As I slowly start putting together more "long term" storage I realized it really is a hit and miss kind of thing.  This year I have told myself that I need to get the storage room put in order and with the purchase of my new label maker I know I will be inspired....

In the meantime I found this advice for beginners at the Survival Mom website.

The best slogan for beginners?  K.I.S.S.

I hope you haven't been waiting for a magic genie to come along and tell you, step by step, how to stock up on food.  Just jump right in.  Follow these steps that my friend sort of stumbled onto.

   1. Buy more of what you already eat.  You know what that is.  I don't.
   2. Look for bargains.  Use coupons and combine them with store sales.
   3. Zero in on canned foods because of their long shelf lives, but buy only those foods you would actually eat.
   4. Think about foods you could eat if you were without power.  Buy extras of those foods.
   5. Baking supplies are generally inexpensive.  Buy enough ingredients for making bread.  Find a good, basic bread recipe and a calculator.  Decide how many loaves of bread you might need to make per week if fresh, store-bought bread wasn't available.  Begin stocking up on those ingredients in the quantities you've calculated.

The bottom line here?  Keep it Simple when you Start.  It's the starting that's most important.

http://thesurvivalmom.com/2010/12/22/tell-me-exactly-how-to-store-food/

Quote from: Solars Toy on January 02, 2011, 10:37:40 AM
  4. Think about foods you could eat if you were without power. 

http://thesurvivalmom.com/2010/12/22/tell-me-exactly-how-to-store-food/

:o Did you say.... If I were without power?? I dont live that far NORTH. The most snow I have ever seen was approx 4 to 6 inches last year and I am about a half century now!

Maybe I am lucky and I didnt know it.

Quote from: U_Kay on January 29, 2011, 05:55:58 PM

:o Did you say.... If I were without power?? I dont live that far NORTH. The most snow I have ever seen was approx 4 to 6 inches last year and I am about a half century now!

Maybe I am lucky and I didnt know it.

Solar and I are off the grid so technically we are never without power....I love it. :) :) :)

off the grid?  :o that doesnt sound too good but then again I am way down South!

Quote from: U_Kay on January 29, 2011, 06:00:36 PM
off the grid?  :o that doesnt sound too good but then again I am way down South!

We are totally on Solar power.....  8)

Ok... Is it working out well for you? I knew a gentleman who's home was totally solar. This was back around '79.  Solar panels went all the way across the southern side of his roof.

Quote from: U_Kay on January 29, 2011, 06:10:23 PM
Ok... Is it working out well for you? I knew a gentleman who's home was totally solar. This was back around '79.  Solar panels went all the way across the southern side of his roof.

Solar has lived this way for almost 20 years..... We live quite comfortably.   I was at a time in my life when going back and living more like I was raised than the "citified" woman I had become.  I love it.....

Well stay warm, ST! And good luck with Solar and solar panel life. Keep me posted!

Quote from: U_Kay on January 29, 2011, 07:31:56 PM
Well stay warm, ST! And good luck with Solar and solar panel life. Keep me posted!

The wood stove is cranking to the point I am almost too hot....   :o :o

 :))  a lot of ashes blowing all over the house too?

We used to have an E-Z wood burning heater and it worked too well. I had to dust every other day. I dust only about once every 10 days now.

Quote from: U_Kay on January 29, 2011, 08:41:33 PM
:))  a lot of ashes blowing all over the house too?

We used to have an E-Z wood burning heater and it worked too well. I had to dust every other day. I dust only about once every 10 days now.

It is a never ending battle......  :( :(  I know what you mean.

ST, I saw a pic of Solar cutting wood while ago so look at the bright side~ You are indeed NEVER without power.

Quote from: U_Kay on January 29, 2011, 08:41:33 PM
:))  a lot of ashes blowing all over the house too?

We used to have an E-Z wood burning heater and it worked too well. I had to dust every other day. I dust only about once every 10 days now.

The ashes are nothing compared to what the forest produces in the way of pollen, dust, and the dogs bringing half the forest inside with them.
ST is a real troopr when it comes to keeping a clean house, I know what she puts up with.


Did I mention I am part of the problem? :-[

Quote from: U_Kay on January 29, 2011, 05:55:58 PM

:o Did you say.... If I were without power?? I dont live that far NORTH. The most snow I have ever seen was approx 4 to 6 inches last year and I am about a half century now!

Maybe I am lucky and I didnt know it.

Remember snow is not the only thing that can take out your power.
I have lived in a city and was with out city power for 4 weeks.  Not fun with a wife and 3 young kids.   Out first farm back home had no power for our first 8 years so it was no problem for me.  But my wife was 100% a city gal.   For a city gal she did great.   

To be quite frank~ I lived without electricity for the first 7 years of my life. I thoroughly enjoy having power.

Surely though WT, you and your wife did not live on that farm with out electricity for 8 years.