For those of you who missed READY OR NOT  this week, shame on you. I introduced my plan for 2012. This year we are going to break down preparedness into specific areas which we will address for the month. There will be suggestions for things you can do that are free, some things that cost very little, and items that we can save for.  We are going to begin with shelter because all the food and water in the world will do you no good if you can't survive the night. 

There is so much to talk about but  I want to spend a minute talking about food prices. I know this month we are concentrating shelter but I am very concerned about food prices and have to encourage you to continue working on your General Store. Please get your three month supply and then move on to storing longer term foods for a minimum of a year. It's so very important and if you did not complete your three month supply last year do it now, as fast as you can. Food prices are going up and let's face it, with the state of the economy food is the only thing we can count on retaining it's value. The world is consuming more food which will affect the cost of food for everyone world wide, more demand, higher prices. The real concern however, is the weather. This has been a terrible winter. Yes, it has. It has been much warmer and drier that most and definitely not what we expected from a La Nina year. We should be having above normal snow in the mid west and on the east coast. We should be having colder that normal temperatures in those same areas. We are not. This could mean severe water shortages in most of the country. On top of the drought experienced this past year this is really a devastating thought. Beef prices rose dramatically last year, as did peanut butter and other commodities. Can you afford for it to go up that much again, 23%? 

Some years when we have a warm winter we have a terrible February with very cold temperatures and rain or snow every day. That sounds great but it really means flooding and a delay in planting crops. Delay means the risk that a late harvest will bring cold weather which will destroy the corps before they are ready to pick. Again, prices will go up. With half the fruits and vegetables we consume coming from California this is really awful news. We haven't had any rain here since September and our temperature have been above normal all season. Our water supplies are short and there is very, very little snow. Get busy storing food. Sacrifice in other areas, don't eat out, eat breakfast foods for dinner, take lunch to work and school, do whatever it takes.

Now for shelter. What are your plans for shelter should you experience a natural disaster? If you are planning to remain at home do you have the supplies and skills to repair your home and keep it safe? Consider the following.

The winds blow off the tiles on the roof. Do you have  a ladder to reach, tarps, long screws and  boards to secure the tarp?

If you had a flood do you have disinfectants to prevent mold from growing. Do you have the knowledge to know how to prevent mold? Do you have the tools and knowledge to remove carpeting, dry wall etc.?

If you live in snow country do you know how to prevent your roof from collapsing? Do you know how to keep gutters from backing up and causing water damage in your walls and ceilings? In other words do you have a long enough ladder to get to the roof, an industrial strength broom, flat snow shovel, gutter guards, and repair materials for a leaking gutter.

If you have a wind storm do you have a way to protect your windows and doors from blowing out? Could you protect your family from flying glass if you don't have the wood and screws to cover the windows fro the outside?  Blankets, drapes and tarps attached around the inside of a window will all work to reduce the risk of flying glass.

If you are the bug out place for others can your home accommodate them?  Do you have grab bars in the shower if you will be hosting an elderly relative? Do you child latches on cupboard doors and grates to keep pets and children from accessing areas of your home?

We always want to hunker down in our own home when possible so look around and prepare now for those things that will need to be done to keep your home safe. 

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

If you missed READY OR NOT last week and are traveling by air this holiday or know someone who is please check out the show for important tips. 

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper/2011/12/07/ready-or-not-with-carolyn-nicolaysen

This week's show will be travel by car. With the weather so unusual and severe this winter please prepare before you hit the road.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper/2011/12/14/ready-or-not-with-carolyn-nicolaysen

Have a wonderful Christmas season. See you in January!

and then there was a technical problem and last week I was able to get a guest Ray Gano,

who I felt we needed to hear from sooner rather than later.

Tomorrow you are the guests. Please join me for an open mike night.

Want to talk about food storage, food prices, earthquakes in Oklahoma, ideas for Christmas gifts,

home burglaries, anything that is on your mind.

Join me 6:00pm Pacific~ 9:00pm Eastern

 http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper/2011/11/09/ready-or-not-with-carolyn-nicolaysen

Did you hear the news today that Iran now has nuclear capabilities? All thanks to Pakistan and North Korea. 

"For British, French and American investigators, one of the most concerning sites is the Qom uranium enrichment construction site, hidden deep in the mountains. The latest intelligence shows that security walls have doubled around the site. Its scale cannot be explained by any known civilian nuclear energy use.

David Albright, a former IAEA official and president of the Washington-based Institute for Science and International Security who reviewed the intelligence files, told The Washington Post that Iran's nuclear weapons program "never really stopped" and also concluded that Iran "has sufficient information to design and produce a workable implosion nuclear device." "

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/11/07/iran-nuke-pursuit-in-high-gear-un-watchdog-to-report/#ixzz1d4Lt7opU

For any who may not have been around here or who have forgotten, let me remind you of our discussion a year ago. EMP attacks have been a concern of the government for many year. One of their greatest concerns was Iran gaining nuclear capability. You may think Iran is a long way away but an EMP attach can be carried out from a ship off the coast in international waters. 

An EMP attack is, in simple terms, the explosion of a nuclear device in the upper atmosphere which creates a magnetic surge which destroys everything electrical. No more TV, internet, radio stations, cell phone, refrigeration, hair dryers, NOTHING. Would you be ready? Now that we are about to confirm our worst fears, that Iran has the capacity, shouldn't we be?

Now is the time to let everyone know you want preparedness items for Christmas. Need suggestions? Please ask. 

One thing you may want to consider asking for is food storage. Imagine no canned tomatoes, corn, spaghetti sauce, soup, because all the processing equipment is "fried".  Are you ready with food until the transformers and all the destroyed equipment can be replaced?  You think that won't affect you much because you live in the central part of the country but we don't know where they will target. What if the bomb were exploded over Nevada. That would take out Seattle, Oakland (the world's 5th largest port), Salt Lake and possibly even Denver, and of course, everywhere in between. What if they went for the oil fields of Texas and exploded one over Oklahoma taking out everything within 500 to 1000 miles?  They may also target Chicago, New York or Miami. Anywhere safe? Not really. Got food?

This week add fruit to your General Store shelves. Remember cranberries and pumpkin are fruits and they should be on sale this week for Thanksgiving baking. Five cans per family member.

If you haven't subscribed to the Totally Ready Newsletter here's what you are missing this month…

Burglaries, Robberies and Home Invasions

How to Prepare Your Home

How to Prepare Your Family

Things That Advertise: Come Rob Me!

Neighborhood Watch How to Get Started and Succeed

Teaching and Practicing Safety

Holiday Breakfasts

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 

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2011/11/07/iran-nuke-pursuit-in-high-gear-un-watchdog-to-report/#ixzz1d4Lt7opU

Those of us that live a gluten-free lifestyle check labels on everything we consume hoping to stay safe from the harmful effects gluten has on our bodies. Sometimes gluten ends up in our homes in unexpected products. Shampoo, soaps, lotion and toothpaste to name a few may contain gluten. Do you have kids? Did you know that some crayons, paints, finger paints, and play-doh contain gluten? It's hiding, in almost everything. By US law manufactures are not required to label the ingredients of these products. That leaves some of us guessing.

Shampoo, Soaps, Lotions, Diaper Rash Cream, Make-up, Mouthwash and Toothpaste:

The easiest way to find out if your cosmetics have gluten in them is to call and ask the manufacturer. You can also read the labels and look for these ingredients which may contain gluten:

hydrolyzed malt extract

hydrolyzed wheat protein

hydrolyzed vegetable protein

wheat germ

vitamin E

cyclodextrin

barley extract

fermented grain extract

oat (avena sativa)

stearyldimoniumhydroxypropyl

samino peptide complex

phytosphingosine extract

triticum vulgare

dextrin

dextrin palmitate

maltodextrin

Secale Cereale

Sodium C8-16 Isoalkylsuccinyl Wheat Protein Sulfonate

yeast extract

You can also purchase products that are labeled or certified gluten-free.

Products to consider: nail polish, chap-stick, lipstick, facial lotions, soap, hand sanitizer or any other product that may come into contact with your mouth or food.

Prescriptions and Vitamins:

Some medicines and vitamins contain gluten. Always check the labels on vitamins. There are quite a few gluten-free ones on the market now. When your Dr. writes you a prescription, make sure to ask if it's gluten-free. Check over the counter medicines by calling the manufacturer or asking the pharmacist.

School Supplies:

School supplies is one of the most over looked items that contain gluten and one of the most important (in my opinion) especially if you are dealing with small children who are gluten intolerant.

Playdoh and most other modeling dough's, contain wheat, which contains gluten. Small kids sometimes eat/taste this which may end up making the child sick. Not only could they eat it, but it gets gluten all over the table (or whatever surface you are playing with it on), then a child may eat a snack off that table and cross contamination occurs.

Finger paints, and other paints also contain hidden gluten. Again the same concerns especially with small children.

Crayons, glue sticks, glue and other supplies may contain gluten. Always check with the manufacturer, especially if you think your child may eat these items…we had a crayon eater for about a year, it took him a while to stop eating the crayons, thankfully they were gluten-free.

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

"Remember 911 and to Prepare" for any future disasters.

This will be an awesome event, get your HAM radio license, 

attend classes and see great preparedness products.

There will even be an F16 fly over!

Activities for kids and much more

I will be teaching a few classes and also have a booth.

Please come and say hello. http://911prepare.org/

This weekend it's time to do a little shopping. You have two assignments.

1. Purchase a uniform for your family. Should you become separated from family members a uniform will make reuniting much easier. Purchase hats at a dollar store and let the kids go crazy splatter painting them. OR Purchase inexpensive solid color t shirts, preferably a bright color, and stencil, splatter paint or use markers and design away. OR Purchase bright colored bandannas or a bright and distinctive fabric and make your own bandannas. Whatever you decide every family member should have exactly the same items in their Emergency kits. It will be much easier for people to remember seeing your family member if you are wearing something distinctive and can tell first responders or the public that your child or your spouse was wearing exactly the same thing as you are. This also means your child can tell those trying to help them find you that you are wearing what they are. This also makes it easier to "claim" your child once they are found. The crazier and more unique the design the more people will take notice and remember.

2. While you are at the dollar store purchase any flashlights, toothbrushes, and hygiene items you still need to have one in each kit. 

That's it!  More to do on Monday and if you do just a little each day you will have a great kit when we are finished!

If you missed Tuesday's broadcast of READY OR NOT please take some time to listen to my interview with Donald Green from http://www.ifithitsthefan.com/ Donald lives in Virginia and shares his experiences with hurricane Irene. 

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

Today we have a continuing drought that is turning into a dust bowl scenario and the threat of water being turned off except for in home use. What does that mean? It means no more watering your garden or lawns, no more washing your car and no more car washes, no more fountains in town or water parks and that is just the beginning. Today there are new tropical storm and hurricane warnings and watches. Food shortages are expected as peanut, wheat and bean crops as well as cattle herds are being wiped out do to drought or heavy rains. 

This is National Emergency Preparedness month so get a move on! Begin tonight by listening to READY OR NOT 6:00pm Pacific and 9:00pm Eastern. http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper/2011/09/07/ready-or-not-with-carolyn-nicolaysen call in with your comments or question.

Tomorrow we will begin putting together an Emergency Kit and acting on the tips from tonight's show. So, check in here tomorrow.

This week we are going to keep working on our General Store by adding 10 cans of vegetables per family member to your shelves. for your non food shelves we are going to add money to your preparedness account. Now, don't just add a little money, make it hurt a little. If you normally go out for fast food one night a week, don't take that money and place it in your account. Take your lunch to work, ride your bike, skip the soda and candy bar. Really stretch. Get cash and add it now! No cash? Go to the bank of get cash back when you pay for your groceries. If you do this it will seem overwhelming at first but that $30, $50, or $100 dollars will not seem so bad as you are creative about how to eliminate the items from your budget that you mindlessly spend every day.

 Tip #1 :  Keep all your electronics, phones, ipad, etc. fully charged and once the storm begins quit using them.

Tip # 2  Fill everything you can with water, pitchers, stock pots, picnic coolers, even the bathtub. You can use

the tub water for flushing and cleaning and the other for drinking and cooking. No power often means no water.

Tip # 3  Don't forget all those canned goods on your shelf have liquid in them which can be used to cook if

your water is running low. Juice from canned fruit makes yummy oatmeal and the water from veggies is

great to cook pasta or reconstitute instant potatoes. 

Tip #4  Take home important docs from work. Gather all your important docs and place them all in a place

fast to access. 

Tip #5  There is going to be major flooding from the hurricane. Now is the time to empty the basement of

anything that you do not want destroyed.Place valuables in a room in the center of your home on the second

floor, if you have one. The attic may sustain damage so items will be safer on the second floor.

Tip # 6  Flooding will be a huge problem so be sure to get mouse traps, ant traps and insect spray.

Their homes will be disrupted too and they will seek shelter in yours.

Tip # 7   60,000 MREs ready for distribution by the Red Cross but 30 million will be impacted, 12 million in

 NJ, NY area. Have a manual can opener? Matches to cook? Comfort food for when things get scary?

Cooked food stays safe to eat longer than uncooked. While you have power cook food from the freezer

and refreeze. Keep freezer full usin containers filled with water. (see 21 Questions post for details)

21 questions to ask Yourself : http://blog.totallyready.com/hurricane-irene-21-questions-to-ask-yourself-to-prepare-today/08/23/

Communication After the Store: http://blog.totallyready.com/communications-after-irene-nothing-worse-then-feeling-cut-off-from-the-world-and-loved-ones/08/26/

Evacuation and flooding: http://blog.totallyready.com/floods-are-coming-prepare-to-evacuate/03/31/

JULY 2009

Signs of Dehydration

Questions:

Laundry in an apartment

HAM radio

Self quarantine

Pandemic Review

Get Your House Ready for a Trip

Recipes Using Powdered Milk and Condensed Milk:

Sweetened condensed milk

Graham cracker brownies

Lime pie

Hot cocoa

Chocolate peanut butter candy

August 2009

Questions;

Immune suppressed patients

23 Uses for a Mylar blanket

Preparing your home for Invaders

Money Saving in the kitchen

Recipes:

Breakfast burrito

Fruity maple cereal

Blender pancakes

English muffin and egg breakfast

Instant oatmeal

Spaghetti pie

Mexican pizza

Frugal tamale pie

Frugal pork tacos

Rotating Peanut Butter:

Maple peanut butter syrup

Thai peanut sauce

Peanut butter cookies

Peanut butter pie

Peanut butter fruit dip

September 2009

What Survivors Have Learned

Evacuation

Fire Starters

Wax Your Own Cheese

Recipes From the Garden:

Zucchini Pizza

Zucchini Patties

Broiled Mozzarella Topped Tomatoes

Skewered meal

Tomatoes and Mozzarella

Frittata

Zucchini Casserole

Italian Biscuit topped Casserole

Italian Salsa

Italian Pasta Stir Fry

October 2009

Shelf Life and Proper Storage

Survival Skill: Fire Building

Tuna Can Stove

Pandemic Essentials

Rice Packs

November 2009

Basic Skills: Water

Winter Warning You Should Know

Get Your Car Ready For Winterizing

Recipes for Rotating Food Storage:

Tex-Mex Chicken and Rice

Chili Mac

Mongolian Beef

Tortilla Bake

Spicy Orange Beef

Homemade Hot Chocolate

Sour Milk or Buttermilk

Buttermilk

Banana Walnut Muffins

Brownies

Applesauce cake

Music Booster Brownies

December 2009

Basic Survival Skills…Shelter

Things to do to Pass the Time When Traveling with Children

Recipes for Gift Giving:

Flavored Popcorn

Cinnamon Honey Butter

Mint Apple Jelly

Hot Chocolate

Chocolate Covered Spoons

Glazed Almonds

Sugared Walnuts

Almond Bark

Dip It

January 2010

Basic Survival Skills…Signaling

Ground to Air Rescue Signals

When Power Fails in Winter

Make Your Own Master Mixes

Recipes:

Cowboy Salsa

Split Pea Soup

Taco Soup

Apple Crisp

Apple Cake

Autumn Salad

Fried Rice

Karen's Whole Wheat Waffles

Karen's Cornbread Master Mix

Crock Pot Chicken

Focaccia or Pizza

Seasoned Tomato Sauce

Chili Verde

Kids Friendly Recipes:

Instant Oatmeal

English Muffin and Egg Breakfast

Spaghetti Pie

February 2010

Making Room For Your General Store

Tip of the Week:

Winter Weather

Family and Individual Photos for Emergency Kits

Travel

72 Hour Kits

Signs of Frostbite

Basic Survival Skills:Water

Recipes:

Crock Pot Chili Verde

White Chicken Chili

Avocado Dip

Breakfast Casserole

Dehydrated Substitution Recipes:

Hamburger Soup

Minestrone Soup

Refried Bean Soup

Spanish Rice

March 2010

52 Weeks to Three Month Food Storage

Ordinary Items: Great Survival Tools

Protecting Your Identity

Providing Refuge

Getting Children Involved in Preparedness

Foil Dinners

Recipes: Foil Dinners

Cheeseburger Dinner

Taco Time

Recipes: Power Outage

Instant Oatmeal

Orange Muffins

Buttermilk Biscuits

Breads:

Whole Wheat Bread

Whole Wheat Pancakes

Pull Apart Herb Bread

Germade Bread

Cornbread

Four Bean Salad

April 2010

Dental Floss as a Survival Tool

Bread Making

Preparing for City Dwellers

Storing Food Safely

Dutch Oven Cooking

Recipes: Dutch Oven

Easiest Ever Bread

Dutch oven German Puff Pancake with Apples

Dutch Oven Sheepherder's Bread

Biscuits

Texas Dutch Oven Pot Roast

White Bean Chili

Dutch Oven S'more Pie

Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Apple Cobbler

May 2010

Civil Unrest:

Water

Escape Plan

Get a Tent

Safe Rooms Safe Havens

More Bread Making

Making Charcoal

Mosquito Season

Recipes:

Easiest Ever Bread

Dutch Oven Sheepherder's Bread

Biscuits

Pita bread

Orange Muffins

Instant Oatmeal

June 2010

Auto Accidents

Emergency Auto Kits

Vehicle Collision Report Form

Summer Dangers

Summer Safety Tips

Bucket List For Kids and Adults

Teach Cooking

Recipes:

Breakfast Burritos

Breakfast Sundaes

Breakfast Smoothies

Tater Rolls

Pancake Roll-up

Breakfast Cups

French Toast

Apple Pancakes

Banana Maple Cereal

Granola

There you go….those are the topics covered in year one. Articles are designed to be copied and placed into your own personal preparedness binder. Back issues for first year of the Newsletter July 2009- June 2010 may be purchased for only $12.00. Year two July 2010-June 2011 will be available in the next two days. I'm hurrying so you will have the info to get through, and thrive after, Irene. 

Should hurricane Irene make landfall in Georgia as a CAT 3 it will be the first time in over a century. Whether or not landfall is in Georgia or further north the entire eastern seaboard is at risk and everyone should be taking this seriously. To help there are some questions to ask yourself and to act upon now.

1. Do I have enough water for my family and my pets, to last for a week or more? After a hurricane the  water is often unsafe to consume for days or weeks. How much do I need? At least 2 gallons per person, per day. For pets consider how much your pets consume now and go from there.

2. Do I have enough food  for my family and pets to last two weeks? Food supplies are often affected as supply routes are interrupted. Is this food the type that can be eaten without cooking or with minimal preparation? Do I have enough non food items such as toothpaste and TP on hand for at least a week?

3.  Is my freezer full? The food in your freezer will remain frozen far longer if your freezer is full, giving you more time to prepare and eat the contents. To fill your freezer fill plastic containers, milk cartons etc. almost full, but never full, of water. Place these in your freezer now to freeze. Fill as many nooks and crannies as possible with these water filled containers. During a power outage this water will also be safe to drink as it melts. 

4. How will I provide lighting if the power goes out? I had someone in our yahoo group comment today that he had followed my advice to hang glow sticks on all the door knobs around his home. Last night the power went out and he was able to go to the door and use the glow stick to help him get safely around the house. Also ask yourself,do I have a light source next to my bed should the power  go out during the night? 

5. How will I cook without power? Do I have the fuel I will need? Do I have sufficient matches or lighters? Do I have sufficient paper plates, bowls, etc. since I may not have water to wash dishes?

6. Is my laundry caught up? If the power is out and there is no water available how will I wash and dry our clothing? 

7. Do I have cash on hand? If the power goes out either where you are living or where you evacuate to there will be no ATM and credit cards won't work. Remember cash should  be small bills, smaller than 20s just in case you want to purchase something and the person selling can't make change.

8. Do I have maps marked with more than one route marked in case I need to evacuate? A GPS won't help if you need to find back roads that aren't congested with others evacuating. If you've never evacuated it's awful! Leave early.

9. Have I notified my out of area contact? Remind them you may be heading their way so they can prepare.

10. Have I reviewed evacuation procedures? See your preparedness binders or the September 2009 Totally Ready newsletter.

11. Is my gas tank full? 

12. Do I know where to get the latest information for my area? Radio stations? TV? State Emergency Management websites?

13. Do I have any landscaping which should be pruned?  Tree branches which tap your windows now will break them when the storm hits. Dead branches will becoming flying objects. 

14. Are those batteries I have stored still good? Test them now to avoid disappointment

15. Have I created a safe haven in my home? See your preparedness binder or the February 2011 Totally Ready Newsletter.

16. .Have I cleaned my yard? All those garden tools, furniture and toys should be put in the garage or house now, before they become deadly flying objects.

17. Have I battened down the hatches? See your preparedness binder or the September 2009 Totally Ready Newsletter.

18. How will I entertain my family as the storm passes and afterward? A hurricane sounds awful as it passes overhead. You will need ways to keep your children distracted to help them feel safe. Afterward there may be destruction to your property and power outages. Both could "trap" you in your home for days.

19. Do I have a plug in land line phone? During a power outage portable phones will not work. Cell towers may be down or cell lines taken over by first responders. Phones which plug directly into the wall will work.

20. Do I have medications, including prescriptions, to last for two weeks or more?

21. Do I have enough non food items such as toothpaste and TP on hand for two weeks or more?

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

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

The importance of this exercise to determine your power use was driven home to me last night. Yesterday it was over 100 degrees here. When we were ready for bed it was still 80 degrees so we turned on the ceiling fan and another fan to help create a more pleasant sleeping experience. At some point during the night I woke to discover the power was out. It was hot! I opened the door with the screen for more air and wished I had a way to open the other. Note to self: find a away to allow the other door to be opened without inviting in the mosquitoes and lizards.

Since the failure of the power grids can happen with a heatwave, tornado, hurricane, EMP, solar flare, flood and many other scenarios this really is a topic no one can say "that won't happen here". If you are 100% off grid, ok, you can, but how many of us are to that point or will ever be?

It's summer and the perfect time to learn and teach your family new skills that will enable you to function off grid.  Let's tackle a new skill each week for the next two months and by the end we will have created fun memories with family and friends and we will have learned or polished skills. This week let's cook! 

You have been saving money to add to your supplies in your General Store so if you don't have what you need to cook off the grid now is the time to spend some of that cash. This is the summer we are going to live a few days each month like pioneers.

So, let's cook. For most of you the easiest place to begin is with your barbecue so this week cook all you meals for at least one day on the barbecue. Now this may seem easy but…

You will need:

Fuel: propane,wood, or charcoal.

Long Handled Grilling Tools: spatula, fork, spoons, tongs and cleaning tools

Pots and Pans: no plastic or wooden handles and heavy enough to withstand the higher temperatures of a grill without burning your food. Think cast iron. If you don't have a Dutch oven or two this week would be a good time to get one, either purchase, or if you can't afford it, borrow. Remember during an emergency the items you borrow will not be available as those you borrow them from will be using those resources themselves.

Griddle:  Pancakes and other breakfast foods are always inexpensive and fun for kids to make.

Waffle iron: ok so this is a luxury but I love…mine for both everyday use and use on the barbecue. Just wrap the plastic handles in foil before using and let the handles extend past the edge of the grill. Seriously, you know how I feel about comfort foods!

That's the basics so give it a try and report back! It's almost the weekend so why not make the weekend barbecue only days.

My Favorite Things:

Waffle Iron

Some of my favorite canning tools:

Pressure canner

Home canning kit

Water bath canner

Canning discovery kit A great gift for a beginner.

Victorio Strainer and Sauce Maker My absolute favorite item in my canning supplies! Accessories kit You will be son happy you added this!

Steam Juicer Never waste anything! Juice it and use the juice for drinking or making jelly and syrups.

Steam Canner some people prefer the water bath some the steam bath. I have both. If using a steam canner be sure to add five minutes to all processing times.

1/2 Gallon canning jars Since there has been so much interest in these in our Yahoo group…a link!

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

With a TV show dedicated to it and the economy in a nose dive with families scrambling to make ends meet, Extreme Couponing has become the new buzz word on the Internet and around the water cooler. Shoppers with reams of coupons are seen loading up pallet loads of groceries and dry goods, and checking out with thousands of dollars worth of goods for next-to-nothing. Could this be the answer to your self reliance storage plan?

Many years ago there was a television show called Dragnet. Sergeant Joe Friday was heard in every episode reminding his witness, “Just the facts ma'am, just the facts”. Let's examine the facts.

Those involved in this new couponing trend admit to spending an average of 30 to 40 hours per week clipping coupons, printing coupons from the Internet, comparing prices at local grocery and drug store chains, preparing a strategy for their purchases. Once they have coupons in hand, they spend another three to four hours at the store filling carts and checking out. Once the shopping is complete items are brought home and another several hours are spent putting things away. In other words couponing is their full-time job. Finally, there is the time and money spent on store hopping to get the best deals.

When asked how much value there is in their home storage inventory, couponers will often tell you it is between twelve and fifteen thousand dollars. For a full time job which requires an obsessive commitment, distracts you from family, church responsibilities and service opportunities, this is a very low paying job. In other words they are making $15,000 a year for their full time job or, if you take four weeks off a year, $7.80 an hour and little time with the spouse and kids and friends.

A typical stash for those who coupon with such extreme objectives, includes enough toothpaste, laundry detergent, cereal and shampoo to last through the millennium, but no dairy products and very few proteins, fruits and vegetables. This is not intentional, it just reflects what is available to buy with coupons. Storage shelves will be stocked to overflowing with packaged foods which are high in calories and low in nutritional value.

But what is self reliance? Self reliance by definition is using one's own efforts and abilities, with dependence on one's own powers and judgment. We trust in our own capabilities to gather resources. “Reliance” is a state of being dependent upon or confident in something or someone, in this case, trusting in ourselves. In other words, “self reliance” is the faith and confidence in your own judgment and capability to be independent, no matter the circumstance.

Will becoming a coupon king or queen achieve this goal? No. Self reliance requires not only the stocking of a “General Store” in our own homes, but also learning and practicing skills which help us to remain independent of the world. Self reliance requires the accumulation of tools to practice those skills including the equipment needed for canning, sewing, car repair, and gardening. It requires a reference library should we be required to fend for our own food, clothing, shelter and health care for some period of time.

Clipping coupons is a great way to save money but going to extremes is not a good plan. Slow and steady still wins the race. If your family needs extra income to purchase items without sabotaging the family budget consider other methods for making some extra.

Lets' ask! What are some ways you have earned extra money for your family budget without getting a full time job?

PLAN TO CAN THIS YEAR

Some of my favorite canning tools:

Pressure canner

Home canning kit

Water bath canner

Canning discovery kit A great gift for a beginner.

Victorio Strainer and Sauce Maker My absolute favorite item in my canning supplies! Accessories kit You will be son happy you added this!

Steam Juicer Never waste anything! Juice it and use the juice for drinking or making jelly and syrups.

Steam Canner some people prefer the water bath some the steam bath. I have both. If using a steam canner be sure to add five minutes to all processing times.

1/2 Gallon canning jars Since there has been so much interest in these in our Yahoo group…a link!

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/

What are you noticing among your group of friends? Is preparing becoming more main stream? I believe it is more acceptable and more mainstream to be concerned about the future and how will we take care of ourselves when disasters happen and government is unable to meet needs. In the Untied States 20% of the population is now on a government hand out of some kind. Gas prices have risen every day for the past 37 days. Food prices are skyrocketing. Natural disasters have become more intense with historic flooding and tornadoes and an awful drought in the south. It is easier now than it has ever been to share our knowledge and to encourage others to prepare. There are signs all around us of the need. Do not delay any longer. Share what you know. Share links to the Totally Ready facebook page, yahoo group, radio show, publications and this blog. If you missed last night's show listen now and share the link. Please don't be the one who says later…"I wish I had". It's also a great time to share our Give Away with those just beginning to plan and prepare. Free books and DVDs are a great way to get started or to increase your library of resources. What are others saying?

"Bob, who owns the cabin in Park County, said he used to be, as he says, "at peace" with the American government, but now, he said he is distrustful.

"It's like the government and law enforcement are bullies. They won't take care of us.

The dollar will crash, and the average American only has enough groceries in their house for three to five days. When it all goes to heck, what's going to happen?" he said.

While they say they're not among those on the fringes, preppers are doing more than just having a few extra provisions on hand.

"I believe in preparing for the worst and hoping for the best," said a 69-year-old Black Forest resident who said she goes by the name Annie Oakley, a legendary 19th century American sharpshooter who performed in Buffalo Bill Cody's Wild West Show. She declined to provide her real name because, she said, she too is fearful of being misunderstood and robbed.

"I was never a doomsday person. But with the way our society, our economy, our water problems, our dependency on oil are going, getting back to the basics makes a lot of sense," she said.

She said she has spent about $16,000 so far on prepping. After watching futurists discuss the world's overpopulation, declining financial situation, decreasing fossil fuels supply and other problems on a television program about three months ago, she said she got busy.

She bought a geodesic dome to grow vegetables, a solar generator to help get off the grid and a torpedo bucket to draw water from her well if the electric pump isn't functioning. She also began storing nonperishable food.

Chickens, goats, composting, grain grinders and a full-blown solar or wind power system are next. She also plans to acquire weapons for protection.

"I'm looking at the worst-case scenario to defend my resources. The end goal is to have food and clean water, stay warm and be self-sufficient," she said. Before retirement, she worked in the low-income housing division of a city in Southern California.

"A lot of people — and it's just human nature — think 'Oh, it'll never happen.' Or, 'Someone will take care of us.' Look what happened during (Hurricane) Katrina. You're going to be on your own."

But preppers want to band together. Bob has amassed 22 families who are interested in storing food and other essentials on his spacious mountain compound and congregate there in an emergency.

"We're ready, and we're looking for other like-minded people. So we're connecting and networking with people who are into pooling their talents," he said.

The woman who goes by the name Annie Oakley also is hooking up with fellow preppers via the Internet and in her neighborhood.

"It's like a support group. You share ideas, and there's strength in numbers," she said.

"It's hard to envision life without all the conveniences. But we can survive if we're ready. It's like the Boy Scouts say: Be prepared.""

"But this time, he said, (Ovi Lalo, owner of a surplus store) customers seem more ravenous for supplies than usual. The devastating quake and tsunami in Japan have many Californians thinking they had better prepare for the Big One here, and the threat of radiation wafting across the Pacific has only heightened anxieties.

Then, too, there are the dark whispers about Saturday's super "perigee" moon, when the sphere will be the closest it has been to Earth since 1993, triggering talk in occult circles about an increased risk of temblors.

Scientists say such talk is hogwash. But the combination of quakes, a freaky big moon and the recent massive fish die-off in Redondo Beach has people such as Michael Jaworski stocking up on freeze-dried food and first-aid kits, just in case.

"Three things are lined up. Something's going to happen," said the 35-year-old Hollywood man, who was shopping Thursday with his girlfriend and neighbor. "The question is when."

Jaworski and his companions easily spent hundreds of dollars on propane stoves, knives, gas masks, first-aid kits and a portable shower, leaving the store with two duffel bags full of supplies. It was all Lalo could do not to cluck his tongue when he saw the customers walk away with gas masks.

"They're going to do whatever they feel like doing," said Lalo, who has an Israeli accent and blondish hair. "You can't tell them what to do."

He's not the only one seeing a bump in worried customers. Companies selling nuclear fallout bunkers and survival pods said they have seen an increase in inquiries after the tsunami. Home Depot is experiencing a run on supplies such as first-aid kits, batteries and masks. Online sites that sell survival kits are backed up for days."

http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/e9d0d7d4cd7345948e9d1a6fb0a389fb/CO–Disaster-Preparation/

http://articles.latimes.com/2011/mar/18/business/la-fi-0319-disaster-store-20110319

 Huge Totally Ready Give Away Happening Now!

April is the month for Totally Ready to take it to the next level.

Grand Prize: Self Reliance Library

Totally Ready for the Road

Mother Hubbard: What She's Doing Now

Prep Not Panic

Totally Ready Newsletters: July 2009- June 2010

Making the Best of Basics: by James Talmage Stevens

2012 Survival Guide: by Crystal Abrahams

All They'll Need to Know: by Joyce Mosely Pierce

Jan's Fabulous Food Storage Recipes: by Jan LeBaron

100-Day Pantry: by Jan Jackson

Dinner is in the Jar: by Kathy Clark

DVD~Food Production Systems-For a Backyard or Small Farm: By Marjory Wildcraft

$180.00 value

Second Prize: One Case of Red Feather Butter

$140.00 value

Third Prize: Totally Ready Auto Kit and a copy of Totally Ready for the Road

$52.00 value

WE WILL ALSO BE DRAWING FOR ADDITIONAL BOOKS AND PREPAREDNESS ITEMS

EVERY DAY ALL MONTH

TO ENTER DO THE FOLLOWING

1. "Like" the Totally Ready facebook page. It's that simple. We will keep track.

2. Join the yahoo group. Again, that simple. We will know who you are.

3. Place a link to a post on blog.TotallyReady.com or the Totally Ready facebook page on your facebook page. You'll need to let us know about this one by making a comment on the blog or facebook.

4. Tweet about and link to a post or the Totally Ready facebook page. Again, just let us know.

5. Place a link in an article on your blog. Give us a heads up so we can read your post. This is a great way for us to discover great new blogs.

6. Place a permanent link on your blog or website. Let us know after you have done that and you will not only be entered in the drawing but…

Everyone who places a permanent link on their blog or website will be invited to a webinar designed to answer your preparedness questions. This is by invitation only to all who place a permanent link and is a $100.00 value. More on that in the coming days. Watch for more details on the blog.

THE MORE YOU DO THE MORE CHANCES YOU HAVE TO WIN!

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

Do you remember I told you for every penny the price of gas increases it costs a non-commuter driver $18.00 per year per vehicle? As of today gas prices are up $1.01 over a year ago meaning you can now expect to pay $1818.00 more this year than you did last year for gas. 

On that happy note I am going to pull together all the questions that are coming in concerning flooding and tornadoes so I can have answers for tonight's show. 

 Huge Totally Ready Give Away Happening Now!

April is the month for Totally Ready to take it to the next level.

Grand Prize: Self Reliance Library

Totally Ready for the Road

Mother Hubbard: What She's Doing Now

Prep Not Panic

Totally Ready Newsletters: July 2009- June 2010

Making the Best of Basics: by James Talmage Stevens

2012 Survival Guide: by Crystal Abrahams

All They'll Need to Know: by Joyce Mosely Pierce

Jan's Fabulous Food Storage Recipes: by Jan LeBaron

100-Day Pantry: by Jan Jackson

Dinner is in the Jar: by Kathy Clark

DVD~Food Production Systems-For a Backyard or Small Farm: By Marjory Wildcraft

$180.00 value

Second Prize: One Case of Red Feather Butter

$140.00 value

Third Prize: Totally Ready Auto Kit and a copy of Totally Ready for the Road

$52.00 value

WE WILL ALSO BE DRAWING FOR ADDITIONAL BOOKS AND PREPAREDNESS ITEMS

EVERY DAY ALL MONTH

TO ENTER DO THE FOLLOWING

1. "Like" the Totally Ready facebook page. It's that simple. We will keep track.

2. Join the yahoo group. Again, that simple. We will know who you are.

3. Place a link to a post on blog.TotallyReady.com or the Totally Ready facebook page on your facebook page. You'll need to let us know about this one by making a comment on the blog or facebook.

4. Tweet about and link to a post or the Totally Ready facebook page. Again, just let us know.

5. Place a link in an article on your blog. Give us a heads up so we can read your post. This is a great way for us to discover great new blogs.

6. Place a permanent link on your blog or website. Let us know after you have done that and you will not only be entered in the drawing but…

Everyone who places a permanent link on their blog or website will be invited to a webinar designed to answer your preparedness questions. This is by invitation only to all who place a permanent link and is a $100.00 value. More on that in the coming days. Watch for more details on the blog.

THE MORE YOU DO THE MORE CHANCES YOU HAVE TO WIN!

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 have been working on a couple of big new ventures the past few weeks. I know I have been a little slow with posting and keeping up on the facebook page but I will be back in the groove soon and I will let you know all that has been happening. Next big thing I need to finish is the May newsletter. It is going to be great!  

I have had several people ask me to repost the you tube video describing how to cook beans in bulk so here it is!

Mass cooking beans: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AQkyjWvABCk

We have also talked about making a master mix for quick and inexpensive cooking, as well as making mixes from your own favorite recipes. The following were sent in by a reader. She sent lots so the rest will be in the May newsletter. Watch for them!

QUICK MIXES

MASTER OATMEAL MIXTURE

FOR 3 GALLONS FOR 5 GALLONS

14 C. flour                       28 C.flour

7 C. sugar                        14 C. sugar

¼ C. salt                          ½ C.salt

½ C. baking powder        1 C.baking powder

Mix dry ingredients together well, then cut in

4 ½ C. shortening           9 C. shortening

and then add

13 C. rolled oats             26 C. rolled oats

Keeps 6 months if kept sealed in cool place (refrigerated best.)

Recipes using the master oatmeal mixture:

Muffins

Mix together:

3 c. mix

1 egg

½ c. milk

1/3 c. nuts

blueberries, diced apples, or cinnamon if desired

Bake at 425* for 20 min.

Coffee Cake

Mix together:

3 C. mix

1 egg

½ c. milk

Pour into greased pan or muffin tins. Top with mixture of:

1/3 c. brown sugar

2 tsp. cinnamon

1 Tbs. flour

3 Tbs. melted butter

1/3 C. chopped nuts

Bake at 350* for 30-35 min. (less for muffin tins)

 Huge Totally Ready Give Away Happening Now!

April is the month for Totally Ready to take it to the next level.

Grand Prize: Self Reliance Library

Totally Ready for the Road

Mother Hubbard: What She's Doing Now

Prep Not Panic

Totally Ready Newsletters: July 2009- June 2010

Making the Best of Basics: by James Talmage Stevens

2012 Survival Guide: by Crystal Abrahams

All They'll Need to Know: by Joyce Mosely Pierce

Jan's Fabulous Food Storage Recipes: by Jan LeBaron

100-Day Pantry: by Jan Jackson

Dinner is in the Jar: by Kathy Clark

DVD~Food Production Systems-For a Backyard or Small Farm: By Marjory Wildcraft

$180.00 value

Second Prize: One Case of Red Feather Butter

$140.00 value

Third Prize: Totally Ready Auto Kit and a copy of Totally Ready for the Road

$52.00 value

WE WILL ALSO BE DRAWING FOR ADDITIONAL BOOKS AND PREPAREDNESS ITEMS

EVERY DAY ALL MONTH

TO ENTER DO THE FOLLOWING

1. "Like" the Totally Ready facebook page. It's that simple. We will keep track.

2. Join the yahoo group. Again, that simple. We will know who you are.

3. Place a link to a post on blog.TotallyReady.com or the Totally Ready facebook page on your facebook page. You'll need to let us know about this one by making a comment on the blog or facebook.

4. Tweet about and link to a post or the Totally Ready facebook page. Again, just let us know.

5. Place a link in an article on your blog. Give us a heads up so we can read your post. This is a great way for us to discover great new blogs.

6. Place a permanent link on your blog or website. Let us know after you have done that and you will not only be entered in the drawing but…

Everyone who places a permanent link on their blog or website will be invited to a webinar designed to answer your preparedness questions. This is by invitation only to all who place a permanent link and is a $100.00 value. More on that in the coming days. Watch for more details on the blog.

THE MORE YOU DO THE MORE CHANCES YOU HAVE TO WIN!

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