Kris

Kris is a busy mom, wife, and teacher. She makes her little homestead on two sprawling acres in Tornado Alley with her husband and 3 children.

prepping with diabetes

Prepping with Type 1 Diabetes: 2.0

Our recent article on prepping with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) was well-received, so here’s some more food for thought (totally carb-free!) as you prepare for an insulin-dependent loved one. If you missed the initial article, you can read it here. If T1D is not part of your daily life, scroll to the end for some diet-friendly recipes that could help you reach your fitness goals. Again, I do not claim to be a doctor or expert—just a T1D momma passing what …

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supplies for preppers

Are You Getting the Most Out of Your Prepping Supplies?

You’ve heard it a million times, “Why spend money on prepping stuff you’ll never use?” Poor excuse! I use LOTS of the supplies initially purchased, “Just in case we’re out of power”, or “Just in case there’s a huge emergency.” Here’s how I have put my supplies for preppers to use in my everyday life Preps to help with food storage and off-grid cooking Root Cellar Ours happens to be a large closet in the basement with two concrete walls …

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No-sew blanket instructions.

DIY No-Sew Waterproof Picnic Blanket

Can’t sew? No worries! A bit of fleece, some scissors, and a little patience are all you need for a one-of-a-kind blanket. This no-sew blanket is perfect if you’re looking for a quick, easy project for yourself, the kids, or grandkids. Now, this idea isn’t new; plans abound for knotted, no-sew blankets. For my own no-sew blankets, I like this picture tutorial from Instructables.  I used two 60″ x 82” pieces of fleece for a final blanket that measured about 48×80”. Simple …

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Prepping With Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes — also called Juvenile Diabetes — shook our prepping plans to their foundations. While I was stockpiling food, learning to make cheese, and writing the occasional post for the Survival Mom, my 9 year-old daughter’s body was attacking itself and she was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. Just a short time later I found myself trying to find answers for prepping with Type 1 Diabetes. A T1D diagnosis is a life sentence of finger pokes and insulin …

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Healthy Eye Care: Q & A With an Optometrist

Chances are you have considered how you’d fare without modern medicine in a disaster situation and have stashed away bandages, topical antibiotics, over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, and other supplies “just in case.” Have you considered the health and optimal function of your eyes?  In a survival situation where keeping clean is more difficult (no electricity, no running water, etc.), eye infections could become more common—especially among children.  I don’t want to take any chances with their eyesight.  I’m not a …

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Prepping on the Sly

Two years ago, my husband thought I was nuts to imagine a life without electricity, gas, or grocery stores. He didn’t want to discuss it, much less have hand tools and tactical gear cluttering up every inch of unused space and reminding him just how far I’d “gone off the deep end.” Regardless, I felt I had a responsibility to plan for our children — with or without his cooperation. His attitude was basically, “Do what you want, as long …

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Backpack First Aid Kit for Kids — A Must-Have!

You might carry a complete EMT kit in your purse, but it’s only useful if your kids are with you when they’re hurt.  If they go to school, spend the night with friends, or attend sports practices without you, they need their own Everyday Carry first aid kit for kids.  The trick is to make it useful and compact enough to keep all the time without breaking their backs—or the bank. Start with $1 The carry case in the photo …

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Little Jars, Big Flavors

Book Review: Little Jars, Big Flavors

Not a lot of produce but reluctant to waste? No problem! Southern Living presents a 2013 cookbook with something for everyone! Whether you’re a beginner, a seasoned canner, or a microwave-only cook, you’ll find inspiration in Little Jars, Big Flavors from author/chef Virginia Willis. Little Jars Big Flavors For Beginners Detailed instructions with beautiful color photos will walk you through the process. And because there’s no pressure canning (water bath-only recipes), no need to worry that you’ll blow up your …

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20 Things I Never Throw Away

Everything has a purpose—sometimes two or three of them!  For most seasoned Survival Moms, some of these “reuse” ideas are already habit. For those of us fairly new to frugal motherhood or the Survival Mom lifestyle, here are 20 things I never throw away: For Storage 2-liter bottles, gallon vinegar jugs, etc.—Use to store water (room temperature or frozen). Be sure to date and rotate every six months. You can also use the 2-liter soda bottles to store foods like …

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