Many of you have emailed asking for suggestions for self reliance gifts this year so that's what we did on the show.

As you are making your stuffing and pies today listen to the show for some tips before you head out on Friday.

We had lots of questions in the chat room and it was a fun show…enjoy!

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/doctorprepper/2011/11/23/ready-or-not-with-carolyn-nicolaysen

BE SURE TO LISTEN FOR THE SPECIAL OFFER GOOD THROUGH DECEMBER 5TH!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

A few more last minute tips before you hit the road this Thanksgiving week! 

Waterproof matches or lighter. Priceless.

A metal container to melt snow. A number 10 can works well for this and is a handy way to store small items. 

A mirror or extra mylar blanket can be used to signal rescuers.  

Umbrella: Instant shelter and protection from the wind. Umbrellas make a good door for a shelter. 

Safety vests to be worn so you can be more easily seen by rescuers or while near the roadway (bright orange vests, cheap ones). You will all be safer if you need to leave the car, and each passenger wears one. These can also be attached to your car as a distress signal.  

Cell phone charger for the car.

Small candle: If placed on the dash, this will help keep the air in the car above freezing. Don't go to sleep and leave it lit. You can also run your car engine for 10 minutes every hour to warm the car and charge the phone. Make sure before running the engine that the tail pipe is not blocked. Also, leave a window slightly open on the downwind side of the car (facing away from the wind) for ventilation, but where the air is fresh and free of carbon monoxide from the auto exhaust (which is poisonous).

A small camp shovel is great to build a snow cave, or dig your car out of a snowbank. 

Gifts for the travelers. When we travel with kids, and even when we travel as a couple I pack surprises. I go to the dollar store and purchase a new book, puzzle, doll, and also juice boxes, candy bars, and treats we don't normally eat. For the kids I wrap them and every hour or two they get to open a new item. This keeps the kids from getting bored with the same old toys and distractions. Mad libs or a chapter book that can be read aloud as also great. When it's just adults I pack a new CD, new magazines, a new book on CD, and fun foods and drinks we don't normally splurge on. 

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/

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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! 

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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/

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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 

I hope you will all take the opportunity today to share the link to the Ready Or Not show devoted to preparing for a flood. With officials closing parts of the Mississippi river to helpfully help prevent further flood damage now is the time to share. The city of Memphis is now being evacuated. The river is not due to crest until next week! Please share the information that can save property and lives. Would you want to come home to a home ravaged by flood, having lost everything, because you didn't know how to prepare? Share this link on facebook, twitter, in your emails, on your blogs….everywhere, today! http://www.bepreparedradio.com/2011/04/25/ready-or-not-04-26-2011/

If you are in a flooding area be sure you have the flooding section of your preparedness binder up to date. Now is the time to run off the articles in the May Totally Ready Newsletter and get it into that binder.

I love all the tips for a stay at home vacation that you have submitted. Let's keep those coming! I'll choose the first weekly winner tomorrow so get those ideas in now! To help you get started I'm giving you all a sneak peek at Pack Your Bags We're Staying Home.

Two or Three Months Before Your Vacation

1. Contact your local Chamber of Commerce. They will have lots of information and pamphlets that they use for travelers as they pass through. I know it's hard to believe that travelers want to stop at attractions near your home but they do. When we live close we often overlook the fascinating options close to home. Decide based on the age of your children just how far you are willing to drive in a day and write or visit Chamber offices in those areas for their suggestions.

When I was young and growing up in New Jersey our family often took the ferry to Brooklyn to visit our grandparents and other family and friends but we never stopped at the Statue of Liberty. My Nana would take me to see the Rockettes at Christmas but we never visited the Empire State Building. When we attended my husband's ten year high school reunion I was amazed how many people said they had not been to San Francisco even though we live only 80 miles away. I'm sure most of you have similar experiences.

2. Ask the locals where they would recommend a visitor go within an hour's drive. I know you are a local but get the perspective of the mail carrier, store clerk or dentist. They will have different experiences in the area than you have and may know of some really great fishing hole or meadow full of wild flowers.

While you have them ask about their favorite places to eat. There are always small mom and pop places that are tucked away and fairly unknown except to those "in the know". Last year we visited our daughter in Oregon and went to a small cafe that had great food and a waiting line to get in but it was in a small strip mall where you would never think to look for a great meal. They only had a dozen tables but it was "the" place to go for a special meal. Even some long time residents of the area had no idea it was there.

3. Visit AAA and get their tour guides for your area. If you aren't a member there may be a small fee or you can have a friend who is a member get information for you. If you are a member ask about discounts at local attractions. They really do have the inside track. While you are there get a few sets of maps of the areas you may be visiting.

4. Google your hometown and state: Things to do _______, ____. This will really amaze you. You will get a big variety of sites with information not only for your hometown but also your county and state.

5. In most towns the school parent clubs or booster clubs sell coupon books. Check those for discounts to local attractions and restaurants. Just because you are home does not mean you need to eat all your meals at home. This is still a vacation after all. Your human resources department at work may also know of special coupons or other discounts for employees.

6. Call resorts and other recreational destinations and ask about off season activities. Ski resorts are often open during the off season with hiking and other activities which utilize their slopes or facilities. They often host festivals to help pay the bills during the summer months.

7. Compile all the information you have collected in to your binder.

Don't forget our goal this month to add canning supplies…Ask for an Amazon gift card for Mothers Day and get what sounds fun to you!

Some of my favorites:

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.

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

With a snow storm in Utah today and a hail storm in Nebraska it seems odd to be talking about the hot desert. Soon the weather will change and summer will arrive and surviving in harsh environments will be a real issue. As with all emergency situations the wise plan ahead, learn all they can and prepare, just in case.

Signals Save Lives

There is an entire section on signaling in the January 2010 Newsletter devoted to signaling for help. If you have not done so review that and copy and include it in your preparedness binder.

Signaling for help can absolutely increase your chances of a swift rescue. Signals of any type must be able to be distinguished from the sounds and sights of the nature around you. A signal mirror is great for sunny desert conditions and can be seen for miles. A CD will also work in the same way so look around to see what you have in your car that can help. Last week we talked about a mylar blanket so I won’t discuss that option again here.

Audible signals should be made in bursts of three. A long whistle burst sounds like a bird from a distance, 3 bursts will be distinguishable as a call for help. Your voice should be your last option when trying to signal. Your voice can be heard only for a short distance and yelling will  use more energy, thus using the water in your system, creating dehydration much more quickly. Car horns can also be used to signal.

You should always have a whistle in any good auto kit. If hiking everyone in the group should have a whistle. Children, who may become separated from the group will become frightened quickly, especially at night. Teach your children to signal often, in three blasts. Also teach them that a loud whistle will scare off animals.

If you see a dust cloud in the distance this may indicate that people are present so be sure to make as much noise and reflect as much sun as possible to call attention to yourself. A flash of bright light will let people know there is something unusual going on and they will investigate.

Shelter in Place

Even when you are with your car an additional shelter may be necessary. We have all heard horror stories about children and pets who die in cars. It will always be cooler to sit under a shelter with open sides than in a car. A shelter such as a lean-to can help to cool you both day and night as it will catch breezes. Once your shelter is built be sure to drape a mylar blanket over the top, reducing the heat even more and acting as a huge signaling device.

It is important to avoid sitting on the hot sand, even under a shelter. Place clothing, newspaper, floor mats or even pull out the car seat and sit on that. If you have a van and the seat comes completely out, perfect, now you will have air moving around you and under you providing even more cooling. Build shelter in a safe place on higher ground and away from dry creek beds which can become dangerous very quickly as they are subject to a flash flood.

Another reminder: if you are stranded in a desert never: drink alcohol, drink sodas, smoke, or eat salty foods.

If you missed it check out Desert Survival Part 1

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It’s getting to be that time again, vacation time! If a vacation is out of the question this year because the budget is tight get out your copy of Pack Your Bags: We’re Staying Home and begin planning your stay at home vacation now. There are so many things you can do that are fun, educational and cheap while they accomplish the most important part of a vacation, uninterrupted family time.

We can talk more about that next week but for those who will be traveling to go four wheeling or will drive across the country let’s take a look at desert survival.

There are a few items to be sure you include in your car just in case, and if you are away from the car have these with you, no questions asked!

A emergency mylar blanket or three or four. They are inexpensive and light weight. In sunlight a mylar blanket can generate 5 to 7 million candle power of light. The reflection can even be seen beyond the horizon. This is by far the best item to insure your rescue. The blankets are also perfect for making a shelter as much of the heat from the sun’s rays will be deflected and the area under the blanket tent or lean-to will be several degrees cooler than the outside temperature.

You will want a shelter as the key to survival is to stay put. Moving around will lead much more quickly to dehydration. If you must move do so at dusk and at night.

Clothing may seem like the last thing you should have with you but forty percent of the body moisture that is lost through dehydration is lost through respiration and perspiration. A long sleeve shirt and long pants which are loose fitting will protect you from the sun and help prevent sunburn. They will also help prevent dehydration as loose clothing actually cools the body.

Water will save your life. Your chances survival will greatly increase if you have water. It is always better to drink water as you become thirsty rather than rationing it because you need water to think clearly. Once dehydration begins you will not, and you may make mistakes that are life threatening. Do not over drink but drink when you are thirsty just until you lose that sandpaper feeling in your mouth. If you are traveling by car always take drinks with you, no soda, coffee or alcohol as they will dehydrate you. When we travel I always use bags of ice in our cooler rather than blue ice so it can be used to drink if necessary. It has also come in handy for injuries.

If you are hiking or biking away from your car take plenty of water and drink often. I know water is heavy but you can put mylar pouches in pockets, get a strap and carry a bottle around your neck and/or attached to a belt loop. Naturally, a fanny pack and/or backpack will hold other survival elements and they can be stocked with water too. Be creative and take as much as you can possibly carry.

Review the section on survival water in the November 2009 and February 2010 Totally Ready Newsletters for idea for finding water sources and purifying what you find.

Food is less important but also necessary for survival. NEVER take anything salty. It will just increase your thirst. Do not take freeze dried or dehydrated foods which need to be cooked. If they are the variety, like a soup that you just add hot water, they are fine but if they need to be cooked you will lose water to steam.

Other items to have with you:

Hat..sun block…flashlight…multipurpose tool…fire starter…rain poncho, plastic bag or small tarp for collecting water, and sunglasses.

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Quick reminder, because of my concern for rising food prices, until the end of the month  I will send any new subscribers to the Totally Ready Newsletter a copy of our March issue which includes the information you will need to store a nutritionally balanced three month supply designed for your family’s needs, not the generic list you find other places. After that the issue will be bundled with the past 12 issues for purchase.

I had a great talk with Halli Stone this morning on blog talk radio. We spoke about an EMP attack, civil unrest, HAM radio, survivor stories and much more. Take time as you work at your computer today to tune it in and listen. I love speaking with Halli and I think you will enjoy her relaxed manner and passion.

As we spoke I reflected on the things we need to be doing, skills we need to be learning or honing, and remember one of the best summers raising my kids. Our school district had a fabulous summer school program but attendance was determined by a drawing and if your sibling’s name was not drawn but you were, well, that’s life. A group of friends and I decided we were not going to take any chances and we were going to hold our own summer school. It was great. Each of the moms decided on a skill they could teach and we forged ahead. We rotated homes and most times all the moms stayed to help but if you needed to run an errand you were free to leave and your children were in a safe place where they were learning and having fun. We had a swimming class, cooking class, weaving class, crafts class, and a quilting class. We even too field trips. All these little third and fourth grade girls making quilts was awesome! There were a few boys who were younger and we occasionally held a class especially for them, but what little boy doesn’t love to cook and swim? At the end of the summer we hosted a dinner for the dads and displayed all we had made and of course, the kids prepared all the foods they had learned to cook.

As I remembered these fun day it hit me, let’s do this in our homes with our children and grandchildren this summer and teach them preparedness skills. Wouldn’t this be a great way for those of us who are passionate about preparing to help our friends and family, adults here, who are not? We could teach adults skills while they were also having a great time with their kids. Think about it.

You could have a cooking class but everything needs to be prepared without electricity. You could use a dutch oven, make foil dinners, roast hot dogs on a stick, the possibilities are endless.

You could have a gardening class and plant things you know will grow like lettuce,radishes, carrots, and zucchini and then use those foods in your cooking class.

You could take a field trip to a dairy and come home and make butter and ice cream, again, without electricity.

You could teach them to sew and make a quilt or apron or pillow. When I was student teaching I had a sewing class which was all junior high school boys and we made hunting vests.

You could go to the library and check out books about pioneers, or even Huckleberry Finn or Little House on the Prairie, read the books and then spend a few weeks creating some pioneer experiences. You could dip candles, play pioneer games, even build a lean-to or a tee-pee.

You could take a field trip to an orchard, farmers market or just a neighbor’s with a fruit tree, pick the fruit and them bring it home and make jam or juice.

You could teach the kids (and their moms) to grind wheat and make pancakes, and scones. Both are easy and kids love them.

Let them practice washing clothes in a bucket and then hanging them on the line. I bet lots of moms have never even done that.

Visit a living history museum and learn about the life of those who lived when our nation was founded or who were trail blazers.

Hold a wood working class and learn to use a hammer and nails while building a simple stool. You can probably get enough scrap wood from a building site to complete the project.

If you have lots of boys help them make “uniforms” and then spend a few days living like a soldier during the Revolution or Civil War. Made biscuits in a Dutch oven or on a stick. Wash on a wash board. Write with a quill. Make a sling shot.

If you are a grandparent why not make some of these classes part of your family reunion this summer.

Please send us notes, updates, successes and even failures, and of course pictures as you hold your classes this summer.

Listen to my talk with Halli:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/idahotalk/2010/05/18/halli-friends

A few sites to spur the imagination:

http://www.osv.org/

http://www.gettysburgfoundation.org/forkids.htm

http://www.stepintohistory.com/

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There are just a few more things to add to the trunk before taking off on your trip during winter weather months. I received a note for a reader who said there would be no room in the trunk for anything else if they put all these items in. He is wrong, but who said it all had to be in the trunk. We all have a glove box, pockets on the back of seats and pockets on the doors where small items can be stored, in fact many are better stored inside the car. I guess the real question is; are you sure you can survive a day or more stranded in cold weather if you don’t have these items? How much room is the life of your family worth to you? We never think this can happen to us but I have been caught off guard and so have many of my friends. It can happen to you!!

□ Small candle: If placed on the dash, this will help keep the air in the car above freezing. Don’t go to sleep and leave it lit. You can also run your car engine for 10 minutes every hour to warm the car and charge the phone. Make sure before running the engine that the tail pipe is not blocked. Also, leave a window slightly open on the downwind side of the car (facing away from the wind) for ventilation, but where the air is fresh and free of carbon monoxide from the auto exhaust (which is poisonous).

□ Wool blanket: You should have one per seat in your car. If you have some bench seats and also some club seating, each seat needs a blanket in a survival situation.

□ Mylar emergency blankets: These have dozens of uses from creating warmth to blocking wind, to use as a signaling device.

□ Knit cap and mittens: Most of your body heat is lost through your head, so the cap is important. Mittens are warmer than gloves. Remember wool or man-made fibers are better in cold/wet weather than cotton. Keeping your body core warm is the most important you have to do in a freeze.

□ Body warmers – the instant heat type. Make sure when purchasing these that you buy the ones rated for 20 hours, not 20 minutes. These are small and easy to stash in your auto emergency kit.

□ A whistle can be heard much further away than the human voice. I would have at least 2 in the car. If one member of your party needs to leave to look for help, you can signal each other every few minutes and help guide them back to the car. It is not wise for anyone to leave alone and go further away than “whistle distance.” It is just too easy to become disoriented and lost.

□ A Flashlight with extra batteries and an extra bulb… Never store the batteries in the flashlight – even the fancy Alkaline batteries can leak or explode inside your flashlight, leaving you surprised to find your flashlight useless in an emergency.

□ A portable radio is great to hear news and weather reports without draining your car battery. Make sure you have both AM and FM bands. Look for the ones that are also a flashlight and siren. Hand cranked power is also good.

□ Tool kit: How sad to be stranded for lack of a screwdriver or wrench. A multi function tool is also a good alternative.

□ Tow rope: Some people who could help pull you out of the ditch are not equipped with a rope. Think of how smart you will look, when you say “I’ve got one!” We’re not talking about a wimpy little rope, we mean a hefty tow strap or real sisal rope like a trucker might carry. Ropes are also important when creating a shelter if you can’t remain in your car.

□ 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? Maps should include local, state, and destination maps when traveling. A travel club is really handy for these, now that most people take GPS for granted.

□ Compass: A Scout would know what to do with it. Do you?

□ Roll of TP: One of life’s essentials.

□ 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.

□ 12-foot Jumper Cables just in case help should arrive and not be able to get bumper to bumper for a jump start.

□ Two quarts of oil.

□ Gallon of antifreeze. Antifreeze also burns well and is perfect to use as a signal fire.

□ Extra fuses.

□ Rags can be soaked to start a fire, to clean up, or for blocking cracks in doors and windows keeping out cold winds.

□ Roll of duct tape: What did the world do before duct tape?

□ Ice scraper to keep windows clear so you can see rescuers as well as dangers approaching.

□ Wool socks. Keeping dry is very, very important to survival when stranded during the winter. Change socks that become wet and dry the wet ones near a fire or in the engine compartment.

□ Sweatshirt or coat. When your core gets cold your body will draw heat from your limbs to protect your vital organs. This leads to frostbite.

□ Warm hat that covers your ears.

□ Sunglasses. Sun blindness is a real problem when traveling in the snow.

□ Completed Emergency Cards with medical and contact information. If you are stranded for a few days you may be too tired to remember this information when help arrives.

□ Small notebook and pencil to leave notes should you have to leave your car. DO NOT LEAVE unless you are in real danger.

□ A tarp is great to have on hand to lay over the snow when putting on chains or changing a tire. They are also great to have on hand to build a shelter.

□ Items for children (for a select few of you): Stress relievers such as a book, travel games, crossword puzzles and scriptures. It is important to have items to distract your attention so you aren’t constantly thinking about your situation.

The weather is forecast to be very cold, icy and snowy between now and  the New Year. Preparing will insure a safe, if not uneventful, trip.

This season instead of spending money create a few new holiday traditions. You may be in the habit of getting pizza for a simple Christmas Eve dinner. This year begin a new tradition and make pizza from scratch. You can purchase crusts with sauce packets included or make your own. The just raid your food storage and check the fridge for leftovers and enjoy this time together as a family making your own amazing creations.

If you normally give gifts to friends and neighbors, this year make some homemade rolls or muffins and take a few on a paper plate with cute wrapping and sing a Christmas Carrol or two. We did this a few years ago with a loaf of homemade cinnamon bread, very inexpensive, and took it to a friend who had recently remarried. The new husband was fifty something and he was so touched he said no one had ever come caroling to his home before. So much better than spending the night watching movies or delivering a more expensive gift.

Many years ago we began delivering small gifts to friends by placing them on their doorstep, ringing the bell and running like mad! When we had a rough year financially and could no longer do gifts for Christmas we asked our  children what the one thing was that they wanted to do for Christmas. I wasn’t having stockings filled or new jammies or the traditional new ornament, it was door bell ditching. So, again the homemade bread came out and we had a blast! And, it was all cheap!!

If you normally give your kids an ornament each year, make them. You can even take a pine cone, add a little glitter and a Christmas ribbon. f you normally give pajamas why not get some inexpensive white t shirts and tie dye, paint or use fabric crayons to decorate them.

If you normally stop for fast food while traveling, brown bag it. We had a tradition in our family that the only time I purchased sugary cereals was when we were on vacations. The individual size boxes make fun snacks while traveling and can become a tradition for your family too. One year I packed carrots, before the days of mini carrots, as part of our lunch, and the kids spent an hour biting the carrots and creating sculptures.

Remember the most important gift you can give family and friends is the gift of your love. You can do that in so many ways that require little or no money.

Thanksgiving and Christmas often bring with them the opportunity to travel to see family and friends. This can be a time of dread for parents as they look forward to hours in the car or in airport waiting areas.Whether we travel by air, train or car, a trip with children is a challenge all the same. It seems a good time to share some “preparedness” tips to survival.

To some extent, the challenge of entertaining children while cooped up can translate to our family preparedness as well. If your family is evacuated – uprooted by a flood, hurricane, wildfire, or other calamity that puts them out of their home for a period of time – there will be some long hours to amuse children, as well as yourself.

So a trip over the river and through the woods is good time to practice basic concepts that are proven successful while traveling with children. Complete success, however, requires that time is taken to plan ahead, at least a little.

Be sure to pack snacks or meals, and drinks. When my grandchildren visit, we send them on their way back home with their own brown bag. Commercial snack packs are very expensive, so we have the kids make their own. I put out bread, crackers, cheese, peanut butter, jelly, carrot sticks, celery, pickles, raisins, nuts, lunch meats, salami, olives, grapes, bananas – whatever is healthy and handy from my food storage. Every child makes their own lunch to take along. Before placing their food in their bags we decorate the bag and add a juice box. Remember napkins, and always have some wet wipes in the car or your carry on luggage.

Armed with their brown bag, they are ready to snack without constantly asking mom and dad if it’s time to eat. Goodies like cookies and candy are for a parent to dole out as he or she sees fit. Be sure you also have a few plastic bags for the trash. Just before leaving, have everyone get their own water bottle, and grab a “sippy cup” for the wee ones who are too small to handle a water container. When the time comes, mom can then fill it with the contents of a juice box. Empty water bottles should be taklen through security at the airport and filled at a drinking fountain.

Before leaving home, children can each choose a favorite toy to take along. This should be size-appropriate – especially if traveling by air.

Remember comfort items like pillows, favorite blankets, story books, teddy bears, sunglasses and an easily accessible change of clothes just in case someone has an accident.

If you are traveling in an area where snow, fog and/or cold weather and cold winds are possible, be sure you also have warm blankets in the car just in case you get stuck. Of course these should already be in your trunk with your auto kit. You should always travel with one blanket per seat, wrapping up together contains body heat and helps you stay warm. Those in the front seats need their own. If you need to put chains on your tires, you may be stopped for a while due to winter road conditions, subject to traffic controls.

For those prone to motion sickness, take along Dramamine and basic medications for stomach upset and headaches. These are often available at gas stations, but very expensive when bought at a travel stop or airport.

If you have young children, make clean up easier at the end of the trip by placing a towel or sheet on the seats. When you reach your destination or stop for the night, carefully fold and shake it out. Return it to the seat, and clean-up is a breeze.

Now comes the case for bribes. Or shall we call them “incentives”? Reward good behavior. Bring along a roll or two of quarters. Determine ahead of time when you will hand out the coins, and use them liberally.

You can give your kids a quarter for each hour they don’t argue. At the end of the trip they will have their own money for snacks and souvenirs. You may have to increase that to more than a quarter, but that’s up to you.

Wrapped surprises are always popular. You’ll be amazed at the extra interest a little wrapping paper can lend to your travel strategies. Wrap a new toy or snack. Each time you stop, give the kids a gift to unwrap when you get back in the car. Don’t spend lots of money on this. Wrap gifts with pages from the Sunday comics section of the newspaper. Wrapped items may include one or two pieces of bite-size candy per person, a box of cookies, individual sized cold cereal, a new toy car or doll from a budget store – or even pages to color or crossword puzzles to solve, both of which can be created at many Internet sites.

Have a safe and fun trip with your family and make great memories of those travel times.

SEND LINKS TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN ENGLAND: With very severe flooding in England please forward the links to our flood post to everyone you know in Great Britain so they can use it or share it with those who are facing a horrific clean-up.

http://blog.totallyready.com/heavy-rains-could-mean-floodsprepare-now/11/13/

http://blog.totallyready.com/cleaning-up-after-a-flood/11/14/

http://blog.totallyready.com/cleaning-up-after-a-floodpart-2/11/17/

Since we began a discussion of vacation plans yesterday I thought I would continue with a few money saving tips for those who are traveling. Some will travel to family reunions or to grandma’s house and some will travel for adventure and stay in hotels, others will have a specific destination with brief stops along the way. Whichever vacation applies to you there are ways to save money. Today lets talk travel by car.

Take your food and drinks with you. Pack a lunch or just the fixins and stop at a park or nice rest area to eat. If your children complain because they wanted fast food tell them you have a special treat for later.When our grandchildren visit I send them home with their own kid’s meal. I make a sandwich or a meal of sliced cheese and meats and crackers, add a boxed drink, chips, cheese sticks, carrot sticks, fruit, whatever I have on hand, and a small dessert. This is enough to satisfy them for not only lunch but also a snack which they can eat any time they want. They love being in control! Then I give mom some really fun sweet treats which she can hand out after the healthy stuff is gone. It works great and gets them all the way home, seven hours, with few complaints. For chips, crackers or other snacks always purchase the large bags and divide the into smaller baggies.

When you have finished eating lunch and it is time to fill the gas tank find a fast food restaurant close by the let the kids choose anything they want from the dollar menu. This can still get expensive if you have more than two children. In that case purchase a favorite treat, or make one that you never, or rarely, have at home. Our family loves my brownies with peanut butter cups in the center.

When our children were small and we needed to spend the night at a motel, I would purchase sugary cereals, which we never had at home, and that would be breakfast. They loved that! You can easily travel with a quart of milk or a box of milk or soy milk which needs no refrigeration until it is opened. Any leftovers can be divided into small baggies and used for snacks during the day. Oh course, a great way to save on breakfast is to get a motel room which offers a free breakfast as part of the price. Still compare prices for rooms but often you can get a room at the same price which offers breakfast.

If you will be traveling for a full day and need to eat both lunch and dinner on the road, stop for lunch if you want one meal at a real restaurant and not fast food. Lunch menus at a restaurant are always less expensive than the dinner menu.

Never purchase drinks on the road. The largest markup in the food industry is on drinks. Drink water and have sodas or juices in the car for the next snack. You can purchase a six pack of soda for the same price, on sale,  as one large soda at fast food or a restaurant.

If you are spending the night ask before you make reservations if there is a microwave in the room. Take a bag or two of popcorn for a night time snack. In fact, popcorn is a great snack for in the car if you have an extra bag at the end of the night. Sure, it makes a mess but what doesn’t?

To deal with crumbs in the car cover the seat with a sheet, remove it and give it a good shake when you stop.

With the cost of fuel skyrocketing and the cost of eating out close behind, now is a good time to plan a really fun vacation at home. Those memories you make in your own home are the best memories. So click on the ad on this page or on the Buy Now button below, take a look and plan for the fun.

1. Never buy individual packs of cookies or chips. Two reasons, they are much more expensive and think of all the trash! I never buy individual packs even thought there are only two of use now. If we have too many cookies they freeze well. Just divide out what you think you will use and stick the rest in the freezer. Chip, well they don’t freeze but I figure if we get through half the bag and have to throw away the rest we are still ahead money wise.

2. Never buy individual cans or boxes of soda and juices unless you are going on a trip. They are just too expensive. Instead save your bottles when you drink bottled water. Wash them out well, not in the dish washer and fill them for use in the car as you run around town or to include in lunches. fill them with juices, water, milk, even chocolate milk and the kids won’t mind taking them, neither will dad.

3. Purchase sports bottles for each family member. Children can pick out their favorite super hero or princess and everyone will be able to identify which bottle is theirs. Fill them and use those on trips around town instead of purchased bottles water. They are also great to leave in the refrigerator. When children come in from playing, even young children, can go and get their bottle out and they won’t have to constantly be asking you for a drink. And you won’t be throwing drinks away because you don’t know who they belonged to. Sports bottles are just as much fun as boxed drinks, far less mess, and will help you save money and your sanity.

4.. Always carry snacks in the car. It is much better to have a few baggies of cookies or a few granola bars in the car than to hit the drive through because everyone is starving!!! Have you heard that before? Throw in a few lollipops and you are good to go. At one time we traveled 12 miles to piano lessons and it seemed by the time we drove there sat through 2 lessons and then were on the road home, we were all starving. Get caught in a traffic jam or along doctors appointment…you are set! This is also a great plan for when the school kids get in the car with treats for a class party and the younger kids have nothing. No more tears, whip out that lollipop.

If you are planning a vacation for the summer and would like to share your money saving tips please send them in. I’ll have more on that soon so get in on the action! If you missed it go check out my vacation post.

It is almost time for vacations and of course spring break is upon us right now. I thought I would give you something to think about as you plan.

Try vacationing at home. I know this doesn’t sound exciting at first but you can make this the best vacation you have ever had. I grew up in New Jersey and I have never been to the Statue of Liberty. Can you believe it? We took the ferry all the time to see our grandparents but never bothered to visit one of the most recognizable sites in the world. I am betting the same is true of you.

Set a few ground rules:

No friends…none, no texting, no phones, no visits…that goes for mom and dad too

Screen all your calls. Only family emergencies should be responded too. If you were in Europe everything would have to wait until after vacation so make everything wait!!

No cooking for mom! Now is the time to purchase muffins and those sugary cold cereals you new allow through the door. Have juices, milk and a huge bowl of fresh fruit and design your own continental breakfast. Of course paper plates are the rule! For lunch have chips, carrot sticks, breads, lunch meats, cheeses and even a soda or two on hand. Remember sodas purchased in bulk are cheap and they will become cheaper as the summer months approach. (Check out the Seasonal Shopping post under Money Saving Ideas) Splurge for dinner and order a pizza or go for fast food.

Get a friend involved. Ask a friend to come in each day while you are visiting local sites and make the beds. Be sure she leaves a chocolate on each pillow and straightens the bathrooms. Not clean, just straighten. To save even more money prepare casseroles or other quick fix foods and leave them with this friend. They can bring the dinner and leave it for you warming in the oven or bring it by just like room service.

Ask yourself, would we do this in a hotel? If yes, then do it, house rules suspended. If you would rent or order a movie at a hotel and set on the floor eating pizza, Do it! Put a blanket on the floor first and make memories! I have done this with my grandchildren and they love….it.

Check out the local chamber of commerce in near by towns for ideas of places to visit. If you take day trips take a picnic lunch and ask the locals for a great park. Think of friends who may have horses who can teach your family to ride, or go river rafting (people come from all over California to do that here but we never have).

Have you ever vacationed at home? Please share your ideas with all of us. For more frugal vacation ideas check out the blog Small Cents . There are some good ideas there for vacation savings of all kinds.