Powerpoint: Why Have a Prepper Mindset

Powerpoint: Why Have a Prepper Mindset
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Why Have a Prepper Mindset is the PowerPoint I presented today at the National Preparedness Expo in Nashville, TN.

The National Preppers and Survivalists Expo was a 2 day event focusing on the preparedness, self reliance, supplies and survival skills that are crucial when a catastrophe strikes.

In this PowerPoint I combined concepts from the prepper and emergency management cultures.

In includes discussions on mindset, the planning and mitigation process, the benefits of prepping, and the bane of all preppers – how to deal with the comment “If anything like that happens, I will just come to YOUR house!”

Why Have a Prepper Mindset deals in part with the gap between emergency managers in preppers.  This gap is troublesome and the reason for postings on professional EM sites like the infamous “Preppers are Social Selfish

I would hope that all people have, or are working to acquire a mindset that involves self reliance and resiliency.  Being a prepper is more than just storing up goods.  Being a prepper is about taking responsibility for yourself, using reason to determine threats, and invoking self-discipline to deal with those threats.

Having a preparedness mindset is healthy, both individually and as a society.

PRN Episode #9 Paul Wheaton

PRN Episode #9 Paul Wheaton
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In this episode David interviews Paul Wheaton the Bad Boy of Permiculture

As well as Permaculture, Paul discusses everything Homesteading related, from raising animals to how to save money on your monthly heating bill.

Paul on Facebook

The show is scheduled for Monday at 10pm central time at this link.

If you cannot listen on Monday, you can always download the podcast for listening at your own leisure.

I am a fan of Paul Wheaton, now I have said before that I don’t enjoy his sense of humor much, but I totally respect what he has built and the knowledge he has acquired.  As a matter of fact, when I have a sticky problem I normally start my search for a solution at the forum that Paul Wheaton runs – permies.com.

Permies is one of the best permiculture websites on the planet.  The have threads on homestead building, plants, tools, and all manner of things related to homesteading.  They have a strong culture in the forums, I have always gotten some help when I ask questions on the site.

His guys are pretty helpful and are definitely knowledgeable.  I really admire the work he has done at permies.

How to Make the Perfect Homemade Lip Balm

 

How to Make the Perfect Homemade Lip Balm
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I started beekeeping for two reasons. I wanted honey to make mead, and I wanted beeswax. Beeswax has hundreds of uses, and one of those uses is cosmetics.

Now, homemade lip balm isn’t the main use for my beeswax, but when I do make some, it is in high demand because handmade beeswax lip balm where care has been taken in its manufacture has no comparison to commercial balms.

It does not take much time or equipment to make your own balms, and if you have your own bees, then the next big expense is the containers. You can easily purchase twist tubes, but small jars work just as well.

This worked so well, and was such a hit that I made a bunch of other cosmetics.  When Genny was nursing she really liked my nipple balm (but she hates me talking about nipple balm)

Materials

  • Double boiler (we improvise by balancing a small pot on a mason jar ring sitting in a larger pot of water.)
  • Disposable stirring sticks
  • measuring spoons

Ingredients

  • beeswax
  • carrier oil (coconut, Shea butter, almond oil) we use a mix of almond oil and shea butter
  • Flavoring oil (peppermint works great)

Procedure

  • Melt 3 teaspoons of beeswax
  • add 5 teaspoons of carrier oil and let melt
  • add 5-7 drops of flavoring (start low and work up to what you like)
  • Mix
  • Pour into containers and let cool (it will take some time to harden)

This is a recipe you can experiment with, more wax makes a harder balm, more oil makes it glossier.

If your a guy that wants to keep bees, this is a great way to bring your wife on board. My wife loves giving this balm to her friends because they love it, and she likes being able to tell them she made it from beeswax from HER bees…

PRN Episode #8 Interview Covert Prepper

PRN Episode #8 Interview Covert Prepper
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In this episode of the Shepherd School, David talks with James Smith aka The Covert Prepper.

The Covert Prepper has an interesting background, he covertly raised chickens on a small lot gardens without people recognizing the food items, and does all manner of preparedness activities without drawing attention to himself.

While I don’t try to be covert in my prepping, I do see the attractiveness in doing so.

Actually If I had to do it over again I probably would have spent more time working at being anonymous in my work.

Listen to internet radio with Preparedness Radio Network on Blog Talk Radio with this link.

During this podcast We discuss covert gardening, caching, codes, and share some philosophy talk. You can visit him online at his YouTube Channel.