All About the Panic-Free Lifestyle of Self-Sufficient Living

Spicing Things Up

by Kellene

Last year I wrote an article that discussed some of my common “spice of life” staples.  I simply must have caraway seeds, nutmeg, chili paste, basil, oregano, garlic, and other like items on hand. If I don’t grow them myself, then I insist on buying them in bulk and preserving them in a mason jar with my Food saver jar attachment.  However, today I thought I’d share with you one of my sources which I utilize for buying spices in bulk.  It won’t do you any good to mention my name or anything. They undoubtedly don’t know me as well as they would recognize spice residue on their packaging floor. However, I know that I appreciate the peace of mind and savings that I get from them.

By Preparedness Pro, ago

Stranded Travelers

by Kellene

The news as of late does a great job reminding me why preparedness really does need to be an everyday focus. We’ve clearly seen that we can’t stop thinking about preparedness just because we are going on a vacation to Paris. Look at the consequences that so many are enduring all because of a volcano from across the ocean.  In reviewing the 10 Principles of Preparedness and comparing it to those who are stranded in airports or international cities, look at which aspects of Preparedness they are challenged with.

By Preparedness Pro, ago

Beware the Flake Factor

We’re filming some free instructional video footage today, so this one is going to be a brief. (But the good news is that when I’m done, I can let you all know how you can get your FREE video tutorial for my “Perfect Bread” recipe.)

This may be considered a touchy topic by some. But frankly, I believe it needs to be addressed in order for all of us who have a desire to make a greater impact on those that we love and care about—specifically in the aspect of Preparedness. Besides, is there anyone who’s been reading my blog for a while that’s surprised that I would take on a touchy topic? *grin*

Do you know what I mean when I say “flaky person”?

By Preparedness Pro, ago

Mexican Chicken Corn Chowder

This week’s Preparedness Pro In Your Kitchen recipe recreates a comforting soup that I’ve used and loved for a long time, adapts it to convenient shelf-stable foods, and also cuts down the fat dramatically—as I used to make it with whipping cream and half-and-half.  It’s a simple, comfortable and easy dish to serve for your family or even for special company.  Enjoy it with some crusty bread or some warm corn tortillas.

If you’ve got the fresh herbs or vegetables on hand, this is also great with about a cup of small, diced jicama and topped with some fresh cilantro.

By Preparedness Pro, ago

Curveballs—Life’s Reality Check

Earlier this week I was uncharacteristically mesmerized by a sports article.  Phil Mickelson, a highly accomplished professional golfer, was thrown a proverbial curve ball of bad luck just before he attempted to make a putt.  The green was clean and unhampered as he carefully connected with the golf ball, just before it was to head into the hole, a very small errant leaf blew onto the green landing directly in the balls path—causing just enough of a diversion that Mickelson missed an easy shot.  The pictures in the article tell the whole story.  Some call it a freak stroke of bad luck.  I call it Life’s Reality Check.

By Preparedness Pro, ago

Freeze-Dried Frugality

by Kellene

Freeze-Dried Raspberries copyright 2009 Preparedness ProIf you’re new to the Preparedness Pro site, allow me to remind you why I firmly believe that freeze-dried produce foods are ideal for everyday as well as for long-term menu planning—they are nutritious (sometimes even more so than the fresh produce you purchase); they are less expensive than fresh produce; they have a longer shelf-life than fresh, canned, or dehydrated produce; they are super clean (they have to be in order for the freeze-drying process to be accomplished properly); and they are so incredibly convenient—no cutting, dicing, slicing or cleaning necessary.  Having said all of this though,

By Preparedness Pro, ago

Medically Compromised-A Case for Medical Independence

by Kellene

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As I’ve shared previously, preparedness is primarily about independence from vulnerabilities.  After being on nearly a dozen medications regularly for years, I decided to take a closer look at my medical vulnerabilities as a whole in order that I might more fully understand what kind of a battle I’m engaged in—after all, bringing the most effective weapon to the battle is only possible if one knows their opponent well. After doing a great deal of research over the last year for the benefit of my own path towards medical independence, I’ve realized that I’ve essentially attempted to fight the battle with a lot of ammo and no firearm. While a mass of cartridge rounds may appear intimidating to most enemies, it’s downright laughable without the right tool to expend them.  Nowadays, it’s my belief that by educating ourselves on just how truly

By Preparedness Pro, ago

Preparedness Pro In Your Kitchen

Hey, it’s Friday! This means that the Preparedness Pro is going to adapt one of your favorite dishes and make it with shelf-stable items that you can use with or without electricity.

Today’s shelf-stable recipe is one of my husband’s favorite. It’s a mild twist on a Shepherds Pie recipe my mom used to make. However, Mom’s recipe took too much time and didn’t consist of items that I could just pull off of my shelf.  Whenever I make this for friends and family, they typically declare it as their favorite version.  Enjoy!

By Preparedness Pro, ago

Freeze-Dried Preferences

Ok folks. Today I’ve narrowed it down for you on what freeze-dried, shelf-stable and some dehydrated products that I can recommend with a clear conscience. This list will give you a little roadmap so that you don’t have to experience any costly palette snafus (I couldn’t resist saying that. Hee hee).  After I list my favorites, I’m also going to list a couple of brands that I absolutely loathe in order to steer you clear of them as well.

By Preparedness Pro, ago

Hard-Core Financial Preparedness—Part IV

Counter Commodity Security

To be completely forthright, I wanted to write this particular article first in this particular series. However, I knew that it wouldn’t have as much of an impact if the foundation hadn’t been laid out properly with the previous articles. So think of this article as the cymbal clash that follows your drum roll.

As I’ve shared with you previously, preparedness is not about being ready for an “end of the world” type of scenario.

By Preparedness Pro, ago