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

http://curezone.com/forums/fm.asp?i=1387241

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APPLE CIDER VINEGAR - GARLIC - HONEY: Miracle Home Remedy

The following simple remedy is great for healing many diseases and aches or pains with a simple daily 2 tsp. dose.

~ Health Challenges ~

Muscle or joint aches, Alzheimer’s disease, arthritis, asthma, high blood pressure, hemorrhoids, infertility and impotence, toothaches, fewer colds and infectious diseases, obesity ( a powerful fat destroyer and weight reducer), ulcers, reduces high blood pressure and cholesterol, reduced risks of breast, blocks agents of cancer of the breast - colon - esophagus - skin - stomach and stimulates the immune system.

Solution: Apple Cider vinegar, garlic, honey remedy

Basic Elixir Recipe

Here’s how to make your own miracle medicine...

Put the following in a blender...

1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup raw honey
8 cloves garlic

Mix on high speed for 60 seconds. Pour mixture into a glass container. Seal and leave in the refrigerator for five days. Normal dosage is two tsp. in a glass of water or fruit juice, grape or orange juice is best before breakfast.

Top doctors have revealed that the combination of garlic, apple cider vinegar and honey is a wonder drug that can cure everything from cancer to arthritis. Amazing studies from respected universities around the world prove the miracle home remedy that costs just pennies a day to make, is a super way to fight just about any affliction. Experts have verified that this health-restoring trio of garlic, apple cider vinegar and honey can wipe out both common and uncommon ailments.

In a study of arthritis victims Dr. Angus Peters of University of Edinburgh’s Arthritis Research Institute found a daily dose of apple cider vinegar and honey reduced pains by 90%. A daily dose of garlic and apple cider vinegar has proved to be a powerful fat destroyer and weight reducer, according to Dr. Raymond Fish of London’s famous Obesity Research Center.

The prestigious British Medical journal Lancel reported that cholesterol levels plunged on average from 237.4 to 221.4 after volunteers consumed 50 grams of garlic and four ounces of butter. The study proved the dangers associated with high fat foods can be neutralized by adding garlic to your diet. A study of 261 adults patients by the German Association of General Practitioners that serum cholesterol and triglyceride level factors associated with the risk of heart disease are significantly reduced by regular use of garlic in the diet.

Studies at Houston’s MD Anderson Cancer Institute in Houston, the Pennsylvania State University and GCLA support earlier evidence that certain ingredients in garlic block agents of the cancer of breast, colon, esophagus and skin. The National Cancer Institute found in a study of 1,000 people that eating a lot of garlic is linked to a reduced risk of stomach cancer. Dr. Etik Block of the State University of New York at Albany has discovered garlic unleashes at least 100 sulphur-producing components, all of which are powerful medicines.

There appears to be little doubt that this astounding remedy of garlic, apple cider vinegar and honey can extend life by protecting the user from many proven killers.

Dr. Hen Lee Tsno writes in China’s respected Journal of Natural Medicines, patients given this miracle drink before breakfast showed a remarkable reduction in high blood pressure and cholesterol in less than a week. Ralim nutritionist Emlio Stelfani adds, years of scientific investigation by experts around the world have proven beyond a doubt that garlic, apple cider vinegar and honey are nature’s magic potion. The three powerful ingredients are available everywhere and they cost only pennies a day.

Considering all that these natural substances can do for human health, it’s amazing they are not more widely used. Dr. Jack Soltanoff, a nutritional expert from New York praises the benefits of apple cider vinegar. He’s recorded remarkable success stories involving arthritis sufferers. I have seen many arthritis patients start to loosen up at once, says Dr. Soltanoff. Some even call it (apple cider vinegar) a natural arthritis tonic that frees them from stiffness, pain and throbbing aches.

Within just a few weeks, most pain wracked arthritis patients can perform normal activities because of this simple tonic. Boxing legend Mohammed Ali reportedly takes a daily dose of garlic, vinegar and honey to lighten the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and many other athletes use it to gain competitive edge.

Dr. Tso is sweet on the powers of honey. Honey has been described as the perfect food notes the respected researcher. It contains at least 31 nutrients, 13 minerals, the component part of nine vitamins, six acids and four key enzymes.

Patients, who took the additional apple cider vinegar and honey drink daily, were more vigorous, had fewer colds or infectious diseases and in general were healthier than those who didn’t. There’s no question that this astounding elixir can extend life by protecting you from many proved killers.

Honey not only makes your daily dose taste better. The sweet stuff also aids in your body’s ability to absorb the medical properties of the powerful ingredients. Garlic provides a storehouse of vitamins and minerals, but what excites researchers most is growing evidence that allicin, an enzyme present in large amount in garlic, stimulates the immune system.

Source: rawfoodinfo.com

[Liberal site, supports genetic engineering, posted for history content only....We should plant only Heritage seeds...granny]

http://www.historycommons.org/project.jsp?project=seeds_prjct

View all events for this timeline (179)
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Experimental GM Crops (3)GM Contamination (22)International trade of GM food (2)National policies toward GM food (7)

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* 1/13 - Mexico Denies Permits to Biotechs to Plant GE Corn in Northern States, October 9, 2006, posted by Derek
* 1/11 - Judge Rules against USDA for Permitting Biotech Firms to Grow Experimental Drug-Producing Crops in Hawaii, August 10, 2006, posted by Derek
* 1/8 - Iowa Corn Contaminated with Genes from ‘Pharma-Crops’, September 2002, posted by Derek
* 1/4 - Monsanto Vice President Tells Enthused and Idealistic Employee ‘We Are Here to Make Money’, 1996, posted by Derek
* 1/3 - US Announces 2005 US Rice Harvest Contaminated with GM Rice, August 18, 2006, posted by Derek

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Received this from a friend.....thought I would share.

Here are 25 FREE Taste Of Home Digital Cookbooks to download. Don’t click on subscribe, instead click on each cookbook to download (you can download one or more pages).

http://www.tasteofhomedigital.com/tasteofhome/

Iced Almonds

1/4 cup butter
2 1/2 cups whole unblanched almonds
1 cup sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

In a heavy saucepan, melt butter over medium high heat.

Add almonds and sugar. Cook and stir constantly for 7 to 8 minutes
or until syrup is golden brown.

Remove from the heat and stir in vanilla. Immediately drop by clusters
or separate almonds on a greased baking pan. Cool.

Store in an airtight container.

Makes: 12 servings

Barbecued Peanuts

1/3 cup barbecue sauce
2 Tbsp butter, melted
1 tsp garlic powder
1/4 to 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 - 16 oz jar dry roasted peanuts

In a large bowl, combine barbecue sauce,butter, garlic powder and
cayenne. Add peanuts and stir until evenly coated.

Transfer to a greased 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan. Bake, uncovered,
at 325 degrees F. for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes.

Spread on waxed paper and cool completely. Store in an airtight
container.

Makes: 3 cups

Coconut Granola Bars

These quick to fix bars are wholesome and delicious.

3/4 cup packed brown sugar
2/3 cup peanut butter
1/2 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup butter, melted
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups old fashioned oats
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup flaked coconut
1/2 cup sunflower kernels
1/3 cup wheat germ
2 tsp sesame seeds

In a large bowl, combine brown sugar, peanut butter, corn syrup,
butter and vanilla.

In another bowl combine remaining ingredients then add to the
peanut butter mixture and stir to coat.

Press into two greased 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pans. Bake at 350
degrees F. for 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown.

Cool on wire racks. Cut into bars.

Makes: 3 dozen

Spicy Cashews

2 - 10 oz cans salted cashews
3 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp chili powder
1/4 to 1/2 tsp crushed red
pepper flakes

In a large skillet, saute cashews in butter and oil for 4 to 5 minutes
or until golden brown.

Spread on a paper towel lined baking sheet and let stand for 2 to 3
minutes.

Transfer to a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt, chili powder and pepper
flakes then toss to coat.

Store in an airtight container.

Makes: 2 2/3 cups

Spiced Pecans

Toasting nuts intensifies their flavor, and the sweet coating on these
pecans is absolutely delicious.

1 egg white
1 tsp cold water
4 cups (about 1 pound) pecan halves
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt

In a small mixing bowl, lightly beat the egg white. Add water and beat
until frothy but not stiff. Add pecans then stir until well coated.

Combine the sugar, cinnamon and salt. Sprinkle over pecans then toss
to mix.

Spread in a greased 15 x 10 x 1 inch baking pan. Bake at 250 degrees F.
for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Store in an airtight container.

Makes: 12 servings

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FoodPreservationDryingCanningAndMore/

Twin Mountain Muffins

2 cups all purpose flour
1 Tbsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup sugar
1 slightly beaten egg
3/4 cup milk

Grease twelve 2 1/2 inch muffin cups and set aside.

In a small bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt; set aside.

In a medium bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer on medium to
high speed for 30 seconds. Add the sugar and egg; beat until combined.
Add the milk and the flour mixture alternately to butter mixture,
beating well after each addition. Spoon batter into prepared muffin
cups, filling each about 2/3 full.

Bake in a 425 degree F. oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool in pan on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Remove from muffin cups. Serve
warm.

Makes: 12 muffins

I found the recipe originally in a cookbook I got in a second hand store somewhere in Oregon when I was fishing up there. I don’t remember anythng else remarkable about the book, but the muffins were heavenly. It had a blueberry varation. Since I have blueberries in the freezer from swapping at farmers markets I want to make some.

Cranapple Jelly

2 cups cranberry juice
1 1/2 cups apple juice
6 whole cloves
2 broken cinnamon sticks
4 cups sugar
1 package powdered pectin

Combine juices and spices in a large saucepan and simmer for 5 minutes.
Discard cloves and cinnamon.

Add pectin and stir. Bring to boil, add sugar, stirring constantly, bring
to a full rolling boil. Boil hard for 1 minute.

Skim and pour into jars leaving a 1/4” headspace. Process jars for 10
minutes in a boiling water bath. Adjust time according to altitude.

Makes: 5 half pints

Variations:

Crangrape - Substitute the apple juice for grape juice. Omit spices.
Cranraspberry - Substitute the apple juice for raspberry juice. Omit spices.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FoodPreservationDryingCanningAndMore/

http://betterlivingdaily.blogspot.com/2009/10/herbal-remedies-to-fight-cold-and-flu.html

Herbal Remedies to Fight the Cold and Flu
Here are my favorite herbal and aromatherapy-based remedies for the cold and flu.

Aromatherapy
Lavender essential oil is is my #1 favorite remedy. It has the most uses of almost any essential oil. Lavender essential oil has natural antiviral and antibiotic properties. It is an effective decongestant when inhaled, alieviates body aches when added to a bath, warm compress, or body oil or lotion and applied to the body. I have put a few drops on cotton balls and placed the cotton ball in my ears (like ear buds) to cope with ear ache pain. Many warm mist vaporizers have a way to medications or aromatherapy oils to the steam.

You can add some lavender oil and water to a spray bottle and use the mist to naturally disinfect your home. Natural cleaning is essential to stop the spread of germs, and lavender does a great job of disinfecting. By disinfecting commonly-touched areas, like door knobs, telephones, countertops, etc., you help prevent the spread of disease. Bonus- lavender smells great.

Please note, these healing properties are attributed only to the actual plant-based essential oil. Synthetic fragrance oils have none of the chemical compounds of the real thing, and are worthless for aromatherapy. NEVER ingest essential oils.

Herbal Tea
Any member of the mint family (peppermint, spearmint, etc.) will help thin mucus. Add some lemon for some extra Vitamin C. You can add mullein to help with chest congestion, anise for sinus congestion, and Slippery Elm for a sore throat.

However, here is what I drink when I feel a cold or flu coming on:

* Ginger root, a piece about the size of your thumb, peeled (aches and fever relief)
* Garlic cloves, at least three, peeled and cut in half (boost immune function)
* 9 whole cloves- the kind you stick in a ham (pain relief)
* 3-4 cinamon sticks, broken (sore throat relief)
* 1 Tablespoon of thyme (antibiotic)
* 5 cups of water, cool
* Honey to taste (enzymes, anti-bacterial, anti-viral properties)

Add all ingredients to a pot filled with 4 cups of cool water. Bring the water up to a boil. Allow to boil for 10 minutes and reduce to simmer for another 20 minutes or until the water has reduced by half. While this is simmering, in another pot, heat the remaining cup of water to steaming. Remove from heat, add the thyme, and inhale while waiting for the first mixture to reduce. When the first mixture is ready, add one tablespoon of the thyme liquid to the ginger-based liquid, and pass through a mesh strainer. Ginger and garlic are both strong tastes. When tea is cool enough to drink, add honey to taste. Do not add honey to boiling liquid. It will destroy the enzyemes that give honey its healing properties.

It is recommended to begin drinking this tea at the onset of symptoms for greatest relief. Of course, if you have an allergy to any ingredient, leave it out.

(Technically, this is called a decoction, not a tea, because it uses roots and barks which must be added to cool water and brought to a boil A tea uses leaf or flower parts of the plant and are added to hot, but not boiling water.)

Herbal Tinctures (Extracts)
Tinctures offer concentrated herbal properties in a standardized dosage. Some of the tinctures reputed to help fight the flu include elderberry and golden seal. Reports on echinacea are conflicting. There are many studies (as well as lengthy, historical usage) to suggest that echinacea is effective if begun at the onset of symptoms. There are, however, many studies that show echinacea to be ineffective on the flu.

Where to Buy Herbal and Aromatherapy Supplies
I have had good experiences ordering from the following companies:

* Mountain Rose Herbs They carry bulk herbs, essential oils, and more.
* Herb Pharm They specialize in standardized herbal tinctures (extracts)

Next blog entry: Frugal and Natural Homemade Cleaning Supplies

Live better, a little every day.
Posted by Cat Ellis at Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Labels: Health, Self-Reliance
3 comments:

Sena said...

Yes, echinacea is not really a good idea for flu or common cold. It works on the body by prompting an immuno-boost by adverse stimuli. If used over too much time or too frequently it can over tax that stimulus pathway and actually drop your overall immune system. Maximum length of use is about 2wks and then you need at least a week off it. Recommending for tincture is good, as some of the medically active components are not water soluable and only come out in alcohol. Traditionally it was used as part of a larger formula to treat what we would now recognize as certain types of cancer.

There has also been some interesting research out of east asia about star anise extract being particularly effective on some of the newer flu strains like bird flu and h1n1-a. One study even came up with it being more effective than tamiflu.
October 7, 2009 1:01 PM
Cat Ellis said...

Thanks, Sena, for that tip about star anise extract. You wouldn’t happen to have those studies on hand? If not, I’ll try to find them.

I have never had a good result with echinacea myself. On the other hand, I have friends who swear by it. I have heard that it can only be taken for two weeks, and that you have to take it right away at the onset of symptoms. Otherwise, forget it.

Personally, to boost immune function, I’d just as soon eat a lot of garlic- goes great in tomato sauce.
October 7, 2009 1:22 PM
Jeremy said...

A good Cough syrup is to mix 2 parts raw honey to 1 part apple cider vinegar (with mother). Take 1 Tbsp every 4 hours.

http://betterlivingdaily.blogspot.com/2009/10/how-to-fight-flu-at-home.html

How To Fight The Flu At Home
Many Americans are out of work due to the economic crisis and cannot afford the COBRA payments to keep their insurance. This means a lot of folks will not be able to afford to go to the doctor for minor health issues and will be looking for less expensive ways to cope with matters like the cold of flu.

About six years ago, I found a much better paying job. Due to some administrative issue regarding cut off dates, however, it meant I would be without health coverage for almost a year. I was young, relatively healthy, and took the gamble that nothing serious would happen to me that would require serious medical attention. Thankfully, nothing did. However, it forced me to be resourceful and learn alternate ways of coping with the symptoms of minor health issues, especially the cold and flu.

Flu symptoms for either seasonal or swine flu are the same and include: fever, body aches, fatigue, headache, sore throat, cough, runny or stuffed nose, and possibly intestinal issues. In both types of flu, symptoms can range from mild to severe, and in some cases also be fatal. Those most at risk are those with compromised immune systems, children, the elderly, pregnant women, and people with pre-existing health complications. However, the percentage of individuals who suffer serious and/or life threatening influenza infections are overwhelminging low. See my earlier blog entry, Should I Be Worried About Swine Flu, for the statistics on both seasonal and swine flu.

Here is an overview of home remedies for the flu.

Steam Inhalation
Take a hot shower
Use a warm mist humidifier
Fill sink or bath with steaming water

Herbs and Aromatherapy (do not use any ingredient you may be allergic to)
Add an herb or essential oil to steam inhalation
Apply a product like Vick’s Vaporub, which contains eucalyptus oil and menthol

Stay Hydrated
Drink additional water
Warm drinks, like herbal teas, are comforting

Saline Nasal Sprays
Helps to thin mucus and keep nasal passages moist and comfortable

Food
Garlic
Chicken Soup
Spicy foods, like wasabi and chili peppers

Compresses
Cold- may help bring down a fever
Hot- may help relieve sinus pressure (be careful not to use too hot of a compress)

These remedies should provide some comfort while your immune system fights off the flu. Of course, if you experience any serious flu symptoms, you should seek professional medical attention.

http://betterlivingdaily.blogspot.com/search/label/Survivalism

Make Your Own First Aid Kit
To take a break from blog posts about the garden, I thought this would be a good time to address a simple preparedness tool- the first aid kit.

As stated in the blog description, “We also recognize that in an emergency, it is better to be prepared than to rely on an outside source for rescue.” While any serious health condition should be checked out by a physician, many minor issues can be handled at home. First aid kits should be part of your basic supplies. It is a good idea to keep one at home and one in each of your vehicles.

Most ready-made first aid kits are filled with cheap, limited supplies. You’re best bet is to make your own kit. You can find all manner of plastic bins that will work well to hold your first aid supplies. I like to have a mix of allopathic, herbal, and homeopathic supplies. You have to know what to use when, but they make for a comprehensive kit.

Here is a list of useful items to keep in a first aid kit.

* Variety of bandages and band-aids
* Sterile gauze pads
* Cloth tape
* Snips (to cut the tape)
* Hand sanitizer
* Metal tweezers
* Triple-antibiotic ointment
* Hydrocortizone cream
* Calamine lotion
* Alcohol/Antiseptic wipes
* Cotton balls
* Non-latex gloves
* Thermometer
* Breathing/CPR barrier
* Blood pressure cuff & replacement batteries
* Aspirin
* Ibuprofen
* Diphenhydramine (Benadryl)
* Guiafenesin
* Instant cold compresses
* Ace bandages
* Aloe vera gel
* Lavender essential oil
* Goldenseal Tincture
* Elderberry Tincture
* Arnica gel
* Crystallized ginger
* Kaopectate
* Witch hazel
* Variety of homeopathic tablet remedies

Of course, there are many other things that could be added to a first aid kit. If you have the means to purchase a defibrillator, that would make an incredible addition to your kit. If you have children, then you should add children’s formulas of common medications. You could also include any pet medications as well. If you feel the need and have the necessary knowledge, you could also stock up on antibiotics. These can be obtained affordably and without prescription from feed stores.

If you don’t have a first aid kit, consider putting one together. While you might not need to use it often, when you do need to use it, you’ll be glad that you spent the time building a well-stocked kit.

If you have additional suggestions for items to go into a first aid kit, let’s hear them! Post a comment!

Live better, a little every day.

http://betterlivingdaily.blogspot.com/search/label/Self-Reliance

Let’s Start a Food Fight
Warning: Post contains political opinions.

As we prepare our Fall garden, I’ve been mulling over how far-reaching the ability to produce one’s own food truly is. Growing your own food may be the single most important thing that one can do to promote freedom. By growing your own food, you:

1. Take control over the quality, variety, nutritional value, and safety of your food supply.
2. Reduce the amount of fuel spent transporting, cooling, and warehousing food.
3. Save money that can be reallocated to debt reduction, investing in land, equipment for off-grid living, homeschooling supplies, or to simply hold in savings.
4. Reduces the amount of money being fed into the Broken System.

The first three items are reason enough to grow a least a portion of your food. But, you may not have heard about the fouth. The Broken System is actually a network of systems. This network includes entities like the government, as well as health care, financial and food industries, and so on. Each of these entities share two things

1. a gross lack of accountability to the American public,
2. are wasteful, and operate in an unsustainable manner.

Considering the size to which these entites and industries have been permitted to grow, we are left with few real options with which to reign them in. The most powerful tool we have to take back control is through individual spending habits.

Career politicians, lending institutions, and giant manufacturers try desperately to get us to spend money. It keeps them strong, while keeping the general population weak with debt. But we have a choice whether to listen to them, or to listen to our common sense.

What we need to do is stop spending! Stop listening to the nonsense that it is supposedly patriotic to spend money you can’t afford to spend. According to who? Here’s the truth: it’s patriotic to create strong, debt-free, American families. We can reduce our spending by growing some or all of our own food. You end up with more money in your pocket and better quality food at the same time.

There is a tremendous amount of waste of fuel and energy to grow food on large Agri-business farms, and especially on imported food from foreign countries. More fuel and energy is then wasted in the packaging, shipping, and warehousing of food. All of the fuel and utilities necessary to keep this process afloat is taxed and a source of government income. Considering that most produce travels an average of 1500 miles from farm to store shelves, that’s a lot of tax revenue.

I do not know anyone who thinks the government has spent our tax dollars wisely. Yet, even with a completely different party in control of both congress and the White House, we are still subjected to the Patriot Act, paying for a horrendously expensive war, and bailing out companies and banks as a reward for mismanagement. Voting differently certainly didn’t do much to help us.

The most effective way to create change is to change our spending habits. By growing our own food, we are refusing to feed into the Broken System. Growing our own food reduces our dependence on foreign oil. Growing our own food is an act of patriotism.

Live better, a little every day.

http://betterlivingdaily.blogspot.com/search/label/Self-Reliance

How We Found Affordable Rural Land
When we realized the importance and eventual necessity of being able to grow our own food, we knew it was time to secure land. Where we currently live, in southeastern Massachusetts, there is precious little undeveloped land. Of the land lots that are available, they were prohibitively expensive. We had to start looking a little further away than our own backdoor.

It didn’t take long to realize that the best dollar per acre values in New England were to be found in Maine. (We also liked the fact that Maine was the first state to officially refuse to participate in any national identification program.) We did several Internet searches on Realtor.com, got advice from friends and relatives that already live in Maine, and spoke with multiple real estate agents.

We thought we had found our perfect location in a 48 acre lot, mostly wooded, with a mountain view, a small hunting cabin, and brook running through the the property. The asking price of $48,000 was in our price range, and we could easily afford the monthly payments. We were crushed, however, when we were turned down for a mortgage. My husband had filed bankruptcy before we were married. He had kept his finances in order since then, but had not accumulated enough of a credit usage history since the bankruptcy to qualify for a mortgage. I had good credit, but did not earn enough to cover the mortgage alone.

Knowing how important securing land would be, we felt it was imperative to come up with another option. We started exploring the possibility of buying land only. Land only lots are generally less expensive than lots with a structure, but are often more difficult to finance. If we could raise enough money, we could buy a small lot outright, eliminating the need for a mortgage altogether. At the same time, we had become very worried about the stock market and the security of the funds in Eddie’s 401K. When he spoke to the benefits coordinator for the company about getting his money out of the 401K, he was informed that he couldn’t closed out the account as long as he was a current employee.

We came up with a solution that killed two birds with one stone. The company my husband worked for at the time did a seasonal layoff each winter. That year, when he was laid off, he closed out his 401K. Technically, he no longer worked there! We took the tax hit, but we got the money out before the stock market started it’s downturn. In return, we had a sizable amount of money to buy land.

I found the Land And Farm website (www.LandAndFarm.com). Through this site, we found a realtor that dealt with land only lots, mostly owner financed. Through owner-financing, a mortgage was back on the table. We were able to get a 22.8 acre lot with a brook, wooded acreage, and fields, on a maintained road for $27,000. After a down payment, our 10 year mortgage leaves us with a monthly obligation of $273 per month and dirt cheap yearly property taxes. We have nine years left to pay on the mortgage, but our goal is to have it paid in full in the next three years.

While this option is what worked for us, we did find other lots during our search that had plenty of potential and would fit into even the tightest of budgets. We found a three-acre lot for $4,000. For a lot of people, that’s a tax return. Even for people earning minimum wage, careful budgeting and saving, plus a bit of fund raising (try eBay and Craigslist for ideas) will get you to this amount in a reasonable amount of time.

Three acres may not seem like a lot, but you can produce an amazing amount of food on three acres. The ability to produce your own food, even a small portion of your total consumption, gives you freedom. You are less dependent upon factory farming, shipping and warehousing costs, and grocery store markups. You take your money out of a system that props up large agri-business farming operations that will ultimately lead to food shortages in the long term. Plus, you can control the varieties and the integrity of your food.

I will do a short, bulleted factory-farming vs. grow-you-own/local farming post here soon. But, to get back on topic, if the reason you haven’t pursued securing your own land yet is because you didn’t think you could afford it, you’re wrong. No more excuses! You can afford it. Maybe it won’t be in your current neighborhood. Maybe you can’t start out with as large of a piece of land as you’d like. Maybe you have to make some massive lifestyle changes to save up the money. But, it IS possible.

Live better, a little every day.

http://betterlivingdaily.blogspot.com/search/label/Self-Reliance

Getting Started
Over the past two years, my husband (Eddie) and I have been through a variety of circumstances that have led us in one direction: Self-Reliance. We have had to cope with one personal emergency after another: back injuries, pregnancy-related complications, surgery, a layoff, difficulty paying bills, and a loss of health insurance. We had contributed to the system through our taxes, but when our tough times hit, there was no assistance to be found.

What we did find was a lot of red tape and loop holes to exempt us from any kind of relief. We did eventually qualify for health insurance through the state, which we would lose the moment we tried to increase our income. Our initial reaction was, “We’ve busted out butts, we’ve contributed to the system, and we deserve better than this!” Well, that was partly true. We had worked hard. We did contribute to the system. Where we failed was not having recognized sooner that the system is broken.

Due to the economy, Eddie had been laid off. I could not work due to a high-risk pregnancy. We could not afford COBRA payments at almost $1000/month, and the Department of Unemployment Assistance was jerking us around on benefits for which Eddie was eligible. We weren’t looking for a permanent public assistance funded lifestyle. It is not that we ever thought, “Oh, if we fall on hard times, we’ll just let the state take care of us.” That mindset has always been abhorrent to us.

The reality was that we hadn’t thought about falling on hard times at all. We never thought about emergencies. Looking back, that seems very naive. So, from that perspective, we got exactly what we deserved.

Should we have known better? Probably. We learned a lot, however, from having been through this. It probably required such drastic circumstances to bring us to the point we are now. It was as if life grabbed us by the shoulders and shook us until we woke up. Looking at it this way, I’m glad things played out the way they did. We learned hard lessons and are making changes because of them.

We seek to live a life with as much freedom as is possible in the United States. That may sound strange as the USA is often referred to as the “land of the free”. When we sat down and discussed how to prepare our family for emergencies, however, it became plain to us that we are anything but free. To us, freedom means:

1. Living 100% debt free
2. Owning land
3. Achieving water independence
4. Achieving food independence
5. Achieving energy independence
6. Health Care, not Sick Care
7. Having the ability and means to defend ourselves
8. Minimizing any tax liability
9. Achieving clothing independence
10. Helping others do the same

Put into practice, our expression of freedom includes establishing a homestead where we can produce most of our own needs, and do business locally for the things we cannot produce ouselves. We have made a committment to do something every day that brings us closer to reaching these goals. Every day is a day closer to self-sufficiency, self-reliance, and our vision of freedom.

This blog is to record our journey. It doesn’t matter how little money you have, or how big your debts may be. If we can do this, anyone can. I hope that this will inspire someone reading it to say, “Enough... I demand better for myself.”

Live better, a little every day.

http://betterlivingdaily.blogspot.com/search/label/Self-Reliance

Frugal and Natural Homemade Cleaning Supplies
With so many people trying to cut back on expenses, it’s a good time for a blog entry about making your own cleaning supplies. With some very simple ingredients, you can create your own cleaning supplies for pennies per use.

Making your own cleaning supplies does three things: First, it saves money. Second, it reduces exposure to toxic chemicals. And, third, it increases self-sufficiency. Who can argue with that?

Four items that you can get cheaply from the grocery store or your wholesale club that will handle most cleaning tasks are: baking soda, vinegar, lemons, and salt. (I buy all these at the wholesale club to save as much money as possible.) With the addition of a few essential oils, lavender, tea tree, lemon, and sweet orange oil, you can tackle a wide variety of cleaning chores.

Glass Cleaner
Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Use newspapers to wipe if streaking is a problem. Use this mix as a base for other cleaning needs.

Disinfectant Spray
To the basic Glass Cleaner spray mix, add 5 drops of lavender and 10 drops of tea tree essential oils. Use on door knobs, counter tops, sinks, mist into the air, mist lightly over a bed while airing out the mattress, etc.

Kitchen/Bath Multi-Purpose Spray
To the Disinfectant spray mix, add 5 drops of lavender and 5 drops of lemon essential oils. Use on counter tops, toilet lids, and anywhere germs are a concern.

Grease Cutter Spray
To the basic Glass Cleaner spray mix, add 5 drops of lemon and 10 drops sweet orange essential oils. If you have a really tough, greasy mess, reduce the amount of water/vinegar portion by half, and increase the sweet orange oil to 20 drops.

To Clean a Cutting Board
Spray with 50% water and 50% vinegar mix. While damp, sprinkle some salt on the board. Cut a lemon in half, and use the cut lemon surface to rub the salt into the board. Rinse with water and let dry.

To Clean a Toilet Bowl
Add two cups of baking soda to the bowl, and let sit for an hour. (Go enjoy a nice cup of tea and maybe a slice of pumpkin bread!) Add a cup of vinegar to the bowl, and scrub clean with a toilet brush.

To Clean Soap Scum
Sprinkle the surface to be cleaned with baking soda. Spray straight vinegar onto the baking soda. Using a little elbow grease, use the foaming soft scrub made by the baking soda/vinegar combo to clean the tub.

*A note for those who want to be as self-sufficient as possible...Most of us would never be able to produce their own baking soda. Most of us would not be able to produce our own salt. Although, those near the coast could potentially collect sea salt, though I would probably not waste sea salt on cleaning products. In those two cases, most people would still be reliant on a grocery store or wholesale club.

Every other item I mentioned is potentially capable of being produced an a homestead. Vinegar can be made at home, as part of one’s home brewing efforts. Even folks in colder climates or with limited space can grow miniature lemon and orange trees by moving them inside a green house or indoors in the winter, and back outdoors on a balcony or porch in the summer. If in a cold climate, tea trees (Melaleuca Alternifolia) could be grown with green house protection in the winter. If you have the space, then you could conceivably grow enough of these plus lavender to distill your own essential oils.

Apple Pie Filling
Quality: Use firm, crisp apples. Stayman, Golden Delicious, Rome, and other varieties of similar quality are suitable. If apples lack tartness, use an additional 1/4 cup of lemon juice for each 6 quarts of slices.

Please read Using Boiling Water Canners before beginning. If this is your first time canning, it is recommended that you read Principles of Home Canning.

Yield: 1 quart or 7 quarts

Procedure: See Table 1 for suggested quantities. Wash, peel, and core apples. Prepare slices 1/2-inch wide and place in water containing ascorbic acid to prevent browning.

For fresh fruit, place 6 cups at a time in 1 gallon of boiling water. Boil each batch 1 minute after the water returns to a boil. Drain, but keep heated fruit in a covered bowl or pot. Combine sugar, Clear Jel®, and cinnamon in a large kettle with water and apple juice. If desired, food coloring and nutmeg may be added. Stir and cook on medium high heat until mixture thickens and begins to bubble. Add lemon juice and boil 1 minute, stirring constantly. Fold in drained apple slices immediately and fill jars with mixture without delay, leaving 1 inch headspace. Adjust lids and process immediately according to the recommendations in Table 2.

Table 1. Apple Pie Filling.
Quantities of Ingredients Needed For
1 Quart 7 Quarts
Blanched, sliced fresh apples 3-1/2 cups 6 quarts
Granulated sugar 3/4 cup + 2 tbsp 5-1/2 cups
Clear Jel® 1/4 cup 1-1/2 cup
Cinnamon 1/2 tsp 1 tbsp
Cold Water 1/2 cup 2-1/2 cups
Apple juice 3/4 cup 5 cups
Bottled lemon juice 2 tbsp 3/4 cup
Nutmeg (optional) 1/8 tsp 1 tsp
Yellow food coloring (optional) 1 drop 7 drops

Table 2. Recommended process time for Apple Pie Filling in a boiling-water canner.
Process Time at Altitudes of
Style of Pack Jar Size 0 - 1,000 ft 1,001 - 3,000 ft 3,001 - 6,000 ft Above 6,000 ft
Hot Pints or Quarts 25 min 30 35 40

This document was adapted from the “Complete Guide to Home Canning,” Agriculture Information Bulletin No. 539, USDA, revised 2006.

Reviewed May 2009.

Here are the recipes for canning syrups:

Light Syrup: 1 cup sugar, 3 cups water
Med Syrup: 2 Cups sugar, 3 cups water
Heavy Syrup: 3 cups sugar, 3 cups water

I personally HATE apples canned in white sugar. I use brown sugar since that is what I make a fresh apple pie/crisp with. I use the same ratios, but sub brown sugar for the white sugar.

Meatloaf is not cannable for a few reasons:

No Eggs
No Fillers such as breadcrumbs, rice, oatmeal
no Solid meats

You may can ground meat patties but without these ingredients. I am not a fan of canned hamburger products personally.

I don’t know if this might solve the meatloaf question or not, but I canned hamburger and later made it into meatloaf and couldn’t tell the difference between my canned hamburger and my fresh hamburger meat loaf.

I canned the hamburger by putting raw hamburger crumbled and loosely dropped in the jar. Then I processed it according to directions. When it was done the meat had packed and cooked together some but I just broke it up into crumbles and mixed the meatloaf as usual.

Baked Meatless Spaghetti Sauce

Created by The MDM Team, Saturday, December 15, 2007

On top of spaghetti, we lost our poor meatballs. But never fear. This palate-pleasing pasta is every bit as good, even without the beef. Give it a whirl!

Ingredients

1 tbsp. olive oil
3 cloves garlic
1 tbsp. spaghetti seasoning (1 tsp. sweet basil, 1 tsp. parsley, 1/2 tsp. oregano)
2 (16 oz.) cans of tomatoes
2 (8 oz.) cans tomato paste
2 (8 oz.) cans tomato sauce
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup grated provolone cheese
1 lb. spaghetti

Methods/steps

Sauté garlic and spaghetti seasoning in olive oil in roaster or ovenproof pot with lid. Sauté the garlic until brown, but not burned, and then remove garlic and discard. Remove from heat. Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Add tomatoes, sauce and paste and stir well until mixed. Cover and bake the sauce at 250 degrees for two to eight hours. The longer it cooks, the better it is. Stir occasionally. At 250 degrees, it is very hard to burn it. When ready to serve, add the cheeses to the sauce and cover and let stand with no heat. Cook your pasta and add the sauce to it.

I just put the crab apples in the pot with water and cook them core,
skin and all. Then when they are cooked then I put it through the
sieve. I made lots this year and I also mixed it with fresh lime juice
just to make it different. It turned out great.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/home_canning/

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