Well, its that time of year, cold,cold and more cold! I'm using this indoors kind of weather to think and plan for spring. We'll be moved into our new place, a tri level with a huge yard, by the 15th or so of Jan. Can't wait to get unpacked and organize all my heirloom seeds,garden supplies and prep stuff, feel so deprived without them here.
Anyway, some of the things I want to try, since I'll have the space for it is: making homemade cleaning supplies, homemade lotions,soaps and candles. I'm going to have to do some more research, but I also want to collect rainwater, just need to find the right type of container for doing so.
So many things I'm looking forward to implementing! I'll keep you up to date on how things go. Mrs. Prepper

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!  Mrs. Prepper

I've been having back problems for the last couple months. Finally had got the pain to stop (degenerative disc in lower back, with the new meds. But 2 weeks ago, I started having really bad muscle spasms over hip and going half way up my back. May or may not be indirectly related to the disc. Won't know for sure  until mri, but the way this screwy obama insurance is, have to go through all the steps before that. Which makes no sense ( oh yeah, forgot talking about obama again) how can you do all these treatments, prescriptions, without knowing for sure what's wrong, hence needing an mri.Anyway, my doctor today at least put me back on prednisone, which works more for the pain than the vicodin, but only temporary, on it for 6 days, then the pain will be back. Oh, well, I'm grateful for the reprieve of pain, shortlived though it is.
I know I said with the packing,etc. that I wouldn't be buying prep stuff, but, tomorrow is the twice a year indoor, huge rummage sale, sooo, just saying I may slip and get a couple things! Am going to keep my eye open for some of the things that are more expensive to buy brand new: food dehydrator,canning supplies,grinder(for wheat,other grains), food saver stuff,cast iron cookware. I'll keep you posted on what I find. Mrs. Prepper

Check me out on fb,tsu and pinterest!

Mrs. Prepper's Portal

www.tsu.co/mrsprepper

Visit Laura's profile on Pinterest.

Still waiting to move, agh! Looks like end of Dec, just great, so no decorating for christmas,no tree, etc. Boo hiss, its my favorite holiday for decorating. Most things are boxed and in the garage, except for furniture and last minute stuff, like, clothing, bedding, towels, enough dishes,etc to get buy, bathroom stuff. Probably going to get a storeage unit in the next week or 2 so we're not last minute having to get everything out, have until Dec 31 to be out of here.

Anyway, not much getting done with preps, as its all packed up. Ordered an heirloom seed catalog to see if there is anything new to try next year.Having a really hard time going to thrift stores and not buying prep related items, just more to pack and move.

Todays tip: please, please, don't forget with the freezing temps/snow, bring your pets in or have a safe/warm place for them and check on them often.Also, if they are outside with shelter, don't forget their water will freeze. Also, if you have elderly relatives or neighbors, check up on them, see if they have working heaters, need help shoveling or salt their sidewalks so they don't slip and fall. Or pick up a few things from the grocery for them. Be kind, to animals and people, you don't know what they are/have been going through and just simple courtesy and compassion may make all the difference. Mrs.Prepper

Wow, so much has been going on! About 6-8 weeks ago, within a period of about 2 weeks, my back went out twice. So after 2 er visits, finding a new doctor,xrays,pain meds and muscle relaxers, then was put on a new med that stops the nerve signals from the back to the brain, finally no pain.Anyway, they said I have degenerative disc in lower back. But, so far so good!
  And we have been in the process of looking for a new place to live, packing,etc. Looks like it will be around Dec 31. Aghh! But the good part is, we are moving from a 2 bed,1 bath apt, to a tri level, 3 bed 1 1/2 bath, big yard to garden and we can have dogs and cats!! Woot, now I can't wait til spring to plant heirloom seeds of all kinds and have the storeage space for my prepping.
  I will try really hard to keep more frequent updates here and also I haven't forgotten about doing a giveaway, but really need to see comments, comments and more. Share it up. Looking for a christmas giveaway and for starters, I will have heirloom seeds in it, as I have tons of them. Once I start seeing some interactions here, then I will add more. But, will need to see at least 50 to start of comments!! Mrs. Prepper

Well, with summer leaving us and fall is upon us, its been time to finish harvesting the garden. I ended up with about 12-14 sunflowers, which is taking me forever to take all the seeds out. The squirrels and chipmunks have been the lucky beneficiaries of the leftovers! Also, am right now, roasting my hubbard red squash. I'll sort thru the seeds tomorrow. I've never grown or eaten them before, so not sure what I'll make with them. Possibly spicy squash soup, I got the recipe from someone on Montana Homesteader fb page. I'll let you all know how it turns out. Mrs. Prepper

Sorry for the little absence here, had a few back problems. I started a fb page, Mrs.Preppers Portal. Check it out, like and share, also start commenting here, going to be doing some giveaways here soon. Since facebook will be changing the rules soon, I'll be doing the giveaways thru my blog. But you can't win if you don't like and share the page and start commenting here. Mrs. Prepper

New Evidence on Expiration Dates

I searched for some expiration dates on medicine, something we as preppers stock up on. Here is an informative article about it from Doom and Bloom.

New Evidence on Expiration Dates

October 12, 2012

 

37 Comments

Over the years, I have expressed my opinions on the bogus nature of theexpiration dates stamped on medications in pill or capsule form.  I have cited the findings of the Shelf  Life Extension Program, a program meant to investigate the possible usefulness of the millions of doses of various expired medications stockpiled by FEMA for use in peacetime disasters.

In my original article, “The Truth About Expiration Dates” 2 years ago, I indicated these findings were no longer available to the public.  Now, a breakthrough scientific article has been published in the respected journal “The Archives of Internal Medicine”.  Below is the article in its entirety, with important sections in bold type:

*******************************

October 8, 2012 — An analysis of 8 medications indicates that most of the active ingredients they contain were present in adequate amounts decades after the drugs’ expiration dates, according to results from a study published online October 8 in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Lee Cantrell, PharmD, from the California Poison Control System, San Diego Division, University of California San Francisco School of Pharmacy, and colleagues used liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry to measure the amounts of the active ingredients in the medications. The medicines, which had expired 28 to 40 years ago, were found in a retail pharmacy in their original, unopened packaging.

To meet US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards, an active ingredient must be present in 90% to 110% of the amount indicated on the label. Drug expiration dates are set for 12 to 60 months after production, even though many compounds can persist far longer.

In the new analysis, 12 of the 14 active ingredients persisted in concentrations that were 90% or greater of the amount indicated on the label. These 12 compounds retained their full potency for 336 months (Dr. Bones 28 years) or longer. Eight of them retained potency for at least 480 months (dr. bones: 40  years). Dr. Cantrell’s team was unable to find a standard for homatropine, 1 of the 15 ingredients.

Only aspirin and amphetamine fell below the 90% cutoff. Phenacetin was present at greater than the cutoff in Fiorinal (butalbital, aspirin, caffeine, and codeine phosphate, but was considerably less in Codempiral No. 3. The authors attribute the deficit in Codempiral to conditions that led to preferential degradation of phenacetin because of its amide group, compared with codeine, which is also in Codempiral but is more chemically stable.

Three compounds persisted in greater than 110% of the labeled contents: methaqualone (in Somnafac), meprobamate (in Bamadex), and pentobarbital (in Nebralin). These relatively high amounts may reflect degradation of other components of the compounded drug, the fact that the samples were produced before FDA-instituted quality control measures in 1963, or inconsistencies of the analytical techniques between when the drugs were compounded and now. The new findings are consistent with the efforts of the Shelf-Life Extension Program, which has extended the expiration dates on 88% of 122 drugs tested so far. Extensions range from 66 to 278 months.

“Our results support the effectiveness of broadly extending expiration dates for many drugs,” the researchers conclude. They also point out that extending shelf life can significantly lower costs to consumers.

Limitations of the analysis, the investigators write, include an inability to confirm the storage conditions of the drug samples, as well as imprecise dating of the samples. The authors have disclosed no relevant financial relationships.

http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1377417

**************************

For the preparedness community, this information is very important, as it lends credence to what I have been telling you all along:  Get your medical supplies together, and don’t throw out drugs in pill or capsule form just because they have passed their expiration dates.  We are anxiously awaiting lists of the 122 drugs that the Shelf Life Extension Program has tested, but you can expect them to be medications that will be useful in the aftermath of a catastrophe.

Dr. Bones

Another great giveaway!
http://ontheedgebrands.com/ote/Sweeps.aspx?code=CHAUGUST&src=OPTINSWFB

Just wanted to share something exciting coming up in a couple weeks! The local emergency mangagement in my town is doing a
simulated airplane crash drill and I'm going to be a volunteer to be either an injured/dead person, where they actually have
makeup artists do you up realistically, fire/emt/police, bus you to local hospitals, the whole nine yards. Not only does this
sound like lots of fun, but hopefully I'll take some good info for what it would look like during an actual disaster, how first
responders react,etc. Can't wait! I'll let you all know how it goes, its set for Aug 20th. On a similar note, in Oct, I'll be
attending my first statewide prepping and survival seminar, woot! thanks Laura/Mrs. Prepper/Prepper Colony

Another list of survival supplies from Family Survival Supply.

Survival Supplies List What Type of Disaster Are You Packing For? HurricaneEarthquakeTornadoBlackoutTerrorism We recommend checking your survival supplies at least 2 times per year. When you change your smoke detector batteries make it a point to inspect your bug out bag and all of your supplies. Replace expired food and water, update medical records and medication, replace clothes as necessary (especially growing children's). Your Disaster Survival Kit should contain all of the essential survival supplies to sustain life for at least 72 hours. Disaster Preparedness List - Survival Supply Necessities Your Survival Bag Should Include: (It is important to have on hand enough survival supplies to sustain life for a minimum of 72 Hours.) 1 gallon water per person/per day (drinking/bathing) Survival Food/MRE (Click for Details) Water Purification Tablets Emergency Blankets Change of Clothes for Each Family Member Emergency Ponchos With Hoods Waterproof Matches Rechargeable/Squeeze Powered Flashlight AM/FM Radio (preferably solar) with Batteries Survival Whistle Compass N95 Respirator Dust Mask Multi-Function Pocket Knife Wet Wipes Tissues Toothbrush,Comb,Soap Emergency Phone Numbers Prescription Medication Emergency Cash (ATM's are likely to be closed down.) First Aid Kit (Click for Contents Details)

A great medical supply list from Doom and Bloom.

List of Survival and Collapse Medical Supplies (Natural Remedies)

Here’s my list of Survival and Collapse medical supplies with natural remedies included. We include natural remedies for first use or back up to save on items that won’t be produced in an austere setting. Dr.Bones and I spend a lot of time and energy researching “back-up” plans for traditional medicine. We want you to have the ability to provide medical help in a disaster scenario, and for that, you’ll need conventional medical supplies and some knowledge on what natural remedies are useful for certain situations. Below is a very ambitious list of things you should consider:

** Remember- the more options available, the more likely you will find something that works! **

• Oral antibiotics – (or if emergency, fish meds)
• Antibiotic ointment and/or antibacterial herbal salves
• Ace bandages- multiple sizes
• Kerlix or rolled gauze
• Steri strips and butterfly bandages to close minor lacerations
• TONS of gauze/dressings (BOTH: sterile and non-sterile 4x4s. Include lots of non-adherent “telfa” pads so healing wounds won’t stick to the dressing)
• ABD pads (usually 5×9), also called combine dressings
• Tapes- include DUCT, adhesive and paper ( for adhesive tape allergies)
• Quality bandage scissor/trauma shears ( ALL METAL, the plastic handle ones break cutting jean material!)
• Pliable splinting material (“sam” splints – everything from finger splints to 36 inch rolls that you can cut to size)
• Moleskin with padding – for blisters
• Scalpels (#10, #11, #15 most popular)
• CPR masks
• Paracord – multiple uses for this
• Nitrile gloves – hypoallergenic
• Antibacterial soap
• Syringes – for wound irrigation and cleaning
• Antiseptics – get lots of various solutions, hibiclens is excellent
• Universal cervical collar
• OPAs (Oral Airways) – prevents occlusion of an airway due to an allergic reaction while waiting for the epi pen or benadryl to kick in
• Alcohol pads -to clean instruments/hands
• N-95s Masks (for healthy people to keep them from getting sick!)
• Dermabond (Rx) or super glue ( may burn the skin)
• Sutures – 2-0 nylon (don’t bother with 3-0 or smaller unless working with delicate skin on the face, eyelids, etc.)
• Skin stapler/remover and 2 adson forceps (if you or someone you know knows how to use properly)
• Curved and straight Kelly clamps ( to remove foreign objects from wounds)
• Several large safety pins
• Magnifying glass
• Light source – Pen light, head lamp, glow stick, flashlight
• Some type of fire starter – to start fires for boiling water or sterilizing instruments, include a container for boiling water in your supplies!
• Mylar blankets
• Wool Blankets
• Thermometer
• Ammonia inhalants
• Cotton Sheets – can be cut into strips for multiple uses, or used to carry patients
• Clotting powders like Quikclot, Celox – (cayenne pepper powder may help minor bleeding)
• Tourniquet- such as CAT , only use in severe bleeding that will not stop with direct pressure or clotting agents
• Snake bite kit – must use within seconds of the bite or it is useless
• Re-useable GEL packs- can be cooled OR heated
• Aquatabs – to help purify water
• Athlete’s foot powder (lasts longer than creams)
• Monistat cream (or equivalent) – for vaginal yeast infections

Survival Dental Care

• Dental mirror
• Dental extractors/elevator
• Dental filling material ( commercial or mix zinc oxide powder and 2 drops clove oil),
• Baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and 2 drops of peppermint oil make a great gum treatment and toothpaste
• Hydrogen peroxide – makes a great oral mouthwash/gargle for gum swelling and irritations. Do not use on open skin wounds after the initial wound cleaning! HP may damage healing cells inside an open skin wound.
• Extra essential clove bud oil (numbs dental pain when applied directly
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Dental Floss

Miscellaneous Survival Items List

• Eye cup
• Eye wash
• Eye pads /eye patch
• Claritin (non-drowsy antihistamine)- hay fever/allergies
• Benadryl ( drowsy antihistamine) – allergic reactions to stings, medication, food, and contact with irritants
• Epi-pen (Rx), if needed for anaphylactic reactions
• Aspirin (not for children), Tylenol, and Ibuprofen
• Imodium – for diarrhea
• Hydro-cortisone cream – anti-inflammatory, good for rashes
• Vaseline/Petroleum jelly – a million uses! Great to make non-stick dressings.
• Aloe vera – for burns
• Gatorade or rehydration tablets/powders- for rehydration drinks ( to tx dehydration)
• Multi-vitamins, extra vitamin C (tablets and powder), zinc, and other supplements to strengthen the immune system

Tin Hat Ranch is giving away a prepping book, by Todd Jones from Effective Tactics!

http://is.gd/mQPtpM

Interesting reading.
http://www.bioprepper.com/2014/07/25/all-signs-point-to-a-coming-emp-attack-upon-the-united-states/

Saw this on facebook a few minutes ago. This is the kind of idiots we will have to deal with when shtf!

Matt Coughlin‎The Preppers Exchange

34 mins · 

So over the last few years i have been building up my arsenal. At the end of the world or in shtf my plan is to rob prepers of there preps. So that is my preping plan!

Tent and survival gear giveaway!
http://ontheedgebrands.com/ote/Sweeps.aspx?code=chjuly&src=OPTINSWSB

ABC's of Prepping. What I'm going to do is list groups of items, starting with "A" and probably do 2-5 letters at a time, and list some important things to stock up on, whether its stock or for bartering,etc. Some things, like clothes and tools, I won't do alphabetically but rather list them under each respective title. Hope you find this useful and I may have overlooked something or just have different things on my list than yours.Mrs. Prepper

A.

aloe
alcohol

B.

binoculars
beeswax
bandaids
books
bleach
bedding(pillows,blankets,sleeping bags,etc.)
basket-wicker(for long term survival, would be useful to have a template to make more)

C.

candles
calamine lotion
coffee/coffee beans
compass
cotton balls/swabs
can opener

Coming up soon, I'm going to start a series, called the ABC's of prepping. Just a nice organized list of prep supplies, maybe some you haven't thought about. Will be all encompassing, to include for pets,babies/children,elderly, etc. Am also thinking about doing a basic self defense video for youtube, if I can talk my son into helping me out! Mrs.Prepper

Another nice giveaway!
http://is.gd/AePuke

 http://woobox.com/xic5rt
Nice knife giveaway!

Another nice giveaway!
http://is.gd/hHx4sm

Took me a little longer than I planned to get this questionnaire together. I think it will be a little different for everybody,
as we all have varying views on what to ask potential joiners. Feel free to copy or make suggestions to it. First I will state the
questions, then I'll list some of the reasons for asking. The last 2 are non negotiable, in my opinion.

1. How many are in your group?
2. What are the ages of everyone?
3. Are there any medical issues?
4. What are the skill sets of everybody?
5. What provisions do you have?
6. What bartering items do you have? (which would be extra of provisions or what not)
7. Agree on the basic rules (again, this will vary for everyone)
8. Agree to a quarantine period, outside of the main group.

1. Don't assume person/persons standing in front of you are the only one's asking to join, could be a mob of them hiding out
in the woods or near by. You don't want to say yes to the 1-3 or so and find out when you agree, they signal and you have 20,40 or more
rushing in.
2. Are there babies/children/elderly/disabled/sick, in the group? Not saying that means no, but is your group prepared for the care of
all of these? Do you have formula,diapers,meds, extra. I mean, you kind of are taking on some responsibility of your group.
3. Does anyone have special medical/medication needs. Similar to the above, but expanding to include: insulin,paralyzed,terminal,
serious injuries,somebodies parent/grandparent with dementia, is your group prepared for dealing with these issues.
4. You need to really take stock of the skill sets of your group and see where you need people with those you lack. And that includes
not assuming someone maybe with a disability or elderly, can't or doesn't have the ability to help in some way.
5. Something to take into consideration, if a potential memeber has their own supplies, that will greatly reduce the strain
on the core group.
6. Do they have things to barter with, especially if lacking in needed skill sets.
7. No free rides, especially if they have nothing to offer in either provisions or skills. All will be expected to do all aspects
of work, no matter if you lived a cushy life before and had hired help or are just lazy, you work or out you go.You have the
mindset that something that is asked or required of you, is beneath you or treat others like they should do your work, out you
go.  Mrs. Prepper

Am working on a list for you all. Sort of a questionnaire for people wanting to join your group in a SHTF situation. You need to know some basic info to decide on letting anyone in. I've fleshed out a list and hope to have it up here in a day or so! Mrs. Prepper

Enter to win this canning system!
 http://momwithaprep.com/american-canner-ball-stainless-steel-water-bath-canner-giveaway/

Here's a sweet giveaway from effective tactics!
http://is.gd/4lpgEd

Another giveaway for you all to enter!
https://www.facebook.com/gitoutfitted/app_599788450050788

Something we should all know, edible plants, poisonous plants and healing herbs. Mrs. Prepper

Going to give you all a list here of my favorite prepper/survival sites. Check them out, several also do some really awesome giveaways! I've won quite a few things from them, also they have amazing information!
In no particular order:
Homesteading and Prepping.com
The Survival Podcast
Papa Jelly Survival
Prepper Planet
Prepperbabe
Preppers media
Homestead Survival
Skinny Medic
Survivor Ties
Effective Tactics
Texas Homestead Preppers
The Patriot Nurse
Doom and Bloom

Water purification giveaway!
http://ontheedgebrands.com/ote/Sweeps.aspx?code=Lifestra&src=OPTINSWFB

Awesome Honey giveaway!
http://thetrailerparkhomesteader.blogspot.com/2014/06/coxs-idaho-honey-giveaway.html

Just wanted to expand a bit on the self defense. 
1. Don't show weakness, even if you get hurt, try not to show it. ie: reacting
vocally (ouch, crying out, holding injured area), your just letting the aggressor know where to hit harder.
2. Don't get angry or show fear, either will lose the battle or paralyze you. Save the fear/emotion till after the situation is over. Cool heads prevail, anger will cause you to make rash or improper decisions.
3. Don't expect, even with years of training, to not get hurt. You punch somebody, particularly a bone or teeth not only will it hurt, but could expose you to infection, if you cut your knuckles and get blood/saliva on your cuts.If you get punched or kicked, it doesn't matter how well trained you are, it still hurts.You get thrown or fall on the ground or into a wall, yes it will hurt. Just don't expect a magic shield to protect you, but if you do get hurt, the trick is to not show or respond to it. That will just draw more attention to striking that area.  Mrs. Prepper

How do you intend to protect yourself,your family and your property! I don't particularly have any problems with guns, knives,etc. Other than being worried about them being in the wrong hands( felons, minors, those who think they know how to use them, but don't). If for no other reason, than to learn self control, discipline and a sense of self worth, I believe everyone should learn some form of martial arts.
I started Tae Kwon Do, when I was 16 and received my 1st degree black belt when I was 18. I can't begin to describe the feeling you get, when you have the skills and knowledge to defend yourself. Now, I don't mean that as bragging in any way, shape or form. Big difference between being self confident and showing off. Over the years, living in another state, living life, injuries, I didn't test again until about 4 1/2 yrs ago, for my 2nd degree black belt. I am now 50 yrs old, so nobody is too old to get involved!
The point I'm trying to make, is you can't depend on someone else to save or help you, you need to be able to help yourself. A couple of examples, especially in our everyday modern lives: you just got off work(and this applies to men as well as women, think of the "knockout game" that's been so prevelant) and your walking across the parking lot to your car. You had a rough day and your just  thinking about getting home, starting dinner, your scrolling thru your messages on you cell, when, BAM , someone --fill in the blank. That quick, you need to pay attention to your surroundings, anything else can wait. Bad guys look for inattentive people, you make it easy for them, as opposed to someone who is constantly looking around, is walking confidently. Check for vehicles parked close to your own, you don't want to get grabbed and thrown into their car. Look under your car, who remembers, years ago, when the "thing" happening was guys with box cutters, slicing the legs and feet of people from under their own car? I also don't mean, that you  need to be a walking advertisement for someone on the verge of a nervous breakdown! Just think, be aware, look at people who are walking by, alongside or coming towards you. Usually your gut instinct will let you know if something seems off, if we take the time to listen. Be careful, Mrs. Prepper

I've started a group on facebook, Prepper Colony, please come by and join! Mrs. Prepper

Tonight I'm going to talk about a couple of things, which are also related some to the topic. It has to do with know thy neighbor and who will you help out when shtf. I know most people want to help others in need, myself included, but do you have enough food,water,medicine,etc for yourself and family and whoever else comes knocking or breaking down your door? That last is another issue, those who haven't prepared, who see or know what you have, that think they will take by force or other means, everything you had the foresight to stock up and store on your own. Can you or will you be willing to defend from possible marauders?If you have watched any of Nat Geo's Doomsday Preppers, recall that buffoon with the horde of like minded idiots with him, who blatantly stated they would come and take whatever you  have, that they had no intention of stocking up themselves, they would just take yours.
Now that brings me to know thy neighbor. Makes sense to try to get to know who is around you, what they do,etc. Try to become friendly enough that at least you can try to bring awareness to them, see if they could be beneficial to co prepping. And if not, at least you'll know where potential trouble could come from.
I'm thinking I'll be doing a video soon, teaching some basic self defense. Possibly a giveaway in the near future, maybe when I can get around 100 , so please liked,share,follow and comment!! Mrs. Prepper

I swear I don't know where the time goes! I've wrote down several topics, so hopefully I can keep this rolling more regularly.
I want to talk a little more about bartering. What items or skills/knowledge you have or should procure for shtf.
First off, think about what you know. For example, I'm a 2nd degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do. So I can teach self defense, which would be handy to know in any situation. Perhaps, your proficient in firearms. If you hunt, hopefully your pretty good and can teach gun skills. Do you sew or make things? There may come a day, when there are no stores to buy clothing from and  we'll need to sew them from whatever is available.
For material goods, think about how much the average person/family has in their home,garage,closets,etc. If you "collect" things or just don't want to sell or giveaway, keep them in a plastic tote. Then if something happend and say you needed food or whatever, you can trade what you have in excess for something someone else has a bounty of. Maybe a farmer has a large surplus of veggies/fruit or meat, etc. But they don't have: baby items(extras you have from when your kids were little), tools,tarps, etc.
Now, I'm not saying we should all be hoarders, but if nothing else, when you dig out all this stuff and pack away in totes, at least you've cleaned up some and organized you living space! Mrs. Prepper

Check out this awesome giveaway for a complete bugout bag!!
http://youtu.be/tzAqhbfPXkM

Here's another giveaway I found for a first aid kit.
http://www.chkadels.com/content.jsp?pageName=Sweepstakes

Found this giveaway from The Survival Mom.
 http://bit.ly/1hqgurB

Here's a giveaway for some first aid supplies, always handy!
http://youtu.be/FsGnjbrYC50

Hey all! I'm so thrilled, just got both, a foodsaver and mylar bags for storing all kinds of prep goodies.
First off though, not too long ago,I ran across a post on fb about reusing juice pouches. Don't remember who it was from, but what you do is wash, rinse and dry really good and then cut straight across, just under where the straw goes. Then you basically use it like a mylar bag, folding the top down in about 1/8 inch sections, about 3-4 times and iron it. Seals right up! Don't think I'll use it for food, but I've been putting stuff like matches, batteries,etc.
For the mylar bags, I've already made up 6  1gal bags. Filled them with white rice and assorted dry beans, lentils and then added dehydrated vegetables to each and a pinch of chili peppers.
I love the foodsaver, we've made up a couple of diy mre's. Made some individual hygiene and first aid bags also. In my next segment, I'll go over those and what all we put in them and where we got the items from. As it is past midnite, I'm signing off. Mrs.Prepper

This segment is going to deal with skill sets, which are also I consider bartering skills. If someone has something you need, but you don't have an object to trade with, you could possibly trade your say horse training for fresh fruits/vegetables.So, in no particular order I'll list a variety of skills. Remember, you never know who has a potentially valuable skill. I know that in a shtf situation, some tough decisions will have to be made, like should you invite the seemingly odd group of strangers to join you or not. Most of these are pretty self explanatory. I guess it depends on the situation and what all is needed to have some semblance of normalcy. Mrs. Prepper

1. Sewing
2. Construction
3. Farmer
4. Welder
5. Cook
6. Hunter/Fisherman
7. Doctor/Dentist/Nurse
8. Herbalist
9. Botanist
10. Security/Police
11. Linguist
12. Teacher
13. Geologist
14. Organizer/Planner
15. Gardener
16. Mechanic

Just put up the new youtube video. Its the $25 prep challenge. Basically, we went to the dollar store, initially with $20 in mind, but upped it to $25, to see how much we could get, that was prep/survival related.
https://www.youtube.com/user/superpotaoman300

Just got my $2 pack of heirloom seeds. Here's a pic of them, nice variety. I tried to go back to see if I could get another, but said they were out and didn't know when they would be back up.

This is a great deal on heirloom seeds! I found it on facebook and decided to check it out. You get 7,500 + heirloom seeds on amazon for $2, normally $35!! I went ahead and got them and yes its for real. When you click on this link below, it will give you a code to type in when you check out, its correct, it does. Just wanted to share a super deal with you! Mrs. Prepper  Also, its for a limited time, so I wouldn't wait too long.

http://arksurvivalgear.com/survival-launch-special.html

Another awesome giveaway!
http://americanpreppersnetwork.com/2014/04/water-in-an-emergency-2.html

Going to do a couple things this week. One is, a planting tutorial, showing you the different methods I've used to start my seeds and some of the results of them. Another, is going to set a $ amount, unknown how much atm, and go to both one of the local dollar stores and a thrift store and see how much prep stuff I can get at both. Will do a video for the planting, not sure if I'll do one in stores, maybe just the results.

If anybody has a topic they would like to see addressed, please comment and I'll see what I can do! And who knows, if I can get subscribers,followers, etc. maybe we'll have to do a giveaway! Mrs. Prepper

Here is a list I made up of what I call prepper mentality. See if you agree or not. Pick a SHTF scenario and just for the purpose of this little test, say you have 30 minutes to load up your family and what can fit in your car. Little likelihood of having a home to come back to or heavy damage. What does the non prepper choose vs a prepper?

Non Prepper:
box or 2 of family photos
jewelry
makeup
clothes
china/artwork/antiques
cameras/gaming devices/computer
dvd player/dvd's
important papers
other mementos

Prepper:
Your already prepared bug out bags
tents/camping supplies
medical supplies
weapons
food/water preps
tools
essential clothing

Now, not to make fun of those who don't prep or don't understand it, but if you really think about it and compare those two lists, who is the one who will be trying to take your items, because they put themselves into that situation. Take for example Hurricane Katrina, they knew enough ahead of time to leave. They saw how strong a storm it was. Some left, some stayed in their own homes, some went to shelters. If you choose to not be prepared for whatever events, I'm not saying you don't deserve to be helped, if someone is in a position themselves to offer it, but you have no right to use force or expect everyone else to give. Don't get me wrong, if possible, you come looking or asking for help, I'll do my best, but to demand it or try to harm me or mine, sorry, you put yourself in that boat.

I just have the feeling if something bad happend, to radically change our way of living, there is going to be alot of people with this mentality and this is why we need to spread the word about preparedness. The more people who are of this mindset the better we will all be. Mrs. Prepper

Hope you all have had a chance to check out my youtube channel. I just made another short  one tonight, just have to do the voice over. I've always wondered about the different things you can use in an emergency for tinder to get a fire going. So, the video is of me using the following items and seeing first, if they lite up and then if so, do they stay lit long enough to get a fire going. I used: dryer lint, corn chip and walnut( I've heard that on facebook from a few different sites, that because of the high oil content, they would work),a crayon and a natural wood fiber nugget. Check out my video later tomorrow and see what worked and what didn't!!  Please, like,share,comment and subscribe to my channel, thanks Mrs. Prepper

Since its spring, I'm going to talk a little bit about planting. I started my indoor planting a bit early, like back in late Feb! Was just a wee bit impatient. Now I have about 50 some tomato plants around 8-14 inches tall, both kidney beans and jacobs golden cattleman dry beans, also the same height, a few peppers,pickling cuc's.
I've tried a couple different ways of starting the seeds. Bought the pellets that you soak in water and they expand, the seedling trays where you just add the soil, homemade newspaper pots. I've had the most success with the pellets. Now, as for transplanting into bigger pots and yes you do need to do this, they quickly out grew their little starters. Unless you have unlimited money, especially after buying grow lights ( I have 8) several bags of soil,stands to set everything on, it can get pricey. So instead of buying larger pots, unless I find some at a thrift store, I've devised a better way. Gallon milk or water jugs, rinsed out, just cut around the top, about 4 inches, right thru the handle, but you want to leave most of handle intact, that way you have a way to carry it. Just remember to poke several holes in bottom for drainage and place in a pie tin or whatever tray you have on hand. Happy planting! Mrs. Prepper

Sorry about the lack of posts. Was sick for a week or 2 with bronchitis and sinus infection, then lost my job after 5 1/2 years. So kind of been recouping from all that. I've started a youtube channel and I'll be giving you the link and I should be back to posting here in a day or so.Mrs. Prepperhttps://www.youtube.com/user/superpotaoman300

Another great giveaway!
http://is.gd/KU4O0C

As I've stated previously, I have been getting alot of heirloom seeds. Well, I'm sure I'm starting a bit early, but in the last week I've planted several varieties of seeds. They include: greystripe sunflower, black heirloom sweet bell peppers(purple beauty), black cherry tomato, black russian tomato, atomic red carrots and black seeded simpson lettuce. I also started an indoor herb garden. Can you tell I'm sooo over winter yet?!!
I'll take some pics in the next day or so and post them. The first two trays we planted early last week or so and some are already an inch or so tall! Mrs. Prepper

Wow, time ran away from me again!  Just going to jump right to it then. I'm sure I can't be the only one who deals with leftovers from lunch or supper.  I really hate just throwing food away, I always picture these people that are starving and makes me feel guilty, you know?  Going to give a few examples of what to do with them and it really falls into prepping as well, since if a serious event occurs, you'll be making do with whatever. So, say you have 2-3 days worth of some leftover veggies, for the most part it doesn't make a diff what kind. Well, I'll make a big pot of soup and throw them in and since the veggies are already cooked, won't take quite as long. Sometimes I'll miss measure how much pasta I make for spaghetti and I've saved it in a ziplock for a couple days and make an italian bake with it. Now that we have a juicer, whenever we have some fresh fruits that are starting to get a wee bit ripe, we throw them in the juicer along with either, juice,yogurt,ice, depends on the consistency we are wanting. Also, when we have fresh celery, when I cut the leafy ends, I place in a ziplock and save to put in either a soup or in with some baked chicken. Don't know if these tips save much money, but makes me feel better at not wasting what can still be used. Mrs. Prepper

Enter here to get 30 free heirloom seeds!

http://www.myfreeseed.com/

Enter to win this awesome bugout bag!
<a id="rc-d2483c3" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d2483c3/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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What to have on hand for bartering. It starts with what you can afford to buy extra of. I have alot of spices, seasonings and heirloom seeds.Other useful items include: medicines,first aid supplies, fire starters, clothing, cigs, alcohol. I find that the medicines/first aid supplies would be important to use for barter, because you would want to have a surplus, so as not to give away your own. Someone comes along asking for help( sick child or whoever)if you don't have extra, you'll have a moral dilemma, do I hand over what I may need to save my own child/spouse/parent or send them away, knowing they could possibly die without what you have or that they may come back in force and try to steal or kill to take it from you. That's why I try to get extra every time I buy something, particularly at a bargain price, so that eventually, I'll have a good stock of surplus for trading or helping someone out.  Mrs. Prepper

Win a bucket of food!
<a id="rc-255a6220" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/255a6220/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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This segment deals with starting seedlings and making a little profit at the same time. As we live in an apartment and don't have a lot of space(we do have a small garden plot that tenants can reserve before they run out) I've decided to try something a little different this year. I have this consignment shop that I sell crafts/collectibles in and I've noticed that they have a couple large window areas where people sell seedlings and plants. So, I've purchased a few seed starter sets, the ones that have the plastic tray and cover and comes with the peat pots that can start 50 seedlings in. I also have several of the similar material egg flats from my work that I've saved up. So, going to plant enough for my garden space and try to sell the remainder and use the money to buy more heirloom seeds.Hope this gets everyone into the spring mode! Mrs. Prepper

Here's a link to a nice giveaway!
 ‪#‎fortis4me‬

Being that I live in Wisconsin, I'm going to talk a little about being prepared for driving.  Now, my family tends to think I go a bit over board, but I'd rather be safe than sorry. Right now the wind chills are in the -30 -   -40 range, so I'm particularly careful to make sure I have extra items with us when we go anywhere. For instance: even if we don't wear them to leave, they come with us in case the car breaks down, won't start when we go to leave from like the store or something, boots, scarf,mittens,snowsuit,blanket,hats and when I can find them, those little packs of hand/foot warmers. My son and I went to Walmart a little while ago and just from walking to the car and putting the bags into car, our hands were frozen, just within a couple minutes. It took the drive of half way home for our hands to quit hurting. Sure made my son rethink why I bring all that with us.
Now, the reverse is true, preparing for summer. I always have sunscreen,bug spray,tennis shoes(if we're wearing sandals or flip flops)cold drinks,snacks. When the kids were younger, extra diapers,wipes,formula,extra clothes, etc.Also, bags, in case of throwups. Stroller, even if not planning on being gone long, didn't want to be stuck some where having to carry a little one.  Mrs. Prepper

Enter to win this well pump!
<a id="rc-255a6219" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/255a6219/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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Another link to a contest you may be interested in!
<a id="rc-255a6217" class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/255a6217/" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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If a long term, well I even a short term event happens, do you have people in your circle, with a variety of skill sets? Because depending on the type and duration of the event, there may come a time that you will need somebodies expertise. Could be in the medical field: doctor,nurse,paramedic, dentist, pharmacist. What about somebody that can fix things: plumber,electrician,mechanic,etc.(If the power goes down indefinitely, you may still need their basic skill sets) Food: farmer,gardener,hunter,fisherman. Alot of people are so dependent on just going to the store or picking up the phone or sending an email for whatever they need, its going to get rough fast, when even doing or providing the most basic thing for themselves and their families.
You should, at least have a mental list of your immediate family,friends,extended family,neighbors,etc.Could you depend on them in a serious crisis?Do you know what skills they possess? When people are desperate,starving,hurting, they will possibly do extreme things to get what they want. It may be a good idea, if you can afford the extra prepping expense, to have barter items on hand or skills to barter for items or other skills your group may need. Again, think back to Katrina, people used that as an excuse to loot businesses( do you remember seeing the video coverage of people running around with arm fulls of electronics or new boxes of namebrand shoes?) Like that was something they needed in an emergency. Do you want to risk going out yourself or sending a family member out to scout for needed items, ie: food,medical,etc. More food for thought and why we need to prep.  Mrs. Prepper

So, for all of you who either have children,grandchildren,etc. The obvious things to have on hand, of course that's depending on age, is food, formula, water. And then the basic medications: tylenol/motrin, anti diarrhea,diaper rash,bandaids,triple antibiotic ointment,etc. But also, items such as: pacifiers,wash cloths/burp clothes,baby soap. For older kids: vitamins(to fill in what they may lack in their current diets, books, crayons,toys,school supplies, especially with kids you want to try to have a sense of normalcy while everything else may be chaotic around them, to be able to keep them busy. Depending on their age and how long the disaster event lasts, do you have enough clothes in progressively larger sizes available, that they will still have something to wear that fits.   Mrs. Prepper

Well, I'm also starting a community on google +, just waiting on a picture I'm having made for me!!
Onto tonights topic. Elderly care in a disaster. I'm sure most of you all have either an elderly parent or grandparent. If something happens, is there someone that can get to them? They will have some specialized needs in some cases. Such as mobility issues, health concerns, medications, etc. I know in one of my previous posts about having baby diapers stocked up, what about adult diapers(depends)?  They will probably have some prescription med needs: high blood pressure, heart meds, diabetes, etc, though you don't necessarily have to be older to have those issues, but something to keep in mind.And if it turns out to be a long term scenario, will you be able and willing to be moving around if need be,taking them with you. Not saying I wouldn't, but its just another thing to think about.  I'm thinking tomorrow, the topic will be prepping for kids in general, babies, toddlers and preteens to teens.  Mrs. Prepper

If you haven't heard about this, check out the link below to register. Its The Survival Summit, a free, just register, seminar online with many guest speakers, several prepper/survival topics, giveaways, etc.
http://www.TheSurvivalSummit.com 

This topic will be about getting the most for your money. I've found many a good deal at thrift stores,dollar stores and the clearance aisle at grocery stores,walmart and walgreens. I'll start off with some of the items I've found at thrift stores: a couple of tents, brand new qt size bottles with caps(the kind you would use for making your own beer)that was a nice deal, I got 8 for .75cents each, gardening items including seeds,clear plastic containers with snap lids for storing misc items. The dollar stores, I've gotten quite a few medical and health items,boxed and bagged pastas and rices. Walmart and Walgreens, both usually have clearance aisles and I've found food items greatly reduced(I'll buy for current needs and get extra for storage), end of season/holiday clearance is also a great way to get extras.

Can't wait for spring/summer to scrounge around garage sales!!  May do another topic in a little while yet. Mrs. Prepper

Here's a contest link some of you may be interested in, to win a gun!!
http://goo.gl/4nZlf0

One last thing for tonight. I'd like to give everyone a challenge. Do an inventory of your bathroom items and food items. I know people who live in Florida and Texas. Others of you spread out all over the country. You each have different natural potential disasters. Other kinds of disasters is a different topic, so we'll stick with this one for now!  Whether its hurricanes, blizzards, wildfires,etc. If the BIG one hit by you, how long could you survive with what you have on hand. Say you were unable to go anywhere or the damage was such that there is nothing left at stores or martial law in in effect because of said destruction. Something to ponder on and being that the weekend is here and most don't have work, something to possibly do!  Mrs. Prepper

Couple things to add to my previous post. Sorry, keep thinking of different items we may need and not think about. Now, I myself have never worn braces, but don't you need to have regular adjustments or something like that? I wear glasses, but not contacts, do those of you who wear either, have backup glasses? How about contacts and solution? Imagine yourself not having access to either if you needed. For me, I at least need for reading, can't really make much out otherwise. I know some people who without either or pretty helpless,can't see a thing. Just something to keep in mind. Mrs. Prepper

So, imagine a scenario like Katrina or Sandy, how long would you last with what you have in your cabinets and fridge/freezer? As a woman, do you have everything you need to make it for a week, 2-3 weeks or 1-2 months? Lets look at some of the items specific to what women need or use. Sanitary protection, tampons,pads, medication for yeast infections( I know at least some of you have had these, especially after being on antibiotics!)birth control. Some of you may say, but I have a box of tampons in the cabinet. Well, okay, what if something happens, and stores are empty or not safe to go out and your period starts? What about if you recently had a baby? You'll need an even larger supply stocked up. Think about the things you use on a daily basis, even in a shtf situation, things that make you feel good or make it seem more normal. Makeup, skincare regimes, deodorant, razors and shaving cream.

Now, having said all that, I don't expect for all of us to be the next segment of hoarders!! But, it also wouldn't hurt, to pick up a few extras every time we go to the store either.It won't hurt the wallet so much if we gradually add to the prepper pantry.  Hope some of this is useful. As I'm trying to make up for my lost couple days, I may have another article tonight, about picking stuff up at thrift stores, dollar stores and clearance bins.  Mrs. Prepper

Ok, I'm back! Wasn't feeling good for a couple days. Anyhow, todays topic is how are you prepping for your pets? You will need additional water stocked up for them also. I have only 2 birds and a snake. Now keeping on hand enough frozen rats, is a little tricky, living in an apartment with the one fridge/freezer. What about food for dogs and cats. I'm not familiar with the shelf life of canned and dry commercial foods. And if the situation lasts along time without, stores being stocked, services being around(garbage,utilities,etc) what about cleaning up after dogs and litter boxes, where do you dispose of to keep disease,pests,smells, away?
If your pets are on any medications, that may be something you want to stockpile also. I know their are a couple of mail order or online companies you can get medications without prescriptions, as well as any other supplies you need. Speaking of medications, you can also get several kinds of fish antibiotics, that can be used by humans, in the event of no doctors, hospitals, etc. around. Check out Dr Bones and Nurse Amy, Doom and Bloom and also The Patriotic Nurse , they have alot of info on this and much more!!
Check back in a little bit, I'll have articles on prepping for babies, kids in general and items for women to stock up on!  Mrs. Prepper

Hey all! Tonight I'm going to talk about what am I prepping for. My son's both initially were like, mom why are you doing this? This was about 2 years ago. Now my youngest is into it as much as I am. But to answer the question of why, well alot of reasons actually. I'm not like a one specific kind of event happening kind of prepper. Whatever I can afford and it seems like something that could come in handy, then I'll buy it. Obviously I get the basics, food, water,medical, but other things too, like: tools(hand in particular), things that I think may become barter items, etc.

Sure, I think the possibility of an economic collapse it likely, but also natural disasters,martial law,etc. As a mom especially, when I think of "what if" scenarios, of all of us not having access to water, food, medical supplies, yeah, that is really a huge factor in my prepping. And for those who question, why waste money on that, well, what about those, who think nothing of dropping say: $50 on dinner or the movies for 2, manicures or salon visits every 3 weeks, going to a concert,a night of drinking with friends, that nice new outfit you had to have,etc. To each their own, I don't knock anyone for doing that, I just prefer to spend mine on things I may need, not want. I think of it as an investment or insurance for the future, my children especially.  Mrs. Prepper

Awesome Uses For Drinking Straws - Preparing For SHTF

Awesome Uses For Drinking Straws - Preparing For SHTF

Here is a video I came across, with some really cool prepping tips for using straws. Check it out!

Welcome to my debut of Mrs. Prepper! My goal here is to both share info and give and receive tips, etc. on everything prepping related. I'd like this experience to be as interactive as possible, so please feel free to like, comment and share! Please keep comments kind and considerate, no need for rudeness.

My first suggestion is in regards to stockpiling/saving heirloom seeds. Being a mother of 2 teen boys, budgeting is a priority. So going to give a little plug here for Listia. If you haven't checked them out, its pretty cool. Similar to ebay, but instead of cash you use credits, which you can earn by watching videos,taking surveys or selling items.Then, you can use the credits to buy what you want. I've been getting alot of my heirloom seeds this way.Have also picked up some collectibles, which I then sell and some medical supplies.

Having said this, about heirloom seeds, I'd now like to ask who collects them and what way do you store them?  thanks and see you all soon  Mrs. Prepper