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

Kicking Up the Dishes-What’s For Dinner Syndrome

by Kellene

We’ve got lots going on today and dinner is on my mind, so I’m just going to share a little tidbit with you today—not profound, or highly significant, but something to gnaw on nonetheless.

[caption id="attachment_4405" align="alignleft" width="240" caption="What's for dinner?"]dinner[/caption]

Yesterday was a very busy and draining day. I’m not ashamed to say that when it came time to cook dinner, I was not up to creating some gourmet, drool-worthy dish. I didn’t even want to go downstairs to my pantry to get some inspiration. Seriously, I didn’t want to even walk the 12 stair steps.  So I decided to forage right in my immediate cabinets to see what I could make do with for dinner.  Chicken in the refrigerator. Ok, so I just throw that into the pressure cooker with a couple cups of water, and presto–Dinner is served!

By Preparedness Pro, ago

Prepare to be Miserable? Food Preparedness

by Kellene

PreparednessA great deal of my articles attempt to be a conversation between myself and those who haven’t quite got on the preparedness bandwagon.  However, today I’d like to address those of you who have begun your preparedness efforts in earnest in hopes that I might add just a bit of redirection for you (If it’s necessary, of course).

I hope that those of you who are actually going through the time, effort, and expense to be more independent are not doing so only to find yourself miserable when the time comes to rely on your efforts.

By Preparedness Pro, ago

Food Part IV Nutrition Insurance

by Kellene

So, what do you do when you feel like your food supply isn’t nutritional enough, too expensive, too tenable, and at risk of being in short supply? You take matters into your own hands.

To me, this is a large reason why I make sure I have a long-lasting amount of food in my pantry at all times. My mind is more aware of these kinds of imminent interruptions and inconveniences to my food acquisition than it is with the possibility of a catastrophic earthquake, which is why I took so much time to present such a case for such everyday possibilities.  Fortunately, we still have a LARGE number of ways to ensure we still stay in control of our food quality and prices.

By Preparedness Pro, ago
Food

Food Part III: Nutritional Compromise

by Kellene

FoodIn the last two segments in this series on Food, I’ve attempted to address our vulnerable reliance on our world’s food supply. When there is a shortage, we pay for it dearly. When a great deal of products are reliant upon one particular crop, we give away much of our freedom as well.  When the core of our habits for feeding and enjoying are based on a particular product, we are also subjected to the price demands which come with such dependence.  I’m sure that many of you remember how difficult it was to adjust our monthly budgets to meet the drastic increase in fuel prices.  Not long after that shock, over 70% of all credit card holders had their minimum payments on their credit cards increase substantially.  Thus far I’ve addressed the availability and the cost of our foods due to our system at present and how our preparedness efforts can counteract such unpleasant realities.  Today, I believe I’m addressing an even more important aspect of food though—it’s compromised nutrition.

By Preparedness Pro, ago

Today’s Object Lesson

 

by Kellene

[caption id="attachment_4252" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Make sure you are getting enough Vitamin C"][/caption]

Well, folks. I guess I get to be today’s object lesson in taking care of yourself with what’s on the shelf, no transportation, and no medical assistance. I managed to get sick somehow, in spite of being extra mindful of germs and such. (Although I have had this same lady coming to all of my classes and she hacks a lung all during the class! Ugh)

By Preparedness Pro, ago

Food Part II—Some Kernels of Truth about Corn

by Kellene

[caption id="attachment_4256" align="alignleft" width="218" caption="You might be surprised to learn what is made from corn."]corn[/caption]

Did you know that batteries, diapers, cheese, peanut butter, Coco-cola, Motrin, vanilla extract, baking powder, white vinegar, saccharin, Sweet and Low, charcoal, a slew of household cleaners, drinking alcohol, condiments, toothpaste, dental floss, toilet paper, iodide salt, finger paint, crayons,  and margarine all have corn products in them? This list is in addition to the obvious corn products that you are already no doubt familiar with.  Corn is in a slew of food additives as well such as maltodextrin, pumaric acid, di-glycerides, Ethel acetate, xanathan gum, semolina, absorbic acid, gluten, citrus cloud emulsion, saccharin, calcium stearate, xylitol, and sorbitol as well as a litany of other “ides, ites, and tols.”  Did you also know that

By Preparedness Pro, ago

A Lesson from Haiti

by Kellene

[caption id="attachment_4178" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Looting is rampant despite relief sent to Haiti"]Haiti[/caption]

I’m taking a pause from the Food Series to address what I feel is a timely and important issue in Haiti.

The biggest disaster to hit Haiti is unfortunately not the earthquake, rather it’s how the Haitian people are responding to the circumstances brought on by the earthquake. I watch in amazement as events more deadly than the earth’s rumblings brutally strangle a country that is already on its knees economically and socially.

By Preparedness Pro, ago

Food—Dressed to Kill Part I

[caption id="attachment_4143" align="alignleft" width="201" caption="Will your pantry shelves mirror the store shelves in an emergency or food shortage?"]Food[/caption]

There is a serious food supply emergency going on right now. We don’t have to wait any longer folks. In fact, I would say we are at Level Orange with very little more required to push us to Level Red.  No. I’m not spewing fear and chaos. I’m trying to share information with you laid out in a rational, factual manner so that you can be aware and to take measures to insure that you are affected by this food crisis as minimally as possible. Remember. I don’t teach fear. I teach preparedness.

By Preparedness Pro, ago

Saturday Morning Breakfast

[caption id="attachment_4662" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="What's for breakfast?"]Breakfast[/caption]

by Kellene

While growing up, it was always a special surprise if we got to have something other than oatmeal or cold cereal for breakfast. Saturday was our best chance to get something delicious and homemade from the kitchen. Every once in a while my single mother of 5 would surprise us with a special homemade breakfast dish that we would gobble up before the first episode of Abbott and Costello was over. (Yes, I actually quickly did my chores every Saturday so that I could watch that show as well as The Eastside Kids.) Even better, my little sister would be undaunted in the kitchen and somehow conquer a great recipe too. Somehow it’s been my little sister (“Sissy”) who’s dramatically influenced and improved my cooking over the years. I’ve never seen

By Preparedness Pro, ago