Blog - Page 2 of 6

Aug 25

Natural Remedies for Chapped Lips

Filed under Herbal Medicine Cabinet, Prepper Tips, Survival
August 25, 2014

Since I spend so much time outside in all weather, I am always fighting chapped lips. While it’s not a life threatening issue, chapped lips are irritating, and can be painful. Luckily they can be treated, and even prevented with natural remedies for chapped lips.

First of all… stop licking! Licking your lips is the worst thing you can do. If your lips are chapped, it’s because they are dehydrated, licking them will dry them out more as the water evaporates.

Foods to Prevent Chapped Lips

One of the primary causes of chapped lips is a lack of fatty acids in your skin. Eating foods high in omega -3 fatty acids can help hydrate dry skin and lips. Try adding more fish like sardines or salmon to your diet. Maybe sprinkle flax seeds or chia seeds into your cereal. Most nuts are high in omega-3 fatty acids, and they make a healthy and filling snack mid- day.

B vitamins and iron also contribute to overall skin health. Be sure to include foods high in iron to your daily diet. Red meat and egg yolks are iron rich foods, while green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale contain both B vitamins and iron.

Chapped Lips Scrub

Chapped lips can be unsightly. However, a simple scrub made from items that you already have in your kitchen, can get rid of the dry, flaked skin, and leave your lips soft and moisturized.

Mix together 1 tsp. honey with 1 tsp. sugar. Rub on your lips for one minute, then rinse off. The sugar will “scrub” away the dead skin, while the honey will leave the lips moisturized. (And it tastes yummy too).

Make your Own Natural Lip Balm

Of course, the best prevention for chapped lips is using a lip balm with SPF. You don’t need to buy petroleum based products, making your own lip balm is simple, and relatively inexpensive. Try this method from Purposefully Simple http://www.purposefullysimple.com/homemade-spf-30-lip-balm/ It uses cocoa butter, Coconut Oil, beeswax and Red Raspberry Seed oil, which is naturally rated at SPF 30-50.

Now, suppose it’s an emergency situation… and you are without lip balm. (Maybe you didn’t stick it in to your bug out bag). Use the finger oil method. … (yes, it’s a little icky, just try it). Rub your finger against the side of your nose… then rub it against your lips. The oil from your skin will help keep the lips moisturized.

Granted, chapped lips are more an irritant than an emergency medical situation, but taking care of irritants before they can become major issues is an essential part of survival.

[notice]This article is just one part of the puzzle, many more Prepper information articles and product reviews are available on the Back40 Blog. Learn about essential Prepper Supplies, gardening (survival seeds), stockpiling tools, the best goods for Barter, keeping your pantry up to date, and taking care of your family in an emergency. (Don’t be overwhelmed…. let Back40 help you survive.)[/notice]

Permanent link to this article: https://back40hq.com/natural-remedies-for-chapped-lips/

Aug 18

The Mighty PowerAll PBJS12000R Rosso Red/Black Portable Power Bank and Car Jump Starter

Filed under Back40, Bug Out Supplies, Prepper Reviews
August 18, 2014

The PowerAll PBJS12000R Rosso Red/Black Portable Power Bank and Car Jump Starter; How can something so small do so much?

When I first saw the PowerAll PBJS12000R Rosso Red/Black Portable Power Bank and Car Jump Starter I thought… NO WAY can that little gizmo jump start my car! But… it can! According to the manufacturer, it can do it up to 20 times on a full charge. And it comes with jumper cables!

Not only that, this little Power Bank can power up all your electronic devices. The Power Bank comes with all of these adaptors to power your appliances….USB Adapter Cable, iPhone 30 Pin Plug, Mini USB Plug, Micro USB Plug, LG Plug, Nokia Plug, Samsung Plug, Sony Ericsson Plug, Song PSP Plug, AC Charger and a DC Charger. Honestly, if it requires… this pocket sized device can do it. In fact, it will even power two at once on a speed setting!

But that’s not all this little beauty can do! It also has an incredibly powerful LED signal light/flashlight. You won’t be stuck in the dark with the PowerAll. Use it as a constant light, or set it to SOS, and it will flash until you turn it off.

Now, it takes about 5-7 hours to bring the PowerAll to a complete charge, but once it’s there, the charge should last for around 6 months. You can see what power is left by the indicator lights on the side of the PowerAll, and as long as you have 3 bars, you should be able to start the car.

There are two versions of the Powerall Portable Power Bank, Battery Jump Starter, Bright LED Flashlight, and currently both are under $100 at Amazon. Both have the same basic features, the deluxe version also includes a carrying case to keep all the pieces together.

This little device is a perfect addition to your car emergency kit, or your bug out bag. Just remember to recharge every 6 months…. put it on the same schedule as your water or food rotation, and you should be fine. In case of emergency, the PowerAll PBJS12000R Rosso Red/Black Portable Power Bank and Car Jump Starter will keep your car and your devices powered up.

powerall

Permanent link to this article: https://back40hq.com/mighty-powerall-pbjs12000r-rosso-redblack-portable-power-bank-car-jump-starter/

Aug 12

Saving Seeds

Filed under Food Storage
August 12, 2014

Saving seeds from your garden is a great way to insure that you have a great supply of seeds for next year. But… how do you do it?

Note- It is very important that the vegetables be mature before you harvest them for seeds. I know the 2 foot zucchini tastes bland, but you can’t get good seeds from the little ones. Also, be sure the seeds are coming from vegetables and fruits that are non-GMO! These won’t reproduce… if you are unsure about what kind of seeds you have start with the Back40 Essential Seed Vault for best results.

Seeds basically come in two types… dry and wet. Each needs to be saved or prepared for storage in a slightly different way. Also, keep in mind that some vegetables, like carrots, and fruits will only produce seeds after two seasons.

Dry seeds are easier. When some plants go to seed they produce pods that contain seeds. These should be harvested when they are dry and starting to burst. Do this only on a warm, sunny day. Cut the pods off of the plant with a few inches of stem. Tie the stems together, maybe slide them into a large envelope or pillow case, and hang upside down for a few weeks until they dry out completely and release the seeds. Don’t put several types of seed pods together in one bunch, you won’t be able to sort out or identify them after they’ve gotten mixed up! Some seeds may need to be removed from the chaff… just rub lightly. Then store.

Wet seeds take a bit more effort. Tomatoes, pumpkins and squash have seeds that are encased in fleshy goo. In order to collect the seeds you need to wash the pulp away. I find that putting the mucky seeds in a strainer or colander, then rinsing them while lightly rubbing works well. When the seeds are clean, lay them out in a single layer on a plate or tray to dry. (Seeds will stick to paper). Shift them around from time to time to keep them from rotting or sticking. When they have dried completely, store them.

Make sure to LABEL your seed packet. You might include a few notes about the plants as a reminder for next season (no, you won’t remember). Store the packets or containers in a cool dry place… and you are ready to go for next year!

For more information about saving seeds, take a look at the book “Seed Swap” by Josie Jeffery.

Saving Seeds

Fruit, Garden, Pea, Plant, Save (baseball), Seed, Seed saving, Vegetable
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Permanent link to this article: https://back40hq.com/saving-seeds/

Aug 07

Prepper News of The Week

Filed under Prepper
August 7, 2014

Prepper News and Views

Keeping you up to date on the latest news about the Prepper subject. It is important to stay on top of news and updates so that you are aware of what is going on so you can be ready.

Rumor Check: Is There a $500 Reward for Reporting Neighbors …

http://www.theblaze.com Wed, 30 Jul 2014 14:53:11 GMT

You may have seen the story pop up over the weekend: “New York DHS will pay you $500 to rat out ‘prepper‘ neighbors buying legal goods.” It would be a scary example of Big Brother in action — if it were true. But the …

http://www.theorganicprepper.ca Tue, 05 Aug 2014 20:06:46 GMT

Her website, The Organic Prepper, offers information on healthy prepping, including premium nutritional choices, general wellness and non-tech solutions. You can follow Daisy on Facebook and Twitter, and you can email …

http://www.rightpundits.com Fri, 01 Aug 2014 14:27:34 GMT

Last night on the National Geographic Channel we had another brand new episode of Doomsday Preppers entitled ′Be The Prep′. We met three preppers from across America getting ready for social chaos from either …

Image via Flickr

Image via Flickr

Permanent link to this article: https://back40hq.com/prepper-news-of-the-week/

Aug 06

Waterbrick Review – do you need this in your cache?

Filed under Back40, Bug Out Supplies, Food Storage, Prepper Reviews
August 6, 2014

You can have all the food, knives and Paracord in the world, but without water, you will die. The recent water issues in Toledo, Ohio remind us how incredibly precious this essential item can become. If, from one day to the next you couldn’t drink the water coming out of your tap, would you be equipped to handle it? Do you have enough water stored? And are you able to tap into or move your water easily.

Maybe it’s because I’m a woman, but the thought of lifting and maneuvering heavy water containers makes me a bit nervous. 7gallon containers are heavy! And those 55 gallon drums are great… but you need a pump to get the water out (and forget about taking it along if you bug out!).

So what’s the solution?
Recently we tested the WaterBrick, and I want to share our thoughts about this product.

At first glance, they look like overgrown Lego building blocks. In fact, this is one of the selling features of WaterBricks. You can stack them together, and they will interlock, and stay in place. (My daughter thinks they would make a killer fort!).

The full sized WaterBricks hold 3.5 gallons of water. This may not seem like much, but you can stack them up higher than standard water jugs, and they have a smaller footprint than barrels. (Squares fit better in places than circles). Stack them along a wall in a closet, or slide them under a bed. The website even suggests making a coffee table out of WaterBricks…. that might be going a bit too far!

You can also store dry goods like beans, rice, or wheat in the containers. Ammunition can also tucked inside where it’s kept safe and dry.

And they are sturdy enough to freeze!

Each block has a handle, so it is easy to carry. I can carry two (one in each hand) without trouble. Even the kids can manage to carry one. There is no moving a 55 gallon barrel. Granted, it is more of a pain to fill multiple water containers rather than one big container… but I figure that balances when you consider you don’t have to leave them behind in Bug Out situations.

Now for the downside, and it’s a biggie. They are pricey. 8 full sized bricks cost just over $140. You can purchase fewer for less money, but it’s not as cost efficient. I know the price will have a lot of you wondering if it’s worth it. The way I see it, this is a high quality product with multiple uses and a long life expectancy. I’m happy with the set of 8 we have… and for now, I plan to stick with the 8 WaterBricks inside, and keep my rain barrel outside while I save up for another set.

Waterbrick Review

Permanent link to this article: https://back40hq.com/waterbrick/

Aug 06

twentyfivepercent

Filed under Back40
August 6, 2014

Thank you for checking into our special End of the Summer offer on our Essential Seed Kit that we offer for Preppers and Homesteaders. This special collection of high quality vegetable seeds will grow a large garden for you and your family in times of need. 25% Off till the end of August!

How To Redeem…

It’s simple. I’m going to give you a link to our Amazon listing below as well as a promotional code that you will have to apply at checkout.

When you first go to our Amazon listing, it will look like this:

Notice how the price is $39.00? That’s okay. Just click the add to cart button, which we circled in the image above. This will then take you through to the checkout where you can apply the promotional code which you’ll see below:

Once you put in the promotional code, then click apply, you’ll notice the order total will be updated to reflect the discount. Just be sure to select the free shipping option at the bottom as indicated by the arrow

What To Do Next…

Step 1: use this promotional code on checkout: KEWA6NB6

Step 2: Go to Amazon and buy this product and apply the promotional code above on checkout to get it for FREE. Here is the link to the product: http://www.amazon.com/survivalseedvault

Step 3: Be sure and select Free shipping from the shipping options selection so the whole order is free to you.

Thanks from all of us at Back40

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Permanent link to this article: https://back40hq.com/twentyfivepercent/

Jun 04

Geocaching! A Fun Way to Practice Orienteering

Filed under Prepper Kids, Survival
June 4, 2014

Geocaching teaches Orienteering, aka. finding your way around with coordinates. It’s a useful and practical skill for anyone. The problem with useful and practical skills is that teaching them to kids can feel a bit like school. Sit your kids down and say “today we are going to learn….” and you might be met with some seriously sad faces. Try this instead, “today we are going on a treasure hunt”… and suddenly, you have everyone’s attention.

Geocaching is basically a treasure hunt using a GPS and coordinates.

Here’s how it works. People have hidden “Caches”, boxes or containers, containing a logbook and possibly a few trinkets all over the world. You can log in to the official Geocache website (https://www.geocaching.com) , choose one a cache you want to find, enter the coordinates in your GPS… and then go look for it. Sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? When you find it, sign the log book to let others know you were there. If there are trinkets in the cache, you may take one, but only if you replace with a trinket you brought. Then feel free to go online to let people know you found it.

That’s the basics, now for some details.

Some of these cache’s are easy to find, others are hidden very well. They come in all sizes (from breadbox down to film canister or smaller. Searching for them often requires a keen eye. And you MUST put the cache back where you found it! (It’s only fair for the other players). The hunt can take you anywhere, from deep in a forest to a city park bench. Fortunately, the online listing will give you a level of difficulty, and will also let you know the approximate size of your quarry.

Another way to join in the fun is to create your own cache for others to find. Bury a box with a log book and a few trinkets, and then list it online for others to find.

The only equipment you need to get started in Geocaching is a GPS. (Oh, and a pen to sign the logbook).

Granted, there are apps. for the phone, but I prefer a hand held model that is separate from my phone. It feels more secure.

How does Geocaching teach a valuable skill?

I know there are many of you who have survival cache’s buried or hidden. You want to be sure that your family can find them again, even if you aren’t there to help. Trying to find the third tree to the left is not as accurate as giving GPS coordinates.

Use the summer months to teach your kids (or yourself) Orienteering, take up Geocaching!

Cache, Geocache, Geocaching, GPS, Orienteering
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Permanent link to this article: https://back40hq.com/geocaching-fun-way-practice-orienteering/

May 28

Lifestraw Water Bottle- The Filter Water Bottle for On the Go

Filed under Bug Out Supplies, Go Bag, Prepper Reviews, Survival
May 28, 2014

Most of us know about Lifestraw. It’s a phenomenal invention! The personal drinking device that filters bacteria and microbes out of water while you suck it up was designed for emergency situations or areas of the world that have been stuck by disaster. The Lifestraw company even gives away a device in the third world, for every one purchased in the first world. Each lifestraw should last up to a year, filtering over 1000 liters of water safely. Millions of people worldwide will be safe from water borne illness because of this simple device.

All that is great, but who wants to walk around drinking out of a straw all the time? For anyone who travels, or camps, or heads into areas where water might be suspect, Lifestraw has created a Lifestraw Water Bottle. It looks like a regular plastic water bottle, but it contains a filter to make the water safe for drinking WITHOUT BOILING it first.

The Lifestraw water bottle not only makes water more portable, it’s much more discrete than, since the filter is fully contained within the bottle. If you are traveling somewhere, and aren’t sure of the local water supply, just fill your Lifestraw bottle, and drink safely.

Like the original, it filters the water down to 0.2 microns, and each one is good for 1000 liters of water. The BPA free bottle contains 670 ml, about standard for water bottles. It does have an attached carabiner, so it can be attached to backpacks or belt loops for easy access. And the bottle is easy to clean, since the top and filter can be removed. You can even replace the filter to keep using the bottle.

We recently bought a few of these bottles to use on camping trips to the back country, and to stick in the car BOB. The cost may seem a little bit high, but compare that to buying 1000 liters of bottled water (if bottled water is even available.) Or worse, a hospital visit, because you are sick from bad water!

Storing water is important, but water is heavy and bulky. If you have a Lifestraw Water Bottle, you can filter as much water as you need!!

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Permanent link to this article: https://back40hq.com/lifestraw-water-bottle-filter-water-bottle-go/

May 21

Quick Clot for Your Prepper First Aid Kit

Filed under Bug Out Supplies, Go Bag, Prepper Reviews, Survival
May 21, 2014

When I first learned about Quikclot, I was intrigued… a medical dressing that actually stops bleeding? What is it? How does it work? Is it available for anyone? After a bit of study, I decided to buy some for our home First Aid Kit, and for our Bug-Out-Bags. Luckily, we haven’t had an injury to test it on (not for lack of trying). But, I do want to share what I learned, and why I think everyone should keep Quick Clot in their Prepper First Aid Kit.

What is Quick Clot?

When I first heard about the product, I thought it was a powder or spray that you sprinkled over a wound. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Quick Clot is a gauze bandage impregnated with a natural inert mineral called Kaolin. For years Kaolin has known to be a hemostatic (hemo – blood, static-stop) agent, but only recently was the right application method devised. Wrap a Quick Clot bandage over a wound, and the kaolin will interact with the blood to form a clot. The Marines have been using Quick Clot in combat situations since 2003, and sadly, they have had plenty successful experience using it. Quick Clot comes as a gauze or as a sponge in a mesh bag.

Why Do YOU Need Quick Clot?

In an emergency situation like an Earthquake or Tornado, wounds happen, and preventing a victim from bleeding out is of vital importance. First responders can’t always get to you or the victim in time to make a difference; staunching the bleeding with Quick Clot can safe a life. Consider all of the times you are away from first responders… camping or hiking, driving down the freeway, or even in your own home…. accidents happen. A slip of the knife in the kitchen, a fall on rocks in the mountains, a car accident, or even a wound from some sort of attack can all cause bleeding that NEEDS to be stopped. If you have Quick Clot, you buy valuable time.

How Do You Use Quick Clot?

Quick Clot will start forming a clot fairly quickly when used on a wound. If you are using QuikClot Combat Gauze, don’t just place it on the on the surface, pack it into the wound. Sort of push the gauze in layer by layer, then hold the gauze in place for three minutes. If the wound is deep enough, you may need to add a second or third layer. If you are using a Quick Clot sponge, place the mesh bag on the wound, and hold it in place for 5 minutes. Add a second if needed. Do NOT remove the first layer if you feel like it’s not enough, there is a clot forming under there If the bleeding has stopped, wrap the gauze filled wound with a Compression Bandage or pressure bandage to hold the Quick Clot gauze in place. This will also help keep it sterile. The bandage can be left on for up to 24 hours, which hopefully will give you time to get the injured person to a medical professional. Be sure to let the physician know that you used a homeostatic agent on the wound.

Storing Quick Clot

Quick Clot is incredibly forgiving, isn’t affected by heat or cold, so you can store it almost anywhere. The shelf life is around 3 years (so be sure to date your packages as they come in!). The bandages come in sealed packages, DON’T open them, or they won’t be sterile. (You will just have to stay curious).
Quick Clot is an ideal addition to any First Aid Kit. In case of emergency or accident, this special bandage will be invaluable. Since it comes in a variety of sizes, you can purchase the right ones for your various kits. Remember, in a crisis, you could be on your own for a while, equip yourself for a medical emergency, and you could save the life of someone you love.

Permanent link to this article: https://back40hq.com/quick-clot-prepper-first-aid-kit/

May 21

Seed Vault

Filed under Back40, Prepper Garden, SHTF, Survival
May 21, 2014

Have you got a survival seed vault for your prepper cache? This kit contains 16 essential vegetable seed packets that will allow you to grow up to an acre of food for your family in times of need. These are top quality seeds and they contain all heirloom seeds, non-GMO, and non-hybrid strains. So you can be assured of top quality.

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Permanent link to this article: https://back40hq.com/seed-vault/