It’s Canning Season!!
I am so excited it’s canning season!! I don't just stockpile food for a collapse but I rely on it year round. I have to say I got my love of canning from my mother. We were a country family of six and she knew how to stretch a dollar. My Dad would always plant a huge garden because his philosophy was “You plant a garden that will feed your family and your neighbors” and we did! At least 2 acres of sweet corn, pickles, peppers, etc. The summer was 4-H for me but full mode canning for my mom. I never really appreciated this until a about 10 years ago when I was on a fixed budget and was totally done with eating Ramen Noodles, and basically empty carbs and calories. For my birthdays and Christmas’s I asked for storage units and a high pressure canner and a water bath canner. I turned my 2nd bedroom into my pantry/storage room with a chest freezer that my parents also gave me.
That room has been my lifesaver over the last few years. It has provided me with food and Christmas presents (yes Christmas presents). On the lean weeks and sometimes months I just go back to my pantry and I have plenty of food. From Jan 2014 to May 2014 because of financial emergencies I lived out of that storage room, it provided all my food, toiletries, and grooming products.
This is not something you don’t just kinda do, it takes effort and work. I clip coupons and when things are on sale I stock up when I have the money. Not just food but toilet paper, paper towels, deodorant, shampoo etc. and at one time I had about 500lbs of food and supplies on each of my 2 storage units..that’s 1000lbs of food for a bit of work and planning! My deep freeze I use more for meat and I make casseroles, chili, soups, goulash etc that I freeze in individual containers for my lunches which think about it for a minute…how often do you buy your lunch, how healthy is it, and how much could you save taking your own?
Last year for $58 I made all of my own pasta sauce, salsa, summer in a jar, a few jams, frozen peppers and zucchini, and they were also the Christmas presents that I gave out. How much did you spend on Christmas presents to your family and friends and for your own use on the items I mentioned. And the best thing is what you can is THE healthiest!
So my challenge to you today is add up what you spent on what I mentioned above, your weekly eat out meals, and what you spent on Christmas presents to your friends. So with a bit of effort right now will save you HUGE over the year! Over this summer I will be posting my canning recipes and also I will do the math on how much it costs me vs. how much I would spend to buy it. Not to mention how much fun it is just to do it!!
Showing posts with label Prepper Recipe. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Prepper Recipe. Show all posts
Friday, July 22, 2016
Monday, February 3, 2014
Running The Numbers On Raising Livestock
I was raised on the farm where we raised cattle, pigs, and chickens. We hunted wild rabbits but did not raise any. Now as an adult I am limited on space and resources. So..
when running the numbers what livestock is the most economical to raise?
Cattle
Depending on the breed of cattle you raise Holsteins we butchered out at 18 months and Hereford or Angus we butchered out at 24 months. In most places they require at least 3 acres to raise livestock but if you only have 3 acres that is enough area to grow the alfalfa and grain to support this animal. To raise a steer to butchered weight requires 2 to 4lbs of grain and 3% of body weight per day in pasture or hay. Gestation is 9 months so you will have 1 calf per year.
Pigs
Dealing with pigs is a whole different thing. They usually reach butcher weight in 6 months and they need between 2 to 4lbs of grain per day but they will forage or root and they will eat a variety of things. They are also to me like a composting machine and can devour most anything. The down falls is the space along with when they get out they can make short work of a garden in no time. Their gestation is 114 days and usually have 8 to 12 (or more) per litter and usually have 2 litters per year. On the farm we put them in farrowing crates to have their babies because some sows will eat their young and they will also lay on them. My personal opinion is I really can't stand raising these animals.
Goats
I never had goats growing up on the farm but I had them as an adult on a previous farm. I cannot say enough good things about raising these as livestock. They are will eat about anything and even when my goats got out they never went anywhere except the front and back yard. I even had 2 does were the best babysitters for my son when he was playing in the yard. If he wandered where they felt he shouldn't be they would gently butt him into going back in the direction they wanted. You get both milk and meat just the same as cattle but with a fraction of space and grain a cow needs. Also the make up of goats milk is about as close as you can get to a humans mothers milk so in a survival situation this can mean life or death for an infant. From a good doe I would get about 3 quarts a day and I had 3 sons living at home so I would mix it 50/50 with instant milk. I fed my goats 1lb of grain and 1 leaf of hay per goat per day. A goats gestation period is around 150 days and they usually have 1 to 2 babies (kids) per birth. When raising for meat some will breed a doe back in about 30 days of giving birth.
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Rabbits
I hunted wild rabbits (and still do) as a kid on the farm but I never really considered or ran the numbers on them as livestock in a survival situation until I listened to Nick Klein of the Hostile Hare during the Survival Summit. I had no idea that in a 20x20 space you can raise 3100lbs of meat! I knew rabbits reproduce at a high rate but I never really ran the numbers regarding space and feeding costs. A single doe can have up to 64 babies per year and that is alot of meat in a survival situation. Their gestation is 31 days and butcher weight is 5lbs or more and usually at 10 to 12 weeks of age.. According to Nick his choice of food is barley sprouts/fodder. Feeding alfalfa can produce kidney and reproduction problems so Timothy or Orchard grass is preferred.
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Chickens
Most of us know about chickens that produce meat and eggs so I won't go in to this.
My personal opinion is the most economic as far as space and resources is a combination of goats for the dairy and meat, rabbits for meat, and chickens for eggs and meat.
Tell us about your experiences in raising the above livestock
Be prepared, not sorry
when running the numbers what livestock is the most economical to raise?
Cattle
Depending on the breed of cattle you raise Holsteins we butchered out at 18 months and Hereford or Angus we butchered out at 24 months. In most places they require at least 3 acres to raise livestock but if you only have 3 acres that is enough area to grow the alfalfa and grain to support this animal. To raise a steer to butchered weight requires 2 to 4lbs of grain and 3% of body weight per day in pasture or hay. Gestation is 9 months so you will have 1 calf per year.
Pigs
Dealing with pigs is a whole different thing. They usually reach butcher weight in 6 months and they need between 2 to 4lbs of grain per day but they will forage or root and they will eat a variety of things. They are also to me like a composting machine and can devour most anything. The down falls is the space along with when they get out they can make short work of a garden in no time. Their gestation is 114 days and usually have 8 to 12 (or more) per litter and usually have 2 litters per year. On the farm we put them in farrowing crates to have their babies because some sows will eat their young and they will also lay on them. My personal opinion is I really can't stand raising these animals.
Goats
I never had goats growing up on the farm but I had them as an adult on a previous farm. I cannot say enough good things about raising these as livestock. They are will eat about anything and even when my goats got out they never went anywhere except the front and back yard. I even had 2 does were the best babysitters for my son when he was playing in the yard. If he wandered where they felt he shouldn't be they would gently butt him into going back in the direction they wanted. You get both milk and meat just the same as cattle but with a fraction of space and grain a cow needs. Also the make up of goats milk is about as close as you can get to a humans mothers milk so in a survival situation this can mean life or death for an infant. From a good doe I would get about 3 quarts a day and I had 3 sons living at home so I would mix it 50/50 with instant milk. I fed my goats 1lb of grain and 1 leaf of hay per goat per day. A goats gestation period is around 150 days and they usually have 1 to 2 babies (kids) per birth. When raising for meat some will breed a doe back in about 30 days of giving birth.
Rabbits
I hunted wild rabbits (and still do) as a kid on the farm but I never really considered or ran the numbers on them as livestock in a survival situation until I listened to Nick Klein of the Hostile Hare during the Survival Summit. I had no idea that in a 20x20 space you can raise 3100lbs of meat! I knew rabbits reproduce at a high rate but I never really ran the numbers regarding space and feeding costs. A single doe can have up to 64 babies per year and that is alot of meat in a survival situation. Their gestation is 31 days and butcher weight is 5lbs or more and usually at 10 to 12 weeks of age.. According to Nick his choice of food is barley sprouts/fodder. Feeding alfalfa can produce kidney and reproduction problems so Timothy or Orchard grass is preferred.
Chickens
Most of us know about chickens that produce meat and eggs so I won't go in to this.
My personal opinion is the most economic as far as space and resources is a combination of goats for the dairy and meat, rabbits for meat, and chickens for eggs and meat.
Tell us about your experiences in raising the above livestock
Be prepared, not sorry
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Being A Single Goddess Prepper
The whole purpose of my blog is to show women how to survive and thrive.
So the first thing I want to touch on is
No person male or female can do it ALL alone
I don't care what gender you are, you can not do security, forage for food, tend garden, food storage, livestock care all by yourself. Believe me I love being single and self sufficent but I know when the world as we know it crumbles I can't do it all on my own.
So right now while you can, I urge you to really make a list of your options, do some research and cover your bases now.
1. Look at your current situation.
Take your inventory of your current situation. Are you renting or owning? Can you have a garden or livestock? What are your current preps and how long could you survive? Do you have a support system family or friends that can support you? and have your back? If there is no way you have safe shelter, a way to grow food, hunt, scavage, and have those that will help you to do all these jobs you have to start making a plan.
2. Look for a group.
If you do not currently have a group or support network look for those individuals now! Facebook has a ton of local groups. American Prepper Network. Yahooo Groups. Survivalist Singles. Go to Prepper Expos thats a great place to meet people. I can tell you right now it's very difficult being single and dating because like my last date when we were speaking about tv shows we like and I said I like Doomsday Preppers he started laughing and said "You must like watching kooks and stupid people wasting money" Needless to say that was the first and last date for that guy! Let's face it it's hard being a Survival Goddess!!
This is the first on being single and prepping so I would like to hear your thoughts and hear your comments.
Be prepared, not sorry
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
Survival Fishing Button/Bug Out Bag Item
This is a great item to have in your bug out bag and in your cashes. It costs all of about a $1.50 to make and in a survial situation could mean eating or not.
To watch the complete video you can watch on my You Tube Channel
Be prepared, not sorry
Be prepared, not sorry
Sunday, April 14, 2013
Prepper Pinto Bean Casserole
As a prepper I am constantly experimenting with my preps to try create great and easy dishes that can be prepared over a fire. This is easy and I have made this with my students during training.
Prepper Pinto Bean Casserole
Ingredients:
*2 cups Pinto Beans
*2 cups Rice
*2 cups Salsa
*1 large onion chopped
*1 large can Refried Beans
*1 large pkg of soft fajitas/wraps or banncock
*1 large pkg of cheese (optional)
Place the 2 cups of Pinto Beans in a large pot and bring to a rolling boil for 35mins. Then in the same pot add your 2 cups of rice and leave at a rolling boil for 25 minutes. Drain and add your salsa, refried beans, and chopped onion.
Let the fire burn down to embers. Rip or beak apart the fajitas wraps or banncock and layer in a casserole pan (9x13) along with your cheese and beans. Cover with tinfoil and let cook for 15 to 20 minutes. This makes 9 very healthy sized portions. I made this one in the oven last night. Enjoy!
Be prepared, not sorry
Prepper Pinto Bean Casserole
Ingredients:
*2 cups Pinto Beans
*2 cups Rice
*2 cups Salsa
*1 large onion chopped
*1 large can Refried Beans
*1 large pkg of soft fajitas/wraps or banncock
*1 large pkg of cheese (optional)
Place the 2 cups of Pinto Beans in a large pot and bring to a rolling boil for 35mins. Then in the same pot add your 2 cups of rice and leave at a rolling boil for 25 minutes. Drain and add your salsa, refried beans, and chopped onion.
Let the fire burn down to embers. Rip or beak apart the fajitas wraps or banncock and layer in a casserole pan (9x13) along with your cheese and beans. Cover with tinfoil and let cook for 15 to 20 minutes. This makes 9 very healthy sized portions. I made this one in the oven last night. Enjoy!
Be prepared, not sorry
Monday, March 11, 2013
Prepper Recycling
Growing up on the farm my mom was and still is the Queen of recycling, even before it was cool! She croqueted plastic bread wrappers into rugs...yes rugs! She would also take a rag clothes and do the same thing. They actually lasted a long time and when then had had it they were tossed.
Mayo jars will also support some canning lids. Seeds like melon, flower, and herbs were stored in baby food jars in the basement.
And of course rag clothes were also made into quilts.
One of my favorite things which I have just started is getting my garden started indoors. I absolutely love this because it is so cheap and easy. I take my 2 litre soda bottles and turn them into self watering starter grows for my veggies. You cut the bottle in half and and I poke holes in the cap and the plant draws water as it needs it.
How would you like to say goodbye to your power company?
For about $160 dollars you can start generating your own power. I will be putting out a step by step DVD soon on how to build this but with a $20 alternator, a $10 piece of PVC and cap, a $40 converter, and 3 car batteries at $30 a piece... you can start making your own power.
Be prepared, not sorry
Mayo jars will also support some canning lids. Seeds like melon, flower, and herbs were stored in baby food jars in the basement.
And of course rag clothes were also made into quilts.
One of my favorite things which I have just started is getting my garden started indoors. I absolutely love this because it is so cheap and easy. I take my 2 litre soda bottles and turn them into self watering starter grows for my veggies. You cut the bottle in half and and I poke holes in the cap and the plant draws water as it needs it.
How would you like to say goodbye to your power company?
For about $160 dollars you can start generating your own power. I will be putting out a step by step DVD soon on how to build this but with a $20 alternator, a $10 piece of PVC and cap, a $40 converter, and 3 car batteries at $30 a piece... you can start making your own power.
Be prepared, not sorry
Saturday, February 16, 2013
Home Remedies
After SHTF you have to be your own Walgreens
I was fortunate enough to grow up with some amazing parents and grandparents that not only taught me how to can, hunt, fish, garden etc but I also grew up with home remedies that I believe will benefit me after SHTF and I would like to share a few with you.
Cough Syrup
This cough syrup is really easy to make and if you keep it in a cool dark place it can last up to 1 year!
Ingredients
*1-Gallon Glass Jar with lid
*4-Lemons
*2-Large Onions
*1-Jar Honey
*1-Pint Peppermint Schnapps
*1-Pint Blackberry Brandy
Slice lemons and onions and layer them inside the jar. Then add your jar of honey, then your Schnapps and Brandy. For adults 1 tablespoon and for children under 12 years old 1/4 of a tablespoon.
Calamine Lotion
Growing up on a farm you were always getting into poison ivy. I swear I can just look at it and get it! So my grandma would always be making this. She used chamomile oil but I prefer the tea tree oil because it's a natural antiseptic. I keep tea tree oil on hand because it is also great for dogs when they get hot spots in the summer. You just put a drop on the area and it not only works as a antiseptic for the sore but also the taste is so bad the dog will leave the hot spot alone so it can heal.
Ingredients
*1 tablespoon sea salt
*1 tablespoon baking soda
*1 tablespoon bentonite clay
*15 drops essential oil (use one or a combination of lavender, geranium, chamomile, yarrow, peppermint, and tea tree)
*enough water to form a paste
In a small glass or ceramic bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients. Slowly mix in the water until a smooth paste forms, then add the essential oils. Use as you would calamine lotion and apply directly to affected area.
Note: Because of the water content, keep this lotion refrigerated for 3-5 days. Your best bet is to keep a small glass jar of the dry ingredients pre-mixed, spoon a small amount into your hand, and make a paste with the liquids as needed.
Watch for other useful home remedies in upcoming posts and if you have a remedy that you would like to have featured please email me Survival Goddess
***The materials contained on this website are provided for general information purposes only and do not constitute medical professional advice. SurvivalGoddess.blogspot.com does not accept any responsibility for any loss, damage or other liability which may arise from the use of information, or products featured on this site.**
Be prepared, not sorry
I was fortunate enough to grow up with some amazing parents and grandparents that not only taught me how to can, hunt, fish, garden etc but I also grew up with home remedies that I believe will benefit me after SHTF and I would like to share a few with you.
Cough Syrup
This cough syrup is really easy to make and if you keep it in a cool dark place it can last up to 1 year!
Ingredients
*1-Gallon Glass Jar with lid
*4-Lemons
*2-Large Onions
*1-Jar Honey
*1-Pint Peppermint Schnapps
*1-Pint Blackberry Brandy
Slice lemons and onions and layer them inside the jar. Then add your jar of honey, then your Schnapps and Brandy. For adults 1 tablespoon and for children under 12 years old 1/4 of a tablespoon.
Calamine Lotion
Growing up on a farm you were always getting into poison ivy. I swear I can just look at it and get it! So my grandma would always be making this. She used chamomile oil but I prefer the tea tree oil because it's a natural antiseptic. I keep tea tree oil on hand because it is also great for dogs when they get hot spots in the summer. You just put a drop on the area and it not only works as a antiseptic for the sore but also the taste is so bad the dog will leave the hot spot alone so it can heal.
Ingredients
*1 tablespoon sea salt
*1 tablespoon baking soda
*1 tablespoon bentonite clay
*15 drops essential oil (use one or a combination of lavender, geranium, chamomile, yarrow, peppermint, and tea tree)
*enough water to form a paste
In a small glass or ceramic bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients. Slowly mix in the water until a smooth paste forms, then add the essential oils. Use as you would calamine lotion and apply directly to affected area.
Note: Because of the water content, keep this lotion refrigerated for 3-5 days. Your best bet is to keep a small glass jar of the dry ingredients pre-mixed, spoon a small amount into your hand, and make a paste with the liquids as needed.
Watch for other useful home remedies in upcoming posts and if you have a remedy that you would like to have featured please email me Survival Goddess
***The materials contained on this website are provided for general information purposes only and do not constitute medical professional advice. SurvivalGoddess.blogspot.com does not accept any responsibility for any loss, damage or other liability which may arise from the use of information, or products featured on this site.**
Be prepared, not sorry
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Homemade Grapejuice Wine
Well I have just tried a new experiment, I am trying my hand at making Goddess Wine! Jump on over to the Goddess DIY page and check it out!!!
Goddess Wine
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Bannock Recipe
Sword_Overseer posted this in the comment section and it was such a great recipe that I wanted to make sure everyone was able to enjoy it. Thank you Sword_Overseer for sharing!
How to Make Bannock
Instructions
Step 1: Mix dry ingredients listed in one of the recipes below. This can be stored in a plastic or mylar bag until you need it.
Step 2: Add water until you reach the consistency somewhere between pancake batter and pizza dough. At this point you can also optionally add any other ingredients you see fit (ie raisins, nuts, sausage etc).
Step 3:Flatten dough onto a pan until it’s about a half an inch thick.
Step 4: Cook on a greased pan (or non-stick cast iron pan) until medium brown underneath, flip over, cook, and repeat. Each side takes about 8-10 minutes depending on the heat of the heat source.
Recipe 1 (breakfast bread) for Single Serving
1 cup flour
1/2 cup powdered milk
1/3 cup powdered egg
1 teaspoon baking powder
Mix all together and store in a plastic or mylar bag. Pack away in your bug-out bag or just take it with you when you’re camping!
Recipe 2 (dinner bread) for Single Serving
1 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons powdered milk
1 teaspoon baking powder
Same as other recipe; mix all together and store in a plastic or mylar bag. Add water and cook over a fire!
Another trick is to have either a pre-made snare or the supplies to make a squirrel pole. On overnight survival hikes I have scored as many as three squirrels hanging from a single pole. They provide a stew base, meat and a ration extender. Squirrel guts make great catfish bait too.
Be prepared, not sorry
How to Make Bannock
Instructions
Step 1: Mix dry ingredients listed in one of the recipes below. This can be stored in a plastic or mylar bag until you need it.
Step 2: Add water until you reach the consistency somewhere between pancake batter and pizza dough. At this point you can also optionally add any other ingredients you see fit (ie raisins, nuts, sausage etc).
Step 3:Flatten dough onto a pan until it’s about a half an inch thick.
Step 4: Cook on a greased pan (or non-stick cast iron pan) until medium brown underneath, flip over, cook, and repeat. Each side takes about 8-10 minutes depending on the heat of the heat source.
Recipe 1 (breakfast bread) for Single Serving
1 cup flour
1/2 cup powdered milk
1/3 cup powdered egg
1 teaspoon baking powder
Mix all together and store in a plastic or mylar bag. Pack away in your bug-out bag or just take it with you when you’re camping!
Recipe 2 (dinner bread) for Single Serving
1 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons powdered milk
1 teaspoon baking powder
Same as other recipe; mix all together and store in a plastic or mylar bag. Add water and cook over a fire!
Another trick is to have either a pre-made snare or the supplies to make a squirrel pole. On overnight survival hikes I have scored as many as three squirrels hanging from a single pole. They provide a stew base, meat and a ration extender. Squirrel guts make great catfish bait too.
Be prepared, not sorry
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