I am a big fan of Alton Brown on the food network. There is only one uni-tasker in his kitchen and that’s a fire extinguisher. That is how I approach preparing. Honey for example: anti-bacterial, medicinal, sweetener or can be used in sauces, or curing. Best of all it lasts forever or at least 3000 years. Salt: Seasoning, preservative, cleaner, weed killer and cuts down on shoveling snow.
Animals: Cats and dogs great multi-taskers. Dogs are great security alarms, great stress reducers, and entertaining. Cats are great hunters, very little of my garden has gone to squirrels or birds this year. Stress reducers as well. Chickens, rabbits, live stock, they provide you with a renewable resource and should be treated with respect.
Check your city codes; I can have only 3 chickens and no roosters. But Rabbits are not covered at all in the code so I can have as many as I can maintain. Also rabbit manure is not “HOT”. It can be placed on garden and planting beds immediately. If anyone needs some manure let me know. I have about 2 trash cans full I am giving away. Bring a container with you and you can get some free fertilizer. I also have 9 bunnies that are being weaned; colors are black, whites and sables. They are cross breeds I like that because they tend to be hardier than pure breeds.
Time for the sales:
Cash and Carry Expires 5 Dec. 09
Flour 50 pounds $11.00
Coffee Large can 34.5 Oz. $4.99
Bacon $ 9.95 10 Pounds
Rolled oats 25 pounds $ 11.78
From Marie: Thanks, J.S., for another great post! And blame me if you have to hurry to get the deals listed here--there was a delay in my posting it. You still have five days, though, if there is a Cash and Carry near you!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Thank you
Thank you to all the brave men and women who serve/have served in the armed forces and their families.
Happy Veteran's Day!
Monday, November 2, 2009
J.S. from Nampa: Prepping Starting Small
Preparing can be a little overwhelming to a lot of folks, but, you can start small.
For example:
3 day supply of all your needs. All you need is container to store the following items, and can be easily transported
Food: 3 meals a day for 3 days for each person. Something easy to prepare, cup o’soup, instant oatmeal, granola bars ect.
Water: 1 gallon per day per person. Now is great time to get water jugs because all that camping and hunting sales. If you drink soda buy it in the 2 or 3 litter bottles. Wash the bottles and fill with water, 4 liters equal just over a gallon. Don’t use plastic milk jugs, the plastic in them breaks down rather quickly. Remember this for food and sanitation.
Sanitation and health: all purpose Bleach can be used purify water, kills viruses, germs and bacteria on surfaces. Hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toilet paper, Comb, brush, toothbrush, bar of soap, toothpaste, feminine hygiene and/or diapers, garbage bags.
First aid Kit Disposable gloves and masks
Entertainment: Books, games, cards, dice, Radio with extra batteries.
Heat and light: Flashlight with extra batteries, Sterno has a little emergency kit for around $8.00 that includes a little stove, fuel for the stove and 7 candles. You will need small pan or mess kit for cooking.
Keep fuel tanks half full or more at all times.
Medications: Allergy, prescriptions, Pain killers, cough drops, indigestion, diarrhea…
Copies of insurance papers, driver’s license, Pictures of pets and family member in case of separation. Have an out of state contact number if possible. They will be a check in spot to let folks know you are ok.
Don’t forget your pet’s needs, leash, collars, food and water, dishes. Sanitation doggie training pads, a cat box and litter, most shelters will not allow pets, only service animals.
Warm clothing, emergency blankets, Extra undies and socks. T-shirts and sweats.
At least $20.00 in bills and change. Assume your ATM card and checks will be no good.
Remember the best survival kit is no use to you if it’s at home and you are in your car. You will have to duplicate your effort somewhat. But if you have the same things in your car as you do at home you have just doubled everything if caught at home.
Now you probably have a lot of these items already on hand. Once you have everything together in backpacks or a carry all, you will be ready for 3-6 days at home or you can put it in your vehicle in case you have to evacuate.
The thing is don’t get overwhelmed, start with 3 days, then a week, then a month, then 3 months.
This is just a basic setup to start with. Okay say to yourself I have 3 days worth. You may have a large initial investment if you have no camping type gear. But these are multi-taskers, they don’t spoil. You can always use them for other things such as camping, tailgate parties, and travel that sort of thing.
From Marie: Many thanks to J.S. for another great post on emergency preparedness!
For example:
3 day supply of all your needs. All you need is container to store the following items, and can be easily transported
Food: 3 meals a day for 3 days for each person. Something easy to prepare, cup o’soup, instant oatmeal, granola bars ect.
Water: 1 gallon per day per person. Now is great time to get water jugs because all that camping and hunting sales. If you drink soda buy it in the 2 or 3 litter bottles. Wash the bottles and fill with water, 4 liters equal just over a gallon. Don’t use plastic milk jugs, the plastic in them breaks down rather quickly. Remember this for food and sanitation.
Sanitation and health: all purpose Bleach can be used purify water, kills viruses, germs and bacteria on surfaces. Hand sanitizer, wet wipes, toilet paper, Comb, brush, toothbrush, bar of soap, toothpaste, feminine hygiene and/or diapers, garbage bags.
First aid Kit Disposable gloves and masks
Entertainment: Books, games, cards, dice, Radio with extra batteries.
Heat and light: Flashlight with extra batteries, Sterno has a little emergency kit for around $8.00 that includes a little stove, fuel for the stove and 7 candles. You will need small pan or mess kit for cooking.
Keep fuel tanks half full or more at all times.
Medications: Allergy, prescriptions, Pain killers, cough drops, indigestion, diarrhea…
Copies of insurance papers, driver’s license, Pictures of pets and family member in case of separation. Have an out of state contact number if possible. They will be a check in spot to let folks know you are ok.
Don’t forget your pet’s needs, leash, collars, food and water, dishes. Sanitation doggie training pads, a cat box and litter, most shelters will not allow pets, only service animals.
Warm clothing, emergency blankets, Extra undies and socks. T-shirts and sweats.
At least $20.00 in bills and change. Assume your ATM card and checks will be no good.
Remember the best survival kit is no use to you if it’s at home and you are in your car. You will have to duplicate your effort somewhat. But if you have the same things in your car as you do at home you have just doubled everything if caught at home.
Now you probably have a lot of these items already on hand. Once you have everything together in backpacks or a carry all, you will be ready for 3-6 days at home or you can put it in your vehicle in case you have to evacuate.
The thing is don’t get overwhelmed, start with 3 days, then a week, then a month, then 3 months.
This is just a basic setup to start with. Okay say to yourself I have 3 days worth. You may have a large initial investment if you have no camping type gear. But these are multi-taskers, they don’t spoil. You can always use them for other things such as camping, tailgate parties, and travel that sort of thing.
From Marie: Many thanks to J.S. for another great post on emergency preparedness!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Soup's on--sale!
Went to Wal-Mart last night to purchase, among other things, some soup. The shelves were about bare of any type of soup that we would usually eat, and the reason is:
Progresso soups are on sale for 2/$3
Campbell's Chunky soups are on sale 2/$3
I figured I would just have to ask when they were going to stock up again, but managed to get a couple of cans of chicken noodle soup (Chunky) because they were on display in the front of the store by the checkout. Then this morning, having forgotten something needed for this afternoon, I found myself in the vicinity of a different checkout line, and found 4 packs of Campbell's chicken noodle soup, at 2 packs/$4. I got several, because if I find that I can get soup for $.50/can I try to take advantage of it.
It may go beyond the price of the soup when it comes down to actually using it, as was recently pointed out in this post over at iPrepared. Also, canned soup is a lot less effort and requires a lot less energy in terms of heat to prepare, so it's good to have on hand if you have a shortage of either fuel or personal energy due to illness or other circumstances. But hey, if you can get it at a better price, you win in more ways than one....
In other food advertising news, thought I'd mention that at Albertson's this week they have Rice-A-Roni for 10/$10. I mention this one because of the Spam Fried Rice recipe over at Preparedness Pro that makes an oh-so-handy meal in terms of a 3 month supply option. I've already mentioned it on my other blog, but if you're looking for another easy meal for your rotation, you might want to check this one out.
Let's hope that everyone is preparing enough so that they'll always be able to say soup's on when we'd like to---emergency or not.
Progresso soups are on sale for 2/$3
Campbell's Chunky soups are on sale 2/$3
I figured I would just have to ask when they were going to stock up again, but managed to get a couple of cans of chicken noodle soup (Chunky) because they were on display in the front of the store by the checkout. Then this morning, having forgotten something needed for this afternoon, I found myself in the vicinity of a different checkout line, and found 4 packs of Campbell's chicken noodle soup, at 2 packs/$4. I got several, because if I find that I can get soup for $.50/can I try to take advantage of it.
It may go beyond the price of the soup when it comes down to actually using it, as was recently pointed out in this post over at iPrepared. Also, canned soup is a lot less effort and requires a lot less energy in terms of heat to prepare, so it's good to have on hand if you have a shortage of either fuel or personal energy due to illness or other circumstances. But hey, if you can get it at a better price, you win in more ways than one....
In other food advertising news, thought I'd mention that at Albertson's this week they have Rice-A-Roni for 10/$10. I mention this one because of the Spam Fried Rice recipe over at Preparedness Pro that makes an oh-so-handy meal in terms of a 3 month supply option. I've already mentioned it on my other blog, but if you're looking for another easy meal for your rotation, you might want to check this one out.
Let's hope that everyone is preparing enough so that they'll always be able to say soup's on when we'd like to---emergency or not.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Yet another way that we're all in this together...
Found this article on Idaho government a little while ago--it shows how dependent the financial system of the state is on personal income tax. People who have no jobs don't pay income tax, and the state, in turn, receives less money. Programs still have to be paid for, or cut. So for everyone that loses their job, everyone feels the effect somehow.
If we end up paying more-- for example, for school activities or the like--then that money has to come from somewhere. The more supplies we already have on hand in terms of food and/or other supplies could help by allowing us to put the money at our disposal towards these new expenses while eating our food storage, instead of our having to choose between the two.
That's just one example, and while I am certain other people could give better explanations/examples, I do know that anything we put aside today in terms of emergency preparedness supplies will help us later. Those fortunate enough to remain employed may be able to put available cash towards other expenses and even be able to help out others, while those who find themselves unemployed will be in a much better to position to feed themselves and/or their loved ones.
We're all in this together--please do what you can to increase your emergency preparedness supplies. One can at a time, one bottle of water at a time, one piece of knowledge at a time, it all matters. The key is to start. Or to keep going. And above all, to never give up. If you are in a hard situation right now, I hope your circumstances improve quickly. What affects one of us truly does affect us all.
If we end up paying more-- for example, for school activities or the like--then that money has to come from somewhere. The more supplies we already have on hand in terms of food and/or other supplies could help by allowing us to put the money at our disposal towards these new expenses while eating our food storage, instead of our having to choose between the two.
That's just one example, and while I am certain other people could give better explanations/examples, I do know that anything we put aside today in terms of emergency preparedness supplies will help us later. Those fortunate enough to remain employed may be able to put available cash towards other expenses and even be able to help out others, while those who find themselves unemployed will be in a much better to position to feed themselves and/or their loved ones.
We're all in this together--please do what you can to increase your emergency preparedness supplies. One can at a time, one bottle of water at a time, one piece of knowledge at a time, it all matters. The key is to start. Or to keep going. And above all, to never give up. If you are in a hard situation right now, I hope your circumstances improve quickly. What affects one of us truly does affect us all.
Monday, October 5, 2009
J.S. from Nampa: Prepping is a Mindset, Not About What You Have or Don't Have
Prepping is kind of like eating an elephant.
How do you eat an elephant? 1 bite at a time.
Everything needs a start point. I am not sure what drives you. Now maybe it’s I want to prep for whatever comes. Or it might be I’m not sure what I can afford power or food this winter. It maybe you live in Earthquake, tornado, hurricane, flood country. FEMA has been less than stellar in response. Winter is coming up, are you ready? Trust me guys all you have to depend on is yourselves, friends, family and neighbors.
FEMA and DHS have stated they will not be around to help, anywhere for 3 days to 2 weeks. Go to the FEMA or DHS websites, and check out what they are saying about their own “emergency response”.
So if you are depending on the US Government to help you. You will get mighty thirsty and hungry.
Go to the Google or ask how much help folks got in the Dakotas during flooding, or during the ice storm that cut across mid-Appalachia last winter. Power was not out for a day, but for weeks. Do you have water/food for 2 weeks? Trust me all stores will run out of everything in 3 days.
Now this is about preparing. Take care of yourself 1st then you can help others. You can’t get into a “Bunker Mentality” you have to be ready to help and be help by folks. Get to know them before any emergency.
You will save on your food budget. You will have peace of mind. You are ready.
Get ready boys and girls it will be a bumpy ride. But it can be fun as well.
Rethink your lifestyle:
1. I love nothing better than sending back those credit card offers I get in the mail and stuffing as much paper and weight as I can back in their pre-paid envelopes. Funny I don’t seem to receive very many offers from them anymore.
2. Do you know what is going on in the world? Its global economy, what happens in Russia or China or Saudi Arabia, Australia, Brazil or the US or any country will have an effect on the whole world. This isn’t about politics, it’s about the power of information.
3. Prioritize: Remember the rule of 3’s. 3 minutes without air, 3 days without water and 3 weeks without food.
I believe Food is a great investment. You will need it no matter what. Once you have your basics covered you may want to look at other options.
And courtesy of Kellene Bishop at Preparedness Pro:
HINT: Do you have meat that is freezer burned? Use a pressure cooker to cook it, will re-hydrate the meat and you won’t waste it.
From Marie: Thanks, J.S., for another great post!
How do you eat an elephant? 1 bite at a time.
Everything needs a start point. I am not sure what drives you. Now maybe it’s I want to prep for whatever comes. Or it might be I’m not sure what I can afford power or food this winter. It maybe you live in Earthquake, tornado, hurricane, flood country. FEMA has been less than stellar in response. Winter is coming up, are you ready? Trust me guys all you have to depend on is yourselves, friends, family and neighbors.
FEMA and DHS have stated they will not be around to help, anywhere for 3 days to 2 weeks. Go to the FEMA or DHS websites, and check out what they are saying about their own “emergency response”.
So if you are depending on the US Government to help you. You will get mighty thirsty and hungry.
Go to the Google or ask how much help folks got in the Dakotas during flooding, or during the ice storm that cut across mid-Appalachia last winter. Power was not out for a day, but for weeks. Do you have water/food for 2 weeks? Trust me all stores will run out of everything in 3 days.
Now this is about preparing. Take care of yourself 1st then you can help others. You can’t get into a “Bunker Mentality” you have to be ready to help and be help by folks. Get to know them before any emergency.
You will save on your food budget. You will have peace of mind. You are ready.
Get ready boys and girls it will be a bumpy ride. But it can be fun as well.
Rethink your lifestyle:
1. I love nothing better than sending back those credit card offers I get in the mail and stuffing as much paper and weight as I can back in their pre-paid envelopes. Funny I don’t seem to receive very many offers from them anymore.
2. Do you know what is going on in the world? Its global economy, what happens in Russia or China or Saudi Arabia, Australia, Brazil or the US or any country will have an effect on the whole world. This isn’t about politics, it’s about the power of information.
3. Prioritize: Remember the rule of 3’s. 3 minutes without air, 3 days without water and 3 weeks without food.
I believe Food is a great investment. You will need it no matter what. Once you have your basics covered you may want to look at other options.
And courtesy of Kellene Bishop at Preparedness Pro:
HINT: Do you have meat that is freezer burned? Use a pressure cooker to cook it, will re-hydrate the meat and you won’t waste it.
From Marie: Thanks, J.S., for another great post!
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