The Personal Impact of Rising Resin Prices

Perhaps when you listen to the news you hear “blah, blah, blah, resin price increases, blah, blah, blah.”  Well, after today, you may hear this bit of news a bit differently. This isn’t exactly something that you would expect to see in the mainstream news, but you will get the info here because it’s important to your ability to be aware and be prepared.

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”?

The Necessity of Toilet Paper

by Kellene [caption id="attachment_4713" align="alignright" width="254" caption="Do you have enough toilet paper in your storage?"]toilet paper[/caption] Yesterday I came across an “emergency preparedness blog” that was alarmingly incorrect. It was a basic topic, but it was addressed in a very misguided manner. The author wrote about what she plans to use in an emergency for her toilet hygiene—rags instead of toilet paper. So as not to risk educating anyone incorrectly, rather than providing a link to the article I will instead provide a few summations of the article which she posted on this national “preppers” site.

Depression 101

by Kellene

[caption id="attachment_4467" align="alignright" width="300"] Depression can take hold of anyone.[/caption]

I’ve decided to be very forthright and open in today’s article in hopes that it truly does help someone else who is struggling with depression.  I often hear people say “I don’t know how you do all that you do.”  I smile and thank them for their gracious compliment, but the truth of it is, I do what I do while being challenged by a significant obstacle—depression.

I realize that in this kind of forum I’m only going to be able to scratch the surface on this topic, but I firmly believe that it has not been appropriately addressed in real-life terms, and is an especially absent topic in the arena of preparedness.

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.

Anticipating Elderly Care

by Kellene

[caption id="attachment_4101" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Over 46 million American adults are presently caring for an elderly relative or friend"]elderly[/caption]

Over 46 million American adults are presently caring for an elderly relative or friend.  The majority of these instances actually involve the elderly living in their home with them, while the rest represent adults taking care of “Aunt Ruthie” in her own residence.  In the event of a long-term survival scenario, the elderly are typically the most vulnerable, even with all of the advances in technology, and in some instances, because of modern-day technology. Given these vulnerabilities, considering their needs now, in a time of comfort, can provide a great deal of relief and care—even in a time of chaos.

The Law of Contrasts

[caption id="attachment_4018" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Are you looking at homes that are way out of your price range?"]Contrasts[/caption]

It’s common in the world of real estate sales for a realtor to show their prospective buyers homes that are WAY out of their price range in order to soften them up enough to buy a home that is a bit above their intended price range. By viewing all of the larger homes, the buyers are usually more willing to accept a home that may be a bit more than what they were willing to pay, but still be manageable in contrast to the enormous homes they have already viewed.  This strategy works well in a myriad of sales fields and is a strategy called “the law of contrasts.” Today, I’m going to use that same strategy on you. *grin*

The Hierarchy of Fruits and Vegetables

Is there a better way to store fruits and vegetables? Are there better kinds or times to purchase them? Is there one preservation process that’s more nutritious than others? The answers to these questions all depends on what you are ultimately more concerned about. Taste, texture, freshness, appearance (familiarity) or nutrition. What I’m going to provide you with today is simply a rule of thumb as to the hierarchy of the condition of the fruits and vegetables to obtain in terms of nutrition and cost. Then you’ll need to decide, as always, which type really fits your family.

[caption id="attachment_1931" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Fresh Produce photo c/o Wiedmaier"]Fresh Produce photo c/o Wiedmaier[/caption]

The first choice for most people when obtaining fruits and vegetables is to