Solar Ovens

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Great deal on ground beef!

https://www.zayconfoods.com/events
This is a good deal on ground beef for canning!  $2.89 a lb, for 93% lean.
This site also has regular deals on chicken.  I haven't used them for that because my local store usually has around the same prices, but I've heard it's very tasty chicken.  Meat prices will most likely be going up, so it would be a great time to do some canning!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Great deal on heat packs!

If you have a Recreation Outlet near you, on Friday, Saturday & Monday, they have a great deal on heat packs.
10 packs (2 in each pack) for $5.99.
Now these are really great if there's no heat.  Taping these under your arms (better with a thin layer of clothing between the pack & your skin) will stimulate the blood vessels there & help you generate body heat.  I use these all the time ice climbing & camping to keep me warm.  And they're cheap, small & not dangerous to store!

Monday, November 21, 2011

Great prep item at Dollar Tree

These are pretty multi function lights.  They have and LED light in the tip.  Then they have a glow stick type light in the handle.  You can have either one or both on, or flashing.  There's also a whistle on the bottom.  When I took an earthquake prep class, she highly recommended whistles in your car & by your bed.  Why?  Because if rescuers are looking for survivors, you can whistle much longer than you can yell; and it carries further.  And these have a lanyard for hanging.  I bought some to hang by our beds, put in our car, & hang on our hiking packs.  Then I went back & bought some more for Christmas gifts!  Can't beat it at $1!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Eggnog or Pumpkin hot chocolate mix

I wanted some holiday themed hot chocolate mixes.  Neighbor gifts maybe?  I used the hot chocolate mix recipe from my last post & tried some holiday flavors.  I made 1/3 a batch in case we didn't like it.
First I tried the nestle powdered creamer that was peppermint mocha.  We couldn't really tell there was peppermint in there.  You get a lot more from a drop of peppermint oil or a candy cane.

Next I tried this powdered eggnog mix.


I used it in place of regular creamer in the recipe.  The carton was almost exactly the right size for 1/3 of the recipe.  The verdict?  I didn't LOVE it.  It was good.  I've had eggnog hot chocolate made with very rich eggnog, & expensive chocolate.  You know the kind of drink you almost have to chew?  So I think that's more what I was hoping for.  It's pretty sweet.  Don't get me wrong, it's good & I think if I weren't expecting something else I would have liked it more.  But I was a bit disappointed.  On the other hand, my son loved it!

We also had this Stephens Pumpkin Spice mix.


(this is much cheaper at the grocery store, I just put it here so you could see it).  While we liked this drink, we usually picked hot chocolate.  Then I noticed on the back that it said it could be used as a creamer.  Ah ha!  It was yummy & we really liked it!  I think I might add a bit more next time; but I like my flavors strong.  I was expecting my son to like this one a lot, he loves pumpkin muffins.  But he thought it was just "ok".

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Hot chocolate mix

I got this recipe from my grandfather.  Everyone likes it so much the grandkids make it at his house in the summer!
I especially like using flavored coffee creamers instead of plain.  I used peppermint for neighbors.  I'm a big fan of the french vanilla.  We've also used caramel, irish creme & cinnamon creme.  They were all really good!  This makes great gifts.  I also made a big batch & canned it in a #10 can in my food storage.

6 quarts powdered milk (around 8 cups)
1 1/3 cup powdered sugar
2 cups chocolate powder (such as Nestle)
2 heaping cups powdered creamer (plain or flavored)
Mix all together.  Fill cup 2/3 full of mix (yes you read that right, 2/3 full).  Add hot water.  Yum!
This recipe will fill a gallon ice cream bucket.  This is an easy recipe to get exactly how you want.  Add more cocoa to get it a bit more chocolately.  More flavored creamer for flavor, more milk for creamy, more sugar (or less)!

Monday, November 14, 2011

New Self Sufficiency book



I just read through this book with great excitement.  Overall, it was pretty good.  I learned a few things I'm very glad to know.  I really like that it is written by someone who has been using this knowledge in real life.  Like I was glad to hear you could water your chickens in the winter by giving them snow if necessary.  The straw cellaring section was interesting as well.
But some of the things I would have liked a lot more info.  I guess the author was mostly trying to tell us about skills, & leaving it to us to research further into the things we want to learn.  But a lot of it I already knew, & was hoping the book would teach me how to do.  There are a lot of pioneer stories mixed in.  While they were interesting; I would have preferred more instruction.  I also think he overdid the personal stories a bit.  I was also surprised that when he talked about storing eggs long term, he didn't have any of the methods I've found most in my searches (such as mineral oil http://singlemompreparedness.blogspot.com/2011/07/preserving-eggs-without-refrigeration.html)
But I did make a list of things I'd like to learn more about, & learned some things I'm very glad to know.
So while this wasn't as complete as I'd like, I really am glad I have it in my survival library.  I also think it would make a great gift for those just getting started.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Ask for preparedness for Christmas

My family often had a hard time deciding what to get me for Christmas.  But now I can ask for preparedness items.  This is a great way to help you get prepared too, especially for those more expensive things you can't get with coupons.  You could ask everyone to donate towards a solar oven or radio, give you gift certificates to food storage places, contribute to your 72 hour kit, things like that!  It will be a great present because it will add to your peace of mind, & they'll probably be glad for the suggestion!
You could also join in with other family to buy bigger preparedness items together for someone.  Give mom & dad a solar oven!  Can them some food!  Even if they aren't super excited at first (we all have relatives like that), the day will come when they'll be grateful for it!  I did a bunch of #10 cans for my father a couple years ago.  His wife wasn't real excited about it; she didn't like all the room it took up.  Now she going down & looks at all that food they have, & is so grateful to have it.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Cool Ties

I'm a big fan of cool ties when I'm hiking in the desert.  They are kind of neck kercheifs, that have water gems inside.  These soak up water, which gradually evaporates on the back of your neck.  They really help keep you cool.   I was thinking the other day how fabulous they would be if we ever didn't have cooling in the summer; especially for working in a hot garden.  I decided I wanted to get us several each, so one could be soaking while one was being used.  But they are kind of pricey to buy new.



  Luckily, I found this website on making your own.
http://christmas.organizedhome.com/gifts-crafts-gift-tags/sew-simple-gifts/cool-tie
Now I am not someone who knows how to sew.  But even I can sew the straight line required for these.
We tried making some & they were a snap!


I looked around a bit for what to use inside.  I bought all 3 of these.  It turns out the bit "water gems" & the smaller pack of "water gems" (the last 2 pics), are exactly the same.  One is just already hydrated, & one isn't.  The large container cost about $5 at the craft store.  But then I found the "decorative accent" ones (first picture) at the Dollar Tree.  Awesome!  I made ties out of both, & couldn't tell a difference in the way they functioned.  I bought cheap cotton fabric in the $1 fabric section at Walmart.  Doing that, you can make these for less than $1 each.  How cool is that!
Not only am I making these for us, but they are a great prep gift for Christmas or anything else!

Friday, November 4, 2011

More prep gift ideas

Items with sayings-

~Flashlights ~100 Hour Candles ~Matches ~Oil Lamp with oil ~Candles


“You light up my day/life”

“May your Christmas be Merry and Bright”

“You are so bright”

“Let your light so shine”

“We love how you light up our lives, we've come to depend on your glow. Here's a Flashlight to store, so you'll

always be sure, to create light wherever you go.”

~Matches

“No one matches you as friends/neighbors/family.”

~Seeds


“The kindness you show, makes our friendship/love grow and grow”

~Paper Towels (1, 3, 6, ect. Month supply)

“Blot your troubles; absorb the Christmas Spirit”

~Hand Egg Beater/Blender

“Have an Eggstra Special Holiday”

~Wheat Grinder

“Grind away your worries; have a special day”

“Just Grind right into a loaf of bread; happy holidays”

~Fire Extinguisher

“My love Burns for you; Happy Valentines/Anniversary”

~Solar Oven


“Here's a little help for Sunshine to brighten your day”

~Honey (Any size, with honey dipper & bow on top)

“Bee Prepared; Have a happy Holiday”

“Bee-cause you are great neighbors; Happy Holidays”

~Hand Crank Radio or Ham Radio


“Tuning into a great neighbor/friend/son, ect.; Happy Holidays”

“Tune into my heart full of love/friendship for you”

~Filled Basket of any individual Items

“Wishing you a basketful of Preparedness/Holiday blessings”

~ Sleeping Cots


“I “cot” the Preparedness bug, and now you can catch it too”

~Jars of Jam
 (3, 6, 9, or 12 month supply)

“Hoping you have a hoilday jam-packed with fun!”

“Have a “Berry” nice holiday season/mothers day.”

~Cocoa Mix (Purchase a case from the cannery)

“Wishing you a warm and wonderful Christmas/new years/birthday/Valentines day”

~Pasta (Purchase a case of Macaroni from the Cannery)

“Have a “pasta-tively” happy holiday/birthday/new year”

~Muffin Mix
 (3, 6, 9, or 12 year supply)

“You're getting “Muffin” for Christmas.”

~Popcorn
(3, 6, 9, or 12 month supply)

“Just “popping” by with a Holiday/Birthday hi!”

~Soup (homemade jars of dry mix or a supply of canned soup)

“Wishing you a “Souper” Holiday Season/birthday, ect.”

“We wish you a Wonderful Holiday/Birthday “simmering” gently with love.”

~Washboard & Clothes Wringer or Washclothes & Dishtowels


“This Christmas/birthday/mothers day, you deserve the best, a present unlike all the rest. We considered a new car or an exotic cruise... but decided on something you could really use. Finally we found you a gift to admire,

We hope you enjoy your new Washer & Dryer!!

~Jarred Bread & Recipe
 (3, 6, 9, or 12 month Supply)

“We're not “Loafing” around when we say you're the best mom/neighbors, ect. Happy holidays/birthday,ect.”

~Jarred Butter or Powdered Butter


“You “butter” have a very Merry Christmas/Happy Birthday, ect.”

~Chocolate Chips
 (3, 6, 9, or 12 year supply)

“However the “Chips” may fall, we wish you a Merry Christmas/Happy Birthday, ect. All in all!”

~Pancake Mix & Syrup
 (3, 6, 9, or 12 year supply)

“We are “pouring out” Christmas/birthday wishes and hoping you have a Christmas/Birthday “Flip-over”

~Rope/Bungee cords/Straps for years supply

“May your Birthday/Holidays be “tied” up with festive fun!”

~Batteries


“Twas the night before Christmas and Santa was worried, he had an emergency, boy was he flurried! The power was off, and his flashlight was dead, he didn't buy Batteries” when Mrs. S. said. We wouldn't want you in a similar plight, so we give you batteries to lighten your night. Merry Christmas to you, may you walk in the light”

~Cannery Fruit Drink Mix

“Pouring out” Christmas/Birthday cheer to you and yours!”

~Any Preparedness Book
 (Canning, survival, recipe, gardening, ect.)

“May the message of this book fill your heart and home with love and safety this Christmas Season.”

Individual Item Ideas Big & Small-

(Wrap them up, put a bow on top, stuff them in stockings)

~Sewing Kit

~Blankets

~Cots

~Sleeping Bags

~Hand Crank Radio

~Pressure Canner

~Metal Dinnerware

~Hand Crank/Shaker Flashlights

~Food Storage Buckets with Lids

~Any Item from the Cannery- Single Can or Case of 6 with a

~Hand Can Opener

(Add a recipe corresponding with the food to the top with a bow)

~Tarps with no tear grips & straps

~Tents

~Water Bath

~Cast Iron Cookware or Dutch Oven

~Canning Jars & Lids

~100 hour Candles

~Books- Recipe/Survival/Canning/ Gardening

~Non-Hybrid Seeds

~Rope/Bungee cords/straps

Gift Baskets or Packs-
(Add to or Take Away Items, to make it cost affective)

Sewing Box/Basket

Safety Pins(all sizes) needles, thread(heavy/lightweight), buttons, zippers, iron-on patches, shoelaces, sewing

patterns, material, stove top iron -vintage

Emergency Car Kit/Bag

Food, water, first-aid kit, blanket, flashlight, gas siphon, wipes, Kleenex/T.P, map/compass, cash, pad/pencil,

cards/activities, flares, matches, jumper cables, calling card, extinguisher, a reminder to add spare keys and

walking shoes/socks.

Potty Bucket
“Hope you don't have a crappy day”

Toilet(bucket & seat), T.P., hand sanitizer, baby wipes, garbage bags(for lining bucket), gift card to purchase

feminine products.

First Aid Kit

list is endless, purchase already made, or create your own.

Emergency Family Activity Basket/Rubbermade Container/Box

Board games, cards, dominoes, coloring books/crayons, game/activity books, pencils/sharpeners, puzzles.

Water Pak

30 0r 55 gallon Barrels, hand pump, barrel wrench, Filter, water purification tablets/liquid, white hose.

Keeping your Mouth Happy Basket (3, 6, 9, or 12 month supply)

Toothbrushes (1 per month, per person) Toothpaste (1 lrg. per month per person) Dental Floss (1 a month per person) Mouthwash (1 bottle per 2 months per person) Toothrepair kit(fillings, picks, ect can be bought at store)

72 Hour Kit/bag/backpack

There are a lot of different ideas and lists. Remember to add a reminder to pack clothes and shoes.

Lighting the Way Basket

Add any and all kinds of ways to light. Candles, flashlights, matches, oil lamps, lightsticks, lighters, ect.

A Gift that keeps Giving Basket

Non-Hybrid Seeds, small garden tools, sprouter, gloves, seed starter, watering can.

Basket of Preparedness Books

Canning, recipe, survival, herb/plant, gardening, ect.

Laundry Gift Tub
 (packed in large tub)

Clothes line, bag of clothes pins, hand crank clothes wringer, laundry soap or gift card, wash board, scrub brush

Keeping You Connected, Communications Gift Basket


Hand crank radio, signal mirror, signal whistle, road flares, calling card, quarters/cash, map, pre-stamped

postcards, document to be filled out entitled friends and family phone numbers/addresses with your name already on the list to start.

Dutch Oven, any size

Add dutch oven liners, hot pads, lifter, cook/use book

Cooking Gift Basket (3, 6, 9, or 12 month supply)

Plastic wrap, heavy duty foil, zip lock bags (all sizes), wooden/metal spoons, tongs, spatulas, colander/stainer,

cheesecloth, dish towels



These are all from:
http://prepareandshare.blogspot.com/2008/12/give-gift-of-preparedness.html

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Great Christmas deal on Sun Ovens!

Sun oven is having a great deal through Christmas!  Click on the link on the upper right on my blog to order one through paypal.  Or email me at singlemomprep@gmail.com  There's been similar specials on this before, but they've never had the dehydrating racks before that I've seen.  My price is $275!  (If you're in Utah, please use the drop down paypal menu to choose the option that includes Utah sales tax).

Here's the details:

Christmas Sun Dehydrating and Preparedness Kit*   description:
Sun Dry Dehydrating Racks Retail price $32.00
A simple, effective way to use a GLOBAL SUN OVEN to dry and dehydrate with the power of the sun. Easily stackable wire racks allows up to 3 layers of drying includes a  roll of parchment paper. Use the sun to naturally dry vegetables, fruits, meats, herbs, or fish. 

Easy Stack Pots with interchangeable lids Retail price 24.00
Spill free cooking of multiple dishes. Set of two interconnecting enamelware pots which can be safely and easily stacked. Includes an interchangeable enamel pot lid and a glass lid for improved visibility and browning. Each 3 quart pot holds 3 pounds of poultry, or a 3 pound roast.

Multi-Fuel Water Pasteurization Indicator Retail price $8.00
A simple reusable thermometer which indicates when water has reached pasteurization temperature and is safe to drink. Can be used in a SUN OVEN® over a campfire, with charcoal, propane, or with any type of fuel you use for heating water.

Wilton Non-stick Stackable Cookie Sheet/Brownie Pans Retail price $13.00
Cross-stacking pans allows maximum use of the inner chamber of the GLOBAL SUN OVEN. Constructed of heavy-gauge steel that provides an even-heating performance, baking experts prefer these for perfectly-browned baked goods. The non-stick coating makes food release easy and clean-up a breeze! 11 in. x 7 in.  x 1.5 in.

Wilton Non-stick Even Heat Bread Pans  Retail price $12.00
Favorite size for homemade breads & cakes.
Constructed of heavy-gauge steel that provides an even-heating performance baking experts prefer for perfectly-browned baked goods.  The non-stick coating improves food release and cleaning. 9 1/4 in. x 5 1/4 in. x 2 3/4 in.

GLOBAL SUN OVEN  Retail Price $299
With a computer CD with over 80 SUN OVEN recipes, cooking tips, FAQs, written & video operating instructions, a video on how the SUN OVEN works and emergency preparedness tips.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Preparedness for Christmas!

Sometimes it's hard to think of gifts we can afford, & that will have meaning.  I'm trying to do gifts that will help my family get prepared this year, even if it's only in a small way.  So here's some ideas of preparedness gifts you could consider this Christmas!

A jar of anything you've canned, jam, chicken, etc.

A certificate to teach a preparedness skill you've learned.  Making bread, making silver, canning chicken (this might be fun with a jar of canned chicken), etc.  Skills & knowledge are invaluable!

A grouping of preparedness items from Dollar Tree
   (posts on that http://singlemompreparedness.blogspot.com/2011/09/more-dollar-store-prep-items.html
     http://singlemompreparedness.blogspot.com/2011/07/preparedness-items-at-dollar-store.html)

Anything you have extra you've gotten free or really cheap with coupons.  Such as razors, toothpaste, bandaids, etc.  Make a grouping, come up with a cute saying, or put it in a little box with some other preparedness info.

Start them a survival library!  Print off blogs you think are good, the free Dr book I posted in October, things like that.  Information they can save for when needed.

Keep an eye out all year for deals, & buy extra for people for Christmas.  When I found hand crank flashlights for $2, I bought extras for gifts.  Same with pocket knives, little lights, etc.

Download some preparedness radio & burn onto CD's for them to listen to.
       http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper

A sampler pack (or just 1 item) of some of your favorite preparedness products.  A small thing of shelf stable milk or whipping cream,  lemon juice powder, anything you really love.

I'd love to hear anyone else's ideas in the comments!  Meanwhile, here's a few more:


  • Magnesium Fire Starter - $6.95
  • Fire Sticks - $1.95
  • Fire Lighters - $2.95
  • Waterproof/Windproof Matches - $2.95
  • Hotties - .95 to $1.25
  • Emergency Blanket - $1.25
  • Emergency Poncho - .75
  • Deluxe Poncho - $2.95
  • Endurance Headlamp - $4.95
  • Flashlight - $7.99
  • Emergency Tent - $3.95
  • 13-Function Knife - $1.99
  • Multifunction Tool - $4.95
  • 5-in-1 Survival Whistle - $1.50
  • 1st Aid Kit - $5.95
  • Basic 72 Hour Kit - $9.50