Clever Prepper

Prepping for the expected and the unexpected.

[cleverprepper]

Happy 1st birthday Puppy Prepper!

[cleverprepper]

Just got a boil water advisory https://goo.gl/dUAg7W Getting myself this before sh*t hits the fan http://amzn.to/2koWPne

[cleverprepper]

Homemade Health Tonic Recipe

After our holiday break, it seemed that everyone came back to work sick, including myself. I picked up a (thankfully minor) case of Strep throat, which I was lucky to catch early enough for it not to make me bedridden and miserable. Others, however, weren't so lucky, and have already had to use some of their few yearly sick days.

With myself and everyone around me being sick, this got me thinking about a homemade tonic I've used many times before to help myself get healthy. I used this recipe while I had Strep, and I like to think it helped me get back to fighting shape more quickly! Although I'm not fully invested in some of the sensationalist claims of homeopathic remedies, I do believe that good foods and homeopathic products play a role in alleviating ailments and their symptoms.

Benefits

The ingredients of this homemade tonic have a host of benefits:

Immunity Booster. Citrus fruits like lemons contain Vitamin C, and honey has antioxidant and antibacterial properties to help you fight disease.

Detoxifying Properties. Milk thistle is the star ingredient for this one. It promotes healthy liver function and is said to benefit those with liver damage. It works wonders for hangovers too.

Reduces Inflammation. Curcumin in turmeric is known to reduce swelling, while ginger also contains chemicals that reduce inflammation.

Increases Metabolism. Apple cider vinegar, caffeine in green tea, and capsaicin in cayenne pepper are all known to increase heart rate and boost metabolism.

Recipe

The Ingredients

You will need:

1/3 cup Lemon Juice

1/3 cup Apple Cider Vinegar

3 bags Green Tea

1/2 tbsp. Cayenne Pepper

1 tbsp. Turmeric

Bottle of Milk Thistle Extract

1 tbsp. Ginger – fresh grated (best), paste, or powdered)

1 tbsp. Honey

1 24oz. Airtight Jar or Bottle

Instructions

Yield: 24oz. (3 cups) Time to prepare: ~20 minutes

Bring 2 cups of water to a near boil. Steep tea bags in water for 5 minutes. Set aside.

In a seperate vessel, combine cayenne, turmeric, ginger, lemon juice, and apple cider vineger. Whisk thoroughly until mixture is smooth.

Once the tea has cooled a bit, stir in the honey until dissolved.

Combine the tea with the spice mixture.

Add 2 to 3 droppers full of milk thistle to the mixture and stir until incorporated.

Pour into airtight vessel – large canning jars work well. Store in a cool, dark place like the fridge. Keep for up to 3 months.

The finished product. Not pretty, but it does the job!

Consuming the Tonic

Full disclosure: this tonic isn't meant to taste good. Since this tonic is chock full of some pungent powerhouse ingredients, it's more medicinal than tasty.

Make sure to shake the tonic before pouring, as sediment will likely fall to the bottom.

The best way to consume it is by taking a small shot of it, or to dilute it in a cup of water. You can also add some to smoothies, which may even mask the taste entirely.

[cleverprepper]

10 Lesser-Known Winter Driving Tips

It's the first day of winter, and for many of us, it's already here in full force. This marks the beginning of a season of treacherous driving conditions, especially with an overabundance of people on the road due to holiday travel.

Some of you know I grew up in Vermont, and doing so has taught me a thing or two about how to cope with winter weather. Personally, I'm a huge fan of winter, although I know many are not. Regardless of your take on the season, we all have to prepare for it. I've spent many a winter trudging through snow, ice, sleet, and mud without ever causing an accident, which is why I'd like to share some tips on how you can stay safe on the road. Some of these points will be a friendly reminder, while others may be new to you.

Me with my Subaru after driving through a blizzard to go skiing

Prepare your vehicle. Get the essentials for winter ready, including:

Get Home Bag or emergency kit

Scraper

Shovel

Snow tires, if needed for your region

Gloves, hat, and extra layers

Crampons

Flares or glowsticks

Kitty litter/sand if you get stuck

AAA or other comparable roadside service

Keep your gas tank full. You'll be glad you did if you end up stuck.

Iced-over windows? Roll down your windows and punch out the ice. You heard right – punch the ice! My car had a shell of ice on it this weekend, and scraping at it didn't help whatsoever. I figured out that rolling down the windows and punching through the ice from the inside of the car was much more effective (and really fun!).

Warm up your car thoroughly if you have time. Warming up your car is not only better for the car itself, but will also allow it to run at its optimal performance level.

Don't be that guy/girl who leaves snow on your roof and headlights. This is dangerous for other drivers because snow can fly off the roof onto cars behind you, or keep you from being seen by oncoming cars. It's actually illegal in some states to not remove this snow from your vehicle, so spend the extra few seconds to do so for safety's sake.

Pump the brakes to slow down. When driving in snow or ice, jamming on the brakes in one movement can cause your car to lose traction. Pumping the brakes steadily will help you ease into a full stop without losing control. In addition, allow about twice the distance between you and the car in front than you normally would.

If you hit ice, DON'T BRAKE! I cannot stress this enough. This may seem counterintuitive, but braking will almost certainly make you lose the little traction you have. Instead, remain calm and steer the car back into control without breaking or accelerating.

Heading up a hill? Give it the gas. This can be a controversial one, but this method has worked best for me. We all tend to drive slower when the weather is bad, but if you're trying to get up a hill, not accelerating enough may cause you to slide backwards. Don't punch the gas, but accelerate at a steady pace to maintain traction up the hill. Don't stop until you reach the top unless absolutely necessary.

If you are one of the first in line after an accident, put on your flashers and stop to help. I just experienced this over the weekend. I was on a busy 2-lane highway when I saw a sideways vehicle ahead that was totaled and blocking the road. I was the third car to drive up, so I decided to run over to make sure the passengers were ok and 911 had been called. I did this out of worry of the bystander effect – if too many people are present at a scene with a victim, sometimes no one will assume responsibility, thinking someone else already has. Be the good samaritan who steps up to help. You would want the same for yourself if you were in trouble.

Beware other drivers, as well as cyclists and pedestrians. This may be the most important tip of all. Even though you may be a good driver, don't count on others to be. Also, keep a close eye on bike commuters and pedestrians, both of whom may also be having a hard time traveling through the winter weather. Drive with caution and courtesy, and respect all who use the road.

Please feel free to comment with any additional tips you may have discovered in your travels. Happy holidays, and drive safe!

[cleverprepper]

A Thoughtful and Unique Gift for Anyone On Your List

There's always that one tricky person on your list – the one who you can't find the right gift for. They are either too picky, don't know what they want, or have everything already. My parents and sister match all three of these criteria, so I'm getting creative with my holiday gift giving this year.

I've decided to make starter survival kits for them, which will include a variety of prepping basics. This is an ideal gift for many reasons:

It's something made, not just something bought

It's relatively inexpensive to put together (this kit cost roughly $25-$30 total)

It gets the recipient prepared

It can teach the recipient about prepping

It can be personalized

The Box

I picked the Outdoor Products Watertight Box in Large for this kit. It's well-priced, durable, and has a waterproof seal, which allows the recipient flexiblity as to where and how they use it. This type of container is suitable for use in the car, at the office, on a boat, on a camping trip, or almost anywhere else they may need it.

The Contents

This is a starter kit with some of the essentials. You may notice it's not nearly as comprehensive as a Bug Out Bag or a Get Home Bag, but it's a good place to start for the purpose of a gift. This is intended to be expanded upon by the recipient of the kit.

Emergency Poncho

Mylar Emergency Blanket

Multitool Card – Main uses include a knife, saw, and bottle opener.

Duct tape

Tampon – Even if you don't need this for its intended purpose, a tampon can still be used for first aid, tinder, and more.

Hand Warmers

Small First Aid Kit:

Bandages

Gauze pad

Alcohol swabs

Antibiotic ointment

Wet wipes

Pain relief patches

Benadryl

Ibuprofen

Pepto Bismol

Drip Drop Hydration Powder

Q-tips

Sunscreen packets

Hospital mask

Protein Meal Bar

Red glowstick

Sharpie

Pen

Waterproof matches

Canopy ties

Whistle

Coconut Oil – This can be used as lip balm, as food, for fire starting, and much more. For a complete list of uses, check out my article on the many uses of coconut oil.

Canister of miscellaneous small items:

Kevlar cord

Eye screws

Fishing hook

Fishing line

Bobby pins

Waterproof tinder

iPhone charger cable

Fuel tab

Headlight

Bandana

Hairtie

Candy

Have fun and get creative with the items you pack. Make it personal! I'll likely be putting a little extra something into each of the kits I make, like a nice knife for my dad or a mini bottle of liquor for my mom.

Happy gift giving, and happy holidays!

[cleverprepper]

Prepper Pro Tip: Don't wait to winterize your car. Pack a snowbrush, deicer, and kitty litter or sand in case you get stuck.

[cleverprepper]

Prepper Pro Tip: Make a starter survival kit for your friends and family as a holiday gift to get them prepared!

[cleverprepper]

Clever Prepper’s Guide to Car Camping

It's the holiday season! For many of us that means taking a roadtrip to see friends and family. That also means a long, arduous journey that quickly turns us into weary travelers. Instead of booking an expensive hotel room or binging on caffeine to stay awake while driving, try car camping (yes, camping inside your car)! Car camping is an economical and fun alternative to typical accomodations while you're on the road. With some foresight and a few additions to your vehicle, you too can enjoy the benefits of car camping.

Why camp in your car?

It's cheaper than a hotel room – and no reservations needed!

It provides flexibility on long trips and allows for spontaneity.

If you've been drinking, it's safer than driving home.

It's adventurous and fun!

Car Camping Tips and Considerations

Car camping at a rest stop (with bonus sleepy puppy)

Since you will be more exposed to the elements and public places, there are some things you'll need to take into account to make sure you can camp safely and successfully.

Know where you can and can't park. These are some locations that are typically safe for car camping:

Big box store parking lots. In large parking lots that don't have pay parking, you're likely to not be bothered. The more discreet you are, the better. Plus, if you park at a 24 hour store like Walmart, you will have bathrooms right nearby. For more tips on this, check out A Guide to Car-Camping – in Walmart Parking Lots from The Morning Fresh.

Rest stops. That's what they're for!

Public parks. Beware of parks that close at sunset.

Churches and other religious buildings.

Residential neighborhoods. Don't park too close to any houses – you don't want homeowners to notice you and get concerned. Pick the most inconspicuous spot you can.

Always check signage and be aware of laws or policies related to car camping before settling in for the night.

Locate the nearest bathrooms. You won't want to search for them in the middle of the night, so know where they are ahead of time. It's always a good idea to keep toilet paper packed in case there are no facilities.

Ventilation is crucial. Keep the windows cracked slighty, even if it's really cold. Airflow will prevent you waking up to a damp, muggy cabin. Keeping a small battery operated fan on also helps, especially during warmer months.

Sleep in the back seat OR fold your back seats down to sleep in the back of the car. Take advantage of lying down if you can – it will be more comfortable that sleeping upright in a seat. Also, make sure that your head is positioned at whichever end of the car is higher up to prevent waking up with a headache.

Roof storage is a lifesaver. If you have room in your budget, invest in rooftop storage, like a Thule or another type of rack. It will keep your extra supplies out of the way, leaving you with more room to get comfortable.

Carry a method of self-defense. I keep a form of self-defense with me for peace of mind and in case any snoopers come along. Setting off your car alarm at the first sign of danger is also effective to scare off any unwanted visitors.

Be ready to flee quickly. If you end up in a place where you aren't supposed to park, be ready to leave to avoid trouble. Keep the driver's seat clear so you can take off immediately.

Car Camping Supplies

You can typically sleep in your car without too much equipment. However, I've found the following supplies to be quite helpful for camping more comfortably and conveniently.

Sleeping pad/mattress. There are many options here depending on your budget and the size of your car. I've tried out the following:

Good: Blankets. Grab 2 or 3 blankets. Use a couple to line the area where you will sleep and the remaining ones as covers. Heated blankets for the car will keep you toasty in the winter.

Better: A self-inflating mat, sleeping pad, or sleeping bag.

Best: SUV air mattress. Yes, they make air mattresses designed specifically for cars! I highly recommend this SUV air mattress on Amazon. It fits perfectly in my Subaru Crosstrek, and I've also leant it to friends with smaller cars who say it's been a good fit for them too.

"Car-go" Net. This is a little trick I came up with to create extra storage that's easily accessible while sleeping in the car. Take a small cargo net (15" x 30" works well) and hook it to the ceiling handles of your car. You now have an instant storage area for light items such as pillows, clothes, or water bottles.

"Car-go" net for extra storage

Warm clothes. Even during the warmer times of year, don't underestimate how low the temperature can dip at night. Keep one more layer than you think you'll need – you may thank yourself later.

Window shades and/or privacy curtains. Privacy is a compromise made when car camping, but using sunshades or curtains can help create a private space. You can also hang sheets or towels.

Sunshades and ShadeSox for privacy

You're now ready to hit the road. Have fun, be safe, and enjoy the adventurousness and sponteneity of car camping!

[cleverprepper]

Prepper Pro Tip: Always keep in mind ways to improve morale and occupy your time if are forced to stay put: https://goo.gl/7EsQqa

[cleverprepper]

No Power? No Problem! 8 Ways to Stay Entertained While Riding Out the Storm

You're stuck at home in the middle of extreme weather. You've been instructed to stay inside by local authorities. The power is out, your phone is dead, and there's no TV or internet. Everyone is getting stir crazy. What do you do to pass the time?

We often take modern luxuries for granted, but in situations like this, it's good to have some tricks up your sleeve to maintain sanity and boost morale. A little bit of entertainment can go a long way to keep you and others happy when riding out the storm. There are plenty of activites you can partake in as a group or individually by using things you already have around the house, or even just your mind! Here are some ideas to keep things fun when the circumstances aren't.

Play board games. Many of us have board games around the house, and this is a great time to break them out. Even with just a deck of cards, there are many possibilities of games to play. Mad Libs are also one of my favorites, and they are sure to spark lots of laughter.

Play improv games. As someone who has dabbled in improv, this is a wonderful way to pass the time while keeping things interesting. It may sound daunting to improvise in front of people, but the point is to have fun and embrace being goofy. If you've ever seen shows such as Whose Line Is It Anyway?, you'll know these games produce some hilarious results. There are tons of improv games out there to try.

Tell stories. Get to know your cohabitants more and share some stories from your pasts. You can also tell fictional tales, like ghost stories.

Sing or play instruments. Singing is one of the oldest tricks in the book for boosting morale. We all have some songs in our repertoire, and even if think you're not good at singing, you can still have fun with it. If you have instruments around to play, even better! You can even try learning to play a new song on an instrument.

Keep a journal. Keeping a log of your thoughts and happenings around you can help in two ways:

Expressing yourself can ease stress. It may seem corny at first, but putting things down on paper can be calming and help you reflect on the thoughts, feelings, and events you're enduring.

You can read about your experience later. You may be the nostalgic type that likes to remember experiences of the past. Years from now, you may think "Remember that crazy hurricane storm we survived!?", and word for word, you can read the story of your past self. This is also good for posterity.

Read. Reading a favorite book, a magazine, a religious text, or even a survival guide can be educational, uplifting, and fun.

Make something. You may have a hobby that you can practice with the resources you have available. Let's take arts and crafts for example. I personally like making things out of paracord. Perhaps you enjoy drawing, painting, knitting, woodworking, or something else of the like. Take advantage of your free time and create something – bonus points if it can help you with your current predicament!

Be introspective. If none of these activites appeal to you, having a good think is always an option. You can remember past experiences, think about future goals, or what you're going to do once you're able to leave the house again!

These are the ideas I came up with, but if you have any to add, please feel free to share!

[cleverprepper]

Prepper Pro Tip: Store a variety of fruit and vegetable seeds in case you have to grow your own food http://amzn.to/2eQ4gRx

[cleverprepper]

Just vote already!

Since today is election day, I'd like to share a few quick thoughts on the election in lieu of a regular article.

VOTE! Just do it. Do it even if you're apathetic or if it's begrudgingly. You should do it because it's your duty as a citizen and because you can. Many people in the world don't have this right, and we should be thankful. My ideal candidate of choice wasn't even on the ballot and I still voted! Plus, it's a very close race this year, and your vote does matter, especially if you're in a swing state.

To each their own. Everyone has their own views and values, and there are opposing stances out there that we may never truly understand. Different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences form a person's opinions, and we are each entitled to our own. Constructive debate and discussion may help someone understand where you're coming from, but name-calling, violence, or forcing your ideals upon another person are not effective ways to win them over.

No matter what happens, we should at least try to get along. At the end of the day, we are all Americans and all humans, and we should stick together and take care of each other. Treat others how you'd like to be treated.

So go vote! If you don't know where your polling place is, use this humorous website to find out where to vote.

[cleverprepper]

Coconut Oil: Not just for cooking

For preppers, it's always better for an item to have multiple purposes as opposed to one. Multipurpose items mean less weight to carry, less money to spend, and more options when the time comes to use the item. I am continually thinking of new ideas for consolidating my supplies and getting the most out of them, and my most recent discovery is the multiple purposes of coconut oil.

Coconut oil is a cooking oil that has some newfound found popularly. It is a preferred oil for certain specialty diets, such as Paleo, and is also trending in beauty and bath products. It has some unriveled properties that make it ideal for these purposes, but it doesn't stop there. Coconut oil also has a myriad of uses when it comes to prepping, which is why I've made it one of the key supplies in my Bug Out Bag. I store an 8oz. bottle of it, which may seem like a large amount for one item, but it can do the job of many supplies combined.

Coconut Oil Uses

Cooking oil. This is coconut oil's primary use. It has a higher smoke point than many other cooking oils at 350°F, making it better to cook with at high temperatures. Plus, it adds a mild, tasty coconut flavor to any dish without overpowering it.

Food source. If a heat source for cooking isn't available, you can always eat/drink the coconut oil. At 117 calories per tablespoon, it's dense in calories.

Hair and skin health. Coconut oil is extremely nourishing and hydrating to skin, and can be used to replenish it, either by eating it or using it externally. It can help cure skin ailments, especially those related to dry skin. It's also an effective (and tasty!) alternative to lip balm. These benefits go for dogs too!

Mild sunscreen. In my opinion, coconut oil should only be used if traditional sunscreen isn't available. But if you find yourself starting to burn and don't have sunscreen, coconut oil does have some SPF (about 4-6) that can help protect you from the sun.

Wound treatment. Coconut oil mimics the properties of Vaseline, making it a great option for a protective coating to wounds. Plus, the fatty acids provide the added benefit of antibacterial and antifungal properites.

Constipation relief. Some say that coconut oil can help keep your digestive tract running smoothly. Eat a little every day to help yourself stay regular.

Sore throat relief. Eating a bit of coconut oil will soothe and coat a sore throat, protecting it from irritants.

Fire starter/fuel. When traditional fuel is scarce, coconut oil can be ignited to start a fire. Spread a little bit on some tinder and light to get a fire going quickly.

WD-40/lubrication replacement. This oil can lube up squeaky parts and hardware in a pinch.

Where to Get Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is not available everywhere, but more and more grocery stores are beginning to stock it. Speciality or health food stores usually carry it. However, it's usually a lot cheaper to buy it online in bulk.

Storage

Coconut oil is typically stored in glass or plastic containers, but I recommend plastic when packing for a Bug Out Bag. I store mine in an 8oz. Nalgene bottle to prevent breaking or spillage.

Coconut oil changes from liquid to solid depending on temparature, which is normal, and has a shelf life of about 2 years. Keeping it out of extreme temperatures (if possible), extends its longevity.

[cleverprepper]

Prepper Pro Tip: Every few months, rotate your food supply by replacing soon-to-expire foods.

[cleverprepper]

The Dog Bug Out Bag

Dogs are a man's best friend, and if you ask me, a woman's best friend too! I recently adopted a golden retriever puppy named Butters and have fallen absolutely in love with him. I adore him to bits and want to take care of him however I can. With this is mind, I found myself thinking one day, why not make a Bug Out Bag for him too? He's an important member of our family and shouldn't be forgotten while prepping. Unless the circumstances prevent it, he will come along with me in an emergency situation, and he has specific needs to the point where it's helpful for him to have his own bag.

Butters with his Bug Out Bag

This bag was put together under the assumption that the dog will be traveling with humans, and therefore, the bag isn't nearly as extensive as a human Bug Out Bag. It has the essentials and dog-specific supplies, while any other needs will be covered by a human's care. If you are like me and wonder, "what happens if my dog gets separated from me?", don't worry! I've considered this too and taken precautions. There are a few items in this bag that can help your dog be found if lost, help someone return your dog to you, and help someone care for them in your absense.

The Bag

I purchased a large Outward Hound DayPak for Butters. It's not the fanciest dog backpack you can buy, but it's affordable and does the job well. It has enough room for his supplies, has reflective strips for visibility, and is lightweight, so he has no problems carrying it. We tested it on a hike recently and he seemed to like it!

Supplies

Food & Water

Just like with the human Bug Out Bag, I've packed Butters' bag to hold 72 hours worth of food. The meals are slightly less than the amount in a typical meal due to space constraints, but it's still enough to get him through 72 hours without going hungry.

As for water, you will notice there is not a 72 hour supply in here. The reasons for this are a) space constraints and b) dogs' flexibility for drinking water. Although I would not encourage anyone to let their dog drink out of a tepid, stagnant puddle of water, drinking from a stream or other moving water source will likely be perfectly safe for them. If you're not comfortable with this, you can provide water to your dog by using your own Bug Out Bag's purification methods.

Pre-filled collapsable water bottle

3 Day supply of food, including:

Dry food

Meal patties

Firm Up Supplement – This supplement works wonders, especially if you have a dog with digestive problems. Butters is prone to diarrhea, and as soon as I started adding this to his diet regularly, his movements went right back to normal. This is a wonderful addition to food for a Bug Out Bag or for everyday use.

Collapsable food/water bowl

Treats – Great as a snack on a long journey and to keep morale up.

First Aid

Although some human first aid supplies can be used for your pet, dogs do still have some unique needs. I've compiled a small first aid kit that includes extras of some essentials (for both humans and dogs) and some supplies specific to dogs.

Canine Friendly Pocket Pet First Aid Kit – Comes with many of the items listed below.

Pet first aid manual

Wound plasters

Wound pads

Disposible gloves

Antiseptic swabs

New-skin liquid bandage

Medical adhesive tape

Styptic powder (clotting powder that works well with fur)

Musher's Secret

Gauze bandage

Vetrap

Aspirin (meat flavored)

Pepto Bismol chewable tablets (safe for dogs)

In addition to the items mentioned above, make sure to include any medications your dog takes regularly or as needed. I also encourage bringing along any flea, tick, and heartworm medication, especially if it hasn't been administered to the dog recently.

Other Supplies

Leash (not pictured)

Tie-out

Squeaky tennis ball

Bandana

ID and information card – This is something I came up with to use in addition to the tags on Butters' collar. It includes the following information:

Name

Breed

Address

Owners' names and phone numbers

Birthday

Known commands

Dietary needs

Small microfiber towel

Nite Ize Clip-On LED

Poop bags

Lighter

Bear bell – Great for keeping track of where your dog is if they are off leash. This works extremely well when camping too!

Tissues

Mylar blanket

Emergency poncho

It's a tight squeeze, but all of the items listed above fit. Although it seems like a lot, the final weight on this bag is only 7 pounds! Butters is roughly 60 pounds, so this is just over 10% of his body weight, which is a much lighter ratio than that of a human Bug Out Bag (20% to 30%). It's a breeze for him to carry.

Packing Considerations

I understand that this example pertains to a large breed of dog. However, this doesn't mean that smaller dogs can't have bags as well. Thankfully, the amount of food required for 72 hours in relation to the size of your dog is proportionate, so the amount they have to carry will automatically scale in that way with what the can carry. As I always say, pack your bag to fit your (and your dog's) individual needs.

[cleverprepper]

Prepper Pro Tip: Solar chargers are a smart alternative to backup power banks – they charge almost anywhere! http://amzn.to/2eLAZW9

[cleverprepper]

I have the cutest hunting buddy!