Gaffer Tape for DIY Review

Gear Review: Gaffer Tape for DIY
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It may seem strange that a prepper would be reviewing an item commonly used on movie sets, but I take pride in my ability to grab the worthwhile from wherever I find it.

Before I get into why I think preppers and DIY’ers of all stripes can use gaffer tape let me explain what it is so you won’t think it is just high priced duct tape.

Gaffer tape is a coated cloth tape that is designed to be non-reflective, easy to rip, and adhere to most surfaces and remove without leaving adhesive residue.

The easy to remove nature of gaffer tape is the main reason I like having a roll sitting in my tool bag.  I often need to tape something up to hold it temporarily before I fasten it more permanently.

Just the other day I needed to tape together a bunch of hydraulic lines so I could cram them into a plastic bag so they would shed water while I waited on a part – I don’t need sticky residue all over my lines, and I needed to be able to tear the lines free without getting near the expensive hoses with a knife.

Gaffer tape was a perfect solution.

The Hardy Barbarian brand of tape is a good product and is $10 or so cheaper than many other brands of gaffer tape.

I hate that it costs more than duct tape, but the specifications for gaffer tape is much higher and it is a specialty item so it will always cost more, but sometimes the right tool for the job makes the expense worth it.

#HardyBarbarian

I did receive this tape in exchange for an honest review.

Muscle Roller Stick Review

 

Gear Review: Muscle Roller Stick
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I got this Muscle Roller Stick for my wife Genny, because she has devoted a lot of time and energy into her exercise program.  After a hard set of exercises she almost always asks me to rub her back to help relieve the tension.

Luckily for me this device came in the mail right after a hard day on the land cutting trees and hand digging a drainage ditch.  I only stopped work when my hands could no longer grip the pick-axe and as I write this review I am extremely grateful I took the opportunity to review this item as it has reduced my soreness to the point that I can actually function.

This 18 inch bar has two fixed handles with a series of rollers along the inside.  It is designed to allow the user to roll the device over muscles and help relieve tension and soreness.  The device came with a set of instructions, but frankly being both a guy and someone that was in desperate need of a massage I just grabbed it out of the package and began rolling it over my legs, hands, and arms.

I think it would do best as a back massager, but frankly it is either to short, or I am to fat and inflexible to contort myself to set it behind me.

I can testify that after rolling it on my legs and arms I did feel better.

This was not something I would have bought for myself, I got it at a reduced cost in exchange for a review and only did it because I felt it was something my wife would like, but frankly I am glad for the opportunity as I was over exerted and all alone and it helped me be able to move the day after a hard day.

How to Close a Bag Using a Soda Bottle

How to Close a Bag Using a Soda Bottle

How to Close a Bag Using a Soda BottleSince I am always messing around in the kitchen I tend to have all sorts of bits and bags of stuff that I rarely use.

I tend to just wad up the top of the bag and stick it in the cupboard. When I how to close a bag using a soda bottle I was amazed.

This is a pretty popular hack for preppers and busy pinterest moms alike.  It works well.

It works, so I thought I would share it with you…

  • Cut a two-liter (or smaller) bottle right where the bottleneck starts to form. (This could make a good funnel for another project)
  • Insert the open end of whatever bag you are using – nuts, chocolate chips, beans….
  • Double the bag back over itself, so that the bottle is sandwiched in the middle.
  • Smooth the bag as best you can over the threads of the bottle spout.
  • Screw the lid over the bag and you will be able to have a tightly sealed bag of goodies.

As you can see this bag storage adapter is amazingly simple, and readily made by most anyone. Furthermore, I find it pretty useful is storing treats for William. It is perfect for large bags of small candies like jelly beans.

Possum Living

Book Review: Possum Living
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After being out of print for decades, Possum Living: How to Live Well Without a Job and (Almost) No Money is being reissued with an afterword by an older and wiser Dolly Freed.

In the late seventies, at the age of eighteen and with a seventh-grade education, Dolly Freed wrote Possum Livingabout the five years she and her father lived off the land on a half-acre lot outside of Philadelphia. At the time of its publication in 1978, Possum Living became an instant classic, known for its plucky narration and no-nonsense practical advice on how to quit the rat race and live frugally. In her delightful, straightforward, and irreverent style, Freed guides readers on how to buy and maintain a home, dress well, cope with the law, stay healthy, save money, and be lazy, proud, miserly, and honest, all while enjoying leisure and keeping up a middle-class façade.

Thirty years later, Freed’s philosophy is world-renowned andPossum Living remains as fascinating, inspirational, and pertinent as it was upon its original publication. This updated edition includes new reflections, insights, and life lessons from an older and wiser Dolly Freed, whose knowledge of how to live like a possum has given her financial security and the confidence to try new ventures.

Recipe: Chicken Zucchini Poppers

 

Recipe: Chicken Zucchini Poppers
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Chicken zucchini poppers are a low carb, 21 day fix compliant recipe that tastes good and is easy to prepare.

This is important because ever since Genny started getting serious with the 21 day fix lifestyle she has constantly looked for ways to incorporate the foods she is supposed to eat into tasty recipes that she WANTS to eat.

I personally don’t like zucchini, but these chicken zucchini poppers are pretty good.  They also get bonus points because the boy likes them also.

You can watch the video above, or follow the recipe below to make a great zucchini popper.

Ingredients:

1 lb. ground chicken breast
2 Cups grated zucchini
2-3 sliced green onions
3-4 TBSP minced cilantro
1 Clove minced garlic
1 TSP salt
1/2 TSP pepper

Instructions:

1. Mix ground chicken and all other ingredients in large mixing bowl.

2. Spoon out 8-10 nugget sized pieces onto the a greased frying pan.

3. Cook the chicken poppers on medium heat for five minutes and then flip and repeat on other side.

4. You can eat plain or serve with your favorite dip or sauce.

These poppers were pretty easy to make, and they did not cost very much.  Once Genny started making them they kept showing up on the table on a pretty regular basis.