Home gardening offers ways to trim grocery costs [Survival Today, an on going thread]

Dallas News.com ^ | March 14th, 2008 | DEAN FOSDICK

[nw_arizona_granny]

Americans finding soaring food prices hard to stomach can battle back by growing their own food. [Click image for a larger version] Dean Fosdick Dean Fosdick

Home vegetable gardens appear to be booming as a result of the twin movements to eat local and pinch pennies.

At the Southeastern Flower Show in Atlanta this winter, D. Landreth Seed Co. of New Freedom, Pa., sold three to four times more seed packets than last year, says Barb Melera, president. "This is the first time I've ever heard people say, 'I can grow this more cheaply than I can buy it in the supermarket.' That's a 180-degree turn from the norm."

Roger Doiron, a gardener and fresh-food advocate from Scarborough, Maine, said he turned $85 worth of seeds into more than six months of vegetables for his family of five.

A year later, he says, the family still had "several quarts of tomato sauce, bags of mixed vegetables and ice-cube trays of pesto in the freezer; 20 heads of garlic, a five-gallon crock of sauerkraut, more homegrown hot-pepper sauce than one family could comfortably eat in a year and three sorts of squash, which we make into soups, stews and bread."

[snipped]

She compares the current period of market uncertainty with that of the early- to mid-20th century when the concept of victory gardens became popular.

"A lot of companies during the world wars and the Great Depression era encouraged vegetable gardening as a way of addressing layoffs, reduced wages and such," she says. "Some companies, like U.S. Steel, made gardens available at the workplace. Railroads provided easements they'd rent to employees and others for gardening."

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

http://www.tomatoseeds.net/growing-tomatoes/tomato-companion-planting.html

Companion Planting For Tomatoes

The age old method of planting tomatoes or other crops in neat rows, followed by another row of peppers and then another row of eggplants or what have you, is an unsuitable method of gardening that flirts with potential problems. Though tomatoes and other crops have always been planted this way and many good books on growing tomatoes suggest laying the plants out in neat rows, this method is not natural and is sure to attract an entire menagerie of pests who will gleefully munch on and destroy the fruits of your labour.

A far superior method of planting tomatoes and other crops is to plant them among other species of plants that are both beneficial to one another’s growth and that naturally repel insects and other pests. This method of gardening is referred to as “companion planting” or “intercropping” and is the correct way to grow tomatoes or other vegetables naturally.

Certain herbs, flowers and vegetables, when planted near tomatoes have the ability to improve the growth of the plants, repel insect pests and also to attract the natural predators of problematic pests. (Organic sprays can also be made of the leaves and flowers of certain plants that will repel and sometimes even destroy insect pests).

The following plants, when sown near tomatoes are beneficial:

Basil - Probably the most widely used companion for tomatoes, basil attracts bees to aid in pollination, as well as repels whitefly, aphids and spider mites. Basil sprays are also thought to destroy these same pests, while some gardeners also believe that tomatoes grown near basil will also produce tomatoes with a basil tinged flavor. And of course, using basil as a companion also provides plenty of this lovely herb for your kitchen.

Nasturtiums - Thought to reduce the chances of fungal attack on your tomatoes and to also repel aphids and Green Shield beetles.

Stinging Nettles - Scientifically proven to dramatically increase the overall yield of tomato plants as well as to deter fungal disease.

Borage - Attracts beneficial insects.

Lemon Balm - Attracts beneficial insects.

Umbilliferae - A family which includes parsley, parsnips, carrots and others that attracts hoverflies which in both mature and larvae form feed on a wide host of tomato pests.

French Marigolds - Neither nematodes, nor whiteflies like marigolds, which makes them a wonderful companion for tomatoes, as well as others.

Thyme, Asparagus, Foxglove, Lavender and Garlic are also good companions to be intercropped with tomatoes.

On a final note, Rosemary, Potatoes, Kohlrabi, Fennel, Strawberries, members of the Brassica family (Cabbage, Kale, etc) and Dill should NOT be planted near tomatoes for these plants often attract pests which will attack tomatoes.

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

Mornin’ Granny, how are you? I couldn’t sleep. My last chemotherapy treatment is today! Praise God!

[nw_arizona_granny]

http://www.alanskitchen.com/Cowboy/Recipes/Dessert/01-25/12_Dessert_Cowboy_Recipe.htm

Sunset Crater Chocolate Fudge

Cowboy Cooking Recipes from AlansKitchen.comIngredients:

* 1 - cup butter
* 4 - cups sugar
* 1 - cup milk, room temperature
* 25 - large marshmallows (grated)
* 1 - package Semi-sweet chocolate chips (12 ounces)
* 1 - package Milk chocolate chips (11-1/2 ounces)
* 2 - squares unsweetened chocolate

Directions:

1. In large deep pan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add sugar and milk and stir until blended together.
3. Add marshmallows.
4. When completely melted, boil for a full fine minutes.
5. Take off heat and add the semi-sweet chips. Stir thoroughly, until melted.
6. Add milk chocolate chips and stir thoroughly.
7. Mixture will start to become harder to stir.
8. Add the grated unsweetened chocolate.
9. Be sure to stir until all chocolate is melted.
10. Pour into 9 x 13-inch pan.
11. Cover and cool. Cut into squares.

[nw_arizona_granny]

http://www.alanskitchen.com/Cowboy/Recipes/Dessert/01-25/09-New-Mexico-Cinnamon-Chile-Brownies.htm

New Mexico Cinnamon Chile Brownies

Cowboy Cooking Recipes from AlansKitchen.comIngredients:

* 3/4 - cup all-purpose flour
* 1/4 cup + 1 - Tablespoon New Mexico chile powder (pure)
* 1 - teaspoon baking powder
* 1 - teaspoon salt
* 1-1/2 - sticks unsalted butter (at room temperature)
* 5 - oz. semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
* 5 - oz. unsweetened chocolate, chopped
* 1-1/4 - cup sugar
* 3 - eggs (large) (at room temperature)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350° F and butter and flour 9 x 13-inch baking pan.

1. In a medium-mixing bowl, sift in the flour, chile powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.
2. Into a double boiler, add the butter and chocolates. Set to simmer and heat until butter and chocolate are about half melted.
3. Then remove the top pan and continue to stir the butter and chocolate until fully melted.
4. Pour into a large mixing bowl and cool for 10 minutes. With a mixer, beat in the sugar to the chocolate mixture. Beat for 2 minutes or until smooth and silky. Next, beat in the eggs until well incorporated.
5. Next, stir in the flour mixture. Do not over mix. Spoon the batter into the baking pan.
6. Make sure to spread the batter into the corners. Place on the lower baking rack for 20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and place on a wire rack to cool. After 30 minutes, cut the brownies and serve.

[nw_arizona_granny]

http://www.alanskitchen.com/Cowboy/Recipes/Dessert/Bread-Pudding-SW.htm

Southwest Bread Pudding
Cowboy Cooking Recipes from AlansKitchen.com Makes 4 to 6 servings

Ingredients

* 1 - quart water
* 1 - pound brown sugar
* 1 - stick cinnamon
* 1 - clove
* 1 - Tablespoon butter
* 6 - sliced toast, cubed
* 3 - cups apples, peeled and sliced
* 1 - cup raisins
* 1 - cup chopped nuts
* 1/2 - pound Monterey Jack cheese, sliced

Directions

Preheat oven to 325°F. Butter casserole dish.

1. Into the water, add sugar, cinnamon, and clove.
2. Boil down to a syrup.
3. Layer casserole dish with toast.
4. Top toast with 1-1/2 cups apples, sprinkle with 1/2 cup raisins and 1/2 cup nuts, and lay on 1/4 pound of cheese.
5. Repeat layer.
6. Pour the syrup over the pudding and bake for 30 minutes.
7. Serve either hot or cold.

[nw_arizona_granny]

http://www.alanskitchen.com/Cowboy/Recipes/Dessert/01-25/13_Dessert_Cowboy_Recipe.htm

Ron’s Old Time Red Raspberry Pudding
Cowboy Cooking Recipes from AlansKitchen.com Make 8 servings

Ingredients:

* 2 - Tablespoon all-purpose flour
* 3 - cup raspberries (reserve a few berries for garnish)
* 2 - Tablespoon sugar
* 2 - Tablespoon butter
* 1 - cup all-purpose flour
* 1-1/2 - teaspoon baking powder
* 1/2 - teaspoon salt
* 5 - Tablespoon butter
* 2 - cup sugar
* 1 - egg
* 1/3 - cup milk
* Whipped cream

Directions:

Preheat oven 350° F. and grease and flour 9 x 9 x 2 baking pan.

1. With the 2 tablespoons flour, dredge the raspberries and place in baking pan. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons sugar over the raspberries.
2. Cut up the 2 tablespoons of butter and dot the raspberries.
3. In a bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In an electric mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Add in the egg.
4. Then add the flour mixture to the creamed butter mixture. Slowly stir in the milk. Beat well. Using a spoon, add the batter – do not pour in.
5. Place baking pan in oven and bake 30 minutes.
6. Serve warm with whipped cream and a few raspberries as garnish.

[nw_arizona_granny]

http://www.alanskitchen.com/Cowboy/Recipes/Dessert/01-25/03-Circle-E-Ranch-Cowboy-Pudding.htm

Circle E Ranch Cowboy Pudding
Cowboy Cooking Recipes from AlansKitchen.comMakes 6 servings
Ingredients

* 1/2 - cup brown sugar, firmly packed
* 1 - cup flour
* 2 - teaspoon baking powder
* 1 - teaspoon nutmeg
* 1 - teaspoon cinnamon
* 1/4 - teaspoon salt
* 1/2 - cup milk
* 2 - Tablespoon butter, melted
* 1 - cup dates, seeded and chopped
* 1 - cup raisins 1 cup chopped nuts
* 1 - cup brown sugar dissolved in 2 cup boiling water
* whipped cream, plain or sweetened

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F.

1. Sift and mix the dry ingredients, stir in the milk and butter, then add the dates, raisins, and nuts.
2. Stir in the sweetened boiling water, place into a baking dish, and bake 30 minutes.
3. Serve hot with whipped cream.

[nw_arizona_granny]

http://www.alanskitchen.com/Cowboy/Recipes/Dessert/01-25/04-Oak-Grove-Dump-Cake.htm

Oak Grove Dump Cake
Cowboy Cooking Recipes from AlansKitchen.comMakes 12 to 16 servings

Prep Time: 10 min.

Baking Time: 50 min.
Ingredients

*

1 - can (20 ounce) crushed pineapple with juice, undrained
*

1 - can (21 ounce) cherry pie filling
*

1 - package classic yellow cake mix
*

1 - cup pecans or walnuts, chopped
*

1/2 - cup (1 stick) butter or margarine, cut into thin slices

Directions

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease a 13x9-inch pan.

1.

Dump pineapple with juice into pan. Spread evenly.
2.

Dump in pie filling.
3.

Sprinkle cake mix evenly over cherry layer.
4.

Sprinkle pecans over cake mix.
5.

Dot with butter.
6.

Bake for 50 minutes or until top is lightly browned. Serve warm or at room temperature.

[nw_arizona_granny]

http://www.alanskitchen.com/Cowboy/Recipes/Dessert/01-25/06-Jesses_Molasses_Cookies.htm

Jesse’s Molasses Cookies
Cowboy Cooking Recipes from AlansKitchen.comMakes 48 small cookies

Ingredients:

*

1/2 - cup shortening
*

1/2 - cup sugar
*

1 - egg
*

1 - cup dark molasses
*

1 - Tablespoon lemon juice
*

3-1/2 - cup all-purpose flour
*

1 - teaspoon cinnamon
*

3/4 - teaspoon cloves
*

1/2 - teaspoon ginger
*

2 - teaspoon baking soda
*

1/2 - teaspoon salt
*

1/3 - cup boiling water
*

2 - Tablespoon sugar (white or colored)

Directions:

1.

In an electric mixing bowl, cream shortening, sugar, and egg. Add the molasses and lemon juice.
2.

Blend well. Into the cream mixture, sift in the flour, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, baking soda, and salt.
3.

Finally, add the water. Mix well.
4.

Wrap dough in plastic wrap and place in refrigerator. Chill for 1-hour.

Preheat oven to 350° F. and grease cookie sheet.

1.

Using a teaspoon, drop on cookie sheet. Sprinkle with sugar.
2.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on wire rack.

[nw_arizona_granny]

http://www.alanskitchen.com/Cowboy/Recipes/Dessert/Chuck-Wagon-Cookies.htm

Chuck Wagon Cookies
Cowboy Cooking Recipes from AlansKitchen.comMakes about 72 cookies

Ingredients

* 1- cup butter or margarine
* 3/4 - cup brown sugar, packed
* 3/4 - cup granulated sugar
* 2 - eggs
* 1-2/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 - cups uncooked oats
* 2 - teaspoons ground cinnamon
* 1 - teaspoon baking soda
* 1/2 - teaspoon salt
* 1 - teaspoon sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F and grease baking sheets.

1. In a large bowl, beat together the butter, brown sugar and 3/4-cup granulated sugar, until light and fluffy.
2. Add eggs and mix well.
3. In a medium bowl, add flour, oats, and 1-teaspoon ground cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.
4. Now, add the sugar mixture and mix well.
5. Using a teaspoon, drop dough onto prepared baking sheet.
6. In a small bowl, add the remaining teaspoon sugar and 1 - teaspoon cinnamon.
7. Sprinkle lightly over each cookie.
8. Bake 8 to 10 minutes.
9. Allow to cool 1 minutes before placing on cooling rack.

[nw_arizona_granny]

Start in the first ones and work your way forward, I subscribed back in the beginning, all kinds of important survival info.

Click the Wayback machine link....the url did not change.

http://www.nursehealer.com/

The Herbal Healing

http://web.archive.org/web/19991116203629/www.nursehealer.com/HerbsDry.htm

[has hidden urls in the article]

Thyme - Thymus vulgaris or Thymus serpyllum

Chemical and Nutrient Content: B-complex vitamins, borneol, cavacrol, chromium, essential oils, fluorine, gum, iron, silicon, tannins, thiamine, thyme oil, thymol, triterpenic acids, vitamins C and D. (Source: Prescription for Nutritional Healing: A Practical A-Z Reference to Drug-Free Remedies Using Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs and Food Supplements James F. Balch & Phyllis A. Balch)

A thyme tincture may be used as an antiseptic on minor wounds. An infusion may help settle the stomach, soothe a cough, or relieve menstrual symptoms.

Never take thyme oil internally, as it can be toxic. Thyme may cause a rash in sensitive individuals. (Source: Healing Herbs: The Ultimate Guide to the Curative Power of Nature’s Medicines, Michael Castleman, Prevention Magazine, Editor)

Roman soldiers bathed in thyme water for vigor.

Egyptians used thyme in embalming because of its powerful antiseptic and preservative properties. It is still an ingredient of embalming fluid, and will also preserve anatomical and herbarium specimens and protect paper from mold.

Thyme is the first herb listed in the Holy Herb Charm recited in the Middle Ages, and is featured in a charming recipe from 1600 “to enable one to see the Fairies.” A sweet infusion of thyme can be used for coughs, colds, and sore throats. (Source: Herbs by Lesley Bremness)

Planting: Hardy evergreen subshrub best grown in full sun with any soil. Propagates by cuttings, layers, seed. (Source: Herb Bible Peter McHoy & Pamela Westland)

Use to treat athlete’s foot, amenorrhea, headache, and sties. (Source: Green Pharmacy James A. Duke, Ph.D.)

---

Spices:

http://web.archive.org/web/19991113061329/www.nursehealer.com/Spice.htm

---

Where do you begin to eat healthier?
What do you do with your Food Storage?
How can you feed your family for less?
The answer is the same to all three questions. Back to basics cooking!
Remember the expression, “Less is More”. Use basic recipes with simple instructions, utilizing natural ingredients. Add herbs and spices as appropriate to enhance and improve flavor and desirability.

[This list of urls, must be every cooking site on the web in 1999]

http://web.archive.org/web/19990220112110/www.nursehealer.com/Recipes.htm

---

1999 -Moccassins
Mocasin, moccasin, mocassin, moccassin, however you spell it!
How to make them, where to buy them.

http://web.archive.org/web/19990218200833/www.nursehealer.com/Mocassins.htm

---

First Aid Kit Suggestions

http://web.archive.org/web/19990505074011/www.nursehealer.com/Guide.htm

---

Natural Healing Preparations

http://web.archive.org/web/19990210164435/www.nursehealer.com/HerbsPrep.htm

---

Herbal Remedy Kit - Herbal Essential Oils

http://web.archive.org/web/20000415032744/www.nursehealer.com/HerbOils.htm

[nw_arizona_granny]

Notes:
For gift giving, try giving the gift of preparedness. Give a 24 hour kit, or 72 hour kit, or even a car emergency kit to family members. You can even just give a good blanket. Just think preparedness.

[nw_arizona_granny]

My last chemotherapy treatment is today! Praise God!<<<

Yes, I join you in rejoicing.

A wonderful Christmas gift.

It feels good to offer a prayer of thanks.

Do be careful, it is beginning to snow here and Las Vegas has had snow all day.....per radio at 720 am or kdwn.com

[nw_arizona_granny]

BOTULISM, SALTED FISH - USA (03): (FLORIDA) ex CANADA, RISK, RECALL
*******************************************************************
A ProMED-mail post
http://www.promedmail.org
ProMED-mail is a program of the
International Society for Infectious Diseases
http://www.isid.org

Date: Fri 12 Dec 2008
Source: US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) News [edited]
http://www.fda.gov/bbs/topics/NEWS/2008/NEW01924.html

The USA Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning retailers and
food service operators not to offer for sale ungutted, salt-cured
alewives (also called gaspereaux fish) from Michel & Charles LeBlanc
Fisheries Ltd., CAP-PELE, New Brunswick, Canada, because the fish may
contain the _Clostridium botulinum_ toxin. Consumers should not
consume the product.

_C. botulinum_ toxin can cause botulism, a serious and sometimes
life-threatening condition. The toxin cannot be removed by cooking or freezing.

The fish were imported into the USA and sent to these Florida distributors:
Quirch Foods Inc.
Den-Mar Exports LLC
Dolphin Fisheries Inc.
Labrador & Son Food Products Inc.

The fish were packed in 30-pound, white plastic pails with green
plastic lids. The brand name “Michel & Charles LeBlanc Fisheries
Ltd.,” appears on the side of the pails, as does the phrase “Product
of Canada.” 173 30-lb. pails of fish were distributed. The fish may
have been repacked or sold loose by retailers in Florida.

The FDA considers any ungutted fish over 5 inches (13 cm) in length
that is salt-cured, dried, or smoked, such as the ungutted,
salt-cured alewives/gaspereaux fish, to be adulterated because it
could contain the _C. botulinum_ toxin. The Florida Department of
Agriculture and Consumer Services discovered the ungutted
alewives/gaspereaux fish from Michel & Charles LeBlanc Fisheries Ltd.
being sold in stores and alerted the FDA. The FDA prohibits the sale
of this adulterated product in the USA.

To date, there have been no reported illnesses associated with this
product. However, consumers who have purchased ungutted, salt-cured
alewives/gaspereaux fish in Florida should contact the place of
purchase to determine if the fish they bought originated from Michel
& Charles LeBlanc Fisheries Ltd or if the source of the fish cannot
be determined, consumers should immediately discard the fish and any
foods made with these fish.

—
Communicated by:
ProMED-mail Rapporteur Brent Barrett

[Because of the potential severity of botulism, ProMED-mail posts
such recalls even if, as in this case, there are no human cases
associated with the food. Most of the food recalls are related to
defective preparation procedures, which could, but not necessarily
do, result in the germination of viable spores of _C. botulinum_.
With fish like this, many recalls are related to the lack of evisceration.

The following is abstracted from the US Food and Drug Administration
(FDA) Regulations Section 540.650: Uneviscerated Fish Products that
are Salt-cured, Dried, or Smoked (CPG 7108.17)
http://www.fda.gov/ora/compliance_ref/cpg/cpgfod/cpg540-650.htm

Uneviscerated, salt-cured, whole fish products have caused several
outbreaks of botulism and death. _C. botulinum_ spores are ubiquitous
in fishery products and the marine environment. The spores represent
a public health hazard when conditions are suitable for vegetative
cell growth and toxin production.

A total of 3 outbreaks of botulism, causing 3 deaths and 11
illnesses, resulted from “kapchunka” in the USA between 1981 and
1987. Kapchunka, an ethnic food usually produced from whitefish, is
also known as “rybetz,” “ribeyza,” or “rostov.” Kapchunka is an
uneviscerated, salt-cured, air-dried, whole fish, which may or may
not be smoked. It is consumed without further preparation, such as cooking.

The fish are salt-cured under minimum refrigeration conditions for a
minimum of 25 days and then air dried at ambient temperature for 3 to
7 days. Kapchunka may be smoked before packing and are commonly
stored under refrigeration.

In 1991, 2 botulism outbreaks occurred. In one, “faseikh” was
implicated in at least 91 illnesses and 18 deaths in Egypt. Faseikh
is a traditional product made by fermenting uneviscerated fresh
mullet for up to one day and then salt-curing it in barrels, which
may be tightly sealed from one week to one year. In another, an
ethnic fish product called “moloha” caused a botulism outbreak
involving 4 family members in New Jersey. Moloha is an uneviscerated,
salt-cured fish product similar to “faseikh.” The preparation steps
in the New Jersey incident were not identified since the source of
the “moloha” could not be found.

Other salt-cured products, such as “bloaters,” can also pose a public
health hazard. Bloaters are prepared by salt-curing uneviscerated
whole herring, which may or may not be smoked. Bloaters may be
transformed into other products, such as fillets or bloater paste. In
addition to the products noted above, whole fish that are dried,
pickled, or fermented can also pose a public health hazard. The
referenced episodes of botulism are representative of a
well-documented history of life-threatening health hazards associated
with uneviscerated, salt-cured fish.

The problems with these products are compounded by the difficulty in
attaining sufficient levels of salt in all portions of an
uneviscerated fish to inhibit the growth of _C. botulinum_.
Consequently, any fish product that is salt-cured and then dried,
smoked, pickled, or fermented can pose a public health hazard. Toxin
may be present in these products even when there are no outward signs
of microbiological spoilage or other clear indications to alert the consumer.

Control of growth and toxin production from _C. botulinum_ in fishery
products is based on spore destruction (such as retorting canned
foods) or inhibition of vegetative cell growth (such as control of
water activity, pH, or use of approved chemical inhibitors). The
control measures must be applied rapidly and uniformly throughout the
product to protect consumers from this potentially life-threatening toxin.

Control of botulism can also be achieved in salted, dried, or smoked
products prepared from small species of uneviscerated fish (generally
3 to 5 inches in length (8-13 cm). Typically, these products are
prepared from small anchovy and herring sprats. As uneviscerated fish
under 5 inches in length are processed, their smaller size helps to
ensure complete permeation of the flesh with inhibitory levels of
salt or drying to a uniformly low water activity, resulting in the
attainment of conditions that prevent the growth of _C. botulinum_.

The FDA considers uneviscerated fish that are salt-cured, dried, or
smoked to represent a potentially life-threatening health hazard. In
addition, fillets, parts, or other products derived from
uneviscerated fish pose the same potential health hazard as the
original product. Therefore, with the exception of small,
uneviscerated fish as described above, the FDA considers
uneviscerated fish that have been salt-cured, dried, or smoked, as
well as products made from them, to be adulterated within the meaning
of section 402(a)(4) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, in
that the product has been prepared, packed, or held under unsanitary
conditions whereby it may have been rendered injurious to health.
These products are hazardous whether stored at ambient temperature,
refrigerated, or frozen, or whether packaged in air, vacuum, or
modified atmosphere.

The alewife (_Alosa pseudoharengus_) is a species of herring. There
are anadromous (live in the ocean and breed in fresh water) and
landlocked forms. The name is said to come from comparison with a
corpulent female tavern keeper (”ale-wife”). In Atlantic Canada, it
is known as the gaspereaux. - Mod.LL]

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

http://ferfal.blogspot.com/2008/11/altoids-survival-kit.html

Altoids survival kit

This is something most people tried sometime. Maybe as a kid when camping, or when first getting started into survival and preparedness.

The idea is to fit a number of small items you’d need to survive into the small container, so that you can always have it available during an emergency.

Many of these things I already care one of everyday, ( lighter, LED, knife, etc) on me or in my bag, but the idea of a small emergency kit is still valid, because you end up including other things you usually forget about.

There’s are other better containers, but this is what most people use so I got one of these tins down town.

By the way, I paid 3 dollars for this, 10 pesos.

There’s thousands of small kits like this one, some more location oriented than others, and most have a few common items.

Let’s see what I have here.(left to right, top to bottom)

-Home made mini knife
Made using a piece of new steel saw. Made a drop point for this little knife, and left it razor sharp. It also has the original saw teeth left, so it can be used for sawing with a bit o patience.
Handle is made with self soldering rubber.
-Small Bic Lighter.
Red so it doesn’t get lost that easily if dropped in the grass.
-Altoids tin.
Nothing to brag about, but it can be used for cooking small meals, boiling a bit of water, and the lid can be polished and used as a signal mirror.
-Paper matches. For fire making redundancy.
-Ziplock bag
Roughly one liter. Can be used to keep stuff dry. Get condensation out of living plants. Treat water in it using potable water pills.

-2 Hair clips. Various uses.
-Led light. Works for many hours.
-Chinese red tiger and dragon balm tin.
This stuff has been around for over 100 years.
It’s supposed to cure near everything, but I’ve only used it for muscle aches, headaches (using it to massage the temples) , and for using a bit under the nose and chest when I have flu ( menthol)
It’s supposed to cure any disease known to mankind, but I’m a bit skeptical. :)
It does work rather well for the illnesses described above. The original, genuine Chinese Dragon Balm, a contemporary incarnation of the Imperial Ointment created so many centuries ago. Time tested and proven as a superior answer for quick, effective relief of headaches, nasal congestion, arthritis and muscular aches and pains. Dragon Balm is manufactured under the strictest supervision of qualified pharmacists, and exported directly from the Southern Provinces of China. Dragon Balm is ultra pure and composed of only the finest ingredients, containing no animal by products or synthetic chemicals. It uses menthol cinnamon oil, eucalyptus oil, cajuput oil and camphor to create marvelously effective, penetrating relief. A truly fine analgesic from the Orient. Used in Dojos as Martial Arts treatment. Large 19 gm size.
Ingredients: Menthol, Camphor scented and colored with natural herbal extracts.

http://vitanetonline.com/description/SU0097/vitamins/Dragon-Balm-Red/

-Small red box with match firecrackers. These are for signaling, creating a distraction or blowing up small things.
-4 Strong pain killers (ketorolac)
-2 Ibuprofen 600
-3 feet of wire
-Folding cutter blade
-button compass
-Salt. For compensating dehydration, or making saline solution in the bag to clean wound.
-4 bandaids: 2 small, 2 medium size.
-About 5 needles of different sizes
-1 Big button. Fixing pants, bag and such.
-1 epoxy cloth bandaid “Poxita”. Good for fixing a number of things.
-1 Piece of fine grit sand paper. For sharpening the blades included in the kit.
-9 feet of unbreakable black nylon thread.
-9 feet of thread in OD green. Fixing gear and clothing.
-9 feet of waxed dental floss. Also have a big needle to use it to fix stuff in needed.
-4 one peso coins. For phone calls, bending machines, bus, subway. Four pesos will also buy you a hotdog in some of the cheapo places, or a coke or water bottle.
-50 USD. Some emergency money. Dollars are readily accepted most of the time, or someone willing to change it for local paper money.

Why not include local paper money? Because our peso is much more volatile than the USD ( even with the crisis).

If your pocket allows it, a small gold coin might not be a bad idea (maximum value for minimum size)
Missing in this kit and soon to be added; Potable water pills. Not enough space for a vial, but some can be added to the ziplock bag.

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

We had hail here today! So weird, it's winter and we get hail (and lightning and thunder, too).

Snowing in the mountains, though. Thinking of you today. I sent you FReepmail by the way.

[nw_arizona_granny]

Homemade Herbal Bath Bag Recipes

Posted By TipNut On October 17, 2007 @ 6:10 am In Beauty & Health, Crafty Ideas | 1 Comment

Picture of Lavender Sachet - Tipnut.comHerbal bath bags (also known as bath tea bags) make a lovely soaking bath that can be beneficial to your skin, ease stress and help soothe aches and pains.

They’re similar to the [1] shower spa bags except these soak in the tub with you, making the bath a luxurious tea spa. If you just need some tender foot therapy to ease sore feet, these can be added to foot baths–or you can try the [2] foot soak recipes.

Basic Instructions:

Make drawstring bags out of cheesecloth, organza or muslin, enough to hold anywhere from 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of your favorite herbal bath recipe. Tie them tightly shut so the loose herbs won’t float out into the bath water. After use the contents can be emptied, the bags rinsed out then washed to be refilled and reused.

Bath Preparation Directions:

* Two ways you can enjoy these, either hang the bags on the tap while the hot water is running to fill the bath, making sure the water is running through the bags. Once the tub is filled, let the bag float in the tub with you.
* Infusion Method: Boil a quart of water, turn off heat, add herbal bath bag to water, cover, then steep (let it steep at least 20 minutes for best results). Add all of this piping hot infused water to your bath (be careful not to burn yourself) and plop the herbal bag in the bath to soak while you’re in it too. Note: Do not steep the herbs in an aluminum pot.

Herbal Bath Tea Recipes:

These amounts will make a batch at a time to be stored in an airtight container until you use them. For convenience, fill up your drawstring bags then store.

Basic Milk Bath Starter Recipe

1 1/2 cup powdered milk
1/2 cup Epsom salt
1/8 cup baking soda
2 TBS cornstarch

* Use this as the base for herbal milk bath bags, add whatever dried flowers and herbs you like.

Lavender Bath Soak:

* 1/2 cup dried lavender
* 1 cup Epsom Salts

Lavender Oatmeal Bath:

* 1 cup oatmeal
* 1/2 cup dried lavender

Lavender Oatmeal Milk Bath:

* 1/2 cup powdered milk (or the milk bath starter recipe above)
* 1/2 cup oatmeal
* 1/4 cup dried lavender

Rosemary Oatmeal Bath Tea

* 1/2 cup Oatmeal
* 1/4 cup Rosemary (dried)
* 1/4 cup Chamomile (tea is fine)

Lavender Chamomile Soak:

* 1/2 cup each: Epsom salt, lavender, chamomile

Herbal Splendor:

* 1/2 cup each: thyme, sage, lavender, mint, bay leaves, rosemary

Herbal Soother Bath Soak:

* 1/2 cup each: Lavender, Rose Petals, Sage, Rosemary

Rosemary Basil Soak:

* 1/2 cup rosemary
* 1/2 cup basil
* 1 cup oatmeal

Homemade Bath Spa Bonus:

Along with the herbal bath bags, you can add 1/2 cup of honey to your bath while the water is running. Or you could use the milk bath starter recipe with the honey for a homemade milk and honey bath.

More Tips You May Like:

* [3] 5 Homemade Bath Salts & Soaks
* [4] Milk Bath Recipes To Pamper Yourself
* [5] Herbal Steam Facial Recipes
* [2] 5 Homemade Foot Soak Recipes
* [6] Homemade Honey Bath Recipes

Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/homemade-herbal-bath-bag-recipes/

URLs in this post:
[1] shower spa bags: http://tipnut.com/homemade-shower-spa-bags/
[2] foot soak recipes: http://tipnut.com/5-homemade-foot-soak-recipes/
[3] 5 Homemade Bath Salts & Soaks: http://tipnut.com/5-homemade-bath-salts-soaks/
[4] Milk Bath Recipes To Pamper Yourself: http://tipnut.com/milk-bath-recipes/
[5] Herbal Steam Facial Recipes: http://tipnut.com/herbal-steam-facial-recipes/
[6] Homemade Honey Bath Recipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-honey-bath-recipes/

[Granny note:
Some of these gifts can be put into a coffee filter, tied with a bow and dropped in the bath will work just fine..or staple closed and add a small bow and instruction card, saves taking the time and money to make a bag.....granny]

[nw_arizona_granny]

- TipNut.com - http://tipnut.com -

5 Homemade Bath Salts & Soaks

Posted By TipNut On November 20, 2007 @ 10:32 am In Beauty & Health | No Comments

Picture of Home Spa Bath Salts - Tipnut.comBefore mixing the recipes, make sure that any herbs or oatmeal added are first ground finely (use a food processor if possible). This helps keep the bath “clump free”.

Mix the ingredients well, store in airtight plastic containers or sterilized jars (such as mason jars or small & pretty jam jars). Shake the jar well before using.

You can add as little or as much as you like to the bath, anywhere from 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup should be plenty.

Cinnamon Soak

1 cup powdered milk
1 cup baking soda
3 TBS cornstarch
2 TBS cream of tartar
1 1/2 TBS cinnamon

Soothing Bath Soak

4 cups Epsom salts
1 cup baking soda
1/2 cup sea salt
2 TBS dried herbs (finely ground)

Herbal Milk Bath

2 cups powdered milk
1 cup cornstarch
2 TBS dried herbs (finely ground)

Oatmeal & Cinnamon Milk Soak

1 1/2 cups powdered milk
3/4 cup baking soda
3/4 cup oatmeal (finely grind it first)
3 TBS cornstarch
2 tsp cream of tartar
2 tsp cinnamon

Herbal Salts

1 1/2 cups Epsom salts
3/4 cup baking soda
3/4 cup dried herbs (finely ground)

You could also use any of the recipes found on the [1] herbal bath bag recipes page, but since the ingredients would be loose in the bath instead of in a bag, make sure that you grind up the herbs and oatmeal first so they’re fine in texture.

More Tips:

* If you like fragrant bath soaks, try mixing in a few drops of your essential oils or perfumes. I wouldn’t do this with bath soaks that contain dried herbs or spices already.
* For pretty colors, try adding a few drops of food coloring then shaking the jar really well. Don’t add too much though in case your bath tub gets stained.
* Bath salts and soaks make great gifts in a jar, decorate the lids and jars, maybe add a few bath beads. For a nice touch include the recipe too so the recipient can make some more if they like.
* For more home spa treats, try [1] Herbal Bath Bags, [2] Shower Spa Bags and the delightful [3] homemade foot soaks.

More Tips You May Like:

* [4] Milk Bath Recipes To Pamper Yourself
* [1] Homemade Herbal Bath Bag Recipes
* [5] Homemade Honey Bath Recipes
* [6] Bath Cookies Recipe
* [7] Homemade Rose Dusting Powder Recipe

Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/5-homemade-bath-salts-soaks/

URLs in this post:
[1] herbal bath bag recipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-herbal-bath-bag-recipes/
[2] Shower Spa Bags: http://tipnut.com/homemade-shower-spa-bags/
[3] homemade foot soaks: http://tipnut.com/5-homemade-foot-soak-recipes/
[4] Milk Bath Recipes To Pamper Yourself: http://tipnut.com/milk-bath-recipes/
[5] Homemade Honey Bath Recipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-honey-bath-recipes/
[6] Bath Cookies Recipe: http://tipnut.com/bath-cookies-recipe/
[7] Homemade Rose Dusting Powder Recipe: http://tipnut.com/homemade-rose-dusting-powder-recipe/

Copyright © 2008 TipNut.com. All rights reserved.

[TenthAmendmentChampion]

Those TipNut posts are the best. What a great site that is! Thanks for posting so much. Stay warm!

[nw_arizona_granny]

5 Homemade Foot Soak Recipes

Posted By TipNut On February 1, 2007 @ 7:08 am In Beauty & Health | 2 Comments

Picture of Flowered Foot Spa - Tipnut.comWho doesn’t enjoy a nice, soothing foot soak? Ahhhhhh…

Recipe Directions:

Unless otherwise noted, mix together all ingredients thoroughly then store in an airtight container.

* Use 2 to 3 tablespoons per gallon of water used in soak.

Water temperature is at personal preference, but I find the hottest water my feet will comfortably tolerate gives the most relief and comfort.
Foot Soak Recipes

Recipe #1

1 part Epsom salts
1 part Baking soda
drops of choice essential oils (optional)

Chamomile Tea Foot Soak - Recipe #2

4 bags chamomile tea
1/8 cup dried parsley
4 drops essential oil of choice

* Steep ingredients in 1 gallon of hot water for 10 minutes before soaking feet.

Recipe #3

2 cups Kosher salt
1 cup Epsom salts
drops essential oil of choice (optional)

Recipe #4

1 1/4 cups Epsom salts
1 1/4 cups Kosher salt
1/4 cup baking soda
1/4 cup cornstarch

Recipe #5

1 cup lemon juice
3 TBS olive oil
1/4 cup milk

* Mix together well in a small bowl then add to 1 gallon of water and soak feet.

Tips

Single Ingredient Ideas:

* 1 cup honey per gallon of water
* 1/2 cup Epsom salts per gallon of water
* 2 cups brewed coffee per gallon of water

Essential Oil Ideas: peppermint, lavender, lemon, orange, eucalyptus, mint

You can also add marbles to the bottom of the basin to rub your feet over while soaking, quite soothing!

When your garden is in full bloom, add as many flower petals as you like to your favorite recipe for a special, pampered experience.

More Tips You May Like:

* [1] Homemade Foot Powder Recipes
* [2] Homemade Foot Therapy Scrub
* [3] Homemade Herbal Bath Bag Recipes
* [4] 5 Homemade Bath Salts & Soaks
* [5] Athlete’s Foot Home Remedy

Article printed from TipNut.com: http://tipnut.com

URL to article: http://tipnut.com/5-homemade-foot-soak-recipes/

URLs in this post:
[1] Homemade Foot Powder Recipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-foot-powder-recipes/
[2] Homemade Foot Therapy Scrub: http://tipnut.com/homemade-foot-therapy-scrub/
[3] Homemade Herbal Bath Bag Recipes: http://tipnut.com/homemade-herbal-bath-bag-recipes/
[4] 5 Homemade Bath Salts & Soaks: http://tipnut.com/5-homemade-bath-salts-soaks/
[5] Athlete’s Foot Home Remedy: http://tipnut.com/athletes-foot-home-remedy/