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

The First Priority-Physical Preparedness

physicalSeveral years ago my mother and brother got back from grocery shopping. The car was packed full of items to bring in. Back and forth and back and forth they went from the car to the kitchen bringing in all of their goods. When they were all finished, my mother plopped herself on the couch, committed to not move another muscle. In an intentional melodramatic voice she then asked my brother if he would be willing to carry her into her room so she could go to bed.  My brother responded, “Ok, Mom. But I’ll have to make two trips.” (Mom suddenly had a burst of energy as she chased my brother around the house in an attempt to give him a good swat.)

Have you ever had one of those moments in which you were so wiped out that you didn’t even want to get up to go to the bathroom?  

By Preparedness Pro, ago

Time Travel With Coupons

by Kellene

Today I’m going to share with you one of most powerful financial aspects of using coupons AND I’m also going to share with you a couponing tip that will make anyone who’s using coupons, ecstatic!

A couple of weeks ago I taught the first ever live broadcast of my Coupon Training Boot Camp (also known as “Enough and to Spare”).  We received great feedback from the attendees—some of who were even experienced couponers that simply got recharged. Frankly, I even got recharged as I was teaching one of the most powerful financial benefits of using coupons.  For those of you who are interested, you can now purchase my extended in-home program of Enough and to Spare)

By Preparedness Pro, ago

The Battle of Bottled Butter Continues

by Kellene

As crazy as it sound, I periodically engage in debates with another person or a cause privately in my mind. Ok. Yes, sometimes I do say things out loud just to see how they sound.  It’s how I formulate an articulate and sound argument on a particular issue.  I think I started it as a teenager when I plotted how I was going to rationally get away with pushing the envelope with my mother’s rules.  So, today, I am going to let you in on an argument that I’ve been having with myself and the imaginary USDA persons who believe that bottled butter is bad due to potential botulism poisoning.  I still hear so many of the concerns caused by the fictional USDA warnings about bottling butter. And I think it’s ridiculous—as is clearly noted in my previous article. So hear it goes folks…

By Preparedness Pro, ago

Jam or Syrup in a Jiffy

  • 1 cup of your favorite freeze -dried raspberries, strawberries or blueberries (mangoes, pineapple, etc.)
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 2 T.  UltraMaxigel
  • Water (about 1 cup+)

Blend all ingredients well with a high speed mixer or blender.  Add enough water to create the consistency you prefer. You may add more water for a syrup consistency as well.

By Preparedness Pro, ago

Rocket Stoves

by Kellene

Today’s article is brought to us by one of my favorites in the world of practical preparedness, Wendy Dewitt. I am posting her tutorial information on rocket stoves with her permission.

Admittedly, I haven’t jumped on the rocket stove band wagon primarily because I really do have plenty of options already. I have the butane stove that I use with my pressure cooker.  I have charcoals and a three-tiered Dutch oven cooking system.

By Preparedness Pro, ago

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