only be used outside. You should never use an outdoor grill inside or any place where there is not proper ventilation. This can result in serious illness and injury and potentially lead to death.

When the proper steps for charcoal grilling are followed, the result can be delicious and moist food that will win rave reviews without running the risk of illness or injury.

Larry Roach is considered by many to have a lot of good advice regarding grill cooking. You can find more of his tips, including answers to questions about good grilling you may not even know you have, at http://www.grillcooking.info/grilling.

Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Mom's N Babe's Sewing Patterns & Cloth Diaper Store

Mom's N Babe's Sewing Patterns & Cloth Diaper Store 



Sewing patterns for every age and even for men and boys!



FREE SHIPPING!!



Also starting to add some cloth diapers and they also have free shipping.



Great way to save money. Sew your own clothes and use cloth diapers!

Living Off- The - Grid!!

FREE Off Grid Solar DVD

Here’s what we cover in this brand new DVD that is sold exclusively here:
  • How I set up my solar power system using this "simple little trick" for maximum efficiency
  • How we wired our affordable and easy-to-use solar panels, and how you can do this too...
  • We go over the inverter, the controller and the batteries and what they do to maximize your power output.
  • Our backup system in case the weather doesn’t cooperate!
  • Our affordable but powerful wind power system and how it works – it’s so simple you’ll laugh when you see it…
  • I go through every room of the house and show you our power efficiency tricks so that we need a small, easy-on-the-wallet power system!
  • I’ll show you how we use the sun to heat AND COOL our house for FREE
  • I’ll go through all the little tricks and tips you can do that can slash your power bill BEFORE you ever spend a dime on solar!
  • Why anyone can do this with a little bit of elbow grease and desire for independence.
And its all FREE in the Off Grid Solar DVD. FREE Off Grid Solar DVD

Monday, June 2, 2014

The Nerdy Survivalist

The Nerdy Survivalist: How to Protect and Care For Your Family in the Direst of Circumstances Was a free book for kindle when this post was written.
Preparing for the Zombie Apocalypse might not be your cup of tea,but preparing for natural disasters SHOULD be.
If you've been wondering how you could prepare for adisaster when you don't even feel like you can prepare for dinnertime, this is the book for you.
THE NERDY SURVIVALIST is a book for the rest of us.
You aren't going to learn how to build a fire with your mind or how to survive living off berries in the woods.
Instead, you're going to hear from a mom who's seen it all and lived through most of it,and you're going to discover what you need to know to make
surviving a reality.
Find out how you can start building a food storage even when you're on a budget, what steps you need to take BEFORE a disaster strikes, and what
mistakes you should avoid right before a storm in this book by Penelope Hoyt.





Affiliate Disclosure: I am grateful to be of service and bring you content free of charge. In order to do this, please note that when you click links and purchase items, in most (not all) cases I will receive a referral commission. Your support in purchasing through these links enables me to share more information and get closer to getting my family totally off-grid and on our own piece of land. This will let me share more and more information to allow , hopefully, for you to become more self-sufficient and able to become more prepared by reading my blog and purchasing items that I share with you that will help you. Thank you! :)