How reliant are you on the products and services of others? We rely so heavily on the system that if the system went away many would be lost and desperate. We all use electricity and buy our food from the supermarket but if there was a major power outage and the supermarkets closed would you be prepared with a cache of survival items? Have you been watching the economy and our government lately? Look at what is going on in other countries; we are not that far away from similar events.
Supply lines for food distribution in this country are about three days, meaning a dependence on "just in time" distribution systems, which will leave store shelves empty in the event of even the smallest crisis. If you don't have the ability to grow your own food long term, your life could be in danger. Start by planting a garden to grow your own food it can be fun and rewarding as well. Learn about home canning to increase your survival food storage bank. For a small investment you will end up saving over time as the jars are reusable and this will get you started in getting off of the food grid. Find seeds that are authentic strains which are NOT genetically modified in any way. When the going gets really tough you will only want this special type of seed which will produce not only outstanding nutritional plants but will allow you to plant the seeds from the plants you grow unlike sterile hybrids that will not reproduce. Start your survival seed bank now!
Electricity is a little harder problem to overcome the avenue that I have chosen to overcome this problem is solar panels. They are expensive so I add one at a time to the roof when I can afford a new one and hope to eventually get enough to stop my meter or run it backwards. If you Google solar panels you will find a wealth of information about how they work. I chose this method over generators as I will eventually run out of fuel, they are noisy and you have to run them outside alerting your neighbors or other prying ears you do not want. Wind energy is not an option for me in my suburban setting however you may want to look into that as well. The first unit I recommend is a portable unit that does not hook into your home. It has its own battery pack in a self contained unit with one or two panels outside that you can position. This way I can power the basement refrigerator getting it of the grid and keep the unit charged while it pays for itself.
By using these tips you gain some independence from these systems, and start saving money on electric and grocery bills. In this economy it will only benefit you and if there is a disaster or heaven forbid the economy collapses you will be better prepared with these family survival essentials. You can find more information about these survival products by going to my web page (link in author resource box).
With all of the severe weather events seemingly on the increase I have been stocking some canned goods for an emergency. Last year when the wind storm from the hurricane came through my house was without power for two weeks. After this I began looking for ways to better prepare for my family and found a lot of good advice and products. Unfortunately I cannot share them all in this short article however you may find more information in my web page Family Survival Essentials.
http://www.squidoo.com/Family_Survival_Essentials/
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Friday, May 28, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
The Practical Windowsill Herb Garden
When space is limited you can grow a few herbs in a windowsill herb garden. In pots or boxes that are placed in a window preferably facing south.
In cities all over the world where no garden is available you can see herbs grown in pots and other types of containers placed on the terraces, porches, balconies and windowsills to accommodate the household need for fresh herbs. There are a lot of herbs that can be grown in a windowsill herb garden that cannot be grown outside, and growing then indoors is a very good solution if you have that problem.
If you only grow in a few small pots on the windowsill you cannot expect to have enough to harvest and dry to use in winter, but if you choose to grow the evergreens you will be able to have them fresh almost all year. If you make the effort to find herbs of different varieties with more contrasting colors and choose containers with care, you can have a windowsill herb garden that is just as beautiful but obviously more useful than growing ordinary flowers.
Basil and Marjoram which can be frost sensitive are perfect examples of herbs to grow indoors in a windowsill herb garden.
Pick and prune every day to ensure fresh supply for cooking and also that they won't get too big. It is also recommended to shower them often if you face very dry climate, but don't be afraid to leave them for a few days as these culinary herbs typically are very tough plants.
When it comes to culinary herbs, a container that can hold 1/2 gallon of soil is a minimum, and if you consume more herbs and want to maximize yield, at least 1 gallon containers are to be used.
With bigger containers you can grow a lot more and if space is of concern this is often the best choice as you can actually grow multiple herbs in the same pot, it will carry more nutrients, can hold water longer, and it typically gives much bigger yield per square foot used compared to smaller containers.
By placing a suitable table by the window you can make your garden considerably bigger and it's also a good move if you don't have a windowsill in the desired window. If you can't find one that fits the purpose, you always have the option of having one made. And if you don't have a window that get a lot of sunshine, you can get growing lights to help those plants get the lighting they need. These are some ways you can get a lot more from your garden and will definitely be worth the effort to set it up, because it is no myth that fresh herbs is by far the best tasting and you will have just about an unlimited supply for your cooking, minor ailments or recreational use.
Mitchell L Williams is an herb garden enthusiast. For more great information on herb gardens, visit http://www.homegrown-herbs.com.
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In cities all over the world where no garden is available you can see herbs grown in pots and other types of containers placed on the terraces, porches, balconies and windowsills to accommodate the household need for fresh herbs. There are a lot of herbs that can be grown in a windowsill herb garden that cannot be grown outside, and growing then indoors is a very good solution if you have that problem.
If you only grow in a few small pots on the windowsill you cannot expect to have enough to harvest and dry to use in winter, but if you choose to grow the evergreens you will be able to have them fresh almost all year. If you make the effort to find herbs of different varieties with more contrasting colors and choose containers with care, you can have a windowsill herb garden that is just as beautiful but obviously more useful than growing ordinary flowers.
Basil and Marjoram which can be frost sensitive are perfect examples of herbs to grow indoors in a windowsill herb garden.
Pick and prune every day to ensure fresh supply for cooking and also that they won't get too big. It is also recommended to shower them often if you face very dry climate, but don't be afraid to leave them for a few days as these culinary herbs typically are very tough plants.
When it comes to culinary herbs, a container that can hold 1/2 gallon of soil is a minimum, and if you consume more herbs and want to maximize yield, at least 1 gallon containers are to be used.
With bigger containers you can grow a lot more and if space is of concern this is often the best choice as you can actually grow multiple herbs in the same pot, it will carry more nutrients, can hold water longer, and it typically gives much bigger yield per square foot used compared to smaller containers.
By placing a suitable table by the window you can make your garden considerably bigger and it's also a good move if you don't have a windowsill in the desired window. If you can't find one that fits the purpose, you always have the option of having one made. And if you don't have a window that get a lot of sunshine, you can get growing lights to help those plants get the lighting they need. These are some ways you can get a lot more from your garden and will definitely be worth the effort to set it up, because it is no myth that fresh herbs is by far the best tasting and you will have just about an unlimited supply for your cooking, minor ailments or recreational use.
Mitchell L Williams is an herb garden enthusiast. For more great information on herb gardens, visit http://www.homegrown-herbs.com.
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Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Fire Pit Cooking Tips
The crackling warmth of a campfire evokes a nostalgia which is longed-for in today's hectic world. But many people are discovering that it doesn't take a trek into the woods or a night of roughing it in order to enjoy the experience of a campfire. In fact, the experience of a campfire awaits just outside the backdoor. All it takes is the simple purchase of a fire pit.
These pits have surged in popularity over the last few years and now include all manner of color and design. They are well-suited for every yard, from the most rustic to the extravagantly luxurious. And fire pit devotees use their pits for far more than just aesthetic value. In fact, many owners have turned these pits into an extension of their kitchens. And these kitchen pit enthusiasts are cooking a delicious array of foods.
However, when cooking on a fire pit, keep in mind a few considerations. First, decide what type of fuel you prefer. You should be able to use either wood or charcoal with your firepit. And with the purchase of a grill accessory, you can turn your fire pit into a large grill. With such an accessory, you can grill a wide variety of meats and veggies over the surface of your fire pit.
Of course, the ever popular camp method of foil-cooking can be used with a home pit. Just throw some meat and veggies into a double layer of foil. Fold into a neat packet and crimp the edges securely. Then just lay your foil packet on top of the smoldering coals, and toss a few coals on top. In a quarter of an hour or so, your tasty, pit-cooked meal should be ready.
And sometimes, sticking to the basics is best. Adults and children alike crave the simple joy of roasting weenies and marshmallows over an open flame. So, scour your yard for some long sticks or simply uncoil some metal coat hangers, and have a go at pit-roasting. Don't forget the chocolate to make s'mores!
These cooking ideas are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the versatility that a fire pit offers a home cook. Besides tasty cuisine, your pit will provide you and your family with memories that will last long after the fire burns out.
Geoffrey F. Moore
Fire Pit
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These pits have surged in popularity over the last few years and now include all manner of color and design. They are well-suited for every yard, from the most rustic to the extravagantly luxurious. And fire pit devotees use their pits for far more than just aesthetic value. In fact, many owners have turned these pits into an extension of their kitchens. And these kitchen pit enthusiasts are cooking a delicious array of foods.
However, when cooking on a fire pit, keep in mind a few considerations. First, decide what type of fuel you prefer. You should be able to use either wood or charcoal with your firepit. And with the purchase of a grill accessory, you can turn your fire pit into a large grill. With such an accessory, you can grill a wide variety of meats and veggies over the surface of your fire pit.
Of course, the ever popular camp method of foil-cooking can be used with a home pit. Just throw some meat and veggies into a double layer of foil. Fold into a neat packet and crimp the edges securely. Then just lay your foil packet on top of the smoldering coals, and toss a few coals on top. In a quarter of an hour or so, your tasty, pit-cooked meal should be ready.
And sometimes, sticking to the basics is best. Adults and children alike crave the simple joy of roasting weenies and marshmallows over an open flame. So, scour your yard for some long sticks or simply uncoil some metal coat hangers, and have a go at pit-roasting. Don't forget the chocolate to make s'mores!
These cooking ideas are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the versatility that a fire pit offers a home cook. Besides tasty cuisine, your pit will provide you and your family with memories that will last long after the fire burns out.
Geoffrey F. Moore
Fire Pit
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Monday, March 15, 2010
Spring Fever
I really have spring fever and wish this cool weather would end and it would warm up!!I want to start my garden and get out of this house.
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Friday, March 12, 2010
Natural Insect Repellents
It is getting to be that time of year again. Here is a list of some natural repellents. If you have any other tips for insect repellents post in the comments form.
The best oil for repelling insects is Lavender. Variations can be Citronella and Virginian Cedarwood.
Or you could always resort to the very first herbal repellent, chewed TOBACCO!!
Dissolve 1/2 c. or more of baking soda in bath water to soothe skin irritations from sunburn, insect bites, poison ivy, and itchy rashes such as chicken pox or hives.
Make a paste with water and baking soda and rub insect bites to relieve itchiness.
As soon as possible after being bitten, moisten your skin and rub an aspirin tablet right over the bite. This helps control inflammation.
To prevent insect bites and actually repel them, take oral tablets of Thiamine Chloride. This B vitamin repels insects by being excreted through the skin.
To prevent bites, bathe in a very diluted solution of chlorine bleach before going out. Mix two capfuls of bleach in a tub of warm water. Soak in it for 15 minutes. This repellent should last several hours.
Certain bath oils, such as Alpha-Keri and Avon's Skin So Soft have a repellent effect as well.
Soothe insect bites by covering the area immediately with salt.
* * * * * * * * * *
Atlas Cedar repells insects.
Camphor White can be used as an insect repellent.
Cedarwood Virginia can be used in the wardrobe to repel moths.
Citronella is useful as an insect and cat repellent.
Clove could be an effective mosquito repellent.
Geranium repels insects.
Lavender repels insects.
Thyme can ward off rodents and get rid of fleas.
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The best oil for repelling insects is Lavender. Variations can be Citronella and Virginian Cedarwood.
Or you could always resort to the very first herbal repellent, chewed TOBACCO!!
Dissolve 1/2 c. or more of baking soda in bath water to soothe skin irritations from sunburn, insect bites, poison ivy, and itchy rashes such as chicken pox or hives.
Make a paste with water and baking soda and rub insect bites to relieve itchiness.
As soon as possible after being bitten, moisten your skin and rub an aspirin tablet right over the bite. This helps control inflammation.
To prevent insect bites and actually repel them, take oral tablets of Thiamine Chloride. This B vitamin repels insects by being excreted through the skin.
To prevent bites, bathe in a very diluted solution of chlorine bleach before going out. Mix two capfuls of bleach in a tub of warm water. Soak in it for 15 minutes. This repellent should last several hours.
Certain bath oils, such as Alpha-Keri and Avon's Skin So Soft have a repellent effect as well.
Soothe insect bites by covering the area immediately with salt.
* * * * * * * * * *
Atlas Cedar repells insects.
Camphor White can be used as an insect repellent.
Cedarwood Virginia can be used in the wardrobe to repel moths.
Citronella is useful as an insect and cat repellent.
Clove could be an effective mosquito repellent.
Geranium repels insects.
Lavender repels insects.
Thyme can ward off rodents and get rid of fleas.
Download our free toolbar
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