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