May Round Up

So this month I started to blog daily again. I covered some of the ideas and tips subjects that I normally cover. With May coming to a close and June just around the corner. I hope that some of the tips and suggestions make sense and help you to become more prepared for what ever may or not come your way.

We all have to take the time to cook dinner and do the laundry, as my laundry alarm goes off on the washer. We also need to make the time to prepare our families for the what ifs in the world.

Take some time to think, plan and prepare. As June is coming for those on the east coast know that Hurricane season is starting up!

I thought I would list the names of the hurricane season for 2013.

Andrea
Barry
Chantal
Dorian
Erin
Fernand
Gabrielle
Humberto
Ingrid
Jerry
Karen
Lorenzo
Melissa
Nestor
Olga
Pablo
Rebekah
Sebastien
Tanya
Van
Wendy

Everyone take care! Be safe, Be smart, Be Strong and always keep smiling! 

Nutritional Idea for May

This months idea is start your dinner with a salad each night. You will feel fuller and eat less. This is the time of year you can get salad making vegetables cheap, and soon you will be able to harvest your vegetables from your own garden!

First aid Kit Idea

The First aid kit. We all have one. Well at least most people have band aids. Your 72 hour kit should have a small first aid kit. Most moms I know have a small first aid kit in their purse. It would be a good idea to have have a small first aid kit in your car.

We have a "big" first aid kit that has everything in it.. But I also have a a few smaller first aid kits that can be taken for day trips, road trips and for the house.

In each first aid kit it would be a good idea to have all the emergency numbers you may need. Not only 911, but poison control, family doctor, family dentist, hospital, work numbers, and family numbers. etc.

Put them all on a 3X5 card, make copies and add to the kits. (also post them in the house near a phone or on  the fridge)

Add to your kits a dollars worth of quarters, just in case you need to use a pay phone!

72 hour kit idea for May

This months 72 hour kit is maintaining your 72 hour kit and supplies. 

Just as important as it is putting together your supplies you need to maintain them as well so they are safe to use when needed. Here are a few tips to keep your supplies ready and in good condition.

Keep canned foods in a dry place where the temperature is cool.

Store boxed food in tightly closed cover plastic or metal containers to protect from pests.

Throw out any canned goods that become swollen, dented, or corroded.

Use foods before they go bad, replace them with fresh supplies on a regular basis.

Change stored food and water supplies in your kits every six months. Write the date on your containers.

You should re think your needs every year and update your kit as your family needs and situations change. For example do you have a new baby, older relative living with you, a new dog, growing children, new medical needs, less people in the house.

Keep items in air tight plastic bags and put your entire disaster supplies kit in one or two easy to carry containers.

Check your bags, back packs and containers for damage. Check the straps, buckles, zippers, etc.

Check for spillage of water, and other liquids.

Check and protect your bags for rodents and other pests. You do not want to have to throw everything out due to mice.  

Keep your 72 hour kit in an easy to get to place, front closet of the home, garage, etc. You do not want to hide your kit in the back of a closet or up in the attic. Keep it where you can get to it in the event of an emergency.

Food Storage Recipe for May

This months Food Storage recipe is going to be for Non Food Items.

I have used these recipes for 6 months now. They are easy to make and really does not take up that much time.

FABRIC SOFTENER:
6 cups hot water (hot tap water is fine)
3 Cups White Vinegar
2 Cups Hair Conditioner

Add Water (hot) into container, add conditioner, mix up, add vinegar, mix well. Put into resealable container. Like your old fabric softener bottle. Add the same amount you would normally use in the rinse cycle. Yes you can use this in HE washers, As that is what I have. Shake before each use.

You can buy cheap hair conditioner, any smell you like. Works good.

LIQUID LAUNDRY SOAP:

1 bar of Soap (Fels Naptha)
1 cup of Borax
1 Cup of Super Washing soda
2 cups of water
4 gallons of water
5 gallon bucket with lid
old cheese grater, old pot, old wooden spoon, old whisk.


Grate soap bar using an old cheese grater, add to a pot, add 2 cups of water. heat on low, mix and stir unitl soap is melted and combines with water.

Pour Borax, and Super washing soda into the bucket and mix up. Add the hot soapy water from the pot and quickly mix and thoroughly. Add 1 gallon of water at a time to the mixture and stir, until you add 4 gallons. Mix up well. Cover and let sit OVERNIGHT! Uncover in the morning, mix up with a spoon or whisk until well blended and the "big" chucks are small. Add to smaller containers, like old laundry detergent bottles. Shake to mix up before use! Use only 1/2 cup per load! It will not suds up! You can use in HE washers as it will not hurt it, and you use less detergent for a load. 5 gallons of soap will last me 3 months, for less than $3.00.

(DO NOT USE BAKING SODA! WRONG ITEM!)