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.