Getting Prepared To Survive

Homesteading, preppers, survival, self-sufficient, preparedness, and tips for becoming more self-sufficient in these trying times. Learn to be able to take care of your family with very little money and tons of ingenuity.

Oregano Oil ~ Antibiotic Substitute November 30, 2015

 When we are talking about Oregano Oil we are not talking about the kitchen type oregano. The true Oregano to use is Origanum Compactum.

Here are some recipes to use for a natural antibiotic.

Recipe #1

10 drops of lemon essential oil

8 drops of mountain savory

3 drops of Oregano oil

Put into “00” Empty Gelatin Capsules and take 2 capsules 1 time a day

Recipe #2

4 drops of Oregano oil

2 drops of frankincense

12 drops of thieves ( proprietary blend)

Put into “00” Empty Gelatin Capsules and take 1 3 times a day

Recipe #3

5 drops of oregano oil

5  drops of thieves ( proprietary blend)

Put into “00” Empty Gelatin Capsules and fill the remainder of the capsule with peppermint oil. Take this with food , 2 times a day.

I am not a doctor and you need to seek medical council before trying something like this, but they are all natural and I have found that they work very well. I do not like the idea of going to a dr and them giving out antibiotics for every single thing! Not good at all. They give  out antibiotics a lot of times for stuff that doesn’t even need antibiotics.

 

Water Dowsing November 29, 2015

My grandfather was a huge believer in dowsing. We lived out in the boondocks and he used it to find water for their well.

He always told me that he only dowsed for need. If he felt like he was tired or not relaxed enough to dowse then he would stop. Either let someone else do it or wait until he felt that the answers were coming naturally. I can still see him walking slowly around the 3 acres they had looking for water. He went over it a few times to make sure and each time he got the same answer and they had water the whole time they were out there! 

You can get a ton of information online about dowsing for water and go from there. 

 

Sewing to Save While Times Are Tough November 18, 2015

Filed under: DIY,frugal,savings,sewing,thrifty — preparedforsurvival @ 8:03 pm

No matter which country, state, or city you live in, many may be experiencing hard economic times. Experts report that things are expected to get worse before they get better. With many struggling to put food on the family tables or clothes on their backs, they are putting more thought into how they can still enjoy their hobbies without spending their life savings. If sewing or crafting is your hobby and you find that fabric and notions are quite expensive, here are a few tips and pointers that will ease the burden on the pocketbook.

1. Recycle. Before throwing out clothes that are too small, showing signs of wear, or aren’t the latest style, think about how you can repurpose the item. Zippers, buttons, and elastic can all be used again and may be just the perfect match for future endeavors.

2. Use up what you have. Most people who sew have accumulated fabrics over time through bargains, coupons, or the fabric that you just couldn’t live without. Dig through your stash and revive those fabrics, patterns, and pattern books that have been accumulating dust and use this opportunity to be creative.

3. Take advantage of bargains and coupons from sewing centers and websites to purchase patterns and designs that you have been eyeing for months. Check the clearance corners for phenomenal deals on fabrics and other items. Thrift stores, garage sales and exchanging with friends can turn up fabulous sewing finds. However, thread is something that you will want to pass on at garage sales or thrift stores, as thread weakens over time and will not produce quality stitches.

4. Freebies. Free items are always the best! The internet is a treasure trove of free patterns and tutorials. You just need to be willing to hunt and search for them. Pinterest is the latest and greatest site to find ideas, patterns, tutorials and numerous other visions.

5. Used sewing machines are a great way to get started. You don’t need a machine that costs more than your car until you see if you enjoy the hobby and are creative and capable to follow-through and finish projects. You may lose interest which also means your investment is lost. The more simple the machine, the less to break or go wrong. And simple machines can last for many years.

6. Do your own alterations. Simple alterations can make ready-to-wear clothing fit much better by adding simple darts and seams to blouses, dresses, and pants. Hemming pants or making simple dresses can be very beneficial to a budget. Introducing the craft of sewing at a young age can also be advantageous because there is less intimidation of a sewing machine and a sense of accomplishment when your project is complete boosts self-esteem.

7. Be resourceful. Thrift stores are phenomenal sources for fabric. For instance, menswear has become a huge trend in home décor items. Items such as a plain or pinstripe men’s shirts can be made into a cute throw pillow or a white canvas crafted into a couch slipcover. Buttons and zippers can be removed from old clothing to save on the cost of sewing notions. Bed sheets can be used for pattern making, and oftentimes garage sales have bags of fabric and other items for a few dollars.

8. Enroll in sewing classes, tutorials, or teach yourself. Many sewing centers offer classes for all levels and often give discounted rates with the purchase of a sewing machine. It is important, however, to remember that there are many free online sewing tutorials to view. Once you learn the basics, you may be able to teach yourself.

9. Buy basic and embellish. Buy a simple shirt at your discount store and embellish to fit with the times. Beads, buttons, and ribbons can do wonders in making something look flashy, classy and up-to-date.

10. Sew your basic needs. We all need a few basic accessories such as scarves, hats, towels, blankets, and mittens. If you find discounted fabric, you can make a blanket in 15 minutes or less and, if the fabric is durable and of good quality, it will last for many years. Make up some items to give as gifts or re-engineer some older stained shirts or jeans into a t-shirt or blue jean quilt and gift it as something they will treasure and use for many years to come.

So, instead of always stepping out for retail therapy, try a creative, crafty therapy instead. Create your own clothes or household items. Buy from thrift stores and make an old drab shirt come to life again, or snip and stitch for an afternoon and make up some Christmas gifts for your sister-in-law, mother, husband, or kids.
It’s a tough world out there and a penny saved is a penny earned. As an alternative to spending your afternoon shopping at the Gap for the perfect color of a t-shirt, reclaim your fabrics, fashion-forward and embellish your garments for the latest retro fit and design. You’ll be glad you did and you’ll save money while you energize yourself with some creative juices. Who can argue with that?

FabricFast.com is an online fabric store featuring collections of quilting fabric, flannel fabric, specialty fabric, notions and batting.
 

Homemade Carpet Deodorizer November 17, 2015

Filed under: cleaning,DIY,homemade — preparedforsurvival @ 9:02 pm

This is something that every household with kids and pets should use. It is natural and safe. Not any crazy unpronounceable chemicals!

NEED:

10 drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil

10 drops of Lemon Essential Oil

20 drops of Lavender Essential Oil

16 ounces of baking soda.

Mix all of the essential oils into the baking soda thoroughly. The lemon essential oil could stain your light colored carpets if you do not mix them together completely.
Sprinkle it on the carpet and let it set for about 20 minutes and then vacuum.

Store in a container and use whenever.

 

Have A Sore Throat? Have A Hot Toddy.

Filed under: DIY,diy survival hacks,healthy,http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post — preparedforsurvival @ 7:44 pm

I have been suffering with a cough and sore throat for a week now and it is worse at night. This is what I made the other night so that I could sleep. It worked.

NEED:

1 1/4 cup of orange juice

2 teaspoons of lemon juice

2 teaspoons of honey

1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon

1 shot of rum

Mix the first 4 ingredients in a saucepan and bring it ALMOST to a boil. Just let it get hot.

Turn off the heat and add the rum.

Pour into a large mug and drink it while it is still hot.

 

Coconut Oil Uses November 15, 2015

Filed under: coconut oil,DIY,healthy,http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post — preparedforsurvival @ 2:36 pm

The anti-properties of organic coconut oil are many: anti-viral, anti-microbial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial. It’s amazing that something found in nature can be so good for so much. This tropical oil has many uses, which is what I will go over in this article.

It can be consumed in the daily diet or used as an all natural beauty product for the skin and hair. I, personally, use it both ways mainly because I love the way I feel and look. I will go over how organic coconut oil can be used for personal care, oral health, for babies, general health and wellness, and applied externally to the skin.

For personal use, or as an effective beauty product, organic coconut oil can be used effectively as an eye cream for bags, wrinkles, and puffy eyes, as a head to toe moisturizer, as a preparation for the skin before and after shaving, as an effective deodorant, and hair conditioner.

I use it to moisturize my whole body after my morning shower. Occasionally, I will massage into my ends and leave in for 20 minutes before washing out. This protects my hair against split ends and just keeps it looking healthy. It really works great as an all day effective deodorant by adding some to baking soda and applying under the armpits.

I am going to brag about how great organic coconut oil is for oral health. I put a little on my toothbrush with some regular toothpaste every night when I brush my teeth and in the morning. My last dental appointment showed I had three cavities. Well, after having them taken cared of, my next dental visit six months later and after six months of brushing with organic coconut oil… no cavities. It really works.

Some other uses for personal care include: lip moisturizer, massage oil, make-up remover, all natural and safe personal lubricant, and body scrub when mixed with sugar and massaged into the skin, then rinsed off. It will also form a protective layer over cuts and scrapes while speeding up the healing process. Also excellent to stop the itching and burning associated with bug bites.

For mom and baby, it can be used as an effective nipple cream to help heal and nourish dry, sore, and cracked nipples due to breastfeeding. Mom can apply to baby’s bum to treat diaper rash. If the baby has cradle cap, applying it daily will help nourish the scalp and eliminate it. Breastfeeding moms can consume 3 1/2 tablespoons per day to enrich the milk supply.

Did I mention that it can be used to treat different skin conditions when applied externally and when taken internally. These include psoriasis, dermatitis, and eczema. For general health and wellness, it will help the body to absorb minerals and vitamins, stimulate the metabolism, and help with digestive problems including irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s Disease.

The medium chain fatty acids in the coconut oil make it responsible for increasing the metabolism, giving you lots of energy, improve thyroid function, help the body to reduce fat, increase muscle, and assist with weight loss and controlling cravings. It will also help to level the blood sugar.

When taken internally, some more uses for coconut oil include: hot flashes, hemorrhoids, kills head lice, thrush, HIV, gallbladder pain, mononucleosis, painful menstruation, kills parasites, candida, autism, high cholesterol, chronic fatigue, circulation, depression, and give you a stronger immune system.

When applied topically, organic coconut oil helps with athlete’s foot, canker sores, herpes, genital warts, acne, and sore muscles. Wow!! Don’t worry, it’s easy to include it into your daily diet. Simply use it in place of butter and oil used for cooking, sauteing, baking, and in all recipes. I add to my coffee, tea, or fruit smoothie.

You can even feed to your pets, cats and dogs. It is just as healthy for them as it for you. It can be added to their water or food bowls every day. Who knew organic coconut oil can be good so many things and have so many uses. It’s something that can be easily found in any organic health food store or online. When are you getting yours?

Hi, my name is Melissa. I enjoy writing about the benefits of organic coconut oil mainly because there are so many. I started using coconut oil six months ago and I have come to love it. I use it everyday internally and externally. I really don’t have any major health issues but it’s good to know that my daily use of coconut oil may be protecting me and strengthening my immune system. To learn all the many benefits of organic coconut oil, please visit my website: [http://coconutoilbenefits4u.com/health-benefits-of-coconut-oil/]

 

Chalkola Chalk Markers = Amazing! October 27, 2015

Filed under: crafts,DIY,handmade,homeschool,http://schemas.google.com/blogger/2008/kind#post,kids — preparedforsurvival @ 1:30 pm

These Chalk Markers have so many uses! You can write on no-porous items, like glass, mirrors, chalkboards, canisters, and anything else that is non-porous. If you make a mistake or want to change anything just take a damp cloth and wipe it off. Cool!

These make a great addition to any crafty persons bag of tricks. Would be great for any type of Job that you set up displays for , like in a window or glass display case. Imagine – this Christmas using these to make awesome window decor or to label your gifts. Use them to label the champagne glasses at your wedding dinner?? Do your car windows up to support the local school team! The possibilities are just endless on what you could use these for.

These are just so amazing and the fact that you can wash it off with ease is the best part. It takes just a couple of minutes to get them prepped , but after that the chalk paint flows perfectly and you are creating your art!!  Take any DIY project to the next level. Create something amazing.

You can find out more about them Here ~ http://www.chalkola.com/