Weekly Roundup - Living On Nothing Edition [Survival Today

Did you hear about the guy that lives on nothing? No seriously, he lives on zero dollars a day. Meet Daniel Suelo, who lives in a cave outside Moab, Utah. Suelo has no mortgage, no car payment, no debt of any kind. He also has no home, no car, no television, and absolutely no “creature comforts.” But he does have a lot of creatures, as in the mice and bugs that scurry about the cave floor he’s called home for the last three years.

To us, Suelo probably sounds a little extreme. Actually, he probably sounds very extreme. After all, I suspect most of you reading this are doing so under the protection of some sort of man-made shelter, and with some amount of money on your person, and probably a few needs for money, too. And who doesn’t need money unless they have completely unplugged from the grid? Still, it’s an amusing story about a guy who rejects all forms of consumerism as we know it.

How to Brew Your Own Beer and Maybe Save Some Money. A fantastic introduction to home brewing, something I’ve never done myself, but always been interested in trying. (@Generation X Finance)

Contentment: A Great Financial Principle. If I had to name one required emotion for living a frugal lifestyle it would be contentment. Once you are content with your belongings and your lot in life you can ignore forces attempting to separate you from your money. (@Personal Finance by the Book)

Use Energy Star Appliances to Save On Utility Costs. I enjoyed this post because it included actual numbers, and actual total savings, from someone who upgraded to new, energy star appliances. (@The Digerati Life)

Over-Saving for Retirement? Is it possible to “over-save” for retirement? Yes, I think so. At some point I like the idea of putting some money aside in taxable investments outside of retirement funds, to be accessed prior to traditional retirement age. (@The Simple Dollar)

40 Things to Teach My Kids Before They Leave Home. A great list of both practical and philosophical lessons to teach your kids before they reach the age where they know everything. I think that now happens around 13 years-old. (@My Supercharged Life)

Index Fund Investing Overview. If you are looking for a place to invest with high diversification and relatively low fees (for broader index funds with low turnover), index funds are a great place to start. (@Money Smart Life)

5 Reasons To Line Dry Your Laundry. My wife and I may soon be installing a clothesline in our backyard. In many neighborhoods they are frowned upon - one of the reasons I don’t like living in a neighborhood. I digress. One of our neighbors recently put up a clothesline, and we might just follow his lead. (@Simple Mom)

* 4 Quick Tips for Getting Out of a Rut * Young and Cash Rich * Embracing Simple Style * First Trading Experience With OptionsHouse * The Exponential Power of Delayed Consumption * How Much Emergency Fund is Enough? * 50 Questions that Will Free Your Mind * Save Money On Car Insurance

10 Ways to Invest $1,000 Dollars, Without Putting a Dime in the Stock Market

by Frugal Dad · 4 comments

Until late 2008, most adults were more than happy to dump their investment cash into the stock market. However, financial upheaval ripped the rose-colored glasses off most investors. It’s not that the stock market can’t make money when times are tight; it’s that most people just don’t understand enough about stocks to ride the tumultuous waves all the way to clearer skies.

Luckily, if you have a spare $1,000 to invest, here are ten ways to make a strong return without putting a dime in the stock market.

1. Win the Grocery Game

As of fall 2010, financial experts are extremely concerned about significant inflation. While you can easily cut back on incidental expenses, you still have to eat. Putting your $1,000 into long-term food storage could be one smart move if things keep going downhill. Focus on big ticket staples like butter, milk, meat, canned goods and dry goods. Buying a side of beef and a freezer big enough to hold it will easily pay off if food prices go through the roof.

2. Give Social Lending a Try

My small, but growing, portfolio of hand-picked investments at Lending Club is currently averaging a 10.92% net annualized return. Not too shabby, considering “high-yield” cash accounts are averaging about 1.30%, and even 30-year treasuries are only offering 4.25%. Be sure to check out my recent Lending Club review for a few secrets to success.

3. Seal the Holes

After food, housing and utilities are going to eat up a huge chunk of your monthly budget. If you need creative ways to spend $1,000, plug the leaky gaps around windows and doors, which is one of several ways to prepare your home for winter. Upgrading windows and doors should be your first step if you don’t already have double-pane energy efficient models already in your home.

4. Beat the Bad Job Market

Nobody is secure in their employment these day, it would seem. However, you’ll have a much tighter handle on your cash flow if you are in the driver’s seat. Start a side hustle with low overhead and invest that $1,000 to get it off the ground. Having a second income is great for supplementing your income, and a nice hedge against periods of unemployment.

5. Solar Solutions

You won’t be able to change our your whole house’s electrical system and live off the grid with $1, 000 . However, you can add some solar components that will give you lighting absolutely free. Start with your outdoor lighting, as that’s the easiest to upgrade to solar. You can also add components like a solar attic vent.

6. Get Self Sufficient

When times are tight, those who can rely on themselves will have dozens more options. Investing in self sufficiency is a smart move. Buy chickens and build a coop with your $1,000 and you’ll benefit from almost free eggs and meat. Start a square foot garden; dig a well; install a root cellar; buy a milk cow.

7. Educate Yourself

It’s not rocket science that people with degrees make more on average than those who don’t have credentials. These discrepancies are going to get even more obvious. Spend your $1,000 on some classes that can give you the leg up on the competition.

8. Appliance Appeal

Swapping older appliances for newer models can be a great way to invest that $1,000 . New appliances can cost as much as 40-50% less to run than models that were sold just seven to ten years ago. If you swap out several appliances, the savings can really add up over time.

9. Maid to Order

Spending cash for household help might seem a bit over-the-top. However, if you use the time savings to focus on other money-making goals, it can really pay off. A few hours that you don’t have to spend scrubbing floors can be turned into a part-time venture or money-making hobby that yields way more than the maid’s wage.

10. Invest in Their Future

Charitable ventures aren’t necessarily direct money-makers, but who’s to say what priorities your money should be spent on? Choose charities that truly provide a leg up. Buying a goat for a poor African family can give them a long-term way to get ahead.

You also might to consider investing in a micro-lending program such as Kiva.org that gives loans to overseas small business owners; the default rate for this truly leg-up investment is astronomically low, and imagine the lives you could change.

http://frugaldad.com/2010/11/22/ways-to-invest-one-thousand-dollars/

This message consists of the following:

1. Camping Stoves and Equipment Recalled by Katadyn North America Due to Fire Hazard, http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11047.html

2. Bassettbaby Recalls to Repair Drop-Side Cribs Due to Entrapment, Suffocation and Fall Hazards, http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11048.html

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1. Camping Stoves and Equipment Recalled by Katadyn North America Due to Fire Hazard

NEWS from CPSC and HC

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
www.cpsc.gov

Health Canada
www.hc-sc.gc.ca

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 22, 2010
Release #11-047

Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 755-6701
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
HC Media Contact: (613) 957-2983

Camping Stoves and Equipment Recalled by Katadyn North America Due to Fire Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Camping Stoves and Equipment

Units: About 5,300 in the United States and 2,400 in Canada

Importer: Katadyn North America Inc. of Minneapolis, Minn.

Hazard: Damaged fuel lines and/or O-rings may cause fuel leakage, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: There are 70 reports of incidents involving the stove’s fuel line leaking or damage to O-rings. No injuries or fires have been reported.

Description: This recall involves Optimus Nova and Nova+ camping stoves and equipment, including the stove’s fuel pump and spare parts/repair kits. The stoves are black metal, measure about 6 inches in diameter and 3 ½ inches high and can be used with multiple types of fuel. Stove serial numbers QA000011 through QA007313 are included in this recall. The serial number and “Optimus” are printed on the side of the camping stove. Pumps and spare parts kits also were sold separately. Pumps have a green open/close valve. Spare parts kits model numbers include 80163051, 8520, 80176321 and 8511 and are printed on the packaging.

Sold at: Specialty outdoor and sporting goods retailers in the United States and Canada and on the Internet from January 2009 through September 2010 for between $150 and $180. The pumps and spare parts kits were also sold separately for between $15 and $50.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the camping stove and equipment and contact Katadyn to receive a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Katadyn at (800) 755-6701 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday. Consumers can also register for the recall on the firm’s website at www.optimusstoves.com/usen/

Note: Health Canada’s press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1191

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11047.html

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2. Bassettbaby Recalls to Repair Drop-Side Cribs Due to Entrapment, Suffocation and Fall Hazards

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information and Public Affairs
Washington, DC 20207

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 22, 2010
Release #11-048

Firm’s Contact Number: (800) 308-7485
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

Bassettbaby Recalls to Repair Drop-Side Cribs Due to Entrapment, Suffocation and Fall Hazards

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Bassettbaby drop-side cribs with external plastic hardware

Units: About 90,000

Manufacturer: Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc., of Bassett, Va.

Hazard: The cribs’ drop-side rail can malfunction, detach or otherwise fail, causing part of the drop side to detach from the crib. When a drop-side rail partially detaches, it creates a space between the drop-side and the crib mattress. An infant or toddler’s body can become entrapped in the space, which can lead to strangulation and/or suffocation. A child also can fall out of the crib. Drop-side incidents also can occur due to incorrect assembly and age-related wear and tear.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm and CPSC are aware of 18 reported incidents in which drop-sides malfunctioned or detached from the crib. No injuries were reported. In one of the incidents a child became entrapped between the mattress and the drop-side. In three of the incidents children fell out of the cribs. The firm also has received 154 reports of drop-side hardware breaking during shipment, assembly or use.

Description: The recalled cribs are wood with a metal mattress support and have a drop side with external plastic hardware. The cribs were sold in a variety of finishes. A label is attached to the footboard or headboard with the names “Bassettbaby” or “Bassett Furniture Industries, Inc.” as well as the model number, production date and other information. On some older models the manufacturer’s name appears on a separate label.

Note: This recall does not include non drop-side cribs.

Sold at: Children’s product stores, and other retailers nationwide and on-line from January 2000 through August 2010 for between about $200 and $500.

Manufactured in: China, Croatia, Slovenia, Taiwan and Vietnam

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled drop-side cribs and contact Bassettbaby for a free kit that will immobilize the drop side. In the meantime, parents are urged to find an alternate, safe sleeping environment for the child, such as a bassinet, play yard or toddler bed depending on the child’s age.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Bassettbaby at (800) 308-7485 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.bassettbaby.com

Important Message from CPSC: CPSC reminds parents not to use any crib with missing, broken or loose parts. Make sure to tighten hardware from time to time to keep the crib sturdy. When using a drop-side crib, parents should check to make sure the drop side or any other moving part operates smoothly. Always check all sides and corners of the crib for parts separating that can create a gap and entrap a child. In addition, do not try to repair any side of the crib. Babies have died in cribs where repairs were attempted by caregivers. Crib age is a factor in safety. At a minimum, CPSC staff recommends that you not use a crib that is older than 10 years. Many older cribs may not meet current voluntary standards and can have a variety of safety problems. Check if your crib has been recalled at www.cpsc.gov

To see this recall on CPSC’s web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml11/11048.html

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‘CPSC 2.0’ Launches Product Safety Agency into Social Media — Learn more at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09346.html

* Visit our new blog, OnSafety at www.cpsc.gov/onsafety

* See our videos on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/uscpsc

* Follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/OnSafety

* See our photos on Flickr at http://www.flickr.com/photos/uscpsc

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. The CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. The CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals - contributed significantly to the decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, call CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or CPSC’s teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270. To join a CPSC e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx. Consumers can obtain recall and general safety information by logging on to CPSC’s Web site at www.cpsc.gov.

Just Released! FoodWorks: A Vision of New York City’s Food System

On November 22nd, City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn unveiled an 86 page, comprehensive
plan that sets a bold vision for a more sustainable food system-a ground-to-garbage
approach unprecedented in the history of our city. The plan, ‘FoodWorks’, provides
a blueprint for addressing issues at every phase of the food system - from agricultural
production, processing, distribution, consumption and post-consumption. The proposals
focus on combating hunger and obesity to preserving regional farming and local food
manufacturing to decreasing waste and energy usage.

Middle class guilt fuels boom in beekeeping

The decline of the honey bee has dominated headlines for the last few years. Hives
were hit by a strange condition known as colony collapse disorder (CCD) and numbers
were estimated to have halved in 20 years.

Conservationists warned that without the honey bee to pollinate trees and plants
the countryside suffers and even food security may be in danger.

Lantzville, BC, shuts down Dirk Becker’s urban farm

Well-known urban farmer and local food production advocate Dirk Becker has been
ordered to shut down his 2.5-acre Lantzville farm because of a home business bylaw
that does not include agriculture in its regulations.

People can grow food for personal consumption, but they cannot sell the food for
profit, according to the district’s bylaws.

Urban Agriculture: Ideas and Designs for the New Food Revolution

Urban Agriculture is about shaping a new food system that values people and the
planet above profits. First-time farmers and green thumbs alike will be inspired
to get growing by working examples and expert interviews. Proving that the city
of the future will be green and tasty, this book is packed with edible solutions
for anyone keen to join the new food revolution.

Denmark’s oval community gardens

Nærum Allotment Gardens in Denmark, are considered one of C. Th. Sørensen’s most
important creations. In 1948 40 oval allotment gardens, each measuring c.25 × 15
m/80 × 50 ft, were laid out on a rolling lawn, a common green, in a fluid progression.

The gardens are mostly placed so that the oval lies across the curves of the slope.

This use of the rolling terrain, combined with the sweeps and curves of the hedges,
accentuates the dynamic impression. The individual garden plots are enclosed compartments
surrounded by hedges; their cottages may be situated in different ways, but comply
with the overall plan.

The Rise of the Lazy Locavore

James Lucal in Seattle has them all beat. He not only brings home the local produce,
he got a local to grow it for him directly outside his home.

And yet he spent almost
nothing for this luxury, and lifted not so much as a trowel to make it happen.

Steve Mouzon’s SmartDwelling 1 - The Kitchen Garden

The Kitchen Garden is the one part of SmartDwelling I that a few people look at
and say “you can’t be serious!” For them, buying food at the grocery store is simply
too ingrained in their version of modern life to ever consider raising any appreciable
portion of their own food. And make no mistake about it... the areas devoted to
food in SmartDwelling I would likely provide most, if not all, of the food needed
by a family of three or four for an entire year, assuming you used the space efficiently.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

All stories here:
City Farmer News [http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=fclqmpbab&et=1103958551703&s=1304&e=001GGBNKFqNOnAZivLrMEdWGwLfm9gX9DRFK7F3lnErux4KqX1K32dWjSbpmFiUOF9qReolaJZkb9wIuzVZ7eRtEGc1skeLantehSFmVnEZp8msfSwFBBaiig==]
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Michael Levenston
City Farmer - Canada’s Office of Urban Agriculture
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Crockpot Pork and Green Chile Stew

INGREDIENTS:
2 to 2 1/2 pounds pork stew meat, or lean pork, cut in 1” cubes
1/4 cup flour
1 teaspoon cumin
1/4 teaspoon seasoned pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground sage
3 tablespoons oil
3 tablespoons vinegar
2 large onions, coarsely chopped
2 cans small whole new potatoes, drained
2 or 3 green chiles (such as Anaheim, or what you like), diced,
or 1 can (4oz)
2 cups tomatillo salsa (salsa verde)
1 can (15 oz) chicken broth, reduced sodium
1 teaspoon brown sugar

PREPARATION:
Place flour, cumin, pepper, salt, and sage in a plastic storage
bag; add pork cubes and shake to coat thoroughly. Brown pork in
hot oil in batches; remove when browned and set aside. With heat
still on, add the vinegar to the skillet, scraping up brown bits
(vinegar will reduce). Place onions, chiles, potatoes, salsa,
chicken broth, brown sugar, pork, and scraped bits from the
skillet in a 5-quart slow cooker. Stir and cook, covered, on low
8 to 12 hours, or on high 4 to 6 hours. I mashed a few of the
potatoes to thicken it. Delicious with freshly-baked cornbread!
Serves 6.

Crockpot Porketta with Two Potatoes

2 medium dark orange sweet potatoes — peeled, cut into 1/2”
cubes
2 Yukon Gold potatoes — cut into 1/2” cubes
2 teaspoons fennel seed — crushed
1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 2 pound boneless pork loin roast
1 cup chicken broth

Place potatoes in 3 1/2 to 5 quart crockpot. In small bowl,
combine fennel seed, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt and
pepper; mix well. Rub into pork roast. Place pork on potatoes.
Pour broth over pork roast and potatoes.
Cover; cook on low setting for 8 to 10 hours.
To serve, remove pork roast from crockpot. Cut roast into
slices; serve with potatoes.

King Ranch Casserole

4 cups chopped cooked chicken
1 lg onion, chopped
1 lg green bell pepper, chopped
1 can each cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soup
1 can diced tomatoes and chiles (rotel)
1 minced clove of garlic
1 tsp chili powder
12 6” corn tortillas
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese.

Stir together first 8 ingredients. Tear tortillas into 1” pieces (can be bigger). Layer 1/2 of tortilla pieces in a lightly greased 6 qt slow cooker. Top w/ 1/2 of chicken mixture and 2/3 cup cheese. Repeat layers twice.
Cover and cook on low 3.5 hours. Uncover and cook on low 30 more minutes.

My mom has made same recipe in oven w/ no problems. Probably 350 degrees for 45 minutes or so. I think this recipe is very forgiving. I had frozen fajita mix (onions and red and green peppers), so I used that. I sort of made this about 1.5 of it’s size last weekend for a company - and they devoured it! Loved it. In addition, I cooked the chicken w/ some salsa the day before - also in the crock pot. The next day, it was super easy to throw together.

Blessings Ron & Jean
http://www.angelfire.com/ca2/Jeanaries/index.html

{God will not lead you, where “HIS GRACE” cannot keep you}

To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/slowcooker/

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