JWR's Survivalist Philosophy

Having recently re-read James Wesley Rawles' precepts page, I'm posting a link to it here. His opinions are so interesting, and the information he provides so valuable, that I heartily recommend his blog: www.survivalblog.com.

Expert Advice From The Great Massad Ayoob

Mr. Ayoob tells Mr. Gresham how it works when you're carrying.

View and view again.

In Case You Wondered, Always Take The Fifth.

I happened upon these videos at WRSA, one of my favorite sites.

Food Give-away by Emergency Essentials

Emergency Essentials is giving away one year's supply of canned, dehydrated and freeze-dried foods in the month of September. To register for a chance to win it, click here.

How To Use The Israeli Battle Dressing

I recommend keeping one of these bandages in each of your first aid kits--at home, at work, in the car. Available here.

Home-made Shampoo and Conditioner

I've just begun experimenting with these. They take a little getting used to. But so far, so good:


"Shampoo"

1 Tbsp Baking Soda

1 C Water

Mix well

"Conditioner"

2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar

1 C Water

Keep in a spray bottle, shake before use.

Home-made Laundry Soap Powder

OK, this one is my new favorite. I made this recipe today (it took all of 15 minutes) and then did two loads of laundry. Very nice!

    http://oneacrehomestead.blogspot.com/2009/02/homemade-laundry-detergent.html

Also, I'm now an ardent fan of the One Acre Homestead blog.

Home-made Laundry Soap Gel

1/3 bar Fels Naptha or Zote soap

½ cup washing soda

½ cup borax powder 

~You will also need a small bucket, about 2 gallon size~

Grate the soap and put it in a sauce pan.  Add 6 cups water and heat it until the soap melts.

Add the washing soda and the borax and stir until it is dissolved.  Remove from heat.

Pour 4 cups hot water into the bucket.   Add your soap mixture and stir.

Now add 1 gallon plus 6 cups of water and stir.  Let the soap sit for about 24 hours and it will gel.

Use ½ cup per load. This soap does not generate suds.

Sam Nailed It

If ye love wealth greater than liberty, the tranquility of servitude greater than the animating contest for freedom, go home from us in peace. We seek not your counsel, nor your arms. Crouch down and lick the hand that feeds you; May your chains set lightly upon you, and may posterity forget that ye were our countrymen."  --  Samuel Adams 

Home-made Cleansers and Toiletries

I've been getting into home-made cleansers and toiletries. Here are some good reasons to bother with this:

1) CHEAP

2) EASY

3) EFFECTIVE

4) known ingredients, fewer chemicals

5) insurance against bare grocery shelves

I should have started doing this 20 years ago. Here's the first recipe:

FRUIT & VEGETABLE WASH

Combine equal parts white vinegar and water. That's it.

Keep in a spray bottle, and dedicate a nylon scrubbing pad for cleaning hard-skinned fruits and veggies.

More recipes forthcoming.