Survival Mentality: The Prepper Life

Ben said...

How to make prepping an addition to your life and not your entire life. Making your life simpler via doing things for your self, but not being so pre-occupied with it that you can enjoy life and share with others.

Ben,

Thank you for your reply, and that is a good question! Honestly I had to think about this a while. The reason being is that the basics of prepping is normal for me. What I did with prepping was integrate it in my life, almost to the point that I really did not have to think about it too much. My family taught me those lessons because that is what they did. I don't think of prepping as a separate activity, it is a part of life.

For example, just today I went to the grocery store for a few items that I was running low on. I saw a good sale on a type of bread that I love that I was out of and it was a good deal, buy one get one free. Well I normally buy two loaves, but with the deal, I got two extra. The two loaves I keep out to use, and the rest I freeze for later. When I get home I sort the stuff that will get used soon from the stuff that I will put in extra storage right away. See some can goods that you normally eat, like a good sale on canned corn? Buy what you need, and then get a few extra on top of that and store it away. I do this on my grocery day and just add a little each time. Then I go do what I want. I just leave it at that. Over time I dont have to go to the grocery store as much, and since I live in Minnesota, I dont like driving in winter. Doing this cuts down on that.

In reality, prepping IS a lifestyle. I think for the longest time it was normal, at least with our grandparents and great grandparents. This was just what they did and did not have to talk about it. Right now I think some have to consiously think about it because we are not used to doing it. Many have become so used to having everything at our disposal, and that has made us a little slothful in a way. In this way it makes prepping a bit of a chore. Well there are ways to make it fun! Prepping is not only working with food, but also with skills. Some of these skills you can make into hobbies. Maybe try something new that you would not normally do and take pleasure in it. Get your family into it too. Costume making teaches sewing, and kids love cosplaying! I found a good forum that helps out with making costumes, which equals making your own clothes! Or get involved in First Aid or CPR, the Red Cross has excellent classes. I liked taking those classes when I was in girl scouts. Maybe turn off the T.V. and take the kids out camping. That is a good way to teach prepping skills, without making it a chore.

Can you guys out there think of more ideas like this for your family? I hope this is a good illustration, and that I did not ramble too much... heh.

Survival Gear: Squishy Bowls!

Just want to make a quick note, I got a new item in the mail! I recently purchased a set of Squishy Bowls (eighth item down if you click the link.) These are a set of silicone base bowls that you can fold down or squish flat for something like a pack as part of a kitchen kit. They seem really durable, are dishwasher safe and resistant to heat up to 400 degrees, though do not put them over a direct heat source. They come in a two pack. The one that I got squeezed in my hand is a 6oz cup, the other one is a 12oz bowl. I got a set of these for when I travel or hike.

The business I got this from is Canteen Shop for about $20. The company gets four paws up from me because of the speedy delivery, (I ordered them from the site on monday and got them on thursday!) AND they take PAYPAL!

BTW, Thank you for your ideas guys in the last article, I will take them under suggestion. If any of you have any more, let me know.

Reader ideas, suggestions for articles?

Hey guys, I am just kicking this out there. Is there anything that you guys would like me to write about, topics and such? I would like to know. I am an urban / apartment prepper so I think I am a little unique in that route. Also I am into learning new skills too. Maybe some more instructional articles on dehydrating or start canning?

If you guys have any ideas for articles on my blog, things that you would like to see me do, put them in the comments section. I would like to hear from you guys!