Prepping My Home A Different Way

 

When we think about Prepping we automatically think of water, food, medicine, and a means of self defense. I'm Prepping my home a different way for the next few weeks. These beautiful winter cottage's are by Thomas Kincaid. The warm glow from the windows and welcoming feeling seen from the outside of a chilly winter evening is inviting.

We can create our own ambiance and comfort in our homes. I made a few Amazon purchases Vanilla Lavender, Woodland Mystique, and Himalayan Magnolia Vanilla Air Wick Plug Ins. these will be placed through out my home. 

                  https://amzn.to/35XpvL1

                       https://amzn.to/2KEcFds

https://amzn.to/3iv9lhe

I will choose books that I want to read and set up warm blankets and pillows for special reading time everyday along with my children. This will be a family activity during these brisk cold days when the outdoors are not an option. 

Candles are another way I create ambiance. I purchase candles through out the year when sales pop up. So, when winter comes I am set. I purchased Yankee Candles, Bath and Body Works, along with Sonoma from kohls. On occasion I come across a great candle at Ross, Home Store, or TJ Max. Don't get me started with wood wicks they create the sound of a crackling fire. They are amazing. 

I hope you all are creating your comfort areas in your home and enjoying these chilly days with warm cozy slippers, fuzzy/flannel blankets, good books, warm drinks and scents. Do you do something special? I would enjoy hearing it. Please share down below.

Shopping Our Prepper Pantry and Food Menu 1 Week

 This week we are shopping our pantry. As many of you know my husband has suffered a heart attack. We are looking at quick easy no muss or fuss meals. He is still not home. The meals made for him will be different (specific diet plan). The ones below will be for the family in general. Here is our menu for the week:

MONDAY

Breakfast: Oatmeal, Cereal, Eggs, Coffee, Yogurt (options)

Lunch: Sandwich, Soup, Salad Baked Chips(options)

Dinner: Chicken Parmesan (spaghetti, chicken patties, sauce, cheese, seasoning) note: we had Tyson Chicken Patties in the freezer that need to be used. This is a great way to incorporate them in a meal.

Snacks: Apples, Bananas, Grapes, Popcorn, Crackers w/peanut butter, Granola Bars, Cereal, Oatmeal (options)

TUESDAY

Breakfast: Oatmeal, Cereal, Eggs, Coffee, Yogurt (options)

Lunch: Macaroni and Cheese with Smoked Vienna Sausages chopped up into pieces. 

Dinner: Surprise

Snacks: Apples, Bananas, Grapes, Popcorn, Crackers w/peanut butter, Granola Bars, Cereal, Oatmeal (options)

WEDNESDAY

Breakfast: Oatmeal, Cereal, Eggs, Coffee, Yogurt (options)

Lunch: Sandwich, Soup, Salad, Cheesy Fajita Sandwich (options)

Dinner: Chicken Oven Roaster (Perdue) and Veggies

Snacks: Apples, Bananas, Grapes, Popcorn, Crackers w/peanut butter, Granola Bars, Cereal, Oatmeal (options)

THURSDAY 

Breakfast: Oatmeal, Cereal, Eggs, Coffee, Yogurt (options)

Lunch: Sandwich, Soup, Salad (options)

Dinner: Chili Dogs and Corn on the Cob/ or Canned

Snacks: Apples, Bananas, Grapes, Popcorn, Crackers w/peanut butter, Granola Bars, Cereal, Oatmeal (options)

FRIDAY

Breakfast: Oatmeal, Cereal, Eggs, Coffee, Yogurt (options)

Lunch: Sandwich, Soup, Salad (options)

Dinner: Left overs use Chicken Roaster into soup/rice/veggies

Snacks: Apples, Bananas, Grapes, Popcorn, Crackers w/peanut butter, Granola Bars, Cereal, Oatmeal (options)

SATURDAY

Breakfast: Oatmeal, Cereal, Eggs, Hash Browns, Sausage, Pancakes, Coffee, Yogurt (options)

Lunch: Sandwich, Soup, Salad (options)

Dinner: Casserole

Snacks: Apples, Bananas, Grapes, Popcorn, Crackers w/peanut butter, Granola Bars, Cereal, Oatmeal (options)

SUNDAY

Breakfast: Oatmeal, Cereal, Eggs, Hash Browns, Sausage, Pancakes, Coffee, Yogurt (options)

Lunch: Sandwich, Soup, Salad (options)

Dinner: Surprise

Snacks: Apples, Bananas, Grapes, Popcorn, Crackers w/peanut butter, Granola Bars, Cereal, Oatmeal (options)

Prepper Stockpile: What We Need

 

                                                                             The picture above is example of organized preps from the internet.

I do a lot of online shopping for foods and supplies. This is safer during Covid-19 for our family. There are benefits and draw backs to this method.  Online shopping limits us from a larger variety of foods, goods, and spices. Therefore we make minimal trips to the big box stores for the fill ins. 

Restocking our preps is always a family activity with the kiddos helping taking goods by hand and placing them on the shelves. This always provides an opportunity to look at what you have or may need.

These are Items we need

Looking at our stockpile my daughter made note that we were low on spices and variety in certain goods:

Spices: We use these everyday (need more)

Soups: different kinds/flavors (Chicken Rice, Lentil etc) 

You can bulk soups by adding beef/chicken/hot dogs/sausage or spam. Non meat bulk ups potatoes, rice, or beans. Expanding a soup/stew for a large family by adding liquids (water/broth/tomato) for multiple meals. You can add corn bread or homemade herb bread to complete.

Proteins: Corned Beef Hash(low) and difficult to find. My last trip to Walmart had no Corned Beef Hash for any brand. The shelves were clear of this product. Cooking Tip: Spice you corned beef hash as any other meat (spices and pre-made spice envelopes) and you will have a delicious meal.

Canned chicken when on sale etc.. Keystone is a USA brand and normally has a 5 year shelf life that goes well beyond that. 

Swanson and Walmart brand is good as well there are many choices:

It's very important to really look at your shelves and see what you and your family enjoyed and if you need more of it. This is also a great time to donate to a struggling family or elderly any foods that your family is not enjoying. This will free up space for foods that will incorporated for meals they can enjoy in the future. 

                                 The picture above is example of organized preps from the internet.

                                 The picture above is example of organized preps from the internet.

Shein Curve Plus Boujee on a Budget Haul

 

Below you will find the links to the items I shared on the video above:

SHEIN Plus Short Cranberry Open Front Faux Fur Paneled Coat on sale $28.00 

https://us.shein.com/Plus-Open-Front-Faux-Fur-Paneled-Coat-p-1690473-cat-1940.html

Plus Paisley Embroidered Shawl Collar Teddy Coat on sale $16.00 regular $39.00

https://us.shein.com/Plus-Paisley-Embroidered-Shawl-Collar-Teddy-Coat-p-1741400-cat-1940.html

Plus Contrast Collar Longline Faux Fur Coat w/Rainbow Collar On sale now $29.00 regular $67/00

https://us.shein.com/Plus-Contrast-Collar-Longline-Faux-Fur-Coat-p-1627184-cat-1940.html

Plus Peking Opera Figure Graphic Sweatshirt $15.00

https://us.shein.com/Plus-Peking-Opera-Figure-Graphic-Sweatshirt-p-1380053-cat-2056.html

SHEIN Plus Floral Embroidered Lantern Sleeve Smock Dress on sale $10.00 Regular $22.00

https://us.shein.com/Plus-Floral-Embroidered-Lantern-Sleeve-Smock-Dress-p-1520705-cat-1889.html

The Legacy of Home

                                                      

Home life has taken a new meaning with Covid-19.  Families who normally have packed schedules and obligations are now spending huge amounts of time at home. Juggling home schooling and work. 

Winter is Upon Us and Covid-19

Now that winter is here. You look at your home differently. You seek comfort, warmth, and refuge. When the weather chills your bones. The outdoors is something you look at through a window. The tree's are bare and the ground is brown. So, in turn you bring color into your home. Your favorite chair gets a lap blanket, book, or warm drink. You wear layers like a warm shaw or cardigan with your comfy house slippers. 

Your home may get a new look with winter themed towels, comforters, and sheets. You take out the warm wooly blankets. Curtains that are thicker with lining go up to keep the cold out. Door draft stoppers find their way to draft doors. There are many how to video's on Youtube and Pinterest to make your own.

Cushions for wood chairs. Throw rugs are moved to cover cold floors. Drafty windows get a quick fix with plastic window kit (below a video of me putting up a Dollar Tree $1.00 window Kit). 

The kitchen is a place of gathering for comfort foods. Hearty meals, soups, casserole's, and warm drinks. During these times of reclusion. 

This is a wonderful time to talk with friends. Write letters, scrapbook, read, cook, and do your favorite hobbies. 

Shein Plus Size Haul

                                                         Shein Plus Size Haul

I had alot of fun trying on these great Fashion pieces. I am a U.S. 24/26 and the Shein sizes I purchased were 4x and 5xl. I found the clothing to be of very good quality. Down below are the pieces I shared with you on my video posted above. I hope all enjoyed.

Shein Solid Cord Overall $12.00  (this ran 2/3 sizes small) No Stretch

https://us.shein.com/Plus-Solid-Cord-Overall-Dress-p-1645662-cat-1889.html

Shein Asymmetrical Neck Drop Off Shoulder Blouse $16.00

https://us.shein.com/Plus-Asymmetrical-Neck-Drop-Shoulder-Tee-p-1693607-cat-1890.html

Shein Plus Self Belted Asymmetrical Hem Waterfall Vest w/ Belt $11.00

https://us.shein.com/Plus-Self-Belted-Asymmetrical-Hem-Waterfall-Vest-Coat-p-1440934-cat-1940.html

Shein Disty Floral Surplice Front Shirred Dress $19.00

https://us.shein.com/Plus-Ditsy-Floral-Surplice-Front-Shirred-Dress-p-1681484-cat-1889.html

Shein Faux Leather Pink Belted Coat $30.00

https://us.shein.com/Plus-PU-Leather-Lapel-Neck-Belted-Coat-p-1597395-cat-1940.html

Shein Leopard Print Raglan Sleeve Top (Navy) $14.00

https://us.shein.com/Plus-Leopard-Print-Raglan-Sleeve-Tee-p-1532553-cat-1890.html

Is Hand Sewing A Lost Art?

                                           Lets Talk Sewing

The U.K. British Hearts Foundation Big Stitch Campaign shared stats indicating 60% of people have not learned to sew or even know what it is.  This was a common skill passed on to children that no longer is happening. 

Being resourceful was key when times where leans. Did you know buttons, zippers, collars, lace, ribbon, and other decorative notions would be taken off old clothes before using them for other clothing or projects. They would be used for a updated ladies dress, children's clothing, curtains, home, and more. Once fabrics became thread bare they would become rags.

Below are some basic hand sewing video's you may enjoy from Youtube. There are many out there to study and help develop this skill.

You can see an example of a well loved and used sewing kit. Sewing kits often contain scissors, needles, thimble, thread, notions, buttons, zippers, patches and more. These items often were curated from clothing with thread bare fabric or stained beyond repair clothing.

This sewing kit to the left has clues of it user. I see call fat quarter fabric squares.

I also spy a roller cutter tucked into a pocket. This tells me the user enjoys making quilts. These quilts could be large blankets or smaller pieces for a baby or child's bed. Some pieces are so intricate taking days to weeks to create. Those may be used or display for its unique hand craftmanship.

This sewing kit to the right is what a typical or common kit may look like. It has scissors, pins, needles, thread, measuring tape, threader, and other notions. This would be a fantastic kit for any home. Harvesting buttons, lace, trims, zippers from throw away/rag pile clothing. These added to your kit for future use.

The question remains when was the last time you had a opportunity to sew. Either by mending, updating or creating something new. When was the last time you shared your skill of hand sewing? Feel free to share down below. I'd love to see your feedback.

CDC's List Covid and Possible Symptoms

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html

 

COVID-19 affects different people in different ways. Infected people have had a wide range of symptoms reported – from mild symptoms to severe illness.

---

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:

Fever or chills

Cough

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

Fatigue

Muscle or body aches

Headache

New loss of taste or smell

Sore throat

Congestion or runny nose

Nausea or vomiting

Diarrhea

Look for emergency warning signs for COVID-19. If someone is showing any of these signs, seek emergency medical care immediately:

Trouble breathing

Persistent pain or pressure in the chest

New confusion

Inability to wake or stay awake

Bluish lips or face

Call your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or concerning to you.

Winterize Your Medicine Cabinet

 

This is the time to get your medicine cabinet ready for the winter weather and flu season. If you look at your supplies you can make a list of much needed items that are missing. This will vary according to every families needs.

I remember bundling up sick children having high fevers and diarrhea at 1 or 2 am looking for a 24 hour Pharmacy. Throw in a winter storm or other weather event and its a nightmare. You can prevent these kinds of scenarios. By simply planning ahead so you wont have to leave your home when you or someone in your house hold becomes sick. 

Throw in the strains of of job loss, inability to pay bills, inability to get food, or simply trying to keep a roof over your head. All these will take an effect on your health as well. Lowering your immune system. Stay ahead of the game.

Get fresh air, take long/short walks locally, sit in the sun for 15-20 minutes daily (wear sunscreen). Take your medicines and vitamins, exercise (according to your ability), and drink water. 

Here is a list of common items you may need:

Toilet Paper

Pain Relievers: (Adult/Children's) Pills, liquid, and body patches (for targeted areas).

Thermometer: takes temperature 

Face Masks: store bought or homemade

Tissue

Alcohol: Spray masks after use and let dry between washing (washables only)

Vitamins: Adults and Children

(Multi-Vitamin, C, D)

D is a common vitamin people are low on during the winter months. Due to lack of sun exposure.

Cold/Flu Medicine: Adult and Children (Your choice), Throat Lozenges, Throat Sprays, Vicks Vapo Rub, Humidifier

Stomach Issue': Adult and Children 

(Pepto Bismal etc)

Gatorade for rehydration

anti-diarrhea pills/liquid

Hemorrhoid treatments

wipes

First aid kit

Eye Care: your specific needs

Allergy Medicines Adult and Children's:

Benadryl, Allergy (Daily your choice), creams, 

Calamine lotion

Dizziness: Dramamine etc

Women's: cranberry pills, yeast infection treatments, UTI treatments, pads/tampons/cup, AZO

Oral Hygiene: 

Tooth Brushes, Tooth Paste, Mouth Wash, Floss, Oral Pain reliever (cankers sores etc..). mouth guard's. Peroxide for mouth and toothbrush cleaning

Foot Care: Powders, Cracked Heal treatment, Foot Fungi's sprays, epson salt.

Hand Wash/Soap/Anti-bacterial Gel/Liquid

Other: Ankle Sprain supports, knee leg, arm, hand etc.. Everyone 

Here is the Truth Food Bank Lines Miles Long

People standing in mile long lines to get food from Food Banks. Cars as far as the eye can see. They are packed with families in lines that go for miles. Waiting for their turn to get much needed food for their homes. Many are ashamed and unwilling to go to these places. Some unable to even leave their home from a disability. 

Our government cannot relate to the struggles of the average American. Many Americans refuse to acknowledge the problem themselves.... those that are lucky enough to still have a jobs. States are stacking food to the roofs of warehouses waiting for the impending rush when no food will be found in the stores. If there is no problem... why are States filling up warehouses of food. Competing with other states for the same products. The Department of Agriculture knows so does our President, Senate, and Congress. The untouchables. They would not go hungry while their constituents suffer. 

We need to prepare our homes to the best of our ability. Get a little here and there to build up food reserves and buy seeds. Buy the seeds for foods that your family would enjoy eating. Study the growing times in your state/area. There are lists available by states of the best plants to grow and when. Do a simple online search for your state. Lastly, become pro-active it won't happen magically over night. Everything takes time from food growing along with pantry prepping. If your working towards it your ahead of the pack. The average American family only has 1-3 days of food in their home.

Senior Officials Sound Alarm over Food Insecurity, Warning of Potentially ‘Biblical’ Famine, in Briefings to Security Council

https://www.un.org/press/en/2020/sc14164.doc.htm   April 21, 2020

Wisconsin Food Bank Warns: "We're Not Going Back To Normal Anytime Soon

https://www.zerohedge.com/personal-finance/wisconsin-food-bank-expects-spike-hungry-people-recovery-falters

‘Instead of Coronavirus, the Hunger Will Kill Us.’ A Global Food Crisis Looms.

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/22/world/africa/coronavirus-hunger-crisis.html  April 22, 2020

Deadly wildfires rage in California, Oregon and Washington

https://www.cnn.com/us/live-news/west-coast-wildfires-09-10-2020/index.html September 10, 2020

US West Coast wildfires: Nearly 100 fires run rampant

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-54097598 September 10, 2020

Monday's derecho damaged 10M acres of crops in Iowa; 600K still without power in Midwest

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/08/12/derecho-storm-damages-crops-corn-iowa-thousands-power-outages-midwest/3354939001/    August 12, 2020