Saturday, May 18, 2013
He's BTDT (Been There, Done That)
In a recent article on the Natural News website a Bosnian tells about his experiences and gives some tips on what items to have. It is definitely worth the read as there is some good advice given.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Monday, March 25, 2013
Friday, March 22, 2013
Don't Forget the Tactical Peeps! ;-)
As Easter approaches, I felt it would be a good idea to remind fellow Preppers to get some "Tactical Peeps". ;-)
via TacticalGear
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Yes, we have no Bananas....
That was a line from a depression era song. Fortunately that's not a problem today! Over on The Ready Store Blog, they have a post about "10 Helpful Uses For Bananas". They also put their freeze dried bananas on the "Daily Deal" at 20% off! Check it out and order a can of banana slices for munching on while you surf the 'net! :-)
Friday, February 15, 2013
Five Dollar Friday
I've missed the last 2 Fridays because I have been so busy I didn't stop and look to see what could be had for a "Prepper Stash" on the cheap. Today I'm going to report on one product and tell you about another.
A while back I bought a 4-pack of toilet paper at The Dollar Tree for...you guessed it... $1! I finally got around to putting it in the bathroom for usage to see what I thought. Normally we buy Charmin Ultra-Strong. That seems to be the best, at least in this household's opinion. The Dollar Tree paper was noticeably stiff and thinner. Still it did it's job. The roll is smaller then the Charmin roll. Quite frankly, by catching the Charmin on sale I think the cost is equivalent or pretty close. So the Charmin will remain the choice for the stash.
Both Walgreen's and CVS have had AIM Tarter Control toothpaste for $1. I tried a tube of that and it seems fine. My normal brand is Aqua-Fresh, and I will probably stick with that but stock the Aim brand for the stash.
On a final note, The Ready Store has Bega Canned Processed Cheese on special today only. This is similar to Velveeta in texture and spreadability with a mild cheddar taste. A case or two is a good addition to any stash!
A while back I bought a 4-pack of toilet paper at The Dollar Tree for...you guessed it... $1! I finally got around to putting it in the bathroom for usage to see what I thought. Normally we buy Charmin Ultra-Strong. That seems to be the best, at least in this household's opinion. The Dollar Tree paper was noticeably stiff and thinner. Still it did it's job. The roll is smaller then the Charmin roll. Quite frankly, by catching the Charmin on sale I think the cost is equivalent or pretty close. So the Charmin will remain the choice for the stash.
Both Walgreen's and CVS have had AIM Tarter Control toothpaste for $1. I tried a tube of that and it seems fine. My normal brand is Aqua-Fresh, and I will probably stick with that but stock the Aim brand for the stash.
On a final note, The Ready Store has Bega Canned Processed Cheese on special today only. This is similar to Velveeta in texture and spreadability with a mild cheddar taste. A case or two is a good addition to any stash!
Wednesday, February 13, 2013
What Are You Prepping For?
In a post I wote on my "Random Thoughts" blog, I asked "What is a Prepper?" Now I'm going to ask, What are YOU prepping for? Natural disaster? Socio-economic collapse? The end of the world as we know it?
My prepping started when I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area. As you may have heard, that is considered "earthquake country". As with most places in the country, FEMA, State and Local Emergency Management Agencies all recommended a 3 day supply of food and water be kept in case of a large earthquake. Every time there was a major earthquake somewhere in the world, and definitely during "Earthquake Preparedness Month", the newspapers would roll out the stories of what could happen to the infrastructure.
In an article that was before the computer age, I recall reading that should a major earthquake collapse the water delivery system for the Bay Area, it would take 6 months to get minimal water service restored and 2 years to restore full water service. While stockpiling a 6 month supply was unrealistic, it sure showed a 3 day supply was woefully inadequate.
Other articles about the possibility of freeway overpass collapses (and recalling the collapse of the Cypress Structure during the Loma Preita Earthquake) pointed out that a decent food storage supply would also be a good idea. If the freeways are wrecked, food supplies to stores will be impacted, right?
Some items are problematic. Storing gasoline for example. I know there are ways to do it, I just don't have the place for it right now.
Now I live east of Sacramento, still in the Sacramento Valley, so an earthquake is less of a concern. But I am still prepping, given the current state of events I think that is a wise thing to do.
Coming up I plan to blog about things I've done to prep, things I do or am in the process of doing, and things I am thinking of doing.
So please consider following this blog by signing up for the RSS feed. I also invite your comments, suggestions and opinions.
Thanks!
My prepping started when I lived in the San Francisco Bay Area. As you may have heard, that is considered "earthquake country". As with most places in the country, FEMA, State and Local Emergency Management Agencies all recommended a 3 day supply of food and water be kept in case of a large earthquake. Every time there was a major earthquake somewhere in the world, and definitely during "Earthquake Preparedness Month", the newspapers would roll out the stories of what could happen to the infrastructure.
In an article that was before the computer age, I recall reading that should a major earthquake collapse the water delivery system for the Bay Area, it would take 6 months to get minimal water service restored and 2 years to restore full water service. While stockpiling a 6 month supply was unrealistic, it sure showed a 3 day supply was woefully inadequate.
Other articles about the possibility of freeway overpass collapses (and recalling the collapse of the Cypress Structure during the Loma Preita Earthquake) pointed out that a decent food storage supply would also be a good idea. If the freeways are wrecked, food supplies to stores will be impacted, right?
Some items are problematic. Storing gasoline for example. I know there are ways to do it, I just don't have the place for it right now.
Now I live east of Sacramento, still in the Sacramento Valley, so an earthquake is less of a concern. But I am still prepping, given the current state of events I think that is a wise thing to do.
Coming up I plan to blog about things I've done to prep, things I do or am in the process of doing, and things I am thinking of doing.
So please consider following this blog by signing up for the RSS feed. I also invite your comments, suggestions and opinions.
Thanks!
Monday, February 11, 2013
Storing Coffee and Other Tidbits
I have been thinking a lot about coffee storage lately. How is the best way to do it? Vacuum sealed ground coffee? Whole green coffee beans, vacummed sealed and roasted as needed? Instant coffee?
Surfing around the internet, I found this thread on the subject. We drink about 2 to 3 pots of coffee a day, which translates into about 3 - 2# cans a month. What we used to call a 2 pound can now has 29 ounces, but I still refer to it as a 2 pound can. Just as I still call a 750ml bottle of liquor a pint while it actually only has 12 ounces. But I digress.
From the thread it appears both instant and regular ground coffee, kept in a cool place in their sealed containers, is the way to go. I'm going to start setting aside some of both, hopefully never to be needed but there if they are.
I found this on Amazon, it works out to $6.50 per pound which is a very good price. With 2 cans you get free shipping, so I'm going to be ordering a couple very soon!
Over on The Ready Store Blog today, there is a post with some good basic info about how to navigate using the Stars, Sun or the Moon.
Magpul, the maker of one of the most popular AR-15 magazines, the PMAG, along with other AR-15 accessories has posted an open letter to their customers and Colorado lawmakers. Full story here, via Guns Save Lives.
Surfing around the internet, I found this thread on the subject. We drink about 2 to 3 pots of coffee a day, which translates into about 3 - 2# cans a month. What we used to call a 2 pound can now has 29 ounces, but I still refer to it as a 2 pound can. Just as I still call a 750ml bottle of liquor a pint while it actually only has 12 ounces. But I digress.
From the thread it appears both instant and regular ground coffee, kept in a cool place in their sealed containers, is the way to go. I'm going to start setting aside some of both, hopefully never to be needed but there if they are.
I found this on Amazon, it works out to $6.50 per pound which is a very good price. With 2 cans you get free shipping, so I'm going to be ordering a couple very soon!
Over on The Ready Store Blog today, there is a post with some good basic info about how to navigate using the Stars, Sun or the Moon.
Magpul, the maker of one of the most popular AR-15 magazines, the PMAG, along with other AR-15 accessories has posted an open letter to their customers and Colorado lawmakers. Full story here, via Guns Save Lives.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Ever thought of Chickens?
If you've got chickens, or have been thinking about raising chickens, The Ready Store has a couple of blog posts you might find interesting.
First up is "The 10 Mistakes of Raising Chickens", a post with some good general info. Also they have "How To Make Your Own Chicken Coop", complete with printable instructions.
On a somewhat related note, they even have a post on "How Much Land Do You Need To Live For A Year?"
Check them out, you may find something interesting! :-)
First up is "The 10 Mistakes of Raising Chickens", a post with some good general info. Also they have "How To Make Your Own Chicken Coop", complete with printable instructions.
On a somewhat related note, they even have a post on "How Much Land Do You Need To Live For A Year?"
Check them out, you may find something interesting! :-)
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Shaving After The Zombie Apocalypse
Sundries are items that are often overlooked in prepper articles I've read. While shaving may not be a requirement, looking clean and good can make one feel better. One thing preppers are always looking at are space needed. To set aside a bunch of space for disposable razors just doesn't fit my idea of good use.
Time to go "old school."
Not as in a straight razor, but as in a double edge razor like our daddies used.
I've been using a double edge razor for a couple years now. I started with one, then switched to various disposables for the next 30+ years. It took a little bit to get used to using a double edged razor again, but it came back quickly. One of the good things was price. The best price I could find for my 3-blade disposables was about $1.25 each. Since I'd use 1 a week, that was about $65 a year. I paid $67 for my razor and 105 assorted blades. It also came with 5 blades, so I had 110 to try out. I use a blade a week, more or less, so that was a razor and 2 year supply of blades for the cost of 1 year's worth of disposables. Now it's just buying blades so a 2 year supply of blades will cost from $9 to $23 depending on brand. The good thing is a spare razor and a 2 year supply of blades uses about the same space as 2 - 8 packs of the disposables.
All of the blades above are stainless steel. The Derby blades are the lowest priced, and are of OK quality. The Shark blades are better quality and are one of my favorites. The Wilkinson Sword blades are probably the best quality.
What about Shaving Creme? I've also went "Old School" here, going back to shaving soap and a brush. Frankly, I like it better then the stuff that came out of the can. I bought an inexpensive set to start:
This set came with a bowl, brush and soap for $10. It all fits in a small (maybe 3"X6") box that doesn't take a lot of room in your storage box. Replacement soaps are $18 for a dozen.
Each bar lasts me about 3 months. Since I used to by shaving gel at $3 a can that would last 4 - 6 weeks, the soap is much less expensive. Why am I pointing out the cost saving? The more you save on shaving gear, the more you can use for other prepper items.
Storage:
To store a razor and blades put them in a zip lock baggie with an oxygen absorber and a silica packet (for moisture). Squeeze as much air out as possible, zip it closed and place it in another bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible, close and tape seal the outer bag.
The soap bars come in a plastic tub which seems to seal pretty well. These are designed so the soap doesn't dry out while in the store so I'm not sure how well they'd do for long term storage. I take the soap while still in the box, give it about 3 wraps of plastic wrap in one direction, turn it and give it another 3 in that direction. Tape seal.
Final Notes:
I have dry, sensitive skin. I have to be careful what products I use. The above products have given me no problems. Also, the graphics above are links to the product page on Amazon.com. If you decide to purchase these as a result of this post I'd appreciate to using those links. Thank you.
Time to go "old school."
Not as in a straight razor, but as in a double edge razor like our daddies used.
I've been using a double edge razor for a couple years now. I started with one, then switched to various disposables for the next 30+ years. It took a little bit to get used to using a double edged razor again, but it came back quickly. One of the good things was price. The best price I could find for my 3-blade disposables was about $1.25 each. Since I'd use 1 a week, that was about $65 a year. I paid $67 for my razor and 105 assorted blades. It also came with 5 blades, so I had 110 to try out. I use a blade a week, more or less, so that was a razor and 2 year supply of blades for the cost of 1 year's worth of disposables. Now it's just buying blades so a 2 year supply of blades will cost from $9 to $23 depending on brand. The good thing is a spare razor and a 2 year supply of blades uses about the same space as 2 - 8 packs of the disposables.
All of the blades above are stainless steel. The Derby blades are the lowest priced, and are of OK quality. The Shark blades are better quality and are one of my favorites. The Wilkinson Sword blades are probably the best quality.
What about Shaving Creme? I've also went "Old School" here, going back to shaving soap and a brush. Frankly, I like it better then the stuff that came out of the can. I bought an inexpensive set to start:
This set came with a bowl, brush and soap for $10. It all fits in a small (maybe 3"X6") box that doesn't take a lot of room in your storage box. Replacement soaps are $18 for a dozen.
Each bar lasts me about 3 months. Since I used to by shaving gel at $3 a can that would last 4 - 6 weeks, the soap is much less expensive. Why am I pointing out the cost saving? The more you save on shaving gear, the more you can use for other prepper items.
Storage:
To store a razor and blades put them in a zip lock baggie with an oxygen absorber and a silica packet (for moisture). Squeeze as much air out as possible, zip it closed and place it in another bag. Squeeze out as much air as possible, close and tape seal the outer bag.
The soap bars come in a plastic tub which seems to seal pretty well. These are designed so the soap doesn't dry out while in the store so I'm not sure how well they'd do for long term storage. I take the soap while still in the box, give it about 3 wraps of plastic wrap in one direction, turn it and give it another 3 in that direction. Tape seal.
Final Notes:
I have dry, sensitive skin. I have to be careful what products I use. The above products have given me no problems. Also, the graphics above are links to the product page on Amazon.com. If you decide to purchase these as a result of this post I'd appreciate to using those links. Thank you.
Friday, January 25, 2013
Five Dollar Friday
Today is going to be the first in what I hope is a continuing series of Friday posts about things you can get for your prepping that are inexpensive. I call it "Five Dollar Friday" because I usually limit myself to 5 or 10 dollars a week on these types of items. I have to limit myself or I'd spend a bunch and forget about some of the higher dollar items I'm saving towards!
Anyway, for today I found a 6oz can of chicken and one of turkey at Dollar Tree. I also picked up a box of red beans and rice and a 7oz packet of their "Breakfast Blend" coffee. After trying the coffee, it gets a thumbs down. A final item, which will actually push the total to $7, was found at Walgreens. It was a packet of 6 - 0.11oz tubes of super glue for $3. Super Glue is something that should be in every preppers bags, along with duct tape. :-)
There you have it, this weeks Five Dollar Friday finds.
Anyway, for today I found a 6oz can of chicken and one of turkey at Dollar Tree. I also picked up a box of red beans and rice and a 7oz packet of their "Breakfast Blend" coffee. After trying the coffee, it gets a thumbs down. A final item, which will actually push the total to $7, was found at Walgreens. It was a packet of 6 - 0.11oz tubes of super glue for $3. Super Glue is something that should be in every preppers bags, along with duct tape. :-)
There you have it, this weeks Five Dollar Friday finds.
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