I will be speaking with Jennifer Reese author of Make the Bread, Buy the Butter.

This is a fun book for family and friends who are budget conscious and who may or may not be ready for a fulll blown food storage plan. 

Jennifer spent a year researching and experimenting with recipes to replace items we all routinely purchase.

What does this have to do with food storage? EVERYTHING!

First, learn when you really save money by making from scratch. That savings can then be used to add to your General Store.

Second, during a time of financial crisis or during a disaster won't it be great  to be able to enjoy the foods your family loves. Graham crackers, hummus, yogurt, bagels, marshmallow, the possibilities are endless.

Third, when we cook from scratch be know exactly what is in our foods, no added chemical preservatives, no added soy or other foods for which we may have an intolerance or allergy.

Join us as we talk about the surprises and benefits Jennifer uncovered. 

Today just a quick add to our General Store. Since we are almost done with the year and we are now adding our last items and since it is holiday time we are adding 6 desserts this week. There are all sorts of possibilities here. Cake mixes and brownie mixes are on sale right now. Candy, chocolate and other varieties of chips,  are on sale too. Purchase desserts or the ingredients to make  at least 6 desert and don't use them during the upcoming  holiday season. 

Don't forget to take advantage of the special deals at Totally Ready, only one more week! Don't know what the deal is? check out your November Newsletter or last week's READY OR NOT.

Please go "like" our facebook page now! 

http://www.facebook.com/TotallyReady

Listen to Carolyn's radio show READY OR NOT…every Tuesday night 9:00pm Eastern, 6:00pm Pacific…if you missed some listen now.

Current show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper

Past shows: http://www.bepreparedradio.com/category/prepper-podcasts-preparedness/ready-or-not/

Subscribe to our Newsletter: http://blog.totallyready.com/announcing-the-totally-ready-newsletter/

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Contact Carolyn at: Carolyn@TotallyReady.com 

1. Maps . Do you pay attention to where you are when traveling? If you don't know where you are, how will you find where you want to go? Don't rely on a GPS to bail you out should you encounter a traffic delay due to weather or an accident. Just as you have maps in your auto kits to help you get to your out of area evacuation destination you should have a map with you when traveling, with several alternative routes marked in different colors for an easy transition to plan B. Be sure the alternative roads you choose are well traveled to avoid becoming stranded with little hope of help should you have a problem.

2. Portable radio. Don't run down your car battery or run out of gas because you are bored and wanting to listen to the radio or to check out road conditions and delays. 

3. Roll of TP . Essential. I don't think this needs much more explanation but even if you are merely stopping at a rest stop this could be an essential item. How often we have had visited under stocked rest stops, not fun!

4. Fire extinguisher . What good is your emergency gear if it's burning up with the car? More than once, we've seen cars fully ablaze at the side of the highway, and not from a traffic accident. Gasoline + heat + leaking fuel line = fire. Years ago we had a truck overturn and burst into flames in front of us, thank goodness for fire extinguishers. We were able to help and it was a great feeling.

5. Work Gloves. Whether you need to put on tire chains, move debris from the road, or fix a flat, good work gloves are a must have. Imagine doing any of those things in cold rainy weather conditions and the gloves serve not only to protect your hands but also to keep you warm.

Just a few more week to complete your three months supply so this week add flour, sugar and brown sugar as it is on sale. Look over your holiday cooking plans and purchase enough for all the cookies, pies and breads you will be making. You can use the older items from your General store shelves but don't deplete them. If a disaster should hit your family in January you would be left without time to replenish so stock up now.

Please go "like" our facebook page now! 

http://www.facebook.com/TotallyReady

Listen to Carolyn's radio show READY OR NOT…every Tuesday night 9:00pm Eastern, 6:00pm Pacific…if you missed some listen now.

Current show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper

Past shows: http://www.bepreparedradio.com/category/prepper-podcasts-preparedness/ready-or-not/

Subscribe to our Newsletter: http://blog.totallyready.com/announcing-the-totally-ready-newsletter/

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Contact Carolyn at: Carolyn@TotallyReady.com 

This is the week holiday travel begins and La Nina is here and really active and aggressive so we all need to be very prepared as we head out. Weather will be a problem this year and you must take it seriously. We'll begin today with a few tips and continue through the next few weeks.

Traveling by car seems to be the mode of travel that most will choose. Whether  you are planning an trip of a few hours or a few days the same tips apply as road hazards and bad weather can defeat your plans no matter how long or short the trip. If traveling by air tips 1 and 2 are also for you! If the airport is closed and you are stranded at the airport, it's awful!

1. Pack food and water. When I was attending college a group of us decided to surprise our families and make the 1,086 mile trek home for Thanksgiving. Somewhere in Indiana we hit the worst blizzard. We traveled for quite a while with our heads out the window trying  to see well enough to keep going. Finally, we found a small hotel and stopped for the night.  The problem? As if that storm was not enough, it was after midnight and there was no food to be had anywhere. I learned my lesson and have never traveled without food and water since.  A few years ago we traveled south for the holiday and as we drove the road was closed right behind us. We lucked out but those traveling just minutes after us were stranded on a closed road for five long hours. Imagine that with, or without, children! None of us is patient enough to sit in a car for that long with nothing to do.   Which brings us to tip # 2.

2.  Take something to do. We all pack a favorite toy, books, or crayons and a coloring book for the kids but think stranded. What would you do for hours? Pack a few favorite magazines for the adults, a chapter book appropriate for everyone to read together, travel editions of games.

3. Blankets are a must. Remember wool and wool blend blankets will continue to keep you  warm even if they get wet.  You should ideally travel with a blanket for each seat in your car. f you have a bench seat in the back one blanket will allow all the occupants of that seat to cover up and it will allow them to conserve all their body heat and increase the warmth. 

4. Glow stick or a flashlight with two changes of batteries. Glow sticks provide a great light without running down batteries and a soft light which can make it all the way through the night time hours while being safe for the kids. Remember never store batteries in your flashlight. Store them separately just in case they leak, and they can leak!

More tomorrow…

Only a few weeks until our General Store is stocked with a complete three moth supply. This week add soups. Soup is on sale this week so now is the time to add soup you will use an an ingredient, broths, cream of chicken, celery or  mushroom, tomato, anything you will use as an ingredient. Add at least 12, that's just one per month. Keep on truckin, we're almost done!

Finally…Plan now to tune into Ready Or Not next Tuesday night 6:00pm Pacific~9:00pm Eastern 

I will be joined by Officer Gladney who has over 25 years of experience as a police officer and detective.

He will answer our questions about alarm systems, firearms, and other myths and facts about protecting your family from harm and your home from thieves.

Property crimes are on the rise and the crime rate really soars during the holidays. Don't become a victim!

Please go "like" our facebook page now! 

http://www.facebook.com/TotallyReady

Listen to Carolyn's radio show READY OR NOT…every Tuesday night 9:00pm Eastern, 6:00pm Pacific…if you missed some listen now.

Current show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper

Past shows: http://www.bepreparedradio.com/category/prepper-podcasts-preparedness/ready-or-not/

Subscribe to our Newsletter: http://blog.totallyready.com/announcing-the-totally-ready-newsletter/

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Contact Carolyn at: Carolyn@TotallyReady.com 

We talked about the skyrocketing food prices and food shortages.

The difference is between sheep, wolves and sheepdogs when considering a disaster. Which are you?

Crime rates are really up, what can you do now? What is a  "gray man"  and how can you become one? Another must hear episode.

Last winter saw record snow falls and record breaking low temperatures in the northern part of the United States and  record drought in the south. Last year’s La Nina contributed to record flooding in Australia. Why?  La Nina. La Nina, is a cooling of the Pacific Ocean that can affect weather around the world. La Ninas occur every 5 years or so and sometimes occur in back to back years. La Nina has returned again this year and is expected to strengthen gradually into 2012.

La Nina in the U.S. was predicted to be  weak through November and increase in mid-December bu then last weekend happened with record breaking snow fall and over 3 million without power. Many of those households will be without power for a week or more. Today snow storms are moving through Colorado and Nebraska. Yes, La Nina is here and earlier than expected. 

Just because you escaped the power outages and shortages of last year does not mean you will escape this year. Now is the time to prepare for winter. We will talk lots more about winter prepping but for this week…

Drag out all the blankets from their summer hiding places and get them laundered and ready.

Clean those sleeping bags you used on your summer outings.

Find all your winter outerwear including coats, gloves, hats, scarves, snow suits, boots, etc. and make sure they still fit.

Check the medications in your General Store and add cold and cough supplies as well as vitamins and tissues.

This week add to those store shelves and as you do so remind yourself that no amount of

money or gold can purchase food for your family when

store shelves are bare. I spoke with my cousin who lives in northern New Jersey and he

has been without power for 4 days with no end in sight.

Guess what…all the grocery stores, banks, gas stations and restaurants are closed. No

food and water available anywhere. This week we are

adding 6 pounds of grain per family member to our General Store. Grains may include,

wheat, rice, rye, popcorn to grind into cornmeal, oats,

pasta, flours, crackers, cold cereal and more. With a harsh winter looming this is the

time to think about adding a few ready to eat grains, just in

case. Store those you use and learn to use others that are less familiar. Store a variety.

Even if you now have oatmeal every morning for breakfast

during a crisis you will be frustrated if that is your only option. We all want to feel in

control during a challenge and having  options, even if you

choose oatmeal every day, creates a feeling on empowerment.

Please go "like" our facebook page now! 

http://www.facebook.com/TotallyReady

Listen to Carolyn's radio show READY OR NOT…every Tuesday night 9:00pm Eastern, 6:00pm Pacific…if you missed some listen now.

Current show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper

Past shows: http://www.bepreparedradio.com/category/prepper-podcasts-preparedness/ready-or-not/

Subscribe to our Newsletter: http://blog.totallyready.com/announcing-the-totally-ready-newsletter/

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Contact Carolyn at: Carolyn@TotallyReady.com

There are so many concerns right now.

Food prices are rising and rising not just a little, but a lot.

Home property crimes and home invasions are on the rise world wide.

Civil unrest is rising world wide and many believe the United States may be next.

Hurricane Rina threatening.

La Nina means lower temperature and more snow in the north and more drought in the south.

Please plan to call in with your take on all of this and with your questions and suggestions.

With crime rates on the rise now may be the time to establish a neighborhood watch group. 

The Watch concept is adaptable. You can design your watch in any way that makes sense for your circumstances. You may need a Park Watch, Apartment Watch, Boat Watch, School Watch, or Business Watch. 

Organizers and block captains must emphasize that Watch groups are not vigilantes and do not assume the role of the police. The role of a watch group is to observe and report suspicious activity to the police and to a neighbor if they seem to be in immediate danger.

When the neighborhood decides to adopt the Watch idea it should:

• Elect a chairperson.
• Ask for block captain volunteers who are responsible for relaying information to members on their block, keeping up-to-date information on residents, and making special efforts to involve the elderly, working parents, and young people. Block captains also can serve as liaisons between the neighborhood and the police and communicate information about meetings and crime incidents to all residents.
• Establish a regular means of communicating with Watch members- e.g. newsletter, telephone tree, e-mail, fax, etc.
• Prepare a neighborhood map showing names, addresses, and phone numbers of participating households and distribute to members. Block captains keep this map up to date, contacting newcomers to the neighborhood and rechecking occasionally with ongoing participants.

• this map up to date, contacting newcomers to the neighborhood and rechecking occasionally with ongoing participants.

Law enforcement agencies, will be happy to help train watch groups in home security techniques, observation skills, and crime reporting.They will also help you understand the crimes happening in your area including information on gangs who may be operating in town.

Someone must take the first step in every neighborhood. Why not you?

Tune in tonight to hear why you should be working overtime on your food storage. Keep working on your General Store this week. We are almost done with the year and if you have been following each week you have seen your stash grow and are now almost to a complete three month supply of the foods you eat each day. This week add 6 pounds or grains to your shelves. Add the grains your family eats and loves. You may not know how to use wheat but be sure you are prepared to use it as you will not want to be without bread or tortillas for long. Mealtime is so much easier during a crisis if you can throw together a sandwich or a wrap. Now, get buying!

Please go "like" our facebook page now! 

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Listen to Carolyn's radio show READY OR NOT…every Tuesday night 9:00pm Eastern, 6:00pm Pacific…if you missed some listen now.

Current show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper

Past shows: http://www.bepreparedradio.com/category/prepper-podcasts-preparedness/ready-or-not/

Subscribe to our Newsletter: http://blog.totallyready.com/announcing-the-totally-ready-newsletter/

Join Our Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TotallyReady/ 

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Contact Carolyn at: Carolyn@TotallyReady.com

Join me and Jan Jackson author or 100 Day Pantry for some great tips and practical answers.

Tuesday night 6:00pm Pacific ~ 9:00pm Eastern

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper/2011/10/19/ready-or-not-with-carolyn-nicolaysen

Today I heard another home invasion story from a friend. Her friend had a woman come to the door to say she needed to use the bathroom because she was locked out of her home in the neighborhood. After using the bathroom she asked to sit down a minute as she didn't feel well. She made a second trip to the bathroom an then left. When the friend went into the bathroom after the woman left there was her purse on the floor emptied of it's contents.  I warned you on the show last Tuesday to beware of women pulling these scams. This is a growing problem so we continue today with steps to take now. 

Identify your security weaknesses

Begin by walking around your home and making note of areas where access to a window or door may go unnoticed by neighbors. Look for bushes, trash cans, swing sets, anything which may provide cover. If a clear view is obscured clear it out.

Look in the windows. Are there valuables that are easily seen and tempting to a thief?

Look for easy access points such as sliding doors. Are they properly installed or is the slider on the outside?

Do you have ladders or other items such as a swing set stored outside making it easy for a second story man?

Test locks on entry doors. Do this by holding the door open and turning the latch. Then press the tongue into the door with your finger. Better locks will have a secondary tongue that doesn't move. The best locks will have entire tongues that don't move. Although we like to have the best on our front doors, the back doors are the ones most likely to be used by an intruder. 

Look around at night. Do you have adequate lighting or are there areas in the shadows where someone could hide?

Look at your home through a burglar’s eyes, as if you wanted to break in. Find the weaknesses, and fix them as well as you can.

Keep working on that General Store. this week add 6 pounds of protein per family member. Protein can be beans, nut butters, nuts, meat or fish. That's not all. Add at least $20.00 to your cash. We are still saving for a big purchase. Don't let down now!

Please go "like" our facebook page now! http://www.facebook.com/TotallyReady

Listen to Carolyn's radio show READY OR NOT…every Tuesday night 9:00pm Eastern, 6:00pm Pacific…if you missed some listen now.

Current show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper

Past shows: http://www.bepreparedradio.com/category/prepper-podcasts-preparedness/ready-or-not/

Subscribe to our Newsletter: http://blog.totallyready.com/announcing-the-totally-ready-newsletter/

Join Our Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TotallyReady/ 

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Contact Carolyn at: Carolyn@TotallyReady.com

Join me tonight on Ready Or Not as I begin a comprehensive discussion of the problem with Laura,

whose family has just been a victim of a home invasion. Her story will haunt you. 

We will share some tips for protecting your family. Please don't think this can't happen to you. Laura lives in a

small community where home invasion are at crisis levels. 

She lives in a neighborhood with small yards and lots of neighbors. Do not miss this show.

READY OR NOT tonight at 6:00pm Pacific~9:00pm Eastern. 

I am running to prepare for a radio appearance so this will be brief….Add 6 pounds of grain per family member to your General Store this week. 

Please go "like" our facebook page now! http://www.facebook.com/TotallyReady

Listen to Carolyn's radio show READY OR NOT…every Tuesday night 9:00pm Eastern, 6:00pm Pacific…if you missed some listen now.

Current show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper

Past shows: http://www.bepreparedradio.com/category/prepper-podcasts-preparedness/ready-or-not/

Subscribe to our Newsletter: http://blog.totallyready.com/announcing-the-totally-ready-newsletter/

Join Our Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TotallyReady/ 

Join us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TotallyReady

Contact Carolyn at: Carolyn@TotallyReady.com

A complete list for your Emergency Kit,

Psychology of  preparedness,

Dealing with Stress After a Disaster,

Ordinary Items for Extraordinary Survival and yummy Fall Recipes.

Don't be left out, subscribe today!

Food prices are going up, yes, here we go again. We have talked about the late planting in the mid west and even in California this spring. Now harvest time is here and it is even past the normal time for harvest. The peanut crop is all but non existent after drought in Texas and hurricane Irene in Georgia. Many farmers are not selling any peanuts for fear they will not be able to honor their contracts. Corn crops are short as are wheat and hay. Tomatoes were late and some are still in the fields and today it rained with more rain expected the next several days. Grapes are still on the vines which is not good for grape juice, jelly and wine prices. Some walnuts and almonds are still on the trees. Raisins are not dry enough to bring in from the fields and, again, rain is here. None of this is good for the future of food pricing.

Keep moving forward stocking your General Store. This week add 8 cans of evaporated milk. If you have more than two children or children under 5, or if you really hate powdered milk,  double that number. Evaporated milk is a great substitute for milk. It contains milk fats so it tastes great in recipes and supplies the fats children need for brain development. Again, you are still putting aside at least ten dollars toward the purchase of a large preparedness item.  

Finally, since there was so much interest in preparing for a death on our facebook page, plan to join me tomorrow night on READY OR NOT for a discussion with Joyce Mosely Pierce, author of All They Need to Know. Joyce will walk us through all the information and documents you will need to be Totally Ready. Remember..Ready Or Not…every Tuesday night 6:00pm Pacific~9:00pm Eastern.

Listen to Carolyn's radio show READY OR NOT…every Tuesday night 9:00pm Eastern, 6:00pm Pacific…if you missed some listen now.

Current show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper

Past shows: http://www.bepreparedradio.com/category/prepper-podcasts-preparedness/ready-or-not/

Subscribe to our Newsletter: http://blog.totallyready.com/announcing-the-totally-ready-newsletter/

Join Our Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TotallyReady/ 

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Contact Carolyn at: Carolyn@TotallyReady.com

have weapons which could reach the United States if they “parked” their vessel in

international waters. Last year we spent a few months talking about EMP attacks and

just what those are. If Iran has a weapon they can add a nuclear device to and they can

explode it over the Untied States they could cause the failure of the electrical grid and

the destruction of all electronic devices in an area as small as one hundred square

miles or as large as a thousand square miles. Iran is a country our government has

long been concerned is planning an EMP attack. An EMP is a disaster that is

becoming more and more of a possibility. If you have never heard of an EMP or if

you have just brushed it off as an impossibility now is the time to rethink and to learn.

The following links will give you a good start in considering the aftermath of an EMP.

Now did you hear this one? A judge in Wisconsin issued the following ruling:

1) no, Plaintiffs do not have a fundamental right to own and use a dairy cow or

a dairy herd;

2) no, Plaintiffs do not have a fundamental right to consume the milk from their

own cow;

3) no, Plaintiffs do not have a fundamental right to board their cow at the farm

of a farmer;

4) no, the Zinniker Plaintiffs’ private contract does not fall outside the scope of the

State’s police power;

5) no, Plaintiffs do not have a fundamental right to produce and consume foods of

their choice

For any who may have questions, the judge has said we do not have the right

to raise cattle, we do not have the right to board our cattle on a farmer's property,

we do not have the right  to drink the milk from our own animals, we do not have

the right to produce our own food and we do not have the right to decide which 

foods we consume. Hmm. We may have to figure out how to hide our gardens. 

Not sure how we are going to hide our chickens and cows. 

We need to make our voices heard. We need to forward this info to all we know.

We need to forward this to all our elected officials and let them know we expect

them to take action. Who would have thought we would need a law to allow us

to raise our own food? What about all these politicians who claim they are for the

poor and then do nothing about a decision like this that would not allow those poor to

plant a garden to supplement the family food supply. Where are they?

We need to be worried. What that really means is we need to be preparing now.

For the past few weeks we have added to our Emergency Kits. For the pat two

years we have been adding to our General Store.

When the time comes we may need to hide our General Store if this continues

and the government decides we do not have the right to keep what we have

purchased but we can talk about that another time.

Keep moving forward on your General Store. This week add two pounds of cheese

per family member and to the non food supplies add cash. With this new threat to

our self reliant lifestyle really add as much cash as you can. Let it hurt a little. In just

two weeks I will publish my suggestions, for items which are more expensive, to

purchase and add to your General Store.

Listen to Carolyn's radio show READY OR NOT…every Tuesday night 9:00pm Eastern, 6:00pm Pacific…if you missed some listen now.

Current show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper

Past shows: http://www.bepreparedradio.com/category/prepper-podcasts-preparedness/ready-or-not/

Subscribe to our Newsletter: http://blog.totallyready.com/announcing-the-totally-ready-newsletter/

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Contact Carolyn at: Carolyn@TotallyReady.com

http://blog.totallyready.com/faraday-cages/05/11/

http://blog.totallyready.com/nothing-to-do-with-saving-money-emp-answers/05/05/

http://blog.totallyready.com/emp-or-solar-storm-no-electricity-what-about-lighting/04/20/

http://blog.totallyready.com/emps-and-solar-storms-could-we-be-cast-back-into-the-19th-century/04/13/

Join us to learn about the UVPaqlite and Toolbite. "The Amazing Light" does not require batteries, bulbs, or "activation."

They will glow all night long and last forever.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper/2011/09/21/ready-or-not-with-carolyn-nicolaysen-1

Last  week the corn report was released and the reserve will be seriously low for this next year. This means the price of everything that is made with corn, corn oil, or corn syrup will go up. The storms which affected the east coast the past month seriously damaged the peanut crop which was already struggling due to drought in Texas. Be ready, peanuts, peanut butter, peanut oil and anything else made with peanuts will also be going up in price.

With that in mind keep working on your General Store. This week add a three month supply of mustard and salad dressing. I like to make my own dressing so if that is you also store the ingredients to make your dressings. Mayo, oil, vinegar, mixes, whatever you would use is what you need to store. Again this week add cash to your stash. Remember we will be using this cash to purchase an item you still need to round out your preparations. Sacrifice a little and put aside all you can.

Today we are going to add lots of little, but important items.

1. Whistles. One per family member. Consider developing a family whistle pattern that can be recognized when you become separated. think morse code as an example. A unique whistle pattern will help you to recognize each other and as you keep blowing you will be lead to each other.

2. Moist towelettes. You will need 15 just for washing hands after meals for 5 days so plan accordingly.

3.  Large heavy duty garbage bags. These don't weigh anything and they don't take up much room so add several, they are perfect for lots of applications.

4. Small note pad and pencil.

5. Diversions such as crossword puzzles, books, travel games, coloring books, whatever is appropriate for each individual family member.

6. Phone numbers: Include the following in your list of important numbers: Spouse, Doctor, Dentist, Optometrist, Hospital, Police Station, Fire Station, Parents, Clergy, Neighbors, Siblings, Poison Control, Insurance agent(s), Local Contact person, Out of State contact, Phone tree, Child’s school(s), Children’s friends (any place they may be playing when an emergency strikes).

Listen to Carolyn's radio show READY OR NOT…every Tuesday night 9:00pm Eastern, 6:00pm Pacific…if you missed some listen now.

Current show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper

Past shows: http://www.bepreparedradio.com/category/prepper-podcasts-preparedness/ready-or-not/

Subscribe to our Newsletter: http://blog.totallyready.com/announcing-the-totally-ready-newsletter/

Join Our Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TotallyReady/ 

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Contact Carolyn at: Carolyn@TotallyReady.com

Now, I do not know if arsenic is really a problem in apple juice or not.  Industry representatives have denied there are problems and the concerns may be blown way out of proportion.  But, that really isn't my point. My point is that we are giving control of our food supply to other countries and that is a very bad idea. 

Government regulations on farmers have increased at an alarming rate in the past two years. This is very frightening. Why? Water regulations on farmers has worsened the past three years. Why? Because the government thinks we aren't noticing and the environmentalist lobbies contribute large amounts of money to politicians. 

Why food storage and gardening? So we can control our family's nutrition, save money as prices continue to rise and to be prepared for a crisis. If you do not have fruit trees in your yard now is the time to pull out the purely decorative trees and to plant fruit. Call your local extension service or contact local farmers and ask which trees need the least amount of work and grow the best in your area. If you have a small yard team up with a neighbor or family members and everyone plant a few and share.

Keep going with your General Store and your Emergency Kits. Today add a few more freebies to your kit.

1. Identification Card: Each member of the family should have an identification card for themselves in their kits. Parents should also have a copy of each child’s ID card. During an emergency you may not be able to remember important information. Each card should include: Parent’s names, address(es) and phone number(s), your home address, parent’s cell phone numbers, child's cell phone numbers, close family and friend’s phone numbers, name, address and phone number of a local contact person and  out of state contact person, name and phone numbers for; Doctor, dentist, optometrist, and clergy. Address(s) and phone numbers for schools and office or workplace. List medications, special medical conditions, and allergies.

2. Photos: Each kit should have several family photos. You should include individual photos of each family member as well as a family group photo. Individual photos may be used to post if you are separated and a family photo can be used to prove a relationship if there is a question. get together with a friend and take photos of their family and have them take your's. Ok, so the printing of photos is not free but taking them is.

Listen to my radio show READY OR NOT…every Tuesday night 9:00pm Eastern, 6:00pm Pacific…if you missed some listen now.

Current show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper

Past shows: http://www.bepreparedradio.com/category/prepper-podcasts/ready-or-not/

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Back issues: Totally Ready Newsletters July 2009- June 2010

Learn what is normal and how to cope.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper/2011/09/14/ready-or-not-with-carolyn-nicolaysen

6:00pm Pacific~9:00pm Eastern

Keep going on that Emergency kit.

1. Multi function tool or pocket knife: These will provide everything from can openers to knife blade, pliers, saw blades and screw drivers. A must-have tool!! Check out any hardware store or camping supply store.

2. Extra set of keys: While you are at the store picking up your tool have some extra keys made. Home, office, vacation house, RV, car(s), safety deposit box, storage unit etc. These should also be kept at the top of your kit or in a front pocket for fast access. It is also a good idea to have an extra set at work just in case you are not home when the disaster happens and you can't grab your kit. 

To your General Store add 5 cans of fruit per family member. For those who are canning and freezing remember a pint of canned fruit equals a can and one pound of frozen fruit equals 2 cans. 

This week again add cash to your self reliance account. I am still working on that favorites list and that will be out in October to help you make your decisions about what to buy and what to request for Christmas gifts.

Listen to my radio show READY OR NOT…every Tuesday night 9:00pm Eastern, 6:00pm Pacific…if you missed some listen now.

Current show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper

Past shows: http://www.bepreparedradio.com/category/prepper-podcasts/ready-or-not/

Subscribe to our Newsletter: http://blog.totallyready.com/announcing-the-totally-ready-newsletter/

Join Our Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TotallyReady/

Back issues: Totally Ready Newsletters July 2009- June 2010

I was recently honored to help with the wedding and reception of a couple I adore. The bride is twenty two and the groom twenty three. They are headed off to college in a few months and are working very hard to leave prepared with food storage, an emergency kit for themselves and their car and items such as canners and Dutch ovens. I have spent several days helping her learn to can. Last Friday we began sewing lessons. Again, they are feeling an urgency.

Have you been seeing this trend as well? With the disappearance of Home Economics and Shop classes and the 50 something generation failing to teach skills to their children we have a generation who is not capable of understanding how to become self reliant. Are they beginning to understand the huge disadvantage this is to them? Are they beginning to realize the government is not capable of taking care of everyone? Are they beginning to understand they do not want the government making decisions about how to raise, feed, clothe and educate their children? It is my hope that you are sharing all you are learning with those who are 20 something in your lives. I have been impressed that they are showing far more maturity and concern then many of their parent's generation. 

So, if you are 20 or 30 something and have that feeling of urgency please let us help. Anyone and everyone can prepare no matter their education level, age, location, or income. Self reliance is about consistent effort, not about money or having a ton of wheat in the garage. It is amazing the peace you feel as you prepare.

This is week 34 of our General Store review. When we finish this year we will move on to another method of preparing so be sure to stay current with the additions to your store and if you are behind or just beginning you can find the Fifty Two Week Plan in the March 2009 Totally Ready Newsletter.

It's time to add five cans of fruit per family member to your store. If you are canning your own one pint equals one can. If you are freezing one pound equals two cans. ake advantage of all the fruit available right now before it's gone. 

I told you last week I had 22 visitors in my home for a week and I discovered some of my storage needs to be re-thougtht. I have gotten more aluminum foil and more disinfectant cleaners since the gang left. As I went about cleaning this week I discovered all those extra rolls of TP in the bathroom cupboards had been used. I still have more stored on my General Store shelves but it was a wake up call that if all my family came here during a disaster my TP would only last a few weeks, not months. So, to you I say, this week store more TP. It doesn't expire and will be great to trade if the time comes that you need something you failed to stock or if you need a service you don't have the skills to provide for yourself. 

Listen to Carolyn's radio show READY OR NOT…every Tuesday night 9:00pm Eastern, 6:00pm Pacific…if you missed some listen now.

Current show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper

Past shows: http://www.bepreparedradio.com/category/prepper-podcasts-preparedness/ready-or-not/

Subscribe to our Newsletter: http://blog.totallyready.com/announcing-the-totally-ready-newsletter/

Join Our Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TotallyReady/ 

Join us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TotallyReady

Contact Carolyn at: Carolyn@TotallyReady.com

This past week I had 22 people staying in my home. It was quite the wake up call as I had to feed, house, clean and launder for all those people. It really tested the ability of my General Store and my General Store won! I now need to replace many things but I was able to supply all the ingredients necessary for every meal, even those I was not responsible to prepare. Yes, I do occasionally  practice what I preach, and we did grill two meals and make foil dinners for another. I will now store another restaurant size box of foil and much more charcoal. I had forgotten just how much charcoal it takes to build a good bed of coals. In the middle of all this confusion I was hosting a 90th birthday party for grandpa, yep, over 100 people more with food, decorations at a hall, a slide show and a photographer to juggle. I was able to throw together a couple of cobblers at the last minute to fill in a gap, from my General Store! Needed extra spoons, check, extra cups, check, and need to launder mounds of table clothes, laundry detergent, check, pens for guests to write messages to the birthday boy, check. What a great feeling and huge help that I didn't need to make several trips to the store either for all my guests or for the party. We made a great fresh salsa from the garden too! 

Our General Store is not just for emergencies such as floods and hurricane or medical emergencies such as a pandemic, or a terrorist attack or civil unrest, it is for all those everyday adventures. Now, I wait until the items I need to replace go on sale and build back up!

This week I was reading a book about building a business and it asked the question, "How are you unique?" Our General Store is one thing that makes Totally Ready far different than other preparedness blogs and websites. At Totally Ready we understand your family is unique. We understand items that are a necessity in my Store are not in your's. We don't focus on buckets of wheat and rice and powdered milk but rather on storing all the food groups to assure nutritionally balanced storage. We discourage purchasing cases of dehydrated and freeze dried foods because that is not how you eat every day and you have no idea how to cook that stuff. Disaster after disaster has shown, during a real emergency water will not be available so how will you prepare all that dehydrated food? Why would we claim to be a blog helping you learn self reliance and then ask you to invest money in something only to let it sit in the garage for 20 years. With that same amount of money you would invest for a family of four, you could have purchased a water purifier, Grainmaker wheat grinder (the best mill ever!), tent, Dutch oven, grill, and a three month supply of everyday foods for your family of four.

We have recently talked about gluten and how to store gluten free. Katie from glutenfreefoodstorage will be writing posts for us in the near future to help you even more if this is a challenge for your family. Right now I am looking for contacts who are "experts", that means actually living with, soy allergies. Please email me if you know of someone who can help guide use with a soy free food storage. 

This week store ketchup, mayonnaise and vinegar. You should know how much of each you need after dating and observing your use. If you have no idea what I am talking about just ask!  Store a three month supply. Next add disinfectant cleaner. We went through lots of that this week too!

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TotallyReady is not affiliated with the U.S. Army and makes no claim to its trademarks or copyright. TotallyReady was not paid or reimbursed for promoting this product in any way. We just wanted to support it!

Listen to Carolyn's radio show READY OR NOT…every Tuesday night 9:00pm Eastern, 6:00pm Pacific…if you missed some listen now.

Current show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper

Past shows: http://www.bepreparedradio.com/category/prepper-podcasts-preparedness/ready-or-not/

Subscribe to our Newsletter: http://blog.totallyready.com/announcing-the-totally-ready-newsletter/

Join Our Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TotallyReady/ 

Join us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TotallyReady

Contact Carolyn at: Carolyn@TotallyReady.com

This week add 10 cans of vegetables for every family member, to your General Store. If you like frozen foods a one pound bag equals 2 cans. If you are gardening and canning your own a pint jar equals one can. Be sure you facebook or contact friends and neighbor in any way you can to let them know you are looking for food to can or freeze, and then get busy. Remember when you can your own you can be positive of all the ingredients.

To the non food shelves of your store add laundry items, fabric softener and stain stick. With prices going up and the possibility of them really…going up now that our credit rating has been downgraded, we may be looking at real, real inflation. So stock up now all you can afford to do. Cleaning products and other non  food items will be going up too and we have grown to depend on them around our homes.Now is the time to act and to encourage others to do the same.

Listen to my radio show READY OR NOT…every Tuesday night 9:00pm Eastern, 6:00pm Pacific…if you missed some listen now.

Current show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper

Past shows: http://www.bepreparedradio.com/category/prepper-podcasts-preparedness/ready-or-not/

Subscribe to our Newsletter: http://blog.totallyready.com/announcing-the-totally-ready-newsletter/

Join Our Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TotallyReady/ 

Join us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TotallyReady