Survival Goddess

Bug In Or Bug Out?

2016-12-29T16:25:00.000-05:00

This is not a simple question because depending on the crisis at hand either may be right or wrong, so let's take a look at some reasoning for each. For myself I plan to stay put as long as it's safely possible, because of course the majority of my preps are where I am but I have the triggers in place that will get me to leave.
I have heard many people say "I have this remote bugout place that I am going to when it gets bad". Here are the questions I put to them.

1. How far away is it?
If this remote place is more than 50 miles (or 2 days walk) from you how do you plan on getting there? If people are fleeing like you are there will be traffic tie ups, panicked people, and perhaps already gangs of looters just waiting to take whatever you have. If it's more than 50 miles you may never make it there. Do you have at least 4 different routes to get to your place? Have you drilled these routes so you know them by heart? Do you have cashes buried along the way so you can restock? Have you ever stayed on this place and know where to obtain water? Know the topical graphical layout of the land for security and hunting purposes? Most people say they will bug out to the woods but have no clue how to get there in a SHTF scenario or what to do when they get there. And if it's more than 50 miles like some I know have theirs hundreds of miles away you better have a great plan to leave early or chances are you won't make it.

2. I'm not leaving I have all my preps and tons of ammo and I can ride it out. Really? Are you will to bet your life and your families lives on it? Alot of people said that with Hurricane Katrina and they paid the ultimate price. Being a prepper means you prepare for any kind of danger not just the man made ones. If you have a wild fire headed toward you are you going to sit there and burn? No you are gonna get out of it's way. So do you have a plan to bug out? Have a more than one location chosen that are at the farthest 2 days walk because you may not be able to use your vehicle. Make sure your bugout bag is current for the season at all times. Make sure you have cashes buried along the way that has fresh water, food, ammo, and clothes in it. Remember no preps are worth your life!

I made this video a few years ago and it still holds true. Make a plan A B C D E...make sure your family knows it and...drill drill drill!

Bug In Bug Out?

Be prepared, not sorry.

Clinton Inc

2016-10-18T01:29:00.001-04:00

I try to stay away of the political circus on my blog but with all the craziness, corruption, the further decay of the government along with the Constitution and our way of life I just feel compelled to write this. Now before I get hate email please read this whole article and realize by the first amendment I have the right to say what I feel just as you do but no to sound flippant, but this is my blog so I trump you.
Now Trump has some serious character flaws and a HUGE ego I get that but to my knowledge he hasn't commited murder. Clinton should have never been allowed to ever get on the ticket because of one issue....

Benghazi

Chris Stevens wrote her 600 emails pleading for help and more security. He went unanswered and the reason for this was because Clinton was receiving large donations from wealthy people in that area to the Clinton Foundation which I would rather call it Clinton Inc. So four Americans died, which all of this was proven and is fact not something myself or conspirators made up. So why wasn't she charged? Good question?
Next question.
Why was she using a private server and permanently disposed of 33,000 emails after she had already been subpoenaed? When someone does something like that they are usually hiding something and it must be pretty big to to get rid of 33, 000 emails. Any other government employee that would have done that would have been charged, convicted, and in prison probably for life. But not Clinton? The DOJ and the FBI both said she mishandled classified documents and there was a possibility our enemies intercepted them. Her husband met with the Secretary of the DOJ on the tarmac in her aircraft 3 days before the FBI's decision and then Clinton said herself that she would be keeping her on as Secretary. So why wasn't she charged? Good question?
Next question.
Why is there a mass body count behind Clinton? Lots of suicides? Mysterious deaths?

This Rise

Good question?
Trump has his issues but the way I look at it "what has a career politician ever done for me?" Allowed my job and thousands of others to go over seas, break the working class to the point that most people can't afford to own a home, have savings, or retire. Allow those who know how to work the system and will vote Democratic to bankrupt this country. 8 years of Obama has not done 1 single thing for this country and quite frankly I can't afford another 4!! Can you?
The next President will appoint 3 to 4 New Supreme Court Justices who will decide the judiciary future of our country for decades. I think if you are a Christian you know the impact that will hold for Pro Life.
I used to be in broadcasting and I implore you to not listen to the lies, and noise they are trying to make regarding Trump. All media is controlled by Democratic liberals and if you couldn't see that bias in the debates or in the daily headlines you really need to take a class in broadcasting. I know the spins that they are creating right now, how they are controlling and and managing the American people. You need to get out and vote.

What lies ahead
Now I am not saying that Trump is our country's savior but I think he may be a glimmer of hope, a step back from the edge that I think we are on.

No matter who wins be prepared
Because it won't be pretty. I think what happened in 2008 is nothing to what lies ahead no matter who the President is.

I am sorry..
I should have wrote this a long time ago but I didn't want to offend sponsors or my readers but on the other hand I have done a great disservice to you by not giving you a better heads up to prepare. Hopefully as avid readers you have been preparing. I honestly hope I am wrong but I fear I am not, you need to be prepared to weather this storm because I feel it will be a long one.

Be prepare, not sorry

2016-08-04T12:00:00.000-04:00

Sweet Potato Breakfast Casserole

I actually caught this recipe one day when I was at work on The Chew. Now I did a bit of tweaking on this because there is a local restaurant called "Perrin Brewery" They have the best sweet potato fries with a garlic dipping sauce that I just love! So I have crossed the 2.

Ingredients
4 large sweet potatoes
1 package turkey kielbasa
1 large onion
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
olive oil
6 large eggs

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes into a large mixing bowl. Then cut the turkey kielbasa into chunks and add to the bowl. Then apply just enough olive oil to coat the sweet potatoes. Slice and dice the onion and add to sweet potatoes. Place in a 9x13 glass casserole pan. Then sprinkle the paprika and crushed red pepper over top. I actually use more red pepper than I call for but I like it a bit more warm. Place in the oven for 45mins. At 45mins pull it out and crack the eggs on top and place back in the oven for 20mins.

The dipping sauce I just take tartar sauce and add some minced garlic to it. ENJOY!!

2016-07-28T00:06:00.000-04:00

Summer In A Jar
I love this canning recipe that came from Better Homes and Gardens! It’s garlicky, crunchy, beautiful in a jar, it makes a fantastic gift, and is a taste of summer in the winter! I canned 38 pints of this last year and gave them as Christmas presents. I did make some adjustments to the recipe after some trial and error.
Ingredients

2 ears of corn
3 cups cauliflower florets
3 medium red sweet peppers, seeded and cut into 1-inch pieces
12 ounces green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
3 medium carrots, cut into 1/2-inch slices
2 medium onions, cut into small wedges
3 cups water
3 cups white vinegar
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 1/2 teaspoons crushed red pepper

Directions

Remove husks from ears of corn. Scrub with a stiff brush to remove silks; rinse. Add enough water to cover. Bring to boiling. Cook, uncovered, for 3 minutes; drain. Cut the corn off the cob into a large pot. Cut and slice the rest of the vegetables into the pot.
In a 4- to 5-quart stainless-steel, enamel, or nonstick heavy pot combine the 3 cups water, vinegar, sugar, garlic, red pepper and salt. Bring mixture to boiling, stirring to dissolve sugar.
Pack vegetables into six hot, sterilized pint canning jars, leaving a 1/2-inch headspace. Pour hot vinegar mixture over vegetables, maintaining the 1/2-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles and wipe jar rims; adjust lids.
Process filled jars in a boiling-water canner for 10 minutes (start timing when water returns to boiling). Remove jars from canner; cool on wire racks. Makes 6 pints.

You have Summer In A Jar!

It's Canning Season!!

2016-07-22T16:49:00.000-04:00

It’s Canning Season!!
I am so excited it’s canning season!! I don't just stockpile food for a collapse but I rely on it year round. I have to say I got my love of canning from my mother. We were a country family of six and she knew how to stretch a dollar. My Dad would always plant a huge garden because his philosophy was “You plant a garden that will feed your family and your neighbors” and we did! At least 2 acres of sweet corn, pickles, peppers, etc. The summer was 4-H for me but full mode canning for my mom. I never really appreciated this until a about 10 years ago when I was on a fixed budget and was totally done with eating Ramen Noodles, and basically empty carbs and calories. For my birthdays and Christmas’s I asked for storage units and a high pressure canner and a water bath canner. I turned my 2nd bedroom into my pantry/storage room with a chest freezer that my parents also gave me.

That room has been my lifesaver over the last few years. It has provided me with food and Christmas presents (yes Christmas presents). On the lean weeks and sometimes months I just go back to my pantry and I have plenty of food. From Jan 2014 to May 2014 because of financial emergencies I lived out of that storage room, it provided all my food, toiletries, and grooming products.
This is not something you don’t just kinda do, it takes effort and work. I clip coupons and when things are on sale I stock up when I have the money. Not just food but toilet paper, paper towels, deodorant, shampoo etc. and at one time I had about 500lbs of food and supplies on each of my 2 storage units..that’s 1000lbs of food for a bit of work and planning! My deep freeze I use more for meat and I make casseroles, chili, soups, goulash etc that I freeze in individual containers for my lunches which think about it for a minute…how often do you buy your lunch, how healthy is it, and how much could you save taking your own?

Last year for $58 I made all of my own pasta sauce, salsa, summer in a jar, a few jams, frozen peppers and zucchini, and they were also the Christmas presents that I gave out. How much did you spend on Christmas presents to your family and friends and for your own use on the items I mentioned. And the best thing is what you can is THE healthiest!
So my challenge to you today is add up what you spent on what I mentioned above, your weekly eat out meals, and what you spent on Christmas presents to your friends. So with a bit of effort right now will save you HUGE over the year! Over this summer I will be posting my canning recipes and also I will do the math on how much it costs me vs. how much I would spend to buy it. Not to mention how much fun it is just to do it!!

Running The Numbers On Raising Livestock

2014-02-03T23:55:00.000-05:00

I was raised on the farm where we raised cattle, pigs, and chickens. We hunted wild rabbits but did not raise any. Now as an adult I am limited on space and resources. So..

when running the numbers what livestock is the most economical to raise?

Cattle

Depending on the breed of cattle you raise Holsteins we butchered out at 18 months and Hereford or Angus we butchered out at 24 months. In most places they require at least 3 acres to raise livestock but if you only have 3 acres that is enough area to grow the alfalfa and grain to support this animal. To raise a steer to butchered weight requires 2 to 4lbs of grain and 3% of body weight per day in pasture or hay. Gestation is 9 months so you will have 1 calf per year.

Pigs

Dealing with pigs is a whole different thing. They usually reach butcher weight in 6 months and they need between 2 to 4lbs of grain per day but they will forage or root and they will eat a variety of things. They are also to me like a composting machine and can devour most anything. The down falls is the space along with when they get out they can make short work of a garden in no time. Their gestation is 114 days and usually have 8 to 12 (or more) per litter and usually have 2 litters per year. On the farm we put them in farrowing crates to have their babies because some sows will eat their young and they will also lay on them. My personal opinion is I really can't stand raising these animals.

Goats

I never had goats growing up on the farm but I had them as an adult on a previous farm. I cannot say enough good things about raising these as livestock. They are will eat about anything and even when my goats got out they never went anywhere except the front and back yard. I even had 2 does were the best babysitters for my son when he was playing in the yard. If he wandered where they felt he shouldn't be they would gently butt him into going back in the direction they wanted. You get both milk and meat just the same as cattle but with a fraction of space and grain a cow needs. Also the make up of goats milk is about as close as you can get to a humans mothers milk so in a survival situation this can mean life or death for an infant. From a good doe I would get about 3 quarts a day and I had 3 sons living at home so I would mix it 50/50 with instant milk. I fed my goats 1lb of grain and 1 leaf of hay per goat per day. A goats gestation period is around 150 days and they usually have 1 to 2 babies (kids) per birth. When raising for meat some will breed a doe back in about 30 days of giving birth.

Rabbits

I hunted wild rabbits (and still do) as a kid on the farm but I never really considered or ran the numbers on them as livestock in a survival situation until I listened to Nick Klein of the Hostile Hare during the Survival Summit. I had no idea that in a 20x20 space you can raise 3100lbs of meat! I knew rabbits reproduce at a high rate but I never really ran the numbers regarding space and feeding costs. A single doe can have up to 64 babies per year and that is alot of meat in a survival situation. Their gestation is 31 days and butcher weight is 5lbs or more and usually at 10 to 12 weeks of age.. According to Nick his choice of food is barley sprouts/fodder. Feeding alfalfa can produce kidney and reproduction problems so Timothy or Orchard grass is preferred.

Chickens

Most of us know about chickens that produce meat and eggs so I won't go in to this.

My personal opinion is the most economic as far as space and resources is a combination of goats for the dairy and meat, rabbits for meat, and chickens for eggs and meat.

Tell us about your experiences in raising the above livestock

Be prepared, not sorry

Being A Single Goddess Prepper Part Two

2013-12-29T23:27:00.000-05:00

I have received much feed back regarding being a single woman and prepping and some of it was great and some was down right disturbing. I had a few individuals which I assume were male that basically said to whore ourselves out to be safe. This is the type of mentality that we are up against in the present and the monsters we will face in the WROL. The positive is I have heard from many single women that are prepping and making their plans now.

survivalistsingles.com

Survivalistsingles is the only dating site that I am aware of. This site also allows you to search for groups too. It is free which is a great feature but like any dating site it has it's share of scammers and and prepper wanna be's so if you do decide to use this site use your common sense.

survivalistboards.com

This site is full of opportunities to connect, network, and has a vast knowledge base. They have a groups section where you can locate individuals and groups by region and state. They also have a singles area. The downside of this site is be prepeared to have a thick skin because there tends to be alot of personal attacks. Myself I like to learn so I just don't make many comments unless I am asking questions.

americanpreppersnetwork.net

This site is a great resource for learning and finding a group and they have webinars every month.

Facebook

You can find alot of pages for region and state. This is a great way to network and find a group.

Please I urge you to make your plans now and as I always say....

Be prepared, not sorry

Being A Single Goddess Prepper

2013-12-18T03:19:00.000-05:00

Being a single women it is always on my mind "how do I stay safe when SHTF?" Let's face it as single woman we are targets and as a prepper you are a rich and easy target. I know this is gonna ruffle feathers but I am being a realist. I don't care what conflict, war, or civil unrest the female population is the one that is the most exploited and desimated.

The whole purpose of my blog is to show women how to survive and thrive.

So the first thing I want to touch on is

No person male or female can do it ALL alone

I don't care what gender you are, you can not do security, forage for food, tend garden, food storage, livestock care all by yourself. Believe me I love being single and self sufficent but I know when the world as we know it crumbles I can't do it all on my own.

So right now while you can, I urge you to really make a list of your options, do some research and cover your bases now.

1. Look at your current situation.

Take your inventory of your current situation. Are you renting or owning? Can you have a garden or livestock? What are your current preps and how long could you survive? Do you have a support system family or friends that can support you? and have your back? If there is no way you have safe shelter, a way to grow food, hunt, scavage, and have those that will help you to do all these jobs you have to start making a plan.

2. Look for a group.

If you do not currently have a group or support network look for those individuals now! Facebook has a ton of local groups. American Prepper Network. Yahooo Groups. Survivalist Singles. Go to Prepper Expos thats a great place to meet people. I can tell you right now it's very difficult being single and dating because like my last date when we were speaking about tv shows we like and I said I like Doomsday Preppers he started laughing and said "You must like watching kooks and stupid people wasting money" Needless to say that was the first and last date for that guy! Let's face it it's hard being a Survival Goddess!!
This is the first on being single and prepping so I would like to hear your thoughts and hear your comments.

Be prepared, not sorry

When To Bug Out - Make The Plan NOW

2013-11-03T18:33:00.000-05:00

Like most preppers I talk about bugging out, my bug out bag, and my bug out location but I want to touch on....

When do I bug out and what's the plan?

When To Bug Out - Bug Out Plan

I hear so many preppers say I am going to bug in I have everything I need right here.

But what if??....

* Your location is over run, your supplies are taken and your forced out? Or in case of a natural disaster you have to get out of it's way?

Do you have alternate supplies stored and a alternate safe location? What are the triggers that will put your plan in motion?

* What if your separated from your family at the time of bug out? Do you have a rally point?

In many a crisis we have seen family searching for other family members. Don't be one of these families.

* Plan, Drill, Repeat

I can't stress this enough, plan and drill with your family so it is all second nature and your not standing around looking at each other wondering what you do next.

* Make sure your bug out bag is season ready.

Depending on the time of year should determine what is in your bag. If its winter your don't need bug spray in your bag. It's useless. Take that few minutes at the changing of the seasons to get your bag ready for that season.

Be prepared, not sorry

Goddess (72 Hour) Survival Bucket

2013-11-01T21:12:00.000-04:00

We all have our bug out bags, but right next to my bag is my survival bucket. Where I work I can get plastic buckets for free and I use them for cashe' on my route to my bug out location. The survival bucket is an extension of my bug out bag. Both can be grabbed and carried on a moments notice. In my bag is the essentials to survive, my gun, ammo, fire starting tools, fishing button, snares, first aid, MRE's, water purification, change of clothes and socks, thermo blanket, and ax so if some reason I am separated or can no longer carry my bucket I still have what I need to survive.

In my bucket is the extensions, toilet paper, MRE's and cans of food, hygiene products, bottled water, water purification, more first aid supplies, and a radio. As both are emptied they can be consolidated to my backpack and the bucket can just be used for just water. Now realize that both of these are designed to get me to my next cash. This is not the DO all.... it is just designed to get me to my next cash. So there is planning involved to know your routes and have your cashes buried.

These buckets can be designed for each member of the family. All size of buckets with lids can be purchase at home improvement stores such as Home Depot, Lowes etc. so even children can have the size bucket they can carry and let's face it.... in a bug out situation every little bit of supplies help! As crazy as it sounds even my dogs have their own packs....everyone carries their own supplies!

Now you can purchase these buckets from several different online companies but for a fraction of the price you can build your own and for the same price you can build a few of them. Just think if every person that experienced Hurricane Katrina had a bug out bag and bucket, a bug out plan and route to escape.......how many lives could have been saved? How many people would have not been dependent on FEMA or the Red Cross (which took days to arrive)?

Be prepared, not sorry

Survival Goddess American Blackout Review

2013-10-29T22:12:00.001-04:00

Please visit my You Tube channel and my review of Nat Geo's American Blackout

Survival Goddess American Blackout

Survival Education Plan

2013-08-19T14:19:00.000-04:00

I am sorry that I have not been posting regularly but I have taken my own advice and went back to school. I currently work in the medical field but decided I needed more skills and went back to obtain my Pharmacy Technicians certification and on July 15th I passed my boards!

Along with this plan of going back to school was the long range goal of transferring to a hospital closer to which now is my bug out location but once I transfer it will become my permanent survival retreat.

As I have said time and time again education is going to be one of the keys to long term survival. Even if it's not formal schooling take a survival first aid course, hunting course, canning etc all these add up in your knowledge savings account.

Challenge

I challenge you to expand your knowledge savings account and I would like to hear from you. Share your knowledge plan with us and we can inspire and motivate eachother!

Be prepared, not sorry

Survival Fishing Button/Bug Out Bag Item

2013-05-22T20:44:00.001-04:00

This is a great item to have in your bug out bag and in your cashes. It costs all of about a $1.50 to make and in a survial situation could mean eating or not.

To watch the complete video you can watch on my You Tube Channel

Be prepared, not sorry

Survival Plastic Tote Garden

2013-05-16T20:23:00.000-04:00

I have several people contacting me asking the question "I have a limited amount of space how can I have a garden or grow my own food?". Well in a previous post I told you how to start your seeds in soda bottles

I like to practice what I preach so I wanted to give an honest answer to those that ask the questions. So I took a area of a typical 8x4 apartment balcony. Now I use a ton of tomato juice a year for chili, spaghetti, and goulash. In this area I can put 2 tomato plants and 2 pepper plants per tote for 4 totes and 1 tote I made a combination of herbs and medicinal plants.
Now I have usually produced 20 to 35 beef steak tomatoes per plant and 12 to 18 peppers per plant. So in 4 totes you can produce 160 tomatoes and 96 peppers.

Then when the season is over you pull the dead plants out and put the cover on.

And the great thing is this is portable so where ever you move this can go with you. If you have a limited amount of space this is a great idea!

Be prepared, not sorry

Taking The "Gamey" Taste Out Of Wild Game And Fish

2013-05-14T12:33:00.000-04:00

Growing up the daughter of the the "Great White Hunter/Fisherman" I learned....

All game is edible if you do it right..

I love to fish I think more than I love to hunt..probably because you can catch a fish and have it over a campfire in a matter of minutes. Pan fish such as bass, trout, perch, bluegill are my favorite but if it swims I will eat it. Depending on what you are fishing or hunting for you can sometimes, if you don't know the tricks have a very gamey or fishy tasting entree. But here are some things you can do to neutralize that unpleasant taste and give you some fantastic eating.

Milk

I love to fish for pike and in most places you can fish away with no limit but they can be a strong fish. Bear tends to be a greasy and gamey tasting meat but soaking them 24hrs in Milk tends to neutralize those tastes.

Baking Soda

Baking also is a great neutralizer. My dad takes his salmon and soaks them in baking soda prior to smoking them.

Lipton Onion Soup Mix

For rabbit or squirrel put a package of Lipton Onion Soup Mix in a crock pot. Than add the fixings you want...I grew up eating this and you better believe LOSM is part of my preps!

Be prepared, not sorry

Two Ways To Safely Remove Ticks

2013-05-07T09:54:00.002-04:00

It is that time of year again.........TICK SEASON

These pesky blood sucking nuisances are not only painful but in many cases they can also carry Lyme Disease. It is good to make a practice of examining yourself, pets, and livestock especially after walks, time in the woods, etc. With many people the first instinct is the grab them with hands or tweezers and pull them off but that can result in breaking the head off which will remain embedded in its victims skin.

Here are two ways that in many cases successfully making the tick back out of the skin and be removed safely.

Liquid Soap Method

Apply a glob of liquid soap to a cotton ball. Cover the tick
with the soap-soaked cotton ball and swab it for 20 to 30 seconds the tick will come out on its own and be stuck to the cotton ball when you lift it away

Petroleum Jelly Method

Apply a thick glob of petroleum jelly to the tick and the area surrounding it and make sure it is completely covered as to not let any air in. After a minute gently with paper towel or tissue paper gently try to remove the tick. If tick has not backed out re-apply and try again.

If neither of these techniques work seek medical help.

Be prepared, not sorry

Survival Fire Starting/Items for your Bugout Bag

2013-04-29T11:30:00.000-04:00

This is a simple way to get a fire going on a day that is drizzly/rainy. I will be creating a DVD that will show other ways in a survival situation to make fire.

If there is something you would like to see included on this DVD please shoot me an email with your suggestion.

Be prepared, not sorry

Prepper Pinto Bean Casserole

2013-04-14T20:32:00.000-04:00

As a prepper I am constantly experimenting with my preps to try create great and easy dishes that can be prepared over a fire. This is easy and I have made this with my students during training.

Prepper Pinto Bean Casserole

Ingredients:

*2 cups Pinto Beans
*2 cups Rice
*2 cups Salsa
*1 large onion chopped
*1 large can Refried Beans
*1 large pkg of soft fajitas/wraps or banncock
*1 large pkg of cheese (optional)

Place the 2 cups of Pinto Beans in a large pot and bring to a rolling boil for 35mins. Then in the same pot add your 2 cups of rice and leave at a rolling boil for 25 minutes. Drain and add your salsa, refried beans, and chopped onion.

Let the fire burn down to embers. Rip or beak apart the fajitas wraps or banncock and layer in a casserole pan (9x13) along with your cheese and beans. Cover with tinfoil and let cook for 15 to 20 minutes. This makes 9 very healthy sized portions. I made this one in the oven last night. Enjoy!

Be prepared, not sorry

Survival Retreat: Making A Plan

2013-04-05T01:02:00.000-04:00

This is the next installation in the series of the Survival Retreat.

This has been a pretty talked about and sometimes heated topic this week. To be a part of a group or be alone? What kind of skills someone needs to have to join a group? How many preps to have etc...even though it was heated at times........We are talking and exchanging ideas and that is where knowledge comes from. To see both sides, evaluate, and make the right decisions for us.

Thank you to Deborah and Carolanne...you are amazing warrior women with vast knowledge and I am so privileged to know you.

Let's look at the questions you should be asking yourself, a potential group, or member to your group. In the last article we talked about how the retreat land/property is owned and held. Again I strongly urge that unless the person owning the property is a relative or a friend that you would trust with your life that you NOT buy into a retreat that you hold no rights/share to the property. I have seen people lose money and their preps this way and that is the reason I am writing this series.

MYTH: There has to be property purchased to have a retreat

For some reason there is this idea that you have to own or be a part of owning a mass amount of property. I live in Michigan where we have thousands and thousands of acres of state forest. I have lived in Alaska where 90% of the state is unpopulated. The most important thing you need is........

A Plan

I can not stress this enough...make your plan NOW!!! One thing that 9-11 taught me as a search and rescue person is you better have an emergency plan because when SHTF communications will me non existant or stretchy at best, travel will be a nightmare, and the media will be trying to control the sheeple hysteria. Make your plan now. If you are going to try to make it on your own or with a group make that plan. When SHTF what is the sequence of events and tasks that must be done? Where do you go? What do you do? What is the list of important things you must do in order. What is your backup plans B C D and E?

If you are staying in your home then your plan needs to consist of have your plan in place now for security, sustainable water and food, and a energy plan. You will not survive without these.

If you or anyone in your survival group does not own property take a hard look at what you do have. Who owns the largest home? Where is the largest piece of land that is not owned by anyone? Make that plan of when SHTF this is the rally point so if there is no communication capability everyone in your group know this is where everyone will gather.

Take some weekends and actually rough it (because welcome to WROL) and go into the state or federal area and find that rally point. Now I know I'm gonna have emails that give me crap about it belongs to the government blah blah blah..believe me when there is a collapse a group of loners in the state forest will be the least of their worries. They will be trying to control the hoards in the cities.

Find that spot that has adequate water and hunting capabilities. And squat...yes you heard me squat..... I have a shelter and fire pit that I use to go hunting and just get away. You better believe me I have preps buried and no one has ever disturbed it because it is that far in and it is camouflaged. It is a good part of a day hike in from the closest road which is a dirt road and 55 miles from a large city so that is my plan E. And this year I will be taking my group there so they can make their own shelters and this will be my whole groups plan E.

My point is you can have a retreat anywhere but...........you better have a plan!

Be prepared, not sorry

Survival Goddess You Tube Channel

2013-04-01T23:11:00.002-04:00

Just wanted to announce that the new Survival Goddess Channel is up and running. I am really excited to have another venue to get the important information out on prepping and surviving the world changes to come. Subscribe so you don't miss out on critical information.

The new Survival Goddess You Tube Channel is up!

Dynamics of a Survival Group Part 1

2013-03-31T03:15:00.000-04:00

I have several emails regarding forming or joining a survival group so I am going to do a series to address the different dynamics and issues that you should consider when you think about forming or joining a group.

Survival Goddess You Tube Channel

Mind Sets

I think this is probably the hugest component of a group. I have seen many groups implode due to dictatorship attitudes or what I like to call "Too many chiefs and not enough Indians syndrome". One or a handful of people seem to have all the power and dictate the rules. Whenever you have that type of environment it is just a recipe for disaster.

I have seen groups that require their members to have 2 years worth of food, a list of weapons and ammo along with a $10,000 membership fee and store ALL of this on this one person's property! Why on earth would you hand over all your preps this way? For $10,000 right now there is listed a property of 3.5 acres 40 miles north of me with a lake 1 mile away and it's very secluded. Granted 3.5 acres is not alot of property but with good property management you can store and grow alot of preps along with some of the best hunting in the state. If you have correct management your space you could maximize 2 families and provide for them.

Suggestion: If you want to form a group and want to purchase a larger chunk of property go to a lawyer and form a Hunting Club. I have seen people do this all the time. You form a club and if for some reason a individual wishes to leave the club the other club members can buy them out, require they find some to buy in and must be approved by the group, or walk away and forfeit their share. This also puts the entire group on a level playing field because you are all equally invested.

When looking for a group of forming one EVERYONE needs to have a valuable skill set to bring to the table. They also need to have the right mind set. I have seen a group that has a doctor and a ex Army Ranger that are given card Blanche in the group and don't need to prep because the group is expected to provide for them because they have such special skills! To me that is absolutely ridiculous!

The group needs to function as a cohesive unit. Everyone has a job and yes you need leaders but not dictators. I will take a hard working, loyal, and willing to learn individual over a walking ego that thinks he is privileged because believe me when SHTF this self privileged individual will become a source of constant irritation and won't be worth it.

And a huge mindset I look for is the willingness to share their skills with the group. If I see a person that thinks they are going to keep their skills to themselves because they think that makes them invaluable and not teach anyone in case you lose them that proves to me they are selfish and have no regards to the survival of the group and I have no use for them in my group.

What are the needed skill sets?

These are the skill sets that I look for when adding members to my own group.

* Military - Of course you need this. This person knows how to set up a security perimeter, firearm knowledge etc.

* Hunter/Gatherer/Scavenger - This person or I recommend you have 2 or 3 of these because they always are sizing things up and are little hoarders. They will gather and haul back everything because there has to be a use for it. They know if your hungry enough you will eat anything. A large cricket contains 9 grams of protein. They know how to set snares, run a trap line, hunt, track and field dress anything they kill.

* Farmer - This is a given.

* Livestock/Rancher - If you can find a person that can do Both Farmer and Rancher you have hit the jackpot

* Veterinarian - If you can find a Veterinarian prepper count your lucky stars because they can also double as your Medical person. I know a vet that on a hunting trip one of his buddies fell off a ledge and broke his arm and he set it.

* Medical - Now here you don't necessarily need a doctor but a nurse or paramedic is fantastic.

* Mechanic - In a scenario not involving an EMP you are going to want one of these

* Einstein/Engineer - These are the people that see a need and can come up with a contraption to solve the need.

* Heart - This is the person that doesn't have any of the above skill sets but has the heart to learn because canning, gardening, livestock tending can be taught.

Be prepared, not sorry

To Survive...It Will Take A Village

2013-03-19T23:35:00.000-04:00

Most preppers are a very solitude lot...we don't want anyone to know what we have, where we are, and we protect it to the death. After having a conversation with a dear friend that is also a prepper his advice is spot on...

If you think in WROL you will hold on to what you have on your own you might as well give up now..

There is no way 1 or 2 people can do it all. Security, hunting and gathering, tending to livestock and gardening, preserving food, and all the everyday tasks that will come with this new frightening life.

It will take a village to survive

If you watch Doomsday Preppers like I do, look at the ones that you think will be successful in surviving a collapse...Southern Prepper 1 has aligned with Engineer 775 are a fantastic example of a team/village coming together to survive. I have been given permission by Southern Prepper 1 to show this video. Take a look it really has such good advice. Thank you SP1!

I urge you to take that time right now to find that village so that you may survive. I currently hold Meet and Greets to find that village. Now in honestly you will encounter those people that really are not serious. They have watched a episode or two of Doomsday Preppers and have that sense of panic which will wear off in a couple months when they understand how much time and dedication it takes to prep.

Don't show your hand until you are absolutely comfortable

Personally it takes along time for me to be comfortable with someone to even share where I live. Take your time getting to find and know your tribe. Spend some weekends camping and practicing skills with your potential village members. Evaluate how their lifestyle and goals align with yours..

*How do their skill sets fit into your village
*What do they bring to the table in skills and preps
*Do their philosophies in survival, life, and religion align with the village
*Most of all what is their personality...will it work within the village

I can't stress enough to look for that village now so that you may be comfortable with each other. These are the people you are going to entrust yours and family's life to.

Be prepared, not sorry

Prepper Recycling

2013-03-11T10:53:00.000-04:00

Growing up on the farm my mom was and still is the Queen of recycling, even before it was cool! She croqueted plastic bread wrappers into rugs...yes rugs! She would also take a rag clothes and do the same thing. They actually lasted a long time and when then had had it they were tossed.

Mayo jars will also support some canning lids. Seeds like melon, flower, and herbs were stored in baby food jars in the basement.
And of course rag clothes were also made into quilts.

One of my favorite things which I have just started is getting my garden started indoors. I absolutely love this because it is so cheap and easy. I take my 2 litre soda bottles and turn them into self watering starter grows for my veggies. You cut the bottle in half and and I poke holes in the cap and the plant draws water as it needs it.

How would you like to say goodbye to your power company?

For about $160 dollars you can start generating your own power. I will be putting out a step by step DVD soon on how to build this but with a $20 alternator, a $10 piece of PVC and cap, a $40 converter, and 3 car batteries at $30 a piece... you can start making your own power.

Be prepared, not sorry

Home Remedies 2

2013-03-05T10:48:00.002-05:00

Cuts

Like I said I grew up on a farm and home remedies were everywhere. My Granddad farmed with teams and he told me that when they would get a cut he would chew some tobacco and then place it on the cut and wrap it and as it dried it would draw the poison out.

When summer hit I would be barefoot from June until September and when you do that on a farm you are going to step on rusty nails. My Grandma used the same concept on me as my Grandpa did with the horses except she used bread and milk. She would soak the bread in milk and tape it where the wound was (usually the bottom of my feet) and let it dry. Now granted my mom was not so secure in the home remedies and would always run me to the doctors for a tetanus shot.

Earaches

A home remedy I have discovered on my own was I had a son that suffered from frequent earaches. The doctors wanted to put tubes in his ears but I heard nothing but horror stories on that so that was not going to happen with mine. My Grandma when I had earaches would heat up some olive oil and place it in my ears along with a hot water bottle placed on the ear. With my son I used olive oil along with a hair dryer set on low blowing into the ear. My son never had ear tubes. (becareful on the temp of the oil not to burn inner ear)

Cold Cough

In the earlier post I gave you my Grandma's recipe for cough syrup and now I will give the additive my Dad did. If you have ever noticed if you have the nastiest cold if your outside you don't cough? Why is that? I have no idea but when my kids or myself had a cough I would give them a shot of the homemade syrup and make sure it was COLD..either I reduce the heat to their room or I would drive them around in a cold car. Now be sure I do the same to myself.

Cough/Sore Throat

I talked about cough remedies earlier and the key is the Lemon. Something about that lemon stops that cough and sore throat. The other is honey. I tend to suffer from a sore throat all winter but honey in tea works for me.

***The materials contained on this website are provided for general information purposes only and do not constitute medical professional advice. SurvivalGoddess.blogspot.com does not accept any responsibility for any loss, damage or other liability which may arise from the use of information, or products featured on this site.**

Be prepared, not sorry

Home Remedies

2013-02-16T15:20:00.001-05:00

After SHTF you have to be your own Walgreens

I was fortunate enough to grow up with some amazing parents and grandparents that not only taught me how to can, hunt, fish, garden etc but I also grew up with home remedies that I believe will benefit me after SHTF and I would like to share a few with you.

Cough Syrup

This cough syrup is really easy to make and if you keep it in a cool dark place it can last up to 1 year!

Ingredients

*1-Gallon Glass Jar with lid
*4-Lemons
*2-Large Onions
*1-Jar Honey
*1-Pint Peppermint Schnapps
*1-Pint Blackberry Brandy

Slice lemons and onions and layer them inside the jar. Then add your jar of honey, then your Schnapps and Brandy. For adults 1 tablespoon and for children under 12 years old 1/4 of a tablespoon.

Calamine Lotion

Growing up on a farm you were always getting into poison ivy. I swear I can just look at it and get it! So my grandma would always be making this. She used chamomile oil but I prefer the tea tree oil because it's a natural antiseptic. I keep tea tree oil on hand because it is also great for dogs when they get hot spots in the summer. You just put a drop on the area and it not only works as a antiseptic for the sore but also the taste is so bad the dog will leave the hot spot alone so it can heal.

Ingredients

*1 tablespoon sea salt
*1 tablespoon baking soda
*1 tablespoon bentonite clay
*15 drops essential oil (use one or a combination of lavender, geranium, chamomile, yarrow, peppermint, and tea tree)
*enough water to form a paste

In a small glass or ceramic bowl, combine all of the dry ingredients. Slowly mix in the water until a smooth paste forms, then add the essential oils. Use as you would calamine lotion and apply directly to affected area.

Note: Because of the water content, keep this lotion refrigerated for 3-5 days. Your best bet is to keep a small glass jar of the dry ingredients pre-mixed, spoon a small amount into your hand, and make a paste with the liquids as needed.

Watch for other useful home remedies in upcoming posts and if you have a remedy that you would like to have featured please email me Survival Goddess

***The materials contained on this website are provided for general information purposes only and do not constitute medical professional advice. SurvivalGoddess.blogspot.com does not accept any responsibility for any loss, damage or other liability which may arise from the use of information, or products featured on this site.**
Be prepared, not sorry