Bug Out Vehicle - Our Pop-Up Camper

Preparedness Bascis - Bug Out Vehicle

One of my readers suggested using a camper to evacuate in an emergency.  This is something that we have considered and we uploaded this video on our Youtube channel a couple of months ago.  This is our bug out camper. 

We have used it to camp and would suggest that if anyone plans to use a camper for a bug out vehicle that you camp in it so you can be familiar with it, how it works, how to set it up and what you will need.  A test run will let you know if this is the route you want to go. 

I will tell you that a pop up is a bit of hard work to put up, so this option, while compact, may not be the best option.  So, research and choose your camper wisely.  We have had this one for ten years and the older we get, the more difficult it becomes to set up.  However, it still suits us fine.

Please share your thoughts, suggestions and experiences.

For more videos, visit my Youtube channel here.

Thanks Red Rock for your idea.

What is your Preparedness Achilles Heel?

Tornadoes this summer, hurricane up the east coast, a 5.9 earthquake in Virginia felt all the way to NYC, Boston and Ohio, along with one in Colorado & a 6.9 quake in Peru! Record unemployment, rising cost of living...I don't know about you, but I have this overwhelming need to prepare. But what for? So...tell me, what are your concerns?

Despite years of preparing for this or that, I know we all have an "Achilles Heel" or a fatal weakness in our preparations.  You know, that little niggle of doubt in the back of your head that something may not be the way you need it, or...just the direct avoidance of something because you don't know how you are going to do it. 

What is your deep, dark, terrible secret that makes you want to cover your face or scream?  Okay, maybe I am being a bit dramatic...or maybe not.

You are not alone, almost everyone has one or two areas that they need to address.  Don't procrastinate any longer.  Now is the time to face those issues head on! 

So, let's talk about it.  Air it out.  Figure out how we are going to make it right and be prepared.  I don't know about you, but I have this overwhelming desire to get as prepared as I possibly can, as soon as I possibly can.  No, I am not prepared as I should be.  Remember, the name (Prepared Household) is a goal, not a state of being.  Let's work on it together.

So, for the next couple of weeks or months, we will cover the basics of preparedness.  Maybe it's things you already know and can contribute to or maybe it will be something you never thought of.  Somebody throw out there a topic for us to begin with and we will get started!

What is your Preparedness Achilles Heel?

Swap & Barter

There have been so many things going on at the Prepared Household and before I tell you about the swap and barter we had, let me update you. 

The garden isn't doing as well this year.  The potatoes have all died out.  We aren't sure why, but they have been sent for autopsy through the extension service, so we should know soon. 

The beans are next on the hit list with the Mexican Bean Beetles eating their way through them.  We are out of the good poison we used last year, so the demise of the beans is imminent. 

Due to excessive rain and moisture, the tomatoes have the blight.  I had to pull up three plants that were just suffering in the muck and gave the rest of them drastic clippings to remove the diseased leaves.  Now they will be susceptible to the sun scald, so I plan on placing a cloth or sheet over them to shield them from the sun as fruit develops.  I am so saddened by the state of my garden.  The weeds are thriving though.  I have been updating on my Youtube channel, so please feel free to check out the vids! 

http://www.youtube.com/user/PreparedHousehold?feature=mhee

SWAP & BARTER:

So...tonight, the Prepared Household hosted a Swap & Barter at my church.  We placed our items on the table and placed bids on items others brought.  It was great fun and we got to bring home something different from what we brought.

We placed our items on the tables.

We began to place our bids.



Then the bartering began!

I was very happy with what I came home with!

The swap was a complete success.  It wasn't awkward and we all had a great time.  We are planning a "Trading Days" in the fall where we will have a "soupbean supper" and do a lot more bartering on a larger scale!  Exactly the outcome I had hoped for.

Watch this Youtube video and I hope you can start something similar in your community.

Velveeta Cheesy Skillets House Party

Well...as you all know, I believe in saving money.  Saving money helps us be better prepared for life and situations that arise.  Having been in the unemployment line for some time now, I look for ways to stretch my money.  So I signed up for House Party at houseparty.com.  I was told that I would be receiving the following for my party.

•VELVEETA CHEESY SKILLETS product


•$5 Wal-Mart Gift Card

•Memo Boards

•Tote Bags

•$1.00 off coupons

Now who wouldn't want to receive free product and coupons to share with friends.  We all have parties on occasion and what better way to save money and share with friends and family.  This is just a win for anyone.

So, the party is June 18th and that happens to be the weekend of my family reunion.  So not only do I get this free stuff, but I get to share it with my family.  And besides, who doesn't love Velveeta?

So, go to houseparty.com and sign up for a party.  They have canning parties too.  I can't wait to have mine because I know it will be so much fun.  Enjoy your day!