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No Canning Jars? No Problem! Dehydrate Instead!

No Canning Jars? No Problem! Dehydrate Instead!

Since we are all experiencing a shortage of canning jars, we should all brush up on our dehydration skills, just in case all those tips to find jars still turns up nothing.

Since we are all experiencing a shortage of canning jars, we should all brush up on our dehydration skills, just in case all those tips to find jars still turns up nothing.

Dehydrating is one of the most economic ways of storing long-term food supplies. Best of all, when you grow your own food sources, you get even more out of the investment.

The dehydration process essentially removes the moisture from foods to preserve them for much longer. Everyone is familiar with jerky (see our recipe here), which is simply dehydrated meat, but because of the nationwide canning jar shortage, dehydration could be the next best thing! Best of all, it’s a way to frugally stock up the pantry and uses fresh food. Best of all, the dehydration process does not diminish the quality or nutritional content of the food.

Get more dehydrating recipes with our best-selling Prepper’s Cookbook.

Choosing a Dehydrator

We have a LEM dehydrator (and meat grinder, and pressure canner) because we like the brand.  The products are reasonably priced and have not had any quality concerns with any of the products. You can et a dehydrator in almost any brand you would like on Amazon, or you can go straight to LEM’s website. (Last I checked, pressure canners are on backorder, but the dehydrators were in stock). If you want to try dehydration foods in lieu of canning this year, consider which dehydrator you would like.

The Excalibur: Food Dehydrating Made Easy {Plus Tasty Recipes}

Prepping on a Budget: 4 Food Dehydrators under $75

There are two types of dehydrators:

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5 Frugal Prepping Tips For Beginners

5 Frugal Prepping Tips For Beginners

You never know what’s going to happen. But, lately, I’ve had so many questions from those I know that have never been interested in preparedness before, asking how they can help themselves out on the cheap because they honestly “feel” like something is coming.

You never know what’s going to happen. But, lately, I’ve had so many questions from those I know that have never been interested in preparedness before, asking how they can help themselves out on the cheap because they honestly “feel” like something is coming.

Again, if you feel like something is coming, you are not alone, and don’t classify yourself as crazy! In fact,t it is never crazy to be prepared for an emergency. If you want to start preparing now, there is never a better time, so don’t put it off.  Because of that, these are a few frugal prepping tips I have followed to stock up on when funds are tight.

1. Go to the Dollar Store – It doesn’t matter if you have a Dollar Tree, Dollar General, or a Family Dollar; these stores are excellent resources for preppers on a budget. We wrote an article on 30 frugal prepping items you can get at the Dollar store, but you can also look for mini sewing kits, batteries, packed shelf-stable foods, canned foods, and soaps. I also often scout for laundry detergent, bottled water, and canning jars as well. If they have socks or deodorant, it never hurts to grab some of those either. (I suggest aluminum-free deodorant, but use your own judgment on this one.) The best tip I can give to new preppers who are on a budget is to go to your local dollar store.

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15 Shelf Stable Foods To Stock Up On Now

15 Shelf Stable Foods To Stock Up On Now

As winter approaches, finishing touches should be made to our winter preps. To help make sure we have what we may need in the event of a major power outage, snowstorm, or another emergency, store some shelf-stable foods to make sure you have enough to eat.

As winter approaches, finishing touches should be made to our winter preps. Many of these food types were covered extensively in The Prepper’s Cookbook, but it’s important to have the basics on hand and ready. To help make sure we have what we may need in the event of a major power outage, snowstorm, or another emergency, store some shelf-stable foods to make sure you have enough to eat.

1. Oils

Cooking is difficult without some fats, so stock up on coconut oil, ghee, or olive oils to cook with. Olive oil can go rancid after two years so make sure you use it up as you purchase more. Coconut oil is very heat stable, and because it’s low to oxidize, it means that it won’t go rancid as quickly as other oils. It can last up to two years as well, and it provides fast energy. You can add some to tea or coffee for a boost of quick nutrition and calories as well.

2. Canned Vegetables

Store canned vegetables that you actually like. If you hate peas, don’t buy them You won’t eat them and there are other available to purchase. Corn is a great option. Corn is both a grain and a vegetable: the only difference is that as a grain it’s dried before harvesting. Buy organic corn in cans to help ensure it’s not genetically modified as most corn is GMO. 86% of the world’s corn is GMO, so to avoid that, look for organic.

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How To Naturally Prepare Your Body For Cold & Flu Season in 4 Easy Steps

How To Naturally Prepare Your Body For Cold & Flu Season in 4 Easy Steps

This year, cold and flu season could present all kinds of different issues with preparing your body to fight off illness. But these suggestions could help you naturally fortify your immune system even with everything else that’s going on.

Having to plan for COVID around cold and flu season has certainly given us more to be concerned about in the coming months. Now is the best time to begin preparing your body to fight off illness.

In The Coronavirus Handbook, author Tess Pennington outlined some necessary points to keep your immune system as strong as possible during the time of year when you are most susceptible to illness.

It is important to emphasize that herbs cannot cure a highly contagious virus, but they can certainly help boost your immunity. Turning toward natural remedies now will give you the knowledge and skills you need to keep your family well during flu season and in the event of a pandemic flu. 

When you begin feeling that your body is run down, it is time to start actively working to boost the immune system. By doing so, you are fighting off the infection before it overtakes your body, thus, significantly reducing being prone to colds and flu. You can help give your body the edge this winter by trying the following:

  • Herbal tinctures are natural medicines that help with a variety of ailments. You can stimulate your immune system function to help shorten the physical and mental recovery periods of illnesses.
  • Herbal teas that boost and even fortify your immune system during cold and flu season. Finding teas that have bioactive ingredients like echinacea, yarrow, lemon balm, elderberry, and marshmallow help you feel better naturally! Drinking any warm liquid calm our nerves, lower our stress levels, and decrease blood pressure as warmth itself is associated with comfort. 

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The Overlooked Necessity of Self Care

The Overlooked Necessity of Self Care

Self-care is not selfish, or indulgent. It’s necessary especially as the stress compounds. Follow these tips to giving yourself a little bit of TLC.

During times of crisis, stress, and uncertainty, we tend to forget that we should be taking care of ourselves too. Putting your kids, spouse, and pets welfare before yourself is common, but we all need to take the time to make sure we are mentally prepared to care for others.

Self-care is not selfish, or indulgent. It’s necessary especially as the stress compounds. It’s hard to take care of others if we cannot even take care of ourselves.  Because of that, we’ve compiled a few easy ways that you can take care of yourself as things in life continue to progress.

1. Slow Down – This may seem crazy, and impossible. But it’s not. Instead of getting up late after hitting the snooze button and feeling rushed to get the kids to school, the bus, or start your day, get on a slower schedule. Wake up at the same time and go to bed at the same time every night. I am in before 8:30 pm, my kids o to bed at 8 pm and that doesn’t change even in the summer when it’s still light out at 8. Doing this will give yourself extra alone time. I like my alone time in the morning, so I get up at 4:45 am when the alarm (which is classical music) goes off. This time before everyone gets up is used to just center myself and get ready mentally for my day. I love grabbing a cup of coffee, my blanket, and enjoying both in the cool and quiet before the house wakes up.

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10 Things That Happen When You Start Drinking Aloe Vera – It’s a Game Changer!

10 Things That Happen When You Start Drinking Aloe Vera – It’s a Game Changer!

Drinking aloe vera juice? Why not!? In fact, there are several reasons why you should consider drinking aloe vera daily and this is a game-changer.

Drinking aloe vera juice? Why not!? In fact, there are several reasons why you should consider drinking aloe vera daily and this is a game-changer.

Aloe vera juice has traditionally been a part of many Ayurvedic preparations, medicines, and tonics.  It hasn’t been something Americans think much about, however, unless they end up with a nasty sunburn. Aloe vera, or Ghritkumari, as it is known in Hindi, it is capable of curing a range of ailments with its numerous health benefiting properties. Aloe vera juice has traditionally been a part of many Ayurvedic preparations, medicines and tonics. “It provides complete nourishment to the body,” shares Dr. Ashutosh Gautam, Clinical Operations and Coordination Manager, Baidyanath.

According to Dr. Rupali Datta, “Aloe vera is an important ingredient for food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industry. Recent studies published in various scientific journals have shown that oral consumption of aloe vera juice can facilitate controlling blood sugar and lowering lipids in diabetics and hyperlipidemia patients.”

Ten amazing things can happen to the human body when we begin to start drinking aloe vera juice, so why not try it?

  1. Fight Digestive Disorders – Daily consumption of aloe vera juice is believed to fight and cure a range of digestive disorders including poor digestion, constipation, acid reflux, and gas. It is also beneficial in boosting appetite and keeping a check on weight gain.
  2. Hydration – Since aloe vera juice is almost all water, drinking it will help hydrate you will be providing all the other benefits mentioned!
  3. Improved Liver Function – aloe is used in Ayurvedic treatments that can improve liver function.

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Could We Be Living Through a Systemic Breakdown? Here are 3 Telltale Signs

Could We Be Living Through a Systemic Breakdown? Here are 3 Telltale Signs

There are several telltale signs surfacing that we are living through a systemic breakdown of virtually every aspect of life as we knew it. However, there are ways to prepare and set yourself up for success as best as possible. Take steps now to protect yourself from one of the most uncertain times in human history.

In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, supply shortages have plagued the country. It’s not just toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and seeds we are talking about. It’s more than that and some believe this is another telltale sign that we are living through a systemic breakdown. In a previous article, Ripe For Chaos: How The Great Reset Will Shake Us To Our Core, it was written:

“We are literally watching a TEOTWAWKI event transpire right before our eyes. By all accounts, the pandemic was the triggering event that will set off a breakdown of epic proportions. As the COVID-19 pandemic opened our eyes to a worldwide health crisis, what could ensue will shake us to our core.

There is no mistaking the signs of economic instability. Turmoil in the stock markets, mass job loss, and cost of living have been at the forefront of our minds dealing with the aftermath of COVID, but now we are literally living in a world where there is a battle for resources from a country level to a world level. Borders are temporarily closing. Resources are getting scarce. Most people do not understand this is the fall of a civilization.

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The Prepper Shopping List for August: 7 of the Hottest Deals For Preparedness Supplies

The Prepper Shopping List for August: 7 of the Hottest Deals For Preparedness Supplies

The temperatures are heating up and so are the deals in August. If you are looking for frugal ways to stock up on your food pantry and preparedness supplies, this month will not disappoint!

The temperatures are heating up and so are the deals in August. If you are looking for frugal ways to stock up on your food pantry and preparedness supplies, this month will not disappoint!

7 Things You Can Buy To Stock Up On Your Preps

Buying items during certain months of the year will allow you to buy at discounted prices so you can stock up and save big time. You just have to know which items are best to buy.

  1. Back To School Supplies – Take advantage of the back to school deals and purchase pens, pencils, tape, and other office necessities. Purchase a few extra rolls of tape and get them prepped for Christmas wrapping marathons in a few months! A majority of us are working from home these days, so take advantage of the deals. As well, you can look for small coloring books and crafts that may be on sale to invest in “sanity savers” for off-grid events where the kids need something to do.
  2. Bug Out Bag Supplies – There are some discounted items this month that could help you in creating a perfect bug out bag. In fact, if you don’t have a bug out bag, this month would be perfect to buy a sturdy backpack. As well, Ziploc bags of all sizes will be on sale and are perfect for organizing bug out supplies, first aid items, just add water meals, etc. As well, premade snacks like packs of crackers, juice boxes, granola bars, etc., will also be good to pick up at the store and are great for comfort foods during emergencies.

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10 Blackout-Proof Preps You Need To Get Through Extreme Weather Emergencies

10 Blackout-Proof Preps You Need To Get Through Extreme Weather Emergencies

Generally speaking, the American lifestyle is largely dependent upon the power grid. And when the grid goes down during the hottest times of the year, our eyes are opened to the need to have essential off-grid preps to survive.

A sweltering heat wave that has enveloped most parts of California causing a surge of demand on the power grid and energy companies made the decision to start rolling blackouts during the hottest part of the day.

The heat wave is ramping up this weekend, and some areas could reach triple-digit record highs, weather.com meteorologist Jonathan Belles said, adding that the temperatures are more typical of mid-summer than August.

An excessive heat warning was issued by the National Weather Service for Friday through Tuesday, and the combination of heat and wildfires prompted air quality warnings as well.

Ozone pollution in some areas reached levels Friday afternoon not seen in 10 years, the Los Angeles Times reported.

Gonzales said several different factors would play into whether the rolling blackouts continue.

“We’re dealing with weather, clouds, wildfires … these are quickly evolving situations, quickly changing,” she told the AP.

The situation will be evaluated on a day to day basis, she said.

Source

Learn more about rolling blackouts

Many believed rolling blackouts were a thing of the past and, in California’s case residents have not experienced one for 20 years. But all that changed Friday when the lights went out on 350,000 thousand homes. Many were caught off guard and felt PG&E had not fully communicated the likelihood of this occurring. But the worst is yet to come as more rolling blackouts are planned for the coming week. That said, it is important to know that certain preparedness items can provide safety and protection when you are off the grid during the hottest part of the year.

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How To Pick ANY Lock!

How To Pick ANY Lock!

A skill that might come in handy when things get really bad, is picking locks. Even if you are just locked out of your own house, knowing how to get back in without a key could be useful.

How To Pick ANY Lock!

A skill that might come in handy when things get really bad, is picking locks. Even if you are just locked out of your own house, knowing how to get back in without a key could be useful.

We do not suggest you learn this so you can break into other people’s homes and commit crimes. There are other reasons you should know how to do this.

The Step-By-Step Guide To Help You Through Any Disaster

The Illusion of Security

Knowing how to pick a lock will open your eyes to the “illusion of security.” We all lock our doors to keep our loved ones safe at night and to secure our possessions during the day. Once you figure out how easy it is to pick locks, you will realize that locks don’t really do much except provide the illusion of security.

Locks make us feel safe, but if someone really wanted to get into your house, they could easily pick the lock on your front door. If they didn’t know how to do that, they could find another way in. You simply cannot just rely on a lock to keep you and your family safe. You need to utilize other tools and tactics and create multiple layers of security and if that’s all you get out of this, that is actually a powerful thing to figure out.

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How To Create a Wildfire Action Plan

How To Create a Wildfire Action Plan

Wildfires can happen suddenly and be catastrophic for those affected. Because this emergency is a quick one, you should have a wildfire action plans ready and be able to execute it if the worst happens.

How To Create a Wildfire Action Plan

Wildfires can happen suddenly and be catastrophic for those affected. Because this emergency is a quick one, you should have a wildfire action plans ready and be able to execute it if the worst happens.

Fire season is brought on by both seasonally (in some areas) and unseasonably dry weather with ignitable material. Droughts and dry conditions greatly multiply the likelihood of wildfires and it is important to prepare an “action plan” for the entire family in the case that your family is faced with a wildfire emergency.

One of the most effective ways to ensure your safety is to be certain that all members of your household know your action plan well in advance of a wildfire. This will help the family act more quickly to this fast-moving emergency.  Go over this plan several times a year, if not more, to make sure everyone understands what they will need to do.

Create an Evacuation Plan

Creating the evacuation plan is the first step. According to Ready For Wildfire, these are the essential steps to create a family-based wildfire action plan:

  1. Decide upon a designated emergency meeting location outside the fire or hazard area. This is critical to determine who has already been safely evacuated from the affected area.
  2. Map out several different escape routes from your home and community. Practice these often so everyone in your family is familiar in case of emergency.
  3. Have an evacuation plan for pets and large animals such as horses and other livestock.

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Leaving This Out Of Your Emergency Bag Could Leave You Helpless

Leaving This Out Of Your Emergency Bag Could Leave You Helpless

Emergency situations are rarely planned. While we may have plans or ideas of how to deal with certain events, there are simply too many “what ifs” on this ride called life. And without this essential bug out item, you could be caught in a very precarious situation.

Leaving This Out Of Your Emergency Bag Could Leave You Helpless

Emergency situations are rarely planned. While we may have plans or ideas of how to deal with certain events, there are simply too many “what ifs” on this ride called life.

There could be times when you will have mere minutes to evacuate your home and if you do not have a plan and supplies already packed and ready, you lose precious seconds during an evacuation.  Because of the uncertainty when it comes to emergencies, we are big believers in having multiple bug out bags for the home, vehicle, and workplace, but for the sake of the article, we are concentrating on the bug out bag for the home.

Related: 12 Tips to Pack Your Bug-Out Vehicle Like a Pro

One mistake that many forget to prepare for is ensuring that your financial needs are met in an evacuation situation. In an emergency, many don’t think to have enough cash on hand, and already in the bug out bag to get them through the ordeal. And without this essential bug out item, you could be caught in a very precarious situation.

Cash is King

Cash is king. Sure, gold and silver are great too – especially in a collapse, but let’s be real; during a short-term emergency, who accepts those or even wants those in exchange for goods or services? Few, if any, especially businesses. The reason cash is better than keeping your credit or debit card on hand is that there’s simply no guarantee that ATMs or credit card machines will be operational.

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Suspicious Roadblocks: What You Need To Do To Stay Alive

Suspicious Roadblocks: What You Need To Do To Stay Alive

In a SHTF type of emergency, roadways could be used to set up traps to get unsuspecting travelers to pull over and be mugged, stolen from, or worse. With that in mind, there are a few ways to spot a nefarious roadblock that you will want to avoid after the SHTF. 

Suspicious Roadblocks: What You Need To Do To Stay Alive

Traditionally, roadblocks and checkpoints are used to cast a wide net that targets hundreds of motorists, but some may be using it will ill intentions. In a SHTF type of emergency, roadways could be used to set up traps to get unsuspecting travelers to pull over and be mugged, stolen from, or worse. With that in mind, there are a few ways to spot a nefarious roadblock that you will want to avoid after the SHTF.

The Step-By-Step Guide To Help You Through Any Disaster

Some believe roadside checkpoint tactics are used to intimidate travelers and allow police or even private citizens to abuse individuals they choose to target for whatever reason. In fact, during the initial COVID pandemic lockdown in April of 2020, several states, including Rhode Island, Florida, and Texas, took the unprecedented step of setting up border checkpoints to stop nonresidents who might be carrying the virus. Concerned citizens in Colorado used roadblocks to try to control those who were out. Colorado drivers reported being pulled over at a roadblock checking for coronavirus lockdown violators, but police say they haven’t conducted any blocks, according to their Facebook post. These fake roadblocks and checkpoints are a thing, so it’s important to be able to spot them from afar.

Questions arise on whether or not this is constitutional.

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Prepping For the Second Wave: What To Do The Next Time The Toilet Paper Runs Out

Prepping For the Second Wave: What To Do The Next Time The Toilet Paper Runs Out

One of the hardest things for a lot of Americans earlier this year was the toilet paper shortage. It lasted maybe only weeks for some, but over months for others.  The next time the toilet paper runs out in your community, use some of these ideas instead.

Prepping For the Second Wave: What To Do The Next Time The Toilet Paper Runs Out

One of the hardest things for a lot of Americans earlier this year was the toilet paper shortage. It lasted maybe only weeks for some, but over months for others.  Toilet paper has become 2020’s most valuable commodity.

Of course, I kid about it being a commodity, however, it can feel that way if you run out or if the demand runs high due to an emergency.  In fact, there were reports of people calling the police because they ran out in the initial COVID-19 panic.  But there is a way around this and as an added bonus you’ll be helping mother earth, and the septic system (or city sewage system) by going low or zero waste in the bathroom. As a result of using this method, you could also stretch your toilet paper supply, or free up some rolls for bartering in the event that something becomes dire.

Related: 27 Survival Uses for Common Mullein Besides Cowboy Toilet Paper

Three Toilet Paper Alternatives for the Next SHTF Toilet Paper Shortage

The next time the toilet paper runs out in your community, use some of these ideas instead. At first, it might seem a little gross, but to be honest, once you start, it is not that bad. In fact, starting is the hardest part, and we’ve got some great tips for you!

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7 Inexpensive Ways To Cool Off Without Air Conditioning!

7 Inexpensive Ways To Cool Off Without Air Conditioning!

With the hottest days of summer quickly approaching for most of us, it’s important to know how to stay cool, especially when you’re working outside and doing those homestead chores. It’s really easy to get hot but here are a few inexpensive ways to stay cool when the temperatures start to soar.

7 Inexpensive Ways To Cool Off Without Air Conditioning!

With the hottest days of summer quickly approaching for most of us, it’s important to know how to stay cool, especially when you’re working outside and doing those homestead chores. It’s really easy to get hot but here are a few inexpensive ways to stay cool when the temperatures start to soar.

  1. Wear Light Cotton Clothing – wearing cotton clothing in light colors will help you feel much cooler. Darker synthetic fabrics tend to absorb the heat from the sun, while the light will go through lighter colored clothes.  Also, don’t wear anything tight.  Loose-fitting clothes are best for the heat to allow better airflow. Cotton also helps by absorbing perspiration. Linen or silk are also great options for staying cool. Avoid synthetic fabrics such as elastane and polyester. Synthetic fibers retain heat and will increase your body’s temperature. You should also wear a hat to help keep the direct sunlight off your face and neck.
  2. Stay Hydrated – Drink a lot of water. Your body gets dehydrated much more quickly during extreme heat. Sweating, the human body’s main cooling mechanism, uses your body’s water. Our perspiration does not evaporate easily when the air itself is full of moisture, so we feel hotter on humid days. Sweat also contains sodium, so make sure you are eating whole natural foods that can help replenish your body. I don’t mean pour a bunch of salt on your lunch, just some veggies known to have a slightly higher sodium content.

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Olduvai IV: Courage
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Olduvai II: Exodus
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