6 Things to Do for Fun When the Power is Out

September 16, 2015 by Melissa Norris 14 Comments

When the power goes out, how long can you go before boredom sets in? For most American households, the television or some form of electronics is the go to for something to do. But when the power is out, so is your t.v. and once the batteries die, there goes the electronics.

Tired of your families entertainment relying on television and electronics? These 6 activities are perfect for when the power goes out, but really, are things we should all be doing in every day life. Do you practice any of these regularly? Our great-grandparents might have been onto a few things we need to remember.

If your power is out for only a few hours, this isn't such a big deal, but when it's out for days or weeks, you'll come to realize how much you did rely on said television or computer for entertainment.

My father remembers when the first television came to the valley where he lives. Everyone piled into see it, but it was years before most families had one. In face, when I was growing up (which wasn't that long ago) we had a television, but there was no cable (still isn't) where we live. If you turned the antenna just right and there was snow on the mountain, and the wind wasn't blowing, you could get a fuzzy show on one channel and sound. No joke.

I never had a Nintendo or Atari (really going back now, aren't we?). Which might be why I love Laura Ingalls so much. I related to her and adored her stories.

If we look at generations past, we see how folks used to spend their leisure time.

6 Things to Do For Fun When the Power is Out

1. Reading. Big surprise, but books were a treasure. Many people only had one or two and they would reread these treasures over and over again. How spoiled we are today, where we have millions of books at our finger tips.

Though I do love my Kindle, it's not best to rely on during a prolonged power outage. Besides, there's nothing quite like the weight and feel of a physical book in one's hands. Because I know many of you are pioneer and homesteading fans like myself, I thought it would be fun to share a few of my favorite novels and you can do the same in the comments!

Christy by Catherine Marshall. I can't believe I just now read this wonderful story. My grandparents lived in the gaps and hollers of North Carolina's Appalachian mountains and I felt like I'd traveled back in time to my grandmother's youth.

Emma of Aurora by Jane Kirkpatrick. This trilogy is delightful-and the paperback of all 3 books is on sale! This story ranges from Missouri to Washington (which makes it a fun read for a native like myself) and shows the hardship of the time along with the beauty.

Cadence of Grace series by Joanne Bischof. This series is seriously one of my favorite ever. I cried with Lonnie and Gideon and my feet trudged up the mountain and down into the twists of the hollers with them. You'll be enchanted with the homespun setting and love the twists and turns that develop.

Ways to become more self-sufficient of course, The Made-From-Scratch Life, not only life changing information, recipes and how-to's, but true stories of hope and humor.

2. Board and card games. This is one of our favorites and we frequently bring out card games to play. One word, make sure you have a print out of different card games and the rules, because you might not be able to look them up online… or you'll end up making our own rules, which can be fun as well. We like to play Spoons with the cards as it's a game all of the kids can enjoy and understand.

3. Handwork. Quilting, embroidery, crocheting and knitting are all ways to not only pass the time, but also create both things of purpose and beauty. While I sew, I give my daughter a small piece of scrap fabric to practice on. I've gotten many a Christmas presents done when the power is out.

Again, make sure your patterns are printed out or you have a physical book, for crocheting and knitting.

4. Music. Playing an instrument or picking parties were a thing of many weekend nights back in the day. There's something about music that soothes the soul and it can do wonders when you've been without entertainment.

It shouldn't be saved just for emergency situations, but something enjoyed all the time. If you know how to play an instrument, make sure you take out and keep in practice, along with maintenance care. If you don't know how to play, consider beginning lessons now. Life is too short to not have music.

My grandfather was an expert fiddle player. He actually played in Loretta Lynn's band and I miss listening to him make those strings sing! My mother plays guitar and I enjoy singing with her. I can play a little guitar, but I haven't kept up on my practicing, so I need to take my own advice there.

My husband is a sawyer for guitar tops and beings he cuts the tops for these, we're kind of partial to Taylor Guitars. They do make a fine guitar, if I do say so myself.

I play the flute and you'll want to make sure you have sheet music, and perhaps a few new songs to learn to keep busy as well, unless you're one of those blessed people who can play by ear. If that's the case, I'll do my best not to be envious, because that's just not nice…

5. Go for a stroll. There's something to be said for meandering for pure enjoyment. Many times we're outside when we're exercising, working on chores, feeding animals, and not that we can't have or don't have enjoyment in that, but there is something wonderful about just strolling. Find a wooded path, or an open field, along a river bank or the curve of a stream. Even one a paved street and watch the way flowers and clover creep onto the pavement, a silent statement that no matter what us humans do, nature and God will gently and persistently still exist.

6. Visit with your family and neighbors. How often do you have your neighbors over for a meal and visit? Our ancestors probably did a better job at this than we do, even though you'd think we'd have more time with all of our modern conveniences. But I'm not sure that's really true. There is nothing like a good conversation spent in the company of friends. It's amazing how swiftly time passes when we're visiting up a storm.

Even though I intended this to be a guide for entertainment when the power is out, I really think it could and should be a guide for every day living. I think we'd all be happier if we did these a bit more often, how about you?

4 Things You Need When the Lights Go Out

September 14, 2015 by Melissa Norris 25 Comments

The smallest amount of light can penetrate the heaviest dark. When the power goes out, there is nothing more reassuring than having a light source.

Make sure you're ready when the power goes out so you're not running around looking for supplies. These are great tips and suggestions for 4 things to have when the lights go out. Grab this now to make sure you're ready before you need to be.

It's funny, we humans have lived for centuries without power, but in just a little over a hundred years, most Americans shudder at the inconvenience of going without electricity for a few hours and get quite put out if it's over a day. Now, I'm not saying I don't enjoy my electricity. I certainly do. When we were without power for almost 2 weeks, I cheered when it finally came back on. Like full on jumped up and down and may have went through and flipped a few light switches on and off like a kid to make sure it was really back on.

Life is easier with electricity for most of us, unless you've converted your home to complete off-grid or some sort of solar or wind generated energy. This is something we've look at, but haven't made the plunge just yet.

Because we do experience power outages, and because we're extremely rural with no businesses for miles around, we are last priority to the power company when there are large storms. We've learned to always be prepared for an outage.

Heat is the first thing you'll want during a power outage. We have our trusty wood stove as our main heat source and always have seasoned and dry wood stacked in the woodshed. For us, heat is not a concern.

For those who rely completely on electric heat, I'd encourage you to look into another heat source if at all possible. We'll go into other options in another post.

Second thing to the lights going out is finding away to provide yourself with light. If you can't see, you're not going to be able to get your food out, see how to cook, find your warmer clothes, or walk without stubbing your toe (yeah, done that one).

4 Things You Need When the Light's Go Out

1. For a quick solution, we love these little head lamps. We have one in our children's bedrooms just in case. My husband and I both use it when going out to the wood pile in the dark and feeding the animals in the winter when we get home from work after dark. They allow you to work hands free, which is golden. They're under ten dollars and a great tool.

2. A great solar option are these LuminAid lanterns. They're small and will stay lit off of one charge for 16 hours. They provide a decent amount of light and don't require batteries, just access to daylight to recharge. They're also water proof, so you can use them outdoors in the wet or if they're dropped in a puddle, you're good to go.

In the evening when the whole family is gathered in the kitchen or living room, you're going to want something that will provide a decent amount of light. I've found nighttime is the hardest without power as we're not as accustomed to rising and going to bed with the sun (most of society, that is). Though if you're without power for long, you'll begin to find yourself adjusting to that rhythm more readily.

3. Like a true pioneer of old, an oil lamp is your best bet. They give off a lot of light and can be adjusted by turning the wick for more or less light. My father grew up with kerosene lanterns and they always make me feel a bit nostalgic. I purchased this glass oil lamp to have when the power went out and it stays on the kitchen counter for emergencies and part of our decor.

Note: With any of your preparedness items, take them and know how to use them before it's an emergency.

A few things to remember is keep it on a stable place when lit where it can't be jostled or knocked over. Our kitchen goes into our living room and I usually leave it on the counter. Remember, the glass chimney will become hot, so be careful when moving it. If a wick is kept too long it will smoke more.

Obviously, you need oil in order to burn your lamp. Make sure you have at least a back up bottle or two. We purchased and have been burning this brand of oil in ours. We didn't notice any odor or smoke when using it in our living room and kitchen.

For over all efficiency, the oil lamp is my number one pick when the power is out. I can sew by it, read a book, the kids can color or play a game, and we aren't having to each hold a small light or get close to a candle flame.

4. The only thing more old-fashioned than a kerosene or oil lamp are candles. Candles will help light a room, but unless you have a lot of them, I don't recommend them as your main light source. But we will light a candle in bathroom of for light in another room of the house for short periods of time. Candle wicks should be kept trimmed short to avoid smoking. And I hate to state the obvious, but don't leave any kind of flame, be it a candle or lantern, burning unattended.

For us pioneer and homestead folks, you're going to love these candles. They're made form beeswax and lard and I have a full on DIY candle making tutorial so you can make your own to have on hand for preparedness. I kind of think they'd make an awesome gift as well.

Do you have any other tips or suggestions to add for lighting when the power is out?

6 Tips on Buying Food in Bulk

September 6, 2015 by Melissa Norris 8 Comments

One of the first rules of food storage is to purchase in bulk. Actually, that might be one of the first rules of frugal grocery shopping, but it also applies to food storage.

3 Rules for Food Storage

I have a hard and fast rule in regards to food storage. Never purchase things you won’t eat in regular life. I believe it is a waste of money to purchase emergency food you won’t use in your ever day life.

I have this rule for two reasons. One, what if the emergency never comes? And I seriously hope and pray that it never does. But if you’re investing a bunch of money into food you’ll only use in an emergency, then you might be banking your money on something that doesn’t happen.

Second part of the rule, if you’re not using your emergency or food storage food on a regular basis, you’re going to have enough things to deal with when an emergency happens and learning how to cook said emergency food is not going to be another stress you want to add on.

And third part of this rule (boy, I sound bossy, don’t I? Let’s say it’s the mother in me coming out… because that sounds way nicer than bossy), if you have children and a spouse, getting them to eat something they don’t normally eat can sometimes be a huge issue.

Whew, glad we got that part covered. Now onto the fun stuff.

Normally, purchasing in bulk will save you money. Happy dance, like full on grooving over here. And this is good news any time of the day, but especially when you’re building up your food storage.

If you’re not sure what items to begin with in your food storage, I’ve got ya covered in my 8 Foods Everyone Should Store and How. Check out some of the wise wisdom in the comment section, too.

Fresh fruits and vegetables are not a storage item, unless you preserve them for use later. This is where my Ultimate Home Food Preservation Guide comes in. All of my recipes, tutorials, and how-to’s, plus a ton of others from folks I trust and follow to cover all aspects of home food preservation. Because preserving your own fresh fruits, vegetables, and meat is a very important part of any food storage plan. Specifically, because this an area you can replenish every year.

A major part of some food storage advice I see has a flaw, because there is no way to replenish it without the stores. You may not be able to grow everything yourself, but finding a local source will mean you can still purchase or barter if transportation was shut down. And I much prefer helping out a neighbor and keeping small family businesses going with my money when possible.

That being said, I don’t have a local source for all items in my food storage, and that’s where this buying in bulk guide comes in.

The items I keep in my food storage and I buy in bulk are items of what you’d typically see the pioneers purchase when they went into town. Think Little House Laura Ingall’s living.

Places to purchase food in bulk

Costco
Amazon
Azure Standard
Local Co-op
Local Farmers
Mormon Church Store House (no, you don't have to be a member, because I'm not and never have been, and I double checked, it's open to the public but you do have to call for hours, though some folks say you need to go in with a member, here's a map where you can find a location near you if you're interested)

Tips to Buying Food in Bulk

1. Wheat berries. I buy my wheat berries in 50 pound bags. I purchase these about twice a year. When I open my last bag, I purchase another. This way, I’m never almost out and have a buffer. Because if I wait until I’m out, then if I don’t get my order in or to the store before an emergency happens, I’m left with a whole in my food storage. This also ensures I’m practicing proper rotation with our food.

I’ve purchased my wheat berries from a few different sources. The best deal I’ve found for organic hard white wheat has been from our local co-op. If I order a bag in bulk, then I get 10% off. However, their organic spelt berries are much more expensive than ordering online.

This is the best price I've found for Spelt Berries. If it’s just a small dollar amount difference, then I’ll still purchase local, but if it’s a large amount then I purchase on-line. If you don’t have a co-op, then this is a local brand to my area and they also have really good prices.

I've seen some people say wheat berries isn't a good food storage for the fact you have to have a grinder. My answer, it's much healthier to grind your own flour than said flour from the store (read all those facts on why you should be grinding your own flour) and you should start now! My goal is to be living the healthiest I can now, and simply swapping out my flour is an easy way to do that. Plus, it adds to my preparedness skills and isn't something I'll have to deal with later.

2. Sugar is another item I store in bulk. I usually keep 25 pounds of brown sugar on hand and 25 pounds of organic evaporated cane juice. I don’t use nearly as much sugar as I used to in my baking, but I do use it for our homemade jam/jelly and in some baking.

I purchase my sugar in bulk from Costco primarily. It’s a better price than the regular grocery store. Many people like to buy in bulk from Azure Standard, but we don’t have a drop zone in our area, so it’s now an option for me. I’ve also purchased from the bulk bin at our local co-op, especially things like coconut palm sugar and other speciality sweeteners, but Costco has the best deal and beings they’re carrying a lot more organic items now, I check there.

3. Dried beans. We grow enough shelled beans to almost get us through the year, but I do supplement with a 25 pounds bag from Costco of pinto beans. One thing to keep in mind is if you’re eating strictly from your food storage, as in emergency type conditions, then you’re going to go through it faster than you think. I keep a buffer of dried beans on hand for this reason, beyond what we grown and dry ourselves. Remember, dried beans are good for about 2 years before they begin to get too hard when cooked. And once they're too old, it doesn't matter how you cook them, they'll still be hard and tough.

Most of us still end up supplementing some of our food from the store, eating out, etc. even if we feel we’re eating mostly from our food storage or pantry at home.

4. Rice. I purchase rice in bulk. It’s much cheaper and can be cooked in such a variety of ways. You can add it to soups, stuff it in a tortilla, eat it all by its lonesome, and also make puddings out of it. There are lots of options for rice. Remember, brown rice will go rancid quicker than white. I personally love wild rice, so I try to stock a blend. Costco has a 25 pound of Jasmine rice that I use for our bulk, and then I mix it in with quinoa or other rice to make my own mix.

5. Spices. Trust me, spices go along long way to making plain old beans and rice palatable and down right delicious. Seriously. My kids beg me to make homemade refried beans all the time. It’s one of their favorites. Now, spices in the store can get expensive. Those little glass bottle add up quick and if you’re cooking a lot from scratch, you’re going to go through them quick.

Mountain Rose Herbs. A herbs, health and harmony c

I purchase my spices and seasonings (herbs and teas, too) from Mountain Rose Herbs. They’re a pretty awesome company out of Oregon. You can choose what amount to buy your spices and they give discounts for bulk orders.

I recommend going in with some friends if your order isn’t large enough for the bulk discount if possible. I often combine my mom’s order with mine. Chili powder is one I use a lot of, because I make all my own seasonings for tacos, chili, stews, and other dishes. Their prices have far beat out the stores, plus, they’re usually organic, Non-GMO, and when harvested wild, harvested responsibly so as not to deplete an entire area. That is some awesome sauce right there.

Grab my Spice Storage Cheat Sheet and see which spices I store and how much for the year.

6. Salt. I keep all kinds of salt on hand. I use canning salt for canning and keep at least a box on hand. (Canning salt means no iodine or other additives so it won't discolor or taste funny in your home canned foods) My sea salt I found at a discount store, but I keep at least five pounds of sea salt on hand for every day use, cooking, baking, fermenting, you name it going on in the kitchen. If you want to cure meat with salt, then you need some curing salt which has nitrates in it.

If you have the extra money or room in your grocery budget, I'd purchase these items in bulk now. But I know not everyone can afford to do all of it at once. I would buy one item a week in bulk. The beans and rice were both just under $10, making them fairly easy to slide in on our budget.

Don't go into debt to build up a food storage, but add in items as you're able. We'll be talking about how to store these items, and getting creative with storage space, in 8 Tips for Bulk Food Storage.

5 Things You Shouldn’t Ignore

September 4, 2015 by Melissa Norris 12 Comments

You might think fitness and health is an odd thing to have in a Preparedness 30 Day Challenge, after all, it's not typically something you see on most survival type websites. However, our health is one of the things we take for granted until we no longer have it or something is wrong.

You're probably ignoring one of these already, but it's important to look at these now, especially if you're self-sufficient, homesteading, and preparedness minded.

And I'm willing to bet that all though some of us will never go through a full on natural ) disaster on a large scale, at some point, all of us will be affected by failing health. I know I have, both in my twenties and my thirties.

When something isn't right

I mentioned to those on my newsletter list last week about going through thyroid and adrenal gland issues. It's not something I've ever talked about in my writing before and it's something I'm seeing more and more people have issues with.

Mine started about a year and a half ago with severe symptoms. I've always been on the cold when others aren't, a sign of low thyroid, then I started experiencing extreme fatigue. If I sat down in the afternoon or evening without working on something, I fell asleep. I slept twelve hours straight one night and the next afternoon took a three hour nap. I mostly quit exercising, I simply couldn't drag myself into it. There were other symptoms at play as well.

Four months ago I started taking thyroid medication and working on getting my adrenal glands back into full function.

For over a year I'd been struggling with extreme fatigue, my hair thinned to the point I had life long friends I hadn't seen in 6 months exclaim, what happened to your hair? (It wasn't in meanness and it didn't hurt my feelings, this was one of my best friends, but I knew then I wasn't imagining it)

I've had my thyroid tested on and off for years because I've always had several of the symptoms, but every doctor said it was in the normal range. I finally went to see a Naturopath because my symptoms weren't in the normal range.

We did lab work and though my levels were in the “‘normal range” (which is quite broad actually), we decided to use herbs and a natural thyroid hormone prescription. It's made a big difference and she's working with me to fine tune things.

After 3 months on the new regimen, I finally started my old regular exercise routine. I had let it slip because even though I knew it would bring me energy, I just couldn't find the strength or time to do it.

I've been 4 weeks back at it and though I've been sore (funny how you think you can jump back in to the same level, or maybe that's just me) I'm noticing a difference. I do have more energy, my stamina is improving, and muscles are coming back.

Many of you emailed me and asked what I was taking. Now, I have to say, I'm not a medical professional or doctor and I'm not diagnosing or prescribing any of this for you. I'm only sharing what I'm using and taking, I'm not making any medical claims and if you suspect you have something, I highly recommend going to a doctor or naturopath in your area. You need to get labs done and have them looked at to assess what's really going on.

For me, I started on a low dose prescription of natural thyroid medication (not synthetic, there's a difference and they can't be subbed out at the pharmacy without a new prescription). I also started taking Maca Root (this is the exact brand I use, I purchase mine from the pharmacy I work at and our local co-op also carries it) to help support my adrenal glands. *This statement has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration and this product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. You don't want to take Maca Root late in the day, morning is best.

The third supplement is a nutritional supplement capsule to support healthy thyroid function. It has L-Tyrosine and Iodine in it, along with a few other minerals. This is the brand I have now, as I couldn't get down to our local co-op for their similar blend.

I feel much better than I did, but I'm still working on things. I'm learning some things will just have to wait until tomorrow or the next day, and that's okay.

What it really looks like when you're self-sufficient

What's this got to do with preparedness you ask? but let's take a look at what life looks like without power, raising your own food, caring for livestock, and doing-it-yourself.

Early this summer we were at the height of our livestock production here on the homestead. We had 25 meat chickens in a chicken tractor, six cows, three pigs, and our hens. Two gardens, plus the greenhouse for the tomatoes and peppers, were being planted. One of the garden was on a section of field that borders our property that belongs to my Aunt. This section doesn't have water so watering by hand was needed to help the seeds germinate.

This included twice a day moving of the chicken tractor (which you pull by hand, when I do it, it takes all my weight and both feet planted firmly in the ground to get it to budge), lifting five gallon buckets of water and pig feed, buckets of chicken feed, and the up and down squats it takes when one is planting and weeding by hand. Whew!

Fences had to be put in and double checked, that means pounding posts in by hand, chopping and clearing brush, and packing wire and posts. Ever chased a pig before? They're faster than you think.

Canning means being able to life a very hot fully loaded canner on and off of burners.

And this was with running water and full on electricity.

When the power goes out, you'll be lugging a lot more water around. Perhaps from great distances. If you're using wood heat for warmth and cooking, you'll be packing in a more wood than normal.

Quite frankly put, you”ll be physically working more than you are now.

And you'll also probably be a bit more stressed.

The whole point of working on preparedness is to be ready when something does happen or as things come. Our health should not be ignored in this.

I don't want to wait until an emergency setting to begin my healthiest me. And I don't want you to either. Life is too short. Let's begin now.

5 Things You Can't Ignore

1. Sleep. How many of you are trying to get so much done you put off sleep in order to keep up? I was one of those. I'd stay up late to finish a blog post, work on a project, or just to have some time to unwind and be by myself. That sacrifice of sleep was costing me. It was actually eating into my day time hours without me realizing it.

In fact, my sleep cycle had gotten so off, I had to reset it. And I didn't realize how the blue light in my bedside clock was triggering me to stay awake.

2. Exercise. Many of us feel like we don't have the time. I hear you. But I've learned if we want to do something, we'll make the time. I started putting a morning workout back into my routine. There's no more, if I feel like it or if I'm busy. Everyone is at a different fitness level. Start where you are and make it a goal to always do a little bit more than you did the week before. For example, when I first started, I was only getting in six full push ups in a set. So the following week, I made myself do eight. Now I do a full squat, all the way down to that 90 degree mark (and yes, it totally burns, but in a good way).

3. Healthy food. I'm already a big fan of real food. We kicked processed fake food to the curb at our homestead over six years ago (for the most part). But even too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. I found when I was tired I was reaching for something sweet for energy, and then I had the sugar crash and extra calories adding up on me, even if they were organic and GMO-free. Really keep track of what you're eating in a day, you might be surprised at the snacks sneaking in.

4. Time off. We need time to just be. We're so busy running from one thing to the next, at least I do, that I don't spend enough time just sitting or being. Don't cram every minute and hour of the day with your to do list. It'll all still be there when you come back, but you'll be refreshed from time away from it. Go for a walk outdoors. Simply sit in your back yard and watch the clouds roll by. Read a book. Watch your favorite movie. Do something you love for the pure enjoyment of it!

5. Your gut. I don't mean your physical gut, but your intuition. For years I felt something was off with my thyroid but never investigated my lab numbers myself. If you think something is wrong or not functioning quite right, you're probably right. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor for explanations or to search until you find a health care provider who listens to your concerns and you trust.

Last, but certainly not least, I know some of you don't feel like you can really do a lot of physical stuff. You have health issues or different circumstances.

When I'm feeling exhausted and like I can't simply do-one-more-thing, I remember this,

And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

8 Items You Need In Your Car

September 1, 2015 by Melissa Norris 36 Comments

I have to confess something, I’ve never been much of a reader or follower of the whole bug out bag thing or movement. If things get bad due to natural disasters, government failure, or some other catastrophe, I plan on staying in my home.

I think we’ll be far better off at our home, even without power or support from the outside world. We’re pretty self-sufficient as is and have went two weeks without power during a winter mudslide. We know our neighbors, I grew up with over half of them, and believe having a community of people who will support one another is far better than hiding out somewhere.

Tune in to the Pioneering Today Podcast! I post new episodes every Friday morning. You can subscribe via RSS and receive every episode for free. Or subscribe via Itunes

Are you prepared for a break down or emergency if you're not at home? These 8 times are fairly small and common, but they might just save your life and that of your loved ones. Grab this list now and get your vehicle ready.

Now, I realize this isn’t the scenario for everyone. Stay with me here for a minute. We live rural. You might live in the middle of the city. This is where everyone has to take a look at their own situation and scenario and decide what is truly best for them and their family. Because it’s not all one size fits all.

In light of this revelation, I have never put too much energy into a bug out location and stocking said location.
Then we entered into this summer. We’re in the most severe drought Washington State has ever had since they began recording weather in the 1890’s here. Pretty much the worst drought ever. Update: We were just blessed with three days of rain, and not a moment too soon.

We’ve had no rain and because we normally our drenched for the most of the year, hello Pacific Northwest and western side of the state, we don’t have things like irrigation put into place. Water has always been an abundant resource here.

Enter August. Our state has been declared a state of National Emergency due to the wild fires. To look at a map, it seems the entire state is ablaze. Lightening has been the cause of most of the fires. There have been loss of homes and loss of life. Three fire fighters died last week while fighting the blaze on the other side of the pass from us.

Twenty-five miles from us in two towns over, a lightening fire gained strength and devoured timber. It jumped the river and the road, causing the evacuation of one town and part of another. My brother is working on the fire and sent me photos. I’ve never seen anything like it in person.

Smoke blanketed our homestead. We sit in a gorgeous little valley at the foot of a mountain and the Cascade mountain range swirls around us. Thick smoke blocked the mountains completely from view. Driving home from church visibility was so bad we couldn’t even see the next turn, it was like driving in the worst fog you’ve ever seen, except it was lung stinging smoke.

Thankfully, after two days, the wind shifted and cleaned out most of the smoke.

But another fire in the town I work sparked up.

I realized, I needed to have some type of things prepared in the order of an evacuation.

You’d have thought I would have realized this a month ago when my truck broke down in the middle of the city and I was stranded for an hour waiting for the tow truck.

Alas, sometimes it takes a bit longer to grasp certain things. Please tell me I’m not alone in this.

If you’re a typical American, then you spend quite a bit of time in your rig. I commute 18 miles one way to work and over 30 miles to get to the nearest large town and shopping areas. The chances of being in your vehicle when an emergency strikes is pretty high.

8 Items You Need in Your Car

1. First things first, in an emergency you probably won’t be able to stop and get fuel. If a fire is licking at your heels, you won’t have time. If the power is out, you won’t be able to operate the pumps and get gas. So always keep a ½ tank of gas/diesel in your rig. You’ll never run out of fuel this way and if you have to leave in the middle of the night (we don’t have 24 hour gas stations up where we live) you won’t be left stranded.

2. Shelter is your next concern. If you’re stranded on the side of the road, you need to keep warm if it’s cold out, or shaded if it’s hot. A blanket will provide both. Your best bet is wool. Wool will still keep you warm even if it’s pouring down rain. It might be itchy, but it’s is superior for warmth. You can wrap up in it to keep your body heat from being conducted into the ground, or string it up for shade if it’s hot.

Check a military surplus store for wool blankets. We have a pawn shop and military surplus in the town I work at and I was able to purchase one there for the trunk of my car. I purchased mine for $20 as I like to shop local when I can, but if you don't have a military surplus, this wool blanket from Amazon comes in at $18. Remember, you shouldn't every dry wool products in the dryer, line dry for best results.

A small tarp is also a good idea for shelter or an all weather blanket that has some long lasting ability to it, like this Space All Weather Blanket.

3. Water. You should keep some bottled water in your trunk. Be sure to rotate it out and check it during the winter if it’s freezing solid. I always fill my stainless steel water bottle and take it with me when I leave the house, but you’ll want extra reserves in your trunk or the back seat of your truck (if you don’t have a canopy).

After a water bottle, or with it, you should have a water filtering system. This way, if you have to leave your vehicle or run out of water before help comes, you have a way to safely drink from a nearby water source. Where I live, our roads follow the river and there are lots of creeks and smaller bodies of water near the road. I personally own a Lifestraw. It's light weight enough it won't weigh you down, which is important in an on foot situation, and comes as a stand alone filter or in a water bottle. The water bottle is good if you need to walk away from the water source.

4. Food. Water is most important, but if you get stranded with kids, you know how important it is to have something for them to eat if they’re hungry. Even big kids… aka adults. I recommend some dried fruit and nuts. They're light weight and won't go rancid quickly. Just like anything, you're going to want to rotate the food and water out every so often. (More on that to come soon) Even though I love chocolate, especially Theo brand chocolate, pure chocolate melts. You don't want something that's going to melt all over your car… at least, I don't.

Sealed energy bars are another great option for on the go. You see a lot of people recommend candy bars, but I'd rather have something that will give my body fuel, not just a sugar rush and then crash. But make sure you have some type of food source in your vehicle.

5. Walking shoes. When I go to work at the pharmacy, I’m not wearing tennis shoes or hiking boots. You’re probably not either, depending upon your job. But if I get stuck alongside the road on the way home from work, I’m going to need some footwear that will let me cover some terrain. Keep an extra pair of walking or hiking shoes/boots in your vehicle with a pair of wool/hiking socks.

6. Fire starter. You need a way to stay warm, especially in cooler climates. Hypothermia occurs most often between 30 and 50 degrees, obviously it will happen faster if you're below freezing, but many people underestimate the range between 30 and 50 degrees Farenheit. Because there are different options to starting fires, how to do it and some safety measures, check out how to start a fire without matches or a lighter here.

7. Light source. When it gets dark you're going to want light. It can also help you signal for help and allow rescue workers to find you easier. A flashlight is always a good option, but be sure and pack extra batteries with it. Most times, you can find little LED flashlights that will hook right onto your key chain. Never a bad idea to have more than one light source.

Another option that is also water proof and extremely small, portable, but puts off a decent amount of light are these solar powered bag lights. We use ours camping and in case of power outages, plus no need for back up batteries, and ours is going on two years. They're really awesome, waterproof and they'll float on water! Did I mention they put off 16 hours of light from one charge? LumiAid Solar Light

8. Pocket knife. A knife can come in handy in so many different ways. It's small, light weight, and something you should definitely have in your car. This Swiss army knife fits on a key chain and has multiple tools, plus, it comes in different colors, which I know doesn't matter from a preparedness standpoint, but I'm just girly enough to want to pick my own color.

Now, you'll probably want a slightly bigger blade, but something that still folds up and is light enough to carry. This one is sturdy, with a decent blade, and is under $10–> Tac Force Folding Knife

These are what I consider the most basic of basic items to carry at all times in your car.

How to Preserve Basil in Salt

May 20, 2015 by Melissa Norris 54 Comments

Want the fresh taste of basil for months on end? Use 3 ways to preserve basil in salt in minutes. I can't believe how easy this is!

Learning how to preserve basil in salt isn't something I knew I needed to know how to do until now. Seriously, where has this been all my life? Fresh basil and savory tinted salt, all in one jar, all ready to marry up with my meats and sauces.

I had no idea you could preserve basil in salt, bacon and ham, yes, fresh herbs, never thought about it. My culinary side met my homesteading side and I knew this was a match made in heaven. In heaven ya'll. Because my southern roots come out when I'm really excited.

Shelle graciously agreed to write us up a post on how to preserve fresh herbs in salt, not one way, but 3!! Yes, triple time coolest thing ever.

Resources for How to Preserve Basil

Kosher or Sea Salt

Wide-mouth Mason Jar

Fresh Basil

How to Preserve Fresh Basil in Salt

Salt has been used for centuries to dry and preserve foods. It pulls out the moisture from herb leaves and preserves the original flavor. Salt also inhibits the growth of microorganisms by drawing water out of microbial cells through osmosis. Concentrations of salt up to 20% are required to kill most species of unwanted bacteria.

This preservation method works best on certain moist and tender herbs that are hard to dry. Herbs like basil and cilantro, that either mold before they are dry, or that dry to a flavorless leaf that does not resemble the freshness you are looking for.

In all cases, start this project with freshly picked herbs that have been cleaned and thoroughly dried. Store your finished herbal mixture in a clean glass container with a tight fitting lid. When using, always use a fresh, clean spoon to reduce introducing contaminates into your herbed salt.

What kind of salt?

I recommend either sea salt or kosher salt, but canning & pickling salt will work too. These are considered food grade and are courser than regular table salt. Using table salt is acceptable, but it should not contain iodine, which will darken the herb leaves.

Here’s the best answer I could find from the Penn State Extension office:

“Table salt is used for baking, cooking and normal table use. However, it is not recommended for canning recipes because the calcium silicate may cause clouding or settle to the bottom of jar. Furthermore, the iodide may discolor some foods. Neither of these effects makes the food harmful to eat. However, the visual quality of the product is adversely affected.

Canning and pickling salts do not contain potassium iodide, dextrose or calcium silicate and thus can be used for cooking, baking, canning, pickling as well as for the table. Because anti-caking agents are not added, it may form lumps in humid weather or if exposed to moisture and should be stored in an air-tight container or re-sealable plastic bag. Kosher salt is usually pure salt and thus is also appropriate for pickling and canning. However, check the label to make sure it does not contain additives.”

http://extension.psu.edu/food/preservation/faq/canning-and-pickling-salt

3 Ways to Preserve Fresh Herbs in Salt

These three methods are so east you will never need to buy herbed salt again!

1. Alternating layers of fresh herb leaves and salt

This is by far the easiest method. In a clean glass jar add a layer of salt to cover the bottom. Add herb leaves in layers, alternating with the salt, until the container is full. Refrigerate.

The leaves will stay surprisingly fresh and flavorful for months. To use, just remove a leaf and brush off the salt. As an added bonus, the salt will become flavored over time and can be used in cooking too.

How to Preserve Basil: 4 Surefire Methods

Grind and dry method of preserving basil with salt

2. Grind & Dry Method

Use a ratio of 1 part herbs to 4 parts salt for the grind and dry method. Clean and dry fresh herbs and chop them into small pieces until you have 1/4^th of a cup. Place them in a blender or food processor and add 1 cup of salt. Process until they are completely incorporated.

Lay the mixture out on a baking sheet and cover with a cloth, keeping it out of direct sunlight. After a day, place the mixture into a clean glass jar and cap tightly. Keep in the refrigerator until needed. It will last for one year.

How to Preserve Homegrown Herbs with Sea Salt: In the Pantry

3. Chop & Stir Method

Use a ratio of 4 parts herbs to 1 part salt for the chop and stir method. Clean and dry fresh herbs and chop them into small pieces. You can add them to a food processor, coffee grinder, or glass bowl.

Add one part salt to the herbs, pulsing in the food processor for about 30 seconds. This will create a distinctly herb smelling salt that will take on the color of your herb. It is the most fragrant of the herbed salts we are making today.

Store your mix in the refrigerator and remove as needed. It will last for at least 6 months.

http://foodpreservation.about.com/od/Salting/r/Cilantro-coriander-Salt-Recipe.htm

Which herbs work well for this method?

Basil
Celery Leaf (and try my homemade celery salt recipe)
Cilantro
Chives
Dill leaf
Lemon balm
Parsley
Rosemary

You can use it anywhere you would use herbs and salt, just replace the amount of salt required in the recipe. Consider using it in spaghetti sauce, stuffed fish, soup, savory baking, bread or rubs. Luckily, there are no hard and fast rules so experiment with your own herbal salt blends and enjoy!

PreparednessMama is Shelle Wells – busy mom, wife, preparedness enthusiast and blogger. She gave up her (boring) bookkeeping job for something better. She likes family history (when she has the time), action movies (which she should give up for family history), canning, preserving food, and gardening- she dreams about growing things!

Shelle recently traded her garden in the Pacific Northwest for one in Central Texas, where she's learning a whole new way of gardening. Find her gardening and canning adventures over at www.PreparednessMama.com

Pioneering Today-How to Harvest Garlic

July 18, 2012 by Melissa Norris 9 Comments

Our pioneer forefathers had to use every season to its advantage in order to provide food for their families all year round. I had never done winter crops until two years ago when we planted our first bulbs of garlic.

In the Pacific Northwest, garlic needs to be planted in the fall, around mid-October. Garlic likes well drained soil, so we chose to use raised beds, due to our large amounts of rainfall. Untreated cedar makes a great choice for your raised beds.

Our first year, we planted hardneck garlic. Hardneck garlic can be easier to grow, but it doesn't have as long as shelf life and you can't braid it.

When to harvest garlic

In my garden (zone 7b), garlic tends to start popping out of the ground in March. (To see what else is happening in my garden in March, check out Gardening in March (Garden Tasks by Month).

This year, we went with soft necked. Softneck garlic is ready to harvest when it falls over on it's own.

Hardneck garlic is ready to harvest when the tops begin to turn brown. Both are usually in mid-July when planted the end of September or first part of October.

How to harvest garlic

Loosen the bulbs with your hands (you'll get dirty) and pull them out. You can test the strength of the leaves by pulling, but I've pulled them off and prefer to have the garlic on the leaves in order to braid it. If the ground is soft, I use my fingers to reach down around the bottom of the bulb and pull up, loosening the roots. I'm a get my hands in the dirt kind of gardener.

Or you cab use a shovel to break up the soil around them, be careful not to slice your garlic. Brush most of the dirt, especially the big clods, off of the roots and garlic. But don't remove any of the outside layers, it's okay if they're a little bit dirty. If too much dirt is left on it can hold in moisture and start to mold before it's fully cured.

How to cure garlic

Garlic needs to sit somewhere with good ventilation to cure, for at least two weeks. The area should have good ventilation. We use our covered back deck. It shouldn't be cured in direct sunlight, you can sunburn the bulbs and lose some of the flavor.

We've hung ours on a leftover piece of metal fencing, and this works well if you don't have much deck space or are worried about something getting into it. Another option, especially if you're harvesting a lot, is to put the garlic on a large screen. We harvested 80 bulbs this year and used the screen on top of two saw horses.

Be warned, the first few days it's curing, anytime you venture near the garlic, it will smell like Italian heaven. You're mouth will start to water.

After it's cured, store it in a cool dry place. We don't have a garage, so we've used both our pump house and the pantry in the house.

But with the softneck garlic, I can braid it and hang it in the kitchen for easy access. We use garlic in just about everything we cook and in the wet, sometimes snowy, winter months, I won't have to hoof it out to the pump house.

Do you do winter crops? What's your favorite way to use garlic?

This post is featured at The Homestead Barn Hop.