How to Prep Your Kids For Emergencies: Supplies

Being a parent means that your kids are the very first things you worry about. Doubly so when it comes to prepping your kids for emergency situations. Our first thoughts in any emergency are for our children; we want them to be healthy, safe, and not scared. That seems like it could be a tall order in the face of a scary emergency.

READ MORE: “Are Your Kids Equipped to Handle These 7 Scary Scenarios?“

The truth is, having a child can seriously complicate one's plans for emergency preparedness. Everything is always a lot simpler when you only have to worry about yourself and your spouse, without short people getting under foot. Sometimes, even a trip to the grocery store with kids is a major event. I am sure anyone who has ever had children knows what I'm talking about: “I want that! But WHY can't we get cookies? Can we get this? I want a treat! But I WANT it! I have to go potty!” And then the four-year-old wanders off and the baby's diaper leaks.

Well, if you have to evacuate or bug out with a young family, multiply that by about thirty times – not because the children are more high-strung, but because YOU, the parent, are so focused on trying to navigate the freeway in traffic that if the kids don't shut up RIGHT NOW, you're in danger of running the minivan off the road.

This is why it's so important to make sure everyone in your family is prepared, not just the parents. Involving your children in your plans will make your evacuation a calm (or, at least calmer) and orderly affair. There's no yelling or screaming, everyone knows what they have to do, the kids have all their stuff (including blankies), and they know how to use everything in their 72 hour kits. In this scenario, children become active participants in the evacuation instead of additional objects to be buckled into the car.

In order to accomplish this, children need three things:

1. Supplies

2. Information

3. Practice

First let's talk about the supplies. What does a kid need? What should you pack? What kind of container/backpack should you use?

Prepping Your Kids: Finding the Right Bag

The choices for a bug-out-bag are many and varied. For most people, the backpack is the container of choice, although it may also be good to consider other, non-traditional options. When it comes to prepping your kids, however, I would definitely stick with a backpack. The premise here is that everyone must be able to handle their own bag, and a backpack fits the bill: The weight is carried on the child's back instead of his or her arms, leaving arms free for balance or for carrying a comfort item.

The ideal backpack will be roomy enough to hold a lot of necessary items, but not so big as to be unwieldy. Many backpacks for children are designed to also be clipped around the waist; this is perfect because it transfers some of the weight onto the child's hips. If you have the right backpack, even a 2-year-old can be responsible for his or her own kit.

Click to Buy Now!

What to Put In It

When it comes time to pack your child's 72-hour kit, DO make your child help you. The goal here is for your child to know exactly what is in his bag, what everything is for, and how to use it. Most lists of stuff to pack includes both heavy and light things. If your child is particularly young, pack their bag with only light things, and put the heavy things in a parent's bag. For example, a little kid could carry a large amount of ramen noodles, but pack the cooking gear in with Mom's or Dad's stuff.

A list of some basic 72-hour kit items can be found here. To customize your child's kit to be more kid-friendly, consider adding the following:

For Recreation

This category is especially important for children. Having ways to occupy themselves can help reduce stress and create a sense of normalcy. Happy, non-stressed children means less stress for Mom and Dad.

• A small coloring book. Dover has an extensive line of small activity and coloring books. These measure about 3″ x 4″, perfect for stowing in a bag.


• Crayons


• A small notebook for free drawing or playing games like tic-tac-toe or Pictionary


• A balloon (not blown up, of course), for when you arrive at your destination and have some down time. I have yet to meet a child under the age of nine who has failed to be entertained by a simple balloon. Blow it up, let it loose, watch it race around the room, repeat.


• A small story book. If you have an electronic e-reader, load it with books for your child. Project Gutenburg has a huge collection of children's classics for free download.


• One pair of dice, for playing a number of dice games


• Lovies/comfort objects/blankies. These often can't be put in 72-hour kits because they are necessary for every day use. I include them because at my house, they are more precious than gold. If your kid has an emotional attachment to a stuffed animal or blanket, leave it behind at your own peril.

For Safety

• A family photo, with your contact information (mom's cellphone number, etc) written on the back. If you become separated from your child, the photo will serve as identification, showing that your child belongs with you.

For Hygiene

• Diapers/pull-ups. Even if your child is potty trained, very young children can regress during times of upheaval. This is a case where it is better to be safe than sorry. If you think a child may be offended by the tacit accusation this represents, pack them anyway. Put them in your own bag if you have to.


• Extra(!) wipes.

Involving Your Child

As you put together your child's bug out bag, make it a priority to involve your child in the process. Tell him or her, “This is for your bag and you're going to be in charge of it.” Give the child some ownership by allowing input when choices must be made, e.g. in the color of the backpack or the flavor of granola bars.

When the time comes to rotate and update items in the kits, make it a family activity. Go over each item and make sure your child knows what it is for and where it is stored in the backpack. “Granola bars are in this pocket, crackers are in this one. This is your flashlight and this is how you turn it on.” Have your child wear the backpack to check for the fit on their shoulders, and adjust the straps as needed – much better to do this at your leisure now instead of when you have fifteen minutes to leave your home.

Resist the temptation to over-pack a backpack intended for a child. A child younger than 6 can't be expected to carry very much, probably just a change of clothes, some crayons, and a few snacks.

Hopefully this will give you a starting point for putting together a child-specific 72-hour kit. Part Two of this series will focus on empowering children with necessary information.

More Resources

For more on prepping your kids, check out these printable lists of kits your kids can use:

• Survival Kid's Kit

• Wilderness Survival Kit for Every Kid

English Ivy Tree Damage: Tips On Removing Ivy From Trees

By Nikki Phipps (Author of The Bulb-o-licious Garden) There's little doubt about the attractiveness of English ivy in the garden. The vigorous vine not only grows rapidly, but is hardy too with little maintenance involved with its care, making this ivy an exceptional groundcover plant. That being said, without periodic pruning to keep it in check, English ivy can become a nuisance, especially with regards to trees in the landscape. Read on to learn more about ivy damage to trees and what can be done to alleviate the problem. Does it Harm Trees for Ivy to Grow? In spite of differing opinions, English ivy can and will, in fact, damage trees and shrubs at some point, especially when the vine is allowed to run rampant. Overgrown ivy plants will eventually suppress nearby vegetation and engulf tree trunks. This can lead to a number of issues affecting the overall health of

Read this article

The Importance of Sleeping Well

We all have heard about and appreciate the benefits of sleeping well, haven't we? Our bodies were created to rest every single day and 8 hours is what I've always heard is the optimal amount of sleep we should get every night. But, wanting to sleep and actually sleeping are sometimes two different things. I'm sure most of us have been through periods in life where we don't sleep well and it can be so frustrating and downright hard to deal with.

There's nothing worse than trying to sleep and those eyes are wide open and sleep refuses to come. Counting sheep may sound good in the stories of old, but does it really work for getting some shut-eye?

Probably not!

The post The Importance of Sleeping Well appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

How to Prep Your Kids For Emergencies: Supplies

Being a parent means that your kids are the very first things you worry about. Doubly so when it comes to prepping your kids for emergency situations. Our first thoughts in any emergency are for our children; we want them to be healthy, safe, and not scared. That seems like it could be a tall order in the face of a scary emergency.

READ MORE: “Are Your Kids Equipped to Handle These 7 Scary Scenarios?“

The truth is, having a child can seriously complicate one's plans for emergency preparedness. Everything is always a lot simpler when you only have to worry about yourself and your spouse, without short people getting under foot. Sometimes, even a trip to the grocery store with kids is a major event. I am sure anyone who has ever had children knows what I'm talking about: “I want that! But WHY can't we get cookies? Can we get this? I want a treat! But I WANT it! I have to go potty!” And then the four-year-old wanders off and the baby's diaper leaks.

Well, if you have to evacuate or bug out with a young family, multiply that by about thirty times – not because the children are more high-strung, but because YOU, the parent, are so focused on trying to navigate the freeway in traffic that if the kids don't shut up RIGHT NOW, you're in danger of running the minivan off the road.

This is why it's so important to make sure everyone in your family is prepared, not just the parents. Involving your children in your plans will make your evacuation a calm (or, at least calmer) and orderly affair. There's no yelling or screaming, everyone knows what they have to do, the kids have all their stuff (including blankies), and they know how to use everything in their 72 hour kits. In this scenario, children become active participants in the evacuation instead of additional objects to be buckled into the car.

In order to accomplish this, children need three things:

1. Supplies

2. Information

3. Practice

First let's talk about the supplies. What does a kid need? What should you pack? What kind of container/backpack should you use?

Prepping Your Kids: Finding the Right Bag

The choices for a bug-out-bag are many and varied. For most people, the backpack is the container of choice, although it may also be good to consider other, non-traditional options. When it comes to prepping your kids, however, I would definitely stick with a backpack. The premise here is that everyone must be able to handle their own bag, and a backpack fits the bill: The weight is carried on the child's back instead of his or her arms, leaving arms free for balance or for carrying a comfort item.

The ideal backpack will be roomy enough to hold a lot of necessary items, but not so big as to be unwieldy. Many backpacks for children are designed to also be clipped around the waist; this is perfect because it transfers some of the weight onto the child's hips. If you have the right backpack, even a 2-year-old can be responsible for his or her own kit.

Click to Buy Now!

What to Put In It

When it comes time to pack your child's 72-hour kit, DO make your child help you. The goal here is for your child to know exactly what is in his bag, what everything is for, and how to use it. Most lists of stuff to pack includes both heavy and light things. If your child is particularly young, pack their bag with only light things, and put the heavy things in a parent's bag. For example, a little kid could carry a large amount of ramen noodles, but pack the cooking gear in with Mom's or Dad's stuff.

A list of some basic 72-hour kit items can be found here. To customize your child's kit to be more kid-friendly, consider adding the following:

For Recreation

This category is especially important for children. Having ways to occupy themselves can help reduce stress and create a sense of normalcy. Happy, non-stressed children means less stress for Mom and Dad.

• A small coloring book. Dover has an extensive line of small activity and coloring books. These measure about 3″ x 4″, perfect for stowing in a bag.


• Crayons


• A small notebook for free drawing or playing games like tic-tac-toe or Pictionary


• A balloon (not blown up, of course), for when you arrive at your destination and have some down time. I have yet to meet a child under the age of nine who has failed to be entertained by a simple balloon. Blow it up, let it loose, watch it race around the room, repeat.


• A small story book. If you have an electronic e-reader, load it with books for your child. Project Gutenburg has a huge collection of children's classics for free download.


• One pair of dice, for playing a number of dice games


• Lovies/comfort objects/blankies. These often can't be put in 72-hour kits because they are necessary for every day use. I include them because at my house, they are more precious than gold. If your kid has an emotional attachment to a stuffed animal or blanket, leave it behind at your own peril.

For Safety

• A family photo, with your contact information (mom's cellphone number, etc) written on the back. If you become separated from your child, the photo will serve as identification, showing that your child belongs with you.

For Hygiene

• Diapers/pull-ups. Even if your child is potty trained, very young children can regress during times of upheaval. This is a case where it is better to be safe than sorry. If you think a child may be offended by the tacit accusation this represents, pack them anyway. Put them in your own bag if you have to.


• Extra(!) wipes.

Involving Your Child

As you put together your child's bug out bag, make it a priority to involve your child in the process. Tell him or her, “This is for your bag and you're going to be in charge of it.” Give the child some ownership by allowing input when choices must be made, e.g. in the color of the backpack or the flavor of granola bars.

When the time comes to rotate and update items in the kits, make it a family activity. Go over each item and make sure your child knows what it is for and where it is stored in the backpack. “Granola bars are in this pocket, crackers are in this one. This is your flashlight and this is how you turn it on.” Have your child wear the backpack to check for the fit on their shoulders, and adjust the straps as needed – much better to do this at your leisure now instead of when you have fifteen minutes to leave your home.

Resist the temptation to over-pack a backpack intended for a child. A child younger than 6 can't be expected to carry very much, probably just a change of clothes, some crayons, and a few snacks.

Hopefully this will give you a starting point for putting together a child-specific 72-hour kit. Part Two of this series will focus on empowering children with necessary information.

More Resources

For more on prepping your kids, check out these printable lists of kits your kids can use:

• Survival Kid's Kit

• Wilderness Survival Kit for Every Kid

English Ivy Tree Damage: Tips On Removing Ivy From Trees

By Nikki Phipps (Author of The Bulb-o-licious Garden) There's little doubt about the attractiveness of English ivy in the garden. The vigorous vine not only grows rapidly, but is hardy too with little maintenance involved with its care, making this ivy an exceptional groundcover plant. That being said, without periodic pruning to keep it in check, English ivy can become a nuisance, especially with regards to trees in the landscape. Read on to learn more about ivy damage to trees and what can be done to alleviate the problem. Does it Harm Trees for Ivy to Grow? In spite of differing opinions, English ivy can and will, in fact, damage trees and shrubs at some point, especially when the vine is allowed to run rampant. Overgrown ivy plants will eventually suppress nearby vegetation and engulf tree trunks. This can lead to a number of issues affecting the overall health of

Read this article

The Importance of Sleeping Well

We all have heard about and appreciate the benefits of sleeping well, haven't we? Our bodies were created to rest every single day and 8 hours is what I've always heard is the optimal amount of sleep we should get every night. But, wanting to sleep and actually sleeping are sometimes two different things. I'm sure most of us have been through periods in life where we don't sleep well and it can be so frustrating and downright hard to deal with.

There's nothing worse than trying to sleep and those eyes are wide open and sleep refuses to come. Counting sheep may sound good in the stories of old, but does it really work for getting some shut-eye?

Probably not!

The post The Importance of Sleeping Well appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Fashion Over 50: Needham Lane Clothes

Today's feature is a new to me website with some pretty and preppy inspired clothing. Needham Lane out of Massachusetts, features pretty and 100 % cotton colorful fabrics and classic styles. If you like Lily, you'll probably like Needham Lane, so take a look at these pretty spring outfits that I'm styling for them.

Their clothing pieces come in several different fabric choices, so you'll probably see something you like.

The post Fashion Over 50: Needham Lane Clothes appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Companion Planting With Agapanthus: Good Companion Plants For Agapanthus

By Teo Spengler Agapanthus are tall perennials with gorgeous blue, pink or purple flowers. Also called Lily of the Nile or Blue African Lily, agapanthus is the queen of the late summer garden. Although you may be tempted to dedicate a flower bed to agapanthus, remember that agapanthus companion plants can complement these beauties. Read on for information about plants that grow well with agapanthus. Companion Planting with Agapanthus Once you know about plants that grow well with agapanthus, you can select agapanthus companion plants for your garden. The first thing to keep in mind is that companion plants for agapanthus must share the flower's preferences for temperature, soil and sun. Agapanthus thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 11. This perennial can reach 5 feet tall, depending on variety, and looks most attractive grown in masses of color. Dwarf agapanthus, such as Peter Pan or

Read this article

The Prepper's Solar Still

Written by Guest Contributor on The Prepper Journal.

But what happens if an earthquake or a natural disaster occurs and it destroys the water pipe lines in your town? You will have to find a way to provide water to live!!!

The post The Prepper's Solar Still appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Fashion Over 50: Needham Lane Clothes

Today's feature is a new to me website with some pretty and preppy inspired clothing. Needham Lane out of Massachusetts, features pretty and 100 % cotton colorful fabrics and classic styles. If you like Lily, you'll probably like Needham Lane, so take a look at these pretty spring outfits that I'm styling for them.

Their clothing pieces come in several different fabric choices, so you'll probably see something you like.

The post Fashion Over 50: Needham Lane Clothes appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Companion Planting With Agapanthus: Good Companion Plants For Agapanthus

By Teo Spengler Agapanthus are tall perennials with gorgeous blue, pink or purple flowers. Also called Lily of the Nile or Blue African Lily, agapanthus is the queen of the late summer garden. Although you may be tempted to dedicate a flower bed to agapanthus, remember that agapanthus companion plants can complement these beauties. Read on for information about plants that grow well with agapanthus. Companion Planting with Agapanthus Once you know about plants that grow well with agapanthus, you can select agapanthus companion plants for your garden. The first thing to keep in mind is that companion plants for agapanthus must share the flower's preferences for temperature, soil and sun. Agapanthus thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 through 11. This perennial can reach 5 feet tall, depending on variety, and looks most attractive grown in masses of color. Dwarf agapanthus, such as Peter Pan or

Read this article

The Prepper's Solar Still

Written by Guest Contributor on The Prepper Journal.

But what happens if an earthquake or a natural disaster occurs and it destroys the water pipe lines in your town? You will have to find a way to provide water to live!!!

The post The Prepper's Solar Still appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

How to Dehydrate Cabbage

When you think of dehydrating vegetables of any kind, learning to dehydrate cabbage is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. It sure wasn't for me. As an outdoor guide who provided meals to my clients, I need to plan and prepare a wide variety of meals, especially when I'm guiding a multi-day backpacking or white water rafting trip. One of my main concerns is the weight of the food that I'm packing, along with the rest of the gear, so years ago, I quickly learned the value of dehydrating certain foods. To this day, I enjoy having a wide variety of dried vegetables, berries and fruits on hand to cook with and eat, cabbage being one of my favorites.

Why Dehydrate Cabbage?

Cabbage is one of the unsung heroes of the vegetable world. Part of the dark leafy greens group, it's rich in vitamins A, K and C, not to mention folate, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and certain trace minerals. A serving has only about 22 calories, while providing 2 grams of fiber and 1 gram of protein.

Did you know that per serving size (one cup), cabbage provides over 50 percent of the recommended daily vitamin C our bodies should get – even more than oranges? Or that one serving of cabbage provides 85 percent of your daily requirement of vitamin K? I had no idea. I just know I love cabbage, especially in soups.

Types of Cabbages

I've never met a cabbage I didn't like, and there are plenty to choose from when adding to your stores of dehydrated vegetables:

• Green – The one most familiar to Americans, especially if you like cole slaw, salads, stir fry or cabbage soup.


• Savoy – Considered the “prettiest” cabbage, it's often used in salads, especially with baby greens.


• White – Also known as a Dutch cabbage, it's very similar to the green cabbage in texture and density.


• Red – Great, thin sliced in salads or used in a red cabbage slaw.


• Napa (Chinese cabbage) – Used to make Korean Kimchi.


• Bok Choy – Looks a lot more like Swiss chard. A favorite in stir frys. I like the leafy part in my salads.


• Brussels Sprouts – Looks like a “mini” green cabbage. I've called them hamster cabbages since I was a kid; my personal favorite, especially roasted!

As you can see, there is a great variety to choose from when deciding which cabbage to dehydrate.

Preparation

Prepping this great vegetable for dehydrating is fairly simple:

1. Remove the outer leaves from each head of cabbage.


2. Stem and core the larger cabbage varieties. Those parts don't dehydrate or reconstitute that well.


3. Clean and wash, then let stand or pat dry.


4. Cut or process the head into quarters, and then into thin strips approximately 1/8” wide. Length can vary with no problem.


5. Remember, there is no need to blanch the cabbage prior to dehydrating.

Dehydrating

1. Arrange the the slices onto your dehydrator trays. They can nestle close together, even overlap just a touch.


2. Turn on your dehydrator to the recommended temperature. Usually between 125 degrees and 135 degrees Fahrenheit.


3. Dry between 8 – 11 hours depending on the thickness of the cabbage leaves. Don't forget to rotate your dehydrator trays for even drying.


4. After your cabbage pieces are fully dry, I suggest letting the cabbage stand at room temp for a night before packaging them for storage.

Storing dehydrated cabbage

There are a wide variety of choices as far as storage containers. For me, it depends on what my goals are. If it is long term storage, then I use everything from canning jars to mylar bags. I make sure to add some type of oxygen absorbers in each container. I don't suggest using plastic containers of any kind. I have had leakage problems no matter how carefully I store and stack them.

If the dehydrated cabbage is for more immediate consumption, such as on an outdoor adventure of some kind like backpacking, biking, rafting or kayaking, then zip-loc bags will work just fine.

Uses

There are so many great ways to include and use dehydrated vegetables, including cabbage, in your meal planning and cooking. It rehydrates quickly, and if your recipe contains plenty of moisture already, there's no need to rehydrate before adding to your dish. Whether you are crafting a casserole, or simmering a stew or soup, consider adding some flavor, texture, color and nutrition to your next dish by adding some dehydrated cabbage!

Family Time in Florida

Life is a hard road at times, my friends.

I've shared much of my family with you all over the years, including the fact that my parents are both native Floridians. That means that as children, my sister and I spent a lot of time in Florida, visiting both sides of the family. Mom grew up near Plant City in a little community called Durant.

If you know where Durant is, you get a gold star, since it's a tiny spot on the map that you will miss if you blink. The girls in my family just got back from there a couple of weeks ago. We went down for a visit to see family and while it was an enjoyable visit and one we always look forward to, it was bittersweet as well.

The post Family Time in Florida appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Prepper Mindset – The Will to Abide

Written by Guest Contributor on The Prepper Journal.

Having the right mind is paramount and with this mindset comes the stoicism and steadfastness that leads to quiet strength in emergencies, natural disasters and the ability to deal with whatever, whichever wicked and /or good things that will come your way in this crazy little thing called life.

The post Prepper Mindset – The Will to Abide appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Cattail Harvesting: Tips On Harvesting Wild Cattails

By Jessica Sheehan Did you know wild cattails were edible? Yes, those distinctive plants growing alongside the water's edge can easily be harvested, providing a source of vitamins and starch to your diet all year round. This common grass is very easily identified in nature and its benefits as a food and more are numerous to everyone from a day hiker to a wilderness survivor. Read on to learn more about what cattails are used for. How to Harvest Cattails Virtually all parts of the cattail plant are edible at some point of the year. Cattail harvesting can be as simple as picking one right off the plant in summer. The lower part of the stem is white and, when eaten raw, tastes like cucumber. If you cook it, it tastes like corn. The pollen can be removed from the stalk simply by shaking into a paper bag and using

Read this article

How to Dehydrate Cabbage

When you think of dehydrating vegetables of any kind, learning to dehydrate cabbage is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. It sure wasn't for me. As an outdoor guide who provided meals to my clients, I need to plan and prepare a wide variety of meals, especially when I'm guiding a multi-day backpacking or white water rafting trip. One of my main concerns is the weight of the food that I'm packing, along with the rest of the gear, so years ago, I quickly learned the value of dehydrating certain foods. To this day, I enjoy having a wide variety of dried vegetables, berries and fruits on hand to cook with and eat, cabbage being one of my favorites.

Why Dehydrate Cabbage?

Cabbage is one of the unsung heroes of the vegetable world. Part of the dark leafy greens group, it's rich in vitamins A, K and C, not to mention folate, potassium, calcium, phosphorus and certain trace minerals. A serving has only about 22 calories, while providing 2 grams of fiber and 1 gram of protein.

Did you know that per serving size (one cup), cabbage provides over 50 percent of the recommended daily vitamin C our bodies should get – even more than oranges? Or that one serving of cabbage provides 85 percent of your daily requirement of vitamin K? I had no idea. I just know I love cabbage, especially in soups.

Types of Cabbages

I've never met a cabbage I didn't like, and there are plenty to choose from when adding to your stores of dehydrated vegetables:

• Green – The one most familiar to Americans, especially if you like cole slaw, salads, stir fry or cabbage soup.


• Savoy – Considered the “prettiest” cabbage, it's often used in salads, especially with baby greens.


• White – Also known as a Dutch cabbage, it's very similar to the green cabbage in texture and density.


• Red – Great, thin sliced in salads or used in a red cabbage slaw.


• Napa (Chinese cabbage) – Used to make Korean Kimchi.


• Bok Choy – Looks a lot more like Swiss chard. A favorite in stir frys. I like the leafy part in my salads.


• Brussels Sprouts – Looks like a “mini” green cabbage. I've called them hamster cabbages since I was a kid; my personal favorite, especially roasted!

As you can see, there is a great variety to choose from when deciding which cabbage to dehydrate.

Preparation

Prepping this great vegetable for dehydrating is fairly simple:

1. Remove the outer leaves from each head of cabbage.


2. Stem and core the larger cabbage varieties. Those parts don't dehydrate or reconstitute that well.


3. Clean and wash, then let stand or pat dry.


4. Cut or process the head into quarters, and then into thin strips approximately 1/8” wide. Length can vary with no problem.


5. Remember, there is no need to blanch the cabbage prior to dehydrating.

Dehydrating

1. Arrange the the slices onto your dehydrator trays. They can nestle close together, even overlap just a touch.


2. Turn on your dehydrator to the recommended temperature. Usually between 125 degrees and 135 degrees Fahrenheit.


3. Dry between 8 – 11 hours depending on the thickness of the cabbage leaves. Don't forget to rotate your dehydrator trays for even drying.


4. After your cabbage pieces are fully dry, I suggest letting the cabbage stand at room temp for a night before packaging them for storage.

Storing dehydrated cabbage

There are a wide variety of choices as far as storage containers. For me, it depends on what my goals are. If it is long term storage, then I use everything from canning jars to mylar bags. I make sure to add some type of oxygen absorbers in each container. I don't suggest using plastic containers of any kind. I have had leakage problems no matter how carefully I store and stack them.

If the dehydrated cabbage is for more immediate consumption, such as on an outdoor adventure of some kind like backpacking, biking, rafting or kayaking, then zip-loc bags will work just fine.

Uses

There are so many great ways to include and use dehydrated vegetables, including cabbage, in your meal planning and cooking. It rehydrates quickly, and if your recipe contains plenty of moisture already, there's no need to rehydrate before adding to your dish. Whether you are crafting a casserole, or simmering a stew or soup, consider adding some flavor, texture, color and nutrition to your next dish by adding some dehydrated cabbage!

Family Time in Florida

Life is a hard road at times, my friends.

I've shared much of my family with you all over the years, including the fact that my parents are both native Floridians. That means that as children, my sister and I spent a lot of time in Florida, visiting both sides of the family. Mom grew up near Plant City in a little community called Durant.

If you know where Durant is, you get a gold star, since it's a tiny spot on the map that you will miss if you blink. The girls in my family just got back from there a couple of weeks ago. We went down for a visit to see family and while it was an enjoyable visit and one we always look forward to, it was bittersweet as well.

The post Family Time in Florida appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Prepper Mindset – The Will to Abide

Written by Guest Contributor on The Prepper Journal.

Having the right mind is paramount and with this mindset comes the stoicism and steadfastness that leads to quiet strength in emergencies, natural disasters and the ability to deal with whatever, whichever wicked and /or good things that will come your way in this crazy little thing called life.

The post Prepper Mindset – The Will to Abide appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

Cattail Harvesting: Tips On Harvesting Wild Cattails

By Jessica Sheehan Did you know wild cattails were edible? Yes, those distinctive plants growing alongside the water's edge can easily be harvested, providing a source of vitamins and starch to your diet all year round. This common grass is very easily identified in nature and its benefits as a food and more are numerous to everyone from a day hiker to a wilderness survivor. Read on to learn more about what cattails are used for. How to Harvest Cattails Virtually all parts of the cattail plant are edible at some point of the year. Cattail harvesting can be as simple as picking one right off the plant in summer. The lower part of the stem is white and, when eaten raw, tastes like cucumber. If you cook it, it tastes like corn. The pollen can be removed from the stalk simply by shaking into a paper bag and using

Read this article

new! may 7, a special in-the-garden workshop, up-close and personal

I WISH I COULD walk every visitor around personally at Garden Conservancy Open Days—and answer every question. But that’s impossible [read more…]

The post new! may 7, a special in-the-garden workshop, up-close and personal appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Sago Palm Leaf Problems: My Sago Isn’t Growing Leaves

By Teo Spengler For tropical drama in your garden, consider planting a sago palm (Cycas revoluta), a type of small tree grown widely throughout the country as both a container and a landscape plant. This plant is not a true palm, despite its common name, but a cycad, part of a prehistoric class of plants. You can expect your sago palm to produce a whorl of dark green, feather-like fronds on its trunk. If your sago palm has no new leaves, it’s time to start sago palm troubleshooting. Sago Palm Leaf Problems Sagos are slow-growing trees, so don’t expect them to grow fronds quickly. However, if the months come and go and your sago palm isn’t growing leaves, the plant may have a problem. When it comes to sago palm leaf problems, the first thing to do is review your cultural practices. It’s entirely possible that the reason your sago

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Understanding Seed Types and Their Importance

Written by R. Ann Parris on The Prepper Journal.

Maybe we’re stuck in a rut because of the things we read about seeds, and maybe aren't really and truly understanding seed types and some of the terms we see.

The post Understanding Seed Types and Their Importance appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

new! may 7, a special in-the-garden workshop, up-close and personal

I WISH I COULD walk every visitor around personally at Garden Conservancy Open Days—and answer every question. But that’s impossible [read more…]

The post new! may 7, a special in-the-garden workshop, up-close and personal appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Sago Palm Leaf Problems: My Sago Isn’t Growing Leaves

By Teo Spengler For tropical drama in your garden, consider planting a sago palm (Cycas revoluta), a type of small tree grown widely throughout the country as both a container and a landscape plant. This plant is not a true palm, despite its common name, but a cycad, part of a prehistoric class of plants. You can expect your sago palm to produce a whorl of dark green, feather-like fronds on its trunk. If your sago palm has no new leaves, it’s time to start sago palm troubleshooting. Sago Palm Leaf Problems Sagos are slow-growing trees, so don’t expect them to grow fronds quickly. However, if the months come and go and your sago palm isn’t growing leaves, the plant may have a problem. When it comes to sago palm leaf problems, the first thing to do is review your cultural practices. It’s entirely possible that the reason your sago

Read this article

Understanding Seed Types and Their Importance

Written by R. Ann Parris on The Prepper Journal.

Maybe we’re stuck in a rut because of the things we read about seeds, and maybe aren't really and truly understanding seed types and some of the terms we see.

The post Understanding Seed Types and Their Importance appeared first on The Prepper Journal.

new! may 7, a special in-the-garden workshop

I WISH I COULD walk every visitor around personally at Garden Conservancy Open Days—and answer every question. But that’s impossible [read more…]

The post new! may 7, a special in-the-garden workshop appeared first on A Way To Garden.

Tarragon Plant Harvesting: Tips On Harvesting Tarragon Herbs

By Amy Grant Tarragon is a delicious, licorice flavored, perennial herb useful in any number of your culinary creations. As with most other herbs, tarragon is cultivated for its flavorful leaves rich in essential oils. How do you know when to harvest tarragon though? Read on to find out about tarragon harvest times and how to harvest tarragon. Tarragon Plant Harvesting All herbs should be harvested when their essential oils are at their peak, early in the morning after the dew has dried and before the heat of the day. Herbs, in general, can be harvested when they have enough leaves to maintain growth. As tarragon is a perennial herb, it can be harvested up until late August. Be advised to stop harvesting tarragon herbs one month before the frost date for your area. If you keep harvesting tarragon herbs too late in the season, the plant will likely keep

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Happy Easter! Spring Blooms

Happy Easter to all of you! This is such a special time of the year and Easter Sunday traditions are precious.

I hope you are all enjoying a beautiful day with family and friends and remembering what Easter is all about. He is risen, He is risen indeed! And that one event forever changed the world! I've been singing in the choir this morning and having lunch with my family and that makes it a special Easter for me.

I do not go all out for Spring decorating, but once the blossoms start popping out on my cherry tree in the front yard, it invites me to cut some branches and bring them inside, so once again I did that.

The post Happy Easter! Spring Blooms appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

Potatoes In A Can: A Tutorial

My husband is a meat-and-potatoes kind of guy. Except not really so much of the meat; just potatoes. As far as he is concerned, potatoes are the staff of life. “Potatoes have probably saved millions of lives,” he told me when I said I was going to sit down to write an article on potatoes in a can.

So, of course, we have to have them in our food storage. How could we not? They are versatile, inexpensive, come in a number of different forms for food storage, and are sold by every food storage company that I know of.

Here’s everything you need to know about the different ways potatoes can be purchased in a #10 can, and how I use them in my home.

Types of Potatoes In A Can

There are four types of potatoes in a can: Dehydrated potatoes, freeze dried potatoes, complete mashed potatoes and potato flakes. You may also find potato beads, dices, slices, and shredded potatoes, depending on the company.

FOLLOW THIS PINTEREST BOARD: If you love potatoes, you’ll love the collection of recipes on my board, “Potatoes Only!“

Dehydrated Potatoes

In their dehydrated form, as slices, these potatoes look and feel like extra thick, brittle potato chips. Once hydrated, however, they can be used just like any other sliced or diced potato in soup, stew, casseroles, and even potato salad. If you’ve ever purchased a pouch of Potatoes au Gratin from a brand such as Betty Crocker or Idahoan, you’re familiar with dehydrated sliced potatoes.

Augason Farms carries dehydrated potatoes in dices, as well as sliced dehydrated potatoes so you can get that authentic potato au gratin. (My favorite au gratin potato recipe can be found here.) You can also get dehydrated potato shreds which are great for hash browns. Some people don’t prefer dehydrated potatoes because the dehydrating process robs the potatoes of some flavor, and it somewhat alters the texture, but in most dishes, you would scarcely know the difference between fresh and dehydrated.

Dehydrated potatoes will be less expensive than freeze dried and, because they shrink up so much in the drying process, you will end up with more potatoes in the container than if they were freeze dried.

Freeze Dried Potatoes

Freeze drying preserves much of the original texture and flavor, and for this reason FD potatoes are a great improvement over the dehydrated kind. They also take less time to reconstitute. Dehydrated potatoes must be left in hot water for 10-15 minutes before cooking, whereas freeze-dried potatoes only require five minutes.

The improved potatoey-ness comes at a price, however: Freeze-dried anything is going to be considerably more expensive than dehydrated foods. Depending on your personal preference, the extra cost may be worth it. Both freeze-dried and dehydrated potatoes will store for upwards of 20+ years, under the right conditions.

Complete Mashed Potatoes

Augason Farms sells these as potato gems, but they may also be potato pearls or beads depending on the company. As the name would suggest, these are just-add-water mashed potatoes, and already include milk and butter flavoring. I love having a can of instant mashed potatoes in my pantry at all times. They’re perfect for a quick side dish for dinner, or as a component of shepherd’s pie. I’ve added sliced green onion, grated cheddar cheese, and seasoning to leftover mashed potatoes and then breaded and fried them.

Potato Flakes

Potato flakes are similar to instant mashed potatoes. You will have to add extra milk, butter, and salt yourself. Some people say that they taste rather bland, even with added butter. By themselves, potato flakes can only be described as “stodgy.” Furthermore, the high starch content has a tendency to produce a gummy, gluey texture.

This isn’t particularly desirable in mashed potatoes, but is an excellent quality in bread making. All that extra starch helps make the dough extra stretchy, producing a delightfully tender crumb. Potato flakes are especially great for making donuts, because what could be better than making an unhealthy dessert out of your food storage?

This recipe originally calls for white flour, but it will work well with whole wheat flour on the condition that it is from hard white winter wheat. One final word of warning: This recipe makes a LOT of donuts, so don’t start unless you’re committed.

Homemade Potato Donuts

Ingredients

• 1/2  powdered milk


• 3 1/2 C warm water


• 3 Tbsp yeast


• 1 C sugar


• 1 Tbsp salt


• 1/2 C whole egg powder


• 1 1/2 C mashed potatoes (for best results, use plain potato flakes, reconstituted)


• 1 tsp lemon zest


• 1 tsp nutmeg


• 3/4 C shortening


• 5-7 C flour


• Vegetable oil for frying


• Granulated sugar, for dipping.

Instructions

1. Reconstitute milk powder in warm water. Dissolve yeast and sugar. Add egg powder and stir until dissolved. Add salt, potatoes, lemon zest, nutmeg, and shortening. Stir in 3 C flour and mix well. Add remaining flour 1/2 C at a time until the dough is stiff, but still pretty sticky.

2. Let rise in a greased bowl until double in size (about 1 1/2 hours). Roll out like biscuits and cut into rounds. If you don’t have a donut cutter, use a wide mouth jar lid, and fingers to make a hole in the middle.

3. Let rise on greased cookie sheets. Deep fry. While still warm, dip one side in sugar. Drain on paper towels. Makes 5 dozen donuts.

Anemone Varieties: Different Types Of Anemone Plants

By Mary H. Dyer, Master Naturalist and Master Gardener, www.summitspringsgardenwriting.com A member of the buttercup family, anemone, often known as windflower, is a diverse group of plants available in a range of sizes, forms and colors. Read on to learn more about tuberous and non-tuberous types of anemone plants. Varieties of Anemones Different types of anemone flowers include perennial, non-tuberous plants that grow from fibrous roots and tuberous anemone varieties that are planted in the fall, often alongside tulips, daffodils or other spring-blooming bulbs. Non-Tuberous Anemones Meadow anemone – An American native that produces small, white-center flowers in groups of two and three. Meadow anemone blooms profusely in spring and early summer. Mature height is 12 to 24 inches. Japanese (hybrid) anemone – This graceful plant displays dark green, fuzzy leaves and single or semi-double, cup-shaped blooms in shades of pink, white or rose, depending on the variety. Mature height

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‘arthropods of the great indoors,’ with ncsu’s dr. matt bertone

A RECENT STUDY called “Arthropods of the Great Indoors” sealed it for me: We are not alone. No, not even [read more…]

The post ‘arthropods of the great indoors,’ with ncsu’s dr. matt bertone appeared first on A Way To Garden.

The Sendero Pack Knife: A High Quality Field Knife

I was excited when The Survival Mom asked if I wanted to write a review for a knife that Larry Connelley, knife expert and founder of knifeart.com, wanted to have run through its paces – the White River Knife & Tool Sendero Pack Knife. This project really peaked my interest when I found out it was a field knife designed by renowned Master Bladesmith Jerry Fisk, MS.

White River Knife & Tool teamed up with Jerry, to create what I consider to be one of the best all around lightweight field knives I have ever used, and I don’t make this recommendation lightly. Throughout the over 30 years of working professionally in the outdoors, I have had a chance to use many types of knives: Several configurations of both straight and folding blades as a mountaineering, technical rock climbing, and white water rafting guide; dive knives as a divemaster, rescue diver and water safety and survival instructor; knives made specifically for outdoor survival and search and rescue work; not to mention knives used for general outdoor hiking, backpacking, hunting and fishing. Each had their strengths and weaknesses and many were configured and manufactured specifically for the task at hand. But most importantly, having used many specialty blades, I have come to realize the value of and use for a high quality multi-purpose field knife. The Sendero Pack Knife is that knife.

About the Sendero Pack Knife

Before I tell you how the knife performed in the field, a little background information. The Sendero Pack Knife is a semi-custom knife with a full tang and guard notch for your index finger at the back bottom edge of the blade. This knife has a tough carbon fiber handle and comes custom fitted in a kydex sheath.

The full tang provides an extra measure of overall strength to the knife. The guard notch is great for protecting your hand from slipping onto the blade and allows your index finger to help control the knife. The blade itself is made from CPM S30V steel with a Rockwell Hardness (HRC) of between 58-61. This composition of steel is well suited to stand up to heavy use in tough environments. In fact, Larry Connelley notes, ”It makes a great field knife blade that is tough and unlikely to break with heavy, near abusive, use.” The razor sharp blade with a flat grind is 3.25” in length, and has a nice stonewashed finish that fits well with the intended use of this knife.

White River Knife & Tool and Fisk married the blade to an eye catching carbon fiber handle, an incredibly durable and nearly indestructible material. Carbon fiber is five times more durable than steel, very lightweight, and able to handle tremendous pressures without flexing, deforming or breaking. It’s an ideal material to use if you want to build a tough, lightweight, no nonsense knife capable of standing up to the rigors of outdoor use. The polished handle is shaped and press fit to the blade with two stainless steel pins and the butt end of the knife is slotted for a lanyard.

This well-crafted knife comes in a custom molded and highly versatile sheath made of kydex that I found very functional. The design allows the knife to be carried either for a right or left handed draw, and in multiple positions from dead vertical to horizontal on your belt or pack strap. Remove the belt holder and attach a lanyard through the two holes at the bottom of the sheath and you can even carry the knife around your neck. You have many choices depending on your circumstances and needs in the field.

Craftsmanship

Jerry Fisk and White River Knife & Tool have created a knife of excellent quality. Right out of the box, this knife felt great in my hand. Nicely balanced and lightweight, yet meaty enough to fit well into the palm of my hand in both a standard and reverse grip. The blade was razor sharp with a very even edge. The handle was cleanly fit to the blade with no rough edges and secured with two well-placed and beefy stainless steel pins. The knife pulled from and locked into its kydex sheath smoothly each and every time I used it.

Quality and Guaranty

A couple other points worth noting. With the Sendero, each knife is hand finished and stamped with the designer’s name and serial number (mine is number 131.) The blade is precision ground and leather honed. The handle is polished, shaped, and fitted to the blade. The tough Kydex sheath is custom molded for fit and is designed to be configured in many different ways and positions depending on the user’s needs. All of this, White River Knife and Tool backs with an unbeatable warranty: Each knife is guaranteed for life. If you are not 100% satisfied with your knife, just return it for repair or replacement, free of charge, no questions asked. I like that! After my initial out of the box evaluation of the knife and sheath, I was really looking forward to field testing it.

Field Testing

I wanted to put The Sendero Pack knife though its paces, as if it was being used on an extended camping, hunting or fishing trip. With that in mind, the first stop was my kitchen and some of the basics of food prep: I chopped, slice, slivered, and diced a variety vegetables and fruits. The knife easily handled all that I tried. It even made short work of some very hard potatoes, carrots, and Jicama. I had no problem neatly slicing, without mushing, a couple of medium sized ripe tomatoes, as well.

Next, I took a whole frozen silver salmon from last season’s guiding in Alaska, directly out of the freezer and cut it into steaks. The Sendero cut cleanly, no tearing or jagged edges to the meat. The knife was so sharp that, over the course of a couple of weeks, I was also able to use it to easily clean a catfish, some crappie, and a bass with very little effort. In addition, I gutted and skinned a squirrel and rabbit. The blade handled well, particularly when skinning and fleshing out both animals. I wasn’t able to try the knife on any larger animals such as a raccoon, coyote, or even a small deer, but based on the knife’s performance with the smaller animals, I think it will also work very well when dressing them out.

I didn’t want to stop there. A good all-around field knife should be able to handle some simple tasks needed while camping or in a survival situation. The Sendero Pack Knife made short work of a variety of fishing lines, twine, rope and even cut a thick rubber hose cleanly. Additionally, I used the knife to baton some small pieces of wood, whittle some feather or fuzz sticks for use in making a fire, and then started one using the Sendero and my ferrocerium (also known as a ferro) rod. With all of the tests and tasks I put the knife through, it maintained its edge very well. No additional sharpening was needed.

Lastly, I took the knife out with me on half a dozen hikes to test out the sheath. I reconfigured the kydex sheath in many different positions in the field, attaching it to my belt and two different packs. With the very clear instruction sheet provided by White River Knife & Tool, it was a snap to do. The Sendero Pack Knife and sheath are so light in weight that I barely noticed them on my belt, and the overall slim form factor made the knife very unobtrusive.

One Last Unexpected Test

During one of my recent outings, while testing the Sendero Pack Knife, I was caught in a sudden rainstorm in the southern end of the Ozarks where I was hiking. Nearing the end of the trail, I made a dash to my car as the rain picked up. Somehow, while stowing my pack and gear, the sheathed knife fell to the ground by my trunk. Exiting the parking area, now quite muddy, I ran it over with my car!

Later, while cleaning and putting away the gear, I realized the Sendero was missing. A day later, while retracing my steps, I found the knife pushed into the dirt at the parking area and pulled it out of the mud, washed it off on the spot, inspected it, and found that both sheath and knife had suffered no visible damage whatsoever!

Highly Recommend!

Have you been looking for a great all-around field knife that is ruggedly build and well balanced, yet lightweight, sleek, and low profile? A knife that you can wear on your belt, just as easily as attach it to your pack, or around your neck as a conceal and carry? Then you need to seriously consider the White River Knife & Tool Sendero Pack Knife offered by knifeart.com. It is priced in the $200 – $300 range, not inexpensive, but anything of high quality and craftsmanship seldom is. I think this knife is a worthy investment in a key piece of outdoor and  survival gear that will last a lifetime. Jerry Fisk, designer and creator of this great outdoor knife, feels the same way. He said, “I like it [the Sendero Pack Knife] so well that it is now my main in the field knife.”

Specifications

• Made in the USA!


• O/A Length: 7.45”


• Blade Length: 3.25”


• Handle Length: 4.2”


• Handle: Carbon Fiber


• Blade Type: Plain Edge, Drop Point


• Steel: CPM S30V, 59 HRC


• Blade Finish: Stonewash/Light Polish


• Knife Weight: 3.2 oz. (including the Sheath, 4.9 oz.)


• Sheath: Kydex


• Price: $200 – $300 range

Additional Resources

• Knifeart.com


• Jerry Fisk, MS


• White River Knife and Tool


• Encyclopedia of Knife terms