I had a 93 year old grandmother's funeral this last weekend and just for fun I'll share a bit of what was in her food storage room. There weren't too many things, especially edible ones. The room was in her basement and I'm not sure even how often … [Read more]
Wonder Oven Thermal Cooker FAQ’s
I've received quite a few questions about the Wonderbox (or Wonder Oven) thermal cookers I have made. If you don't know what a Wonderbox is, it is a fabric "box" in two pieces (bottom and lid) that acts as a heat retention cooker--like a big … [Read more]
Seven Times I Was Glad to Have an Emergency Kit Just Last Week
I took a short notice road trip with the kids last week. Approximately 1100 miles round trip to see some family for the holiday. Of course, my vehicle emergency kit was not removed when we packed our suitcases around it. And it's a good thing, … [Read more]
6 Tips for Success if You’re Planting Your Garden Late
What if you haven't planted a garden yet this year, but would still like to grow something? Is it too late to plant? Well, that all depends on your location and the number of frost free days you have left in your season, but the short answer is no, … [Read more]
Preparedness Quick Tip: Summer is Great For Calculating
There are a lot of things that can be done in the summer time to aid your preparedness efforts. I covered five of my favorite summer preparedness related activities in my recent newsletter, but when you're not doing something, summer is a great time … [Read more]
Eight Fantastic Food Storage Foods for Toddlers
Do you have little people in your preparedness plans? Even if you don't have any babies or toddlers in your home right now, you may end up providing for those around you or those in your extended family. We've covered some great options for food … [Read more]
Organizing: The Remote Control Pillow
Living in a small space, I'm always looking for a little more organization in my life. With end tables made of food storage buckets instead of drawers, it leaves a few items without a good home--especially remote controls. What to do to reclaim … [Read more]
Your Turn: Power’s Out. What do You Miss?
Here's a reader poll. Suppose your power goes out long term. At least a week, maybe indefinitely. What do you miss the most? What are you perfectly happy doing without? For me, I'd miss my water heater and home heater/cooler. I'd also miss … [Read more]
Does Freeze Dried Cheese Melt?
When I accidentally sent all the cheese from the fridge in sweet husband's work cooler, it left me in a pinch for my burrito lunch yesterday. I really didn't want to go to the store for more cheese, so I got out my Thrive freeze dried shredded … [Read more]
Saferooms and Shelters – Making Your Home Truly Your Castle
Guest post by Vic Rantala, owner of Safecastle, LLC Some figures in the media would have you believe that bunkers and fallout shelters are an almost forgotten relic of the Cold War days. I suspect most of those who promote that view live in … [Read more]


