Wednesday, 30 November 2016

Unique Vegetable Platter with Veggie Christmas Tree

Unique Vegetable Platter with Veggie Christmas Tree is courtesy of http://ift.tt/1nr27gs

Do you want to have a unique vegetable platter for a holiday party or for Christmas Eve? Here we have another amazing culinary idea. After “Fruit Christmas Tree“, is time learn how to make a Veggie Christmas Tree. It is not difficult to do, because we show you all what you need to make the most beautiful platter to enjoy with your guests. Read all details provided by Kaitlyne Caudle.

You’ll need:

Styrofoam Cone 8″X3″

Bright Plastic Flower-Shaped Veggie & Dip Trays

Veggie Christmas Tree – directions by Kaitlyne Caudle

This Article Was Originally Posted on goodshomedesign.com Read The Original Article here

See Full Article Here: Unique Vegetable Platter with Veggie Christmas Tree

The Left Has Discovered A ‘Surprisingly Easy Way’ To ‘Dump Trump’ — And They Claim It Would Work

The Left Has Discovered A ‘Surprisingly Easy Way’ To ‘Dump Trump’ — And They Claim It Would Work was originally seen on http://ift.tt/1nr27gs

Photo by Gage Skidmore. License: http://ift.tt/GNPTSO

WASHINGTON — It would be far easier to remove a President Trump from office than most Americans think – at least, that’s what his critics say.

All it would take is for the vice president and a majority of the members of the cabinet to declare the president mentally or physically unfit, according to liberal commentator Keith Olbermann, who made the case in a new video as part of his GQ “The Resistance” series.

“Section four of the 25th Amendment to our Constitution provides the means to vice president-elect Pence and Trump’s cabinet office to remove him from office as soon as the inauguration is over,” Olbermann said.

Want To Know About The REAL Constitution And What The Founders Truly Intended?

“No hearings, no doctors, no conferences, no impeachment. The vice president and merely most of the cabinet write to the Speaker Paul Ryan and the Senate President Pro Tempore Orrin Hatch and they say the president’s unable to do the job and the vice president becomes president,” Olbermann said.

Technically, Olbermann is right, although Republicans so far are extremely loyal to Trump. Olbermann’s theory also shows how desperate the Left is to deny Trump the presidency. First, a group of Democrat electors launched an effort to persuade Republican electors to abandon Trump in the electoral college. Then, Jill Stein of the Green Party sought a series of recounts.

The relevant portion of the 25th Amendment states:

“Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President.”

The amendment does not require a medical or psychological examination of the president. The amendment allows the president to resume office by sending his or her own letter to the speaker and the president pro tempore. If the cabinet and vice president refused to go along, then a vote by a two-thirds majority of both houses of Congress would be required to remove Trump.

The 25th Amendment was ratified in 1967.

What is your reaction? Share it in the section below:

Awaken Your Child’s Love Of History And Put God Back Into History! Read More Here.

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Source Here: The Left Has Discovered A ‘Surprisingly Easy Way’ To ‘Dump Trump’ — And They Claim It Would Work

The Silent .22 Round That’s Quieter Than A BB Gun

The following blog post The Silent .22 Round That’s Quieter Than A BB Gun is republished from http://ift.tt/1nr27gs

Image source: Cody Assmann

One of the most popular topics within the survival and prepping community is firearms, and it seems there are as many opinions as there are people.

Although there is a great deal of disagreement on which guns and what type of ammo you should stockpile, there are a few calibers that frequently enter most conversations. Two that come to mind are the .22 rifle and the 12-gauge shotgun.

Both guns have proven their usefulness in a variety of situations and can be effective hunting and defense tools. Survival aside, these guns consistently rank on lists of the most popular guns in America, year in and year out. If you happen to own either a .22 or a 12 gauge, one company, Aguila, is producing some ammunition you might want to explore.

Aguila Ammunition has been churning out ammunition to suit the needs of hunters, law enforcement, sport shooters, and the military since 1961. Recently I was able to get my hands on a few of the specialty cartridges they produce. Those rounds were the .22 Colibri and the 12-gauge Minishell slug.

Be Prepared. Learn The Best Ways To Hide Your Guns.

What caught my eye with the .22 Colibri was the advertised silence of the cartridge. The folks at Aguila promote the Colibri as a round that eliminates the need of a suppressor. As a guy who operates a trap line, many times near cattle feedlots, an ultra-quiet .22 round was definitely something I wanted to check out. Cattle in feedlots can be spooked, and the sharp report of a .22 in the grey light of morning has always been something I’m concerned with. I’d hate to have a rancher’s expensive heifer get torn up when I’m dispatching a cheap raccoon. Needless to say, the Colibri seemed like an ideal fit for my needs. After testing the round I found out how truly quiet it is.

The Silent .22 Round That’s Quieter Than A BB Gun

.22 Colibri shot damage. Two separate shots through one-fourth inch of shoulder bone. Image source: Cody Assmann

Incredibly, the .22 Colibri is about as loud as a BB gun. Check that, about as loud as a firing pin. When I touched off my first Colibri round I was actually a bit startled by how quiet it was. It is an absolutely perfect cartridge for someone looking to quietly dispatch certain animals at extremely close ranges. On my trapline I plan to use it to dispatch small animals I catch in my footholds. As I mentioned, this will allow me to trap in closer proximity to feedlots and other similar situations. The Colibri is also perfect for introducing kids to shooting sports. Although a standard .22 has no recoil, if you happen to have a little one who is a bit spooked by the report of a gun, the Colibri may be a good round to use.

Another Aguila cartridge I was able to procure was the Aguila 12-gauge Minishell slug. Minishells are unique in that they offer the ability to load up a standard 12-gauge shotgun with more shells at one time while not totally sacrificing on power. In my backyard test I was able to punch through three 1×6 pine lumber scraps screwed together before blowing off the back of my target. Although you will obviously lose a certain amount of power in a smaller shell like the Minishell, the loss doesn’t appear too substantial in my book. At distances of 30 yards and less I could definitely see the Minishell being an effective hunting and defense round. It would be especially useful in situations where you have to carry your ammunition for long periods of time or distance.

The main advantage of the Minishell lies in the undersized shell dimensions. In my Remington 870 Express Supermag 12-gauge shotgun, I was able to load my tube with six shots in addition to one in the chamber. In contrast, when I am using standard 2 ¾-inch shells I can only load four in the tube at a time, plus one in the chamber. Even though the difference may seem minimal, two extra shots may make all the difference. The small nature of the shell also allows you to carry more ammunition in a given space. That benefit really increases the shot you can carry in a bag or store in an ammo can or safe.

The Silent .22 Round That’s Quieter Than A BB Gun

12-gauge Minishell slug damage. Image source: Cody Assmann

This space-for-power trade-off gave rise to the popular .308 cartridge after World War II. In a situation where space is one of your biggest concerns, the 12-gauge Minishell may be worth a look.

Neither of these two cartridges comes without their own set of drawbacks, though. With the .22 Colibri, you are definitely not going to be doing any big-game hunting. It is best suited for small-game animals at short ranges. With a paltry 20 grains of bullet weight leaving the barrel at only 420 feet per second, it doesn’t take a degree in physics to realize the limitations of this shot. I did test the Colibri on a few materials, including wood and bone. It proved capable of penetrating wood and around one-fourth of an inch of shoulder bone. The shoulder bone appeared to be near its limitations of penetrating power.

Also, after shooting a half box of 12-gauge Minishell, the biggest drawback I could detect was the ability to cycle the shot cleanly. With some practice I was able to compensate my draw cycle to accommodate the shorter shell, but early on I was jamming shells fairly frequently. It seems to be a challenge you can overcome if you appreciate the compact size of the shell enough.

Both the .22 Colibri and the 12-gauge Minishell are cartridges you may want to explore, as both offer unique benefits. They certainly are capable of doing the jobs they were designed to do.

Have you shot either the 22 Colibri or the 12-gauge Minishell? What advice would you add? Share it in the section below:

Pump Shotguns Have One BIG Advantage Over Other Shotguns For Home Defense. Read More Here.

This Article Was Originally Posted On offthegridnews.com Read the Original Article here

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Essential Wilderness Survival Skill: How to Start a Friction Fire

Essential Wilderness Survival Skill: How to Start a Friction Fire is available on Total Survival

Knowing how to start a fire without matches is an essential skill of any great survivalist. Check out the tutorial below to learn how to start a friction fire – no lighter needed.

Essential Wilderness Survival Skill: How to Start a Friction Fire

If you find yourself in the wilderness with no lighter on hand, knowing how to start a fire save your life. In this tutorial, we teach you how to start a friction fire using a wooden spindle and fire board. Check out the steps below to see how it’s done, and follow these steps to create an instant friction fire without matches.

Step 1: Find board and spindle.
How to Start a Friction Fire Step One

Find hard wood for your spindle and soft wood for your fire board.

Step 2: Find a bow and string.
How to Start a Friction Fire Step Two

Find an arm-length stick of sturdy wood for your bow and a strong string to wrap around the spindle.

Step 3: Locate a handhold.
How to Start a Friction Fire Step Three

Find a piece of wood to be your handhold – this will protect your skin from the heat the spindle generates.

Step 4: Prep hole for spindle.
How to Start a Friction Fire Step Four

Use a rock to carve out a hole for the spindle to sit in on the fire board.

Step 5: Get poised for efficiency.
How to Start a Friction Fire Step Five

Sit on one knee, and prop your wrist against your shin for maximum stability.

Step 6: Mate the board.
How to Start a Friction Fire Step Six

Pull your bow back and forth to allow the spindle to further carve out a hole in the fire board.

Step 7: Carve a notch.
How to Start a Friction Fire Step Seven

Carve a notch in the fire board to allow oxygen to mix with the wood dust created by the spindle.

Step 8: Start your fire.
How to Start a Friction Fire Step Eight

Once again begin pulling your bow back and forth until a significant amount of smoke emerges from the fire board.

Step 9: Transfer your embers.
How to Start a Friction Fire Step Nine

Move your embers from under the fire board to fine plant material.

Step 10: Billow the bundle.
How to Start a Friction Fire Step Ten

Blow on the bundle to increase oxygen flow to the embers. Continue until the bundle produces flames.

Check out the video below to see the full tutorial:

For awesome survival gear you can’t make at home, check out the Survival Life Store!

Want more DIY firestarter ideas? Check out the posts below!

How to Start a Fire with Flint

10 Fire Starting Materials You Probably Have at Home

DIY Fire Starter: The Cotton Ball

Making Simple Tools From Flint

This Article Was First Found at survivallife.com Read The Original Article Here

Read Full Article Here: Essential Wilderness Survival Skill: How to Start a Friction Fire

How To Use Your Canning Supplies

How To Use Your Canning Supplies was first seen on http://ift.tt/1Qfw8v0

Home Recipes Canning & Preserving How To Use Your Canning Supplies

So you want to can, but you don’t know how to use your canning supplies? You’re in luck. Here’s WHERE to get them, and HOW to use them. Canning is easier and more satisfying than you think. It produces delicious, high-quality food that’s absolutely economical, and boost self-reliance. Learn how to properly use your canning supplies and keep summer flavor for many seasons to come.

Learn How To Use Your Canning Supplies

I’ve learned how to can when we were just getting started with homesteading. With the experience I have under my belt, I thought it would be nice to share my knowledge and skills to people who’ve always wanted to try canning..it’s not as hard as you think! It’s the same with daily cooking but requires more time and needs more attention to cleanliness. But all in all, it’s absolutely doable. So, let’s get started.

First, you’ll need some supplies! Hey, we sell them, just click here and scroll to the bottom to claim yours.

How To Use Your Canning Supplies

Before you begin: Gather Your Canning Supplies:

  • water bath canner
  • canning kit
  • canning scoop
  • spoons knives etc.
  • canning jar
  • foods to be canned

Click here to buy our very own canning kit for beginners: The Can Do Canning Kit

Here’s What To Do With Your Canning Supplies:

Step 1: Clean Jars And Lids With Hot Water

Step 1: Clean Jars And Lids With Hot Water | How To Use Your Canning Supplies

Clean your lids and jars first. Since we will be preserving food, cleanliness is a must.

Step 2: Preheat Jars In Boiling Water

Step 2: Preheat Jars In Boiling Water | How To Use Your Canning Supplies

It’s not enough to wash your jars, to ensure that the food you will be canning lasts longer, you must also sterilize them.

Step 3: Prepare The Ingredients

Step 3: Prepare The Ingredients | How To Use Your Canning Supplies

Prepare the food you are going to can.

Step 4: Remove Jars From Heat

Step 4: Remove Jars From Heat | How To Use Your Canning Supplies

Keeping your canning jars hot will keep them from breaking or cracking when you place hot food inside. You can keep the canning jars hot until you’re ready to fill it by storing them upside down in a large pot that has 2 or 3 inches of hot water. Heat the water to reach boiling point and turn off heat. Keep the jars in the water until you need to use them.

Step 5: Add Citric Acid

Step 5: Add Citric Acid | How To Use Your Canning Supplies

Citric acid is something you can add to increase the acidity of the food. Not only does it improve flavor and color but it also helps minimize the risk of growing bacteria especially when canning tomatoes.

Step 6: Pack The Food

Step 6: Pack The Food | How To Use Your Canning Supplies

Fill each jar and make sure to leave the suggested head space. If your recipe does not have any suggested head space, leave ½ to 1-inch head space.

Step 7: Remove Air Bubbles

Step 7: Remove Air Bubbles | How To Use Your Canning Supplies

Use a non-metallic spatula to remove the air bubbles around the inside of the jar. Also, don’t forget to clean the rim to make sure there is no excess food. You can wipe it with clean paper towel or a damp towel.

Step 8: Seal The Jars

Step 8: Seal The Jars | How To Use Your Canning Supplies

Center the hot lid on the jar using your magnetic lid lifter and tighten the lid until fingertip tight.

Step 9: Lower Jars Into The Water

Step 9: Lower Jars Into The Water | How To Use Your Canning Supplies

Now that you have all the jars filled and sealed, lower them gently into the water.

Step 10: Fill Canner With Water

Step 10: Fill Canner With Water | How To Use Your Canning Supplies

Fill your water bath canner with water. Make sure that the water is about one inch above the jars.

Step 11: Place The Lid And Start The Process

Step 11: Place The Lid And Start The Process | How To Use Your Canning Supplies

Place the cover securely and start processing timer when the water begins to boil. Turn the heat on high and let it steam to exhaust for about 10 minutes. This thrusts all the air from the canner. While waiting, check your recipe for how many pounds of pressure the particular food needs to be processed at and how long you need to process it. Be sure to adjust the numbers based on your altitude. Some manufacturers require 15 pounds of pressure when processing foods at 2,000+ feet above sea level regardless of what the recipe says.

Step 12: Remove Jars And Cool For 24 Hours

Step 12: Remove Jars And Cool For 24 Hours | How To Use Your Canning Supplies

Remove the jars using your jar lifter, making sure not to tilt them. Allow them to cool for about eight hours or more. You can leave the jars on your kitchen counter top overnight.

Once the containers have cooled, the seals should not appear pot up, it should be sucked down. Press the top of the lids to check whether they are up or down. Then, take off the screw caps and label each jar with date and food type.

When storing jars, make sure to place them in a cool, dark, dry environment. Avoid storing in direct sunlight or high humidity.

Step 13: Enjoy Your Homemade Preserves!

Step 13: Enjoy Your Homemade Preserves! | How To Use Your Canning Supplies

image via homesteadingfreedom

Store them at room temperature until you are ready to use them!

Want to see a video on how to can persimmons? Watch the video below:

Isn’t that fun and easy? So, what are you waiting for? Grab the best canning supplies here and get started. Eating food you preserved yourself is completely rewarding, healthy and undeniably delicious!

Need a canning recipe? Click here and learn how to pickle an okra.

Did you find this helpful and interesting? Let me know in the comments below.

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Featured Image Via Freedom Preppers

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The Space-Saving, ‘Upside-Down Way’ To Grow Indoor Tomatoes This Winter

The Space-Saving, ‘Upside-Down Way’ To Grow Indoor Tomatoes This Winter Read more on: http://ift.tt/1nr27gs

Image source: Pixabay.com

Indoor gardening can be a great way to have fresh vegetables year-round and satisfy your green thumb during the winter, but if you live in a small home or apartment, it can be challenging to find enough room for your plants. One solution is to turn your indoor garden on its head – literally.

Many vegetable plants that do well indoors – including cherry tomatoes — can be grown upside down. This not only saves you space, but it can give you a visually appealing container garden, too.

Hanging gardens have been around for centuries and are ideal for those without a lot of space. While we typically think of them as being outdoors – on an apartment balcony, for example – the method works just as well indoors.

Starting Your Indoor Hanging Garden

Since you won’t want to move your plants around too much once you get them started, your first step is to find the location in your home where you’d like to grow your vegetables. Ideally, it should be an area that gets plenty of sun, such as a south-facing window. Natural lighting is best for this type of growing, as setting up grow lights can get rather awkward for a hanging garden. (Although, with the right arrangement, grow lights can work.) Also, for an upside-down hanging garden, you must use a plant that has been started; planting from seed in an upside-down pot is extremely difficult.

Looking For Non-GMO Vegetable Seeds? Get Them From A Family-Owned Company You Can Trust!

You will need a place where you can hang your containers, so you’ll either want to install sturdy hooks into the ceiling or have some kind of rack system. Whatever you choose, you will want to make sure that it can support the weight of the containers and potting soil, along with mature plants. Since some soil and water will come through the bottom of the container via watering, it is also a good idea to prepare a tray or mat underneath your hanging garden to prevent making a mess.

The next step is choosing containers suitable for the types of plants that you will be growing. Drill holes in the bottom of the containers (about 2 inches in diameter for larger containers and slightly less for smaller ones). To make the work a little easier, find a place to hang the containers while you are planting so you won’t have to flip containers around.

Choose a good potting soil that has been amended with compost. You also will need something to anchor the plant in place in the bottom of the container, such as fabric, cardboard or foam. Add a slit to this material and work the plant’s roots through the material into the container and then fill in soil around it. If you wish to optimize your space even more, you can use the top of the container to grow things such as salad greens, herbs or even radishes. Just be sure that whatever you plant in the same container has similar growing requirements (sunlight and watering needs etc.). While the initial planting tends to be a bit more labor intensive than it would be with an upright garden, many indoor gardeners find the space-saving benefits to be well worth the extra effort at the beginning.

The video below shows how to accomplish this with a kit, although most homesteaders already have the supplies they need.

Story continues below video

Now that you have your indoor hanging garden, simply care for it the same way that you would for any of your upright plants. Enjoy the unique appearance and tasty, fresh vegetables all year round!

What Can You Grow?

There are many vegetables that may be grown upside down, but here are some of the most common:

  • Tomatoes – you can grow any size tomato upside down; however, cherry tomatoes are the easiest to manage since they won’t get as heavy.
  • Peppers – whether you like them hot or sweet, you can grow just about any type of pepper in an upside-down garden.
  • Cucumbers – again, by choosing a smaller variety such as pickling cucumbers, it will be much easier. Bush cucumbers should be avoided when using an upside-down growing method.
  • Eggplants – eggplants have similar needs as tomatoes, and you can have success growing them in a hanging garden. Choose a slender Asian variety or miniatures.
  • Beans – both pole and bush beans can do well in a hanging garden.
  • Strawberries – want to add something a little sweeter to your inverted garden? Strawberries can be easily grown upside down.

If you have ever decided that indoor gardening wasn’t for your because you didn’t have enough space, then perhaps the idea of having a hanging garden might be enough to make you reconsider. You can grow a variety of produce or just start with something simple like some cherry tomatoes!

Have you ever grown an indoor hanging garden? What advice would you add?

Bust Inflation With A Low-Cost, High-Production Garden. Read More Here.

This Article Was Originally Posted On offthegridnews.com Read the Original Article here

Source Here: The Space-Saving, ‘Upside-Down Way’ To Grow Indoor Tomatoes This Winter

Tuesday, 29 November 2016

The 4-Ingredient Elderberry Syrup That Destroys The Cold & Flu

The 4-Ingredient Elderberry Syrup That Destroys The Cold & Flu was first published on Total Survival

Image source: TheDabblist / Creative Commons license http://ift.tt/N3rZKX

There are several varieties of elderberry grown throughout the world, but the medicinal herb we want for its powerful cold- and flu-fighting powers is European black elderberry, or Sambucus nigra L.

Elder is a shrub that originates in Europe, Asia and Africa, and it has dark black berries and small white flowers. Medicinal uses of the elder plant go back centuries. Remnants of the plant have been found in stone age sites, and the plant was referenced in writings by Pliny the Elder and Hippocrates.

Almost all parts of the elder plant were used in ancient times. The wood was used for making instruments. The flowers and berries were used for medicine.

Of course, elderberry can be grown and harvested in your own yard. If you choose to do this, make sure the elderberry plant you grow is the correct type. The varieties native to the United States are not the same as black elderberries that are used in herbal remedies. If you do not have your own elderberry plant, you can buy the dried elderberries and use them to make your own herbal medicines.

Beet Powder: The Ancient Secret To Renewed Energy And Stamina

Elderberries are high in vitamins A, B and C and have antioxidant, antiviral and other healthy properties.

A Word of Caution

Elderberries contain seeds that contain a toxic chemical, but cooking the berries removes the toxicity. Elderberries can be prepared in many ways, including in teas, syrups and tinctures. One of the great benefits of most elderberry preparations is that they are safe for children as well as for adults.

Medicinal Recipes

This winter, why not make your own elderberry medicine? Following are two recipes that can help keep your family healthy.

Elderberry Syrup Recipe

Elderberry is easily made into a syrup that can be used not only as a medicine but also on pancakes and ice cream. This syrup can last several months when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. In addition to water, it contains only four ingredients.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups cold water
  • 2 cups dried elderberries
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger root or dried ginger root
  • Raw local honey

Directions

  1. Put the berries, herbs and cold water in a pot and boil.
  2. Reduce heat and simmer the mixture for about 45 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat and mash the berries.
  4. Allow mixture to cool and strain the liquid with cheesecloth, making sure to squeeze out all of the juice.
  5. Measure the liquid and add an equal amount of honey.
  6. Gently heat the mixture until the honey and juice are combined. Do not let it boil.

Dosage

The 4-Ingredient Elderberry Syrup That Destroys The Cold & Flu

Image source: Pixabay.com

For children, take ½ teaspoon to 1 teaspoon per day. For adults, take ½ tablespoon to 1 tablespoon per day. If you have a cold or the flu, take the normal dosage every three hours for the duration of your illness.

Elderberry Gummies

These gummies are fantastic and are great for children who don’t want to take medicine when they are sick. The little gummies are sweet and tart and are like eating a fruit snack or fun candy. They also can be taken daily to boost your immune system.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup elderberry syrup
  • ½ cup hot water
  • ¼ cup gelatin
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil for greasing your pan
  • Glass pan or silicone molds

Directions

  1. Grease molds or pan with coconut oil.
  2. Put ¼ cup elderberry syrup and gelatin in a 2 cup measuring cup and whisk together.
  3. Add ½ cup hot, but not boiling, water, and whisk until smooth.
  4. Add the remaining elderberry syrup and stir until completely smooth.
  5. Pour gelatin mixture into your molds.
  6. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or until they are completely set.
  7. Remove them from the molds and store in an airtight container.

Dosage

Eat one gummy daily to boost your immune system. If you have a cold or the flu, eat one every 4-5 hours throughout the day.

If you have chronic health problems or are taking any medications, please consult with your doctor before using herbal medicines.

Have you ever used elderberry? What advice would you add? Share it in the section below:

*This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or cure any particular health condition. Please consult with a qualified health professional first about this method.

References:

Bond, Carol. History of Elder. Retrieved from http://ift.tt/2gTbCFT. Retrieved on Nov. 21, 2016.

De la Forêt, Rosalee. “Elderberry Gummy Bear Recipe.” Retrieved from http://ift.tt/2gGCd6c. Retrieved on Nov. 21, 2016.

“Does Black Elderberry Syrup Really Fight Cold and Flu Viruses?” Retrieved from http://ift.tt/2gT9XQB. Retrieved on Nov. 21, 2016.

“Flu-Busting Gummy Bears.” Retrieved from http://ift.tt/1nHdfVE. Retrieved on Nov. 21, 2016.

“How to Make Elderberry Syrup.” Retrieved from http://ift.tt/1VOnH8v. Retrieved on Nov. 21, 2016.

Harness The Power Of Nature’s Most Remarkable Healer: Vinegar

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This Article Was Found Here: The 4-Ingredient Elderberry Syrup That Destroys The Cold & Flu

“O’ Christmas Tree!” | How to Safely Decorate For Christmas This Season

“O’ Christmas Tree!” | How to Safely Decorate For Christmas This Season is republished from http://ift.tt/1Qfw8v0

The holiday season is upon us! While there is much to celebrate this time of year, it is also important to keep family safety in mind. Learn how to safely decorate for Christmas this year and for years to come!

How to Safely Decorate For Christmas This Season

Some of my most joyous memories are of decorating the Christmas tree. The hand-made ornaments my sister and I made in the first grade, the tangled ornament hooks from 1990, the leftover glitter and tinsel that lines the bottom of the old ornament boxes – but, most of all, the memories that my family made each year while decorating the tree (and our home) are some of my most treasured, unforgettable moments.

But, did you know…

While Christmas trees are an essential decoration of Christmas, each year Christmas trees start nearly 250 house fires. Although the number of fires started from Christmas trees is not extremely high, they are extremely serious. One of every 15 reported fires that began with a tree resulted in fatalities.

Not to worry…there are safety measures you and your family can take to make this Christmas (and every Christmas) a safe one!

Preventing Christmas Tree Fires

christmas-tree-in-living-room “O’ Christmas Tree!" | How to Safely Decorate For Christmas This Season

Here are some important fire safety precautions that help to safely decorate for Christmas and can be taken when keeping a live tree in the house.

  • Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches. Also, the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut.
  • While this may seem odd, the trunk should be sticky to the touch. Older trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground. If many needles fall off, the tree has been cut too long, has probably dried out, and is a probable fire hazard.
  • Ask the seller to cut off 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5cm) off the end. Doing this will improve the tree’s ability to absorb water, keeping it greener much longer.
  • Do not place your tree close to a heat source – including a fireplace or heat vent. The tree should be at least 3 feet (approximately 1 meter) from any heat source. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame, or sparks. Also, be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree.
  • Do not put your live tree up too early or leave it up for longer than two weeks.
  • Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
  • Disposing of your tree: Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.
  • If you’re using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.

Taking Proper Care With Holiday Lights

string-christmas-lights “O’ Christmas Tree!" | How to Safely Decorate For Christmas This Season

Part of learning to safely decorate for Christmas comes from being smart about electrical updates. All electrical lights should be treated with care to avoid a potential fire and/or electric shocks. If you can, upgrade to LED (light-emitting diode) lights; these are safer because they do not generate heat.

  • Maintain your holiday lights. Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. ONLY use lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
  • Do not run cords under rugs as this is a major fire hazard.
  • Do not overload electrical outlets. It’s also not a good idea to link more than three light strands per outlet, unless the directions indicate it is safe to do so. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires – they should never be warm to the touch.
  • Use heavy gauge extension cords as they are much harder to fray and they remain cool.
  • While it mat not look as nice, tape down cords that are in traffic areas and could easily be tripped over. Blue masking tape will keep the cords firmly in place against the floor and prevent tripping – without damaging paint.

Other Precautions for a Safe and Memorable Holiday

Be alert to the hazards holiday decorations can cause. While they are undoubtedly festive, holiday decorations can become fire hazards or choking hazards if not placed thoughtfully. Here are some things to be aware of:

  • Use only nonflammable decorations. All decorations should be nonflammable or flame-retardant. Place decorations away from heat vents.
  • Never put wrapping paper in a fireplace. It can result in a very large fire, throwing off dangerous sparks and embers that may result in a chimney fire.
  • Keep small and breakable decorations out of the reach of babies, toddlers, cats, dogs, and any other pets. Ornaments can easily be swallowed and turn into choking hazards when curious hands and paws get hold of them. In addition, take care when hanging tinsel or stringed decorations to avoid tripping or strangulation hazards.
  • Do not put ornaments that have small parts or metal hooks, or look like food or candy on the lower branches where small children can reach them.

christmas-candles “O’ Christmas Tree!" | How to Safely Decorate For Christmas This Season

Be candle wise! While candles are a long-loved tradition for some families at Christmas, they can also be a major fire hazard if left unattended or near flammable items.

  • Avoid using lit candles if possible. If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning. If you think you’re going to be distracted, consider putting them out when you leave the room.
  • NEVER put lit candles on a tree. Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame – candles, lighters, or matches.
  • Do not put candles out by blowing. Blowing on them can send sparks and hot wax flying, which can easily cause a fire. It is safer to extinguish them with a snuffer or a spoon.

So, do you have a holiday safety tip that your family uses to safely decorate for Christmas? Tell us in the comment section below!

If you’re looking to fill your stockings with real-life safety gear then this article on Using The Holidays To Build Your Prepper Stockpile is a must read!

If you’re looking for some safe Christmas decor, check out these fantastic options:

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Trump Elector Receiving Death Threats — ‘You’re A Hateful Bigot, I Hope You Die’

Trump Elector Receiving Death Threats — ‘You’re A Hateful Bigot, I Hope You Die’ Read more on: Total Survival

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WASHINGTON — The presidential transition is getting uglier – and dangerous.

A Republican member of the electoral college from Michigan says he is receiving death threats from Clinton supporters for his pledged support to President-elect Donald Trump.

“You have people saying ‘You’re a hateful bigot, I hope you die,’” the elector, Michael Banerian, told The Detroit News. “I’ve had people talk about shoving a gun in my mouth and blowing my brains out. And I’ve received dozens and dozens of those emails. Even the non-threatening-my-life emails are very aggressive.”

The Detroit News has confirmed one of the death threats against Banerian, who is 22 and is the youth vice chair of the Michigan Republican Party. He will vote in the electoral college Dec. 19.

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“They disturb me,” Banerian said of the threats. “But I wouldn’t say I’m afraid.”

The threats won’t change how he votes, he told the newspaper.

“Even if I could, I wouldn’t be remotely interested in changing my vote,” he told the newspaper. “The people of Michigan spoke, and it’s our job to deliver that message.”

Michigan electors are not allowed to change their votes; if they do vote for a different candidate, a different elector will step in and cast a vote for the pledged candidate.

Banerian even penned a column under the headline, “In face of death threats, I’m still voting for Trump.”

“There seems to be some confusion among many as to how our election system actually works,” he wrote. “Let’s start here: there is no such thing as a national popular vote. Elections are held at the state level, not the federal level, with each state choosing a statewide popular vote to determine the winner of its electoral votes. To say that Hillary Clinton won the popular vote is a null argument; taking the results of each individual state (which all have different election laws) and combining them into a singular ‘national popular vote’ means nothing.”

Green Party Presidential Candidate Jill Stein has raised $4 million to fund a recount in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Additionally, around 4.3 million people have signed a Change.org petition urging Trump electors to vote for Clinton.

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5 Things I Really Wish I Had Known Before Homesteading

5 Things I Really Wish I Had Known Before Homesteading is courtesy of http://ift.tt/1nr27gs

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I have not always been a homesteader. Most of my adulthood has been spent living a lifestyle far closer to what is generally considered mainstream — suburban home, food from the supermarket and central heat.

Nine years ago, my husband and I embarked upon the steepest learning curves in our lives. Even though our previous lives had involved a great deal of outdoor activities and total immersion in the natural world, our new roles as homesteaders taught us so many new things so intensely that we often felt as if we were on a curve so steep we might fall over backwards.

If I could roll back the calendar and give myself a few pieces of advice, I would be sure to include the following five major tips.

1. Infrastructure is everything.

Fencing, gates, bridges, corrals, barns, woodsheds, run-ins, calf pens, kidding stalls, hay feeders, chicken coops, raised bed gardens, cold frames, high tunnels, arbors, traditional garden beds, greenhouses — the list of structures that need to be in place for purposes specific to homesteading are mind-bogglingly endless. The property we purchased had very little infrastructure in place and needed a lot of building, repairing and retrofitting in order to suit our needs. But we didn’t let that stop us — we forged ahead, sending for garden seeds without having enough garden space ready and acquiring animals before having adequate year-round housing in place.

We were far more optimistic and energetic than we had any business being, which ended up being both a blessing and a curse. On the downside, viewing situations through rose-colored glasses in those early homesteading days caused us to cast aside far too many real concerns with casual nonchalance. We were sure “we could always build that permanent fence later” and “there was plenty of time to repair the woodshed roof before winter.” We ended up backing ourselves up against the wall in many cases when “later” steamrolled right over us and winter didn’t wait for the completion of roof repair.

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It is far too easy to underestimate the time, energy, cost and potential roadblocks that often accompany infrastructure development. And when construction or repair takes place during the 11th hour — or even later — it can cause a lot of tension, and can even allow the roots of long-term discontent to take hold on the homestead.

On the other hand, optimism and energy are like superpowers. They carried us over rough patches, provided extra strength and courage when we needed it most, and helped us accomplish far more than we ever could have without them.

My advice to myself regarding infrastructure would be this: Stay ahead of it. If you get behind your infrastructure needs, you might never catch up.

2. Homesteading is so much work!

It won’t matter, we thought. The volume of work will be eclipsed by the fact that it is so rewarding and so personal and meaningful, we thought. The truth is, doing work you love and truly believe in really does make all the difference. And in our case, it made us able to do it. But at the end of the day, work is still work. If a homesteader works an off-farm job and then comes home to another 40 hours of work, it takes its toll on even the strongest and most resilient people.

Holidays, vacations or even sick days are hard to come by. Dairy cows have to be milked on Christmas morning, and tobacco hornworms will not take a break from destroying your tomatoes while you recover from knee surgery.

Here is my note to self: Do not underestimate the work required for homesteading. It will require very long hours of grueling, back-breaking, tedious, unrelenting hard labor. It will be worth it, but make no mistake. It will be tough.

3. Community is crucial.

I read a lot of books about homesteading before I started, from memoirs to manuals. One concept I ran across more than once in my reading was the impact of isolation upon homesteaders. I believed it, but I did not really get it. Not until I lived it myself. Spending long hours with nobody to talk to except cows and tomato seedlings sounds idyllic, and sometimes it is. But being completely on one’s own when a porcupine is entangled in the electric mesh fence or standing alone in a sweltering kitchen watching milk pasteurize for what feels like hours on end can make even the stoutest of homesteaders want to throw in the towel — and the canners and dung forks and milk buckets — and head back to the city.

5 Things I Really Wish I Had Known Before Homesteading

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It is loneliness, but it is more than just loneliness. It is the fact that there might not be many visitors — anyone who is willing to touch a homestead with a 10-foot pitchfork probably stays busy with a place of their own. It is the fact that while the rest of the world is weighing the merits of the latest hand-held device, you will be busy weighing the tiny newborn goat kid every day in hopes it will thrive. It is knowing that you are on your own, engaged in a lifestyle that most people cannot understand, with what sometimes feels like very little support from the outside world.

Age, accidents, sickness and disabilities are not friends of the homesteader. Neither is bad weather, predators and equipment breakdowns. My advice to my novice self is this: You will need real friends as a homesteader more than you ever needed them before. Relatives, neighbors, people from church, folks in the goat club — wherever they come from, make sure you and they are ready for the long haul.

4. Homesteading is not cheap.

Raising one’s own food rarely saves money. Sure, there are instances here and there where homesteaders save big. For example, I have paid a grand total of maybe $20 for garlic over a period of three or four years. I plant it every fall, purchase a few new varieties every once in a while, and use last year’s bulbs for seeds. And the eggs from my free-range chickens cost me almost nothing in summer.

But goat milk? Oh boy. When the occasional veterinarian visit and medications are factored in, and even a rare-but-crucial farm-sitting expense that allows us to show up at family weddings and funerals — and not to mention the time spent milking and sanitizing and feeding and shoveling if I paid myself even minimum wage! — that feta and chevre is worth its weight in gold.

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Meat is expensive, too. Feed and upkeep cost a lot, especially in a northern climate where an animal’s grazing and foraging opportunities are limited for much of the year. And then there is the cost of processing, which can more than double the actual cost of raising the animal.

Even vegetables can be costly. By the time one buys seedlings or heats a greenhouse to start their own, builds raised beds, buys ground cover, invests in tools, and amends the soil, they might have done better to just go buy sweet peppers at the market.

If I could offer myself advice, I would say to go ahead and endeavor to raise as much of my own food as I could. Knowing it is organic, locally sourced, and humanely raised is everything. Just know this: It will probably cost almost as much to raise your own as it would to buy it at a big box store.

5. There’s no room for softies!

Keeping livestock is not for the faint of heart. Eating meat is harder when that steak or pork chop once had a face — a face you petted and fed every day for months. Even if you do not raise meat animals, there are still difficult decisions. Disbudding. Castrating. Medical intervention. Lying awake at night worrying about whether the animals will be safe in the hurricane or adequately protected from predators. And even selling is hard — waving goodbye to a beautiful goat kid and covering your ears while his mother and twin wail in anguish is rough on those of us with marshmallow hearts.

My advice to myself nine years ago would be this: Know that along with the love and tenderness that comes with sharing your life with farm animals, there will be bits of agony.

Nothing about homesteading is easy, but for many of us, it is worth it. My advice to myself or anyone is simply this: Know that you are doing the right thing, but go in with your eyes wide open, both feet on the ground, and bracing yourself for the ride of your life.

If you homestead, what advice would you have given yourself?

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5 Emergency Water Storage Tips For Preppers Like You

5 Emergency Water Storage Tips For Preppers Like You was first published on http://ift.tt/1Qfw8v0

Studies have shown that we can survive for three days without water, but even with that margin, can you really guarantee that your current water stock will even last for three days? Natural disasters around the world proved that the first things to go scarce are food and water. Emergency water storage is often the number one thing preppers take into consideration simply because water is important for hydration and for cleaning. So as a prepper, what are the things you need to consider for water storage?

This article is courtesy of OutdoorWarrior.Com and shared with permission.
What’s Your Emergency Water Storage Strategy?

The human body is made up of roughly 70 percent water, which is why our physiology requires us to be constantly hydrated. But what happens when natural disasters or calamities strike and cause water shortage all throughout? Emergency water storage is your best option and will save you and your family’s life in times of desperate need. When done right, you will be able to stock up on clean and potable water for months. So, as a prepper, water helps you survive, and survival is everything.

1. Identify Your Containers

Identify Your Containers | 5 Emergency Water Storage Tips For Preppers Like You

image via preparedness advice

You need to choose the suitable water containers. There are several types of containers that you can use in storing water such as food-grade water containers, plastic soft drink bottles, glass containers and stainless steel tanks if you want to collect rainwater. Be sure to clean and disinfect containers first before storing water in it. Learn more about water containers for long term storage here.

2. Water Preservation And Treatment

Water Preservation And Treatment | 5 Emergency Water Storage Tips For Preppers Like You

image via Survivor Geek

There’s no need to add anything if you’re using tap water or if it is already treated commercially. But if it’s from a well or from a public place, you have to make sure that it is safe to drink before storing it. You can use chlorine, iodine, and calcium hypochlorite. If you’re going to use chlorine, you need to add two drops of non-scented chlorine for every two liters of water. This is to prevent bacteria and other pathogens from building up. Plus there are readily available water tablet purifier out in the market that you can purchase. Check out the link for more info in making your water safe in a survival situation.

3. Store Your Water

Store Your Water | 5 Emergency Water Storage Tips For Preppers Like You

image via National Geographic

It is important to store your water in a cool, dry and dark place where it won’t be exposed to sunlight. UV rays have an effect on containers and on chlorine as well. Where you keep your water is significant for emergency preparedness.

4. Water Replacement

Water Replacement | 5 Emergency Water Storage Tips For Preppers Like You

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It is necessary to replace stored water after 6 months, especially homemade stored water. This is to avoid any contaminants that can build up inside the bottle over a long period of time.

5. Look For Other Water Sources

 Look For Other Water Sources | 5 Emergency Water Storage Tips For Preppers Like You

image via wallpapersafari

Water that you’re going to store is not only for drinking. There are other uses of water such as bathing, and cleaning cookware and kitchen utensils. Of course, we also need to be mindful of our hygiene. Look for other sources of water like melted ice cubes, water from canned goods and specific trees and plants. Learn more about other water sources here.

Watch this video from EmergencyFoodWarehouse.com for more info about emergency water storage :

Water, as we know it, is one most important substance on this planet, and when SHTF, I just can’t imagine how devastating it is to live without water. Clean, potable water. Drought and natural disasters can take away our access to clean water, so we need to learn from those mortifying encounters. Emergency preparedness is the key to survival. If there’s anything you want to add to this list of tips, feel free to hit us through the comments below.

Want to read the original article?

Read the whole article right here on OutdoorWarrior.com.

Think you’re prepared for doomsday? Read more about prepping right here.

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The Best Winter Hot Chocolate Recipe

The article The Best Winter Hot Chocolate Recipe is courtesy of http://ift.tt/1nr27gs

Home Recipes Beverages The Best Winter Hot Chocolate Recipe

Looking for some great holiday gifts or fun projects to do with the kids? Here is an awesome hot chocolate recipe that is easy to do and fun for everyone! This hot chocolate recipe is perfect for cozying up on the couch during those cold winter nights. In just a few easy steps, you can have the best winter chocolate! This is an amazing holiday project that you can do with your kids. Check out the tutorial below to make your own and a jar for everyone you want to keep warm and happy!

Cozy Up This Winter With This Hot Chocolate Recipe
— This post is courtesy of DIY Projects shared with permission —

Holiday season is the best time to warm up to a sweet cup of hot cocoa. But, having the same old, plain chocolate drink every year start to taste ordinary. So, I came up with this homemade hot chocolate kit for everyone. This is one of my family’s favorite; this could be your family’s favorite holiday drink, too.

Use this gourmet kit to brew up artisan hot cocoa in a matter of minutes! Subtle notes of Mezcal, Chipotle, and hazelnut make for an incredibly decadent marriage of sweet and spicy flavors. Makes a great gift for friends, family, or that special someone. Or get it for yourself and treat yourself to the quintessential holiday treat.

Ingredients To Make Hot Chocolate:

Ingredients To Make Hot Chocolate | The Best Winter Hot Chocolate Recipe

How To Make The Best Winter Hot Chocolate:

Step 1: Measure Out All Ingredients

Step 1: Measure Out All Ingredients | The Best Winter Hot Chocolate Recipe

You are going to want measure out all of your ingredients and place them into separate bowls. That way you can have all of your ingredients in front of you while you fill your jar.

Step 2: Start Pouring

Step 2: Start Pouring | The Best Winter Hot Chocolate Recipe

Starting with your powdered ingredients first, start filling your container.

Step 2: Continue Pouring | The Best Winter Hot Chocolate Recipe

Continue pouring, layering the ingredients in your container.

Step 2: Add Cocoa | The Best Winter Hot Chocolate Recipe

Add the cocoa to the jar.

Step 2: Layer Of Chocolate Chips | The Best Winter Hot Chocolate Recipe

After you have added all of your powdered ingredients, add a layer of chocolate chips.

Step 2: Layer Of Marshmallows | The Best Winter Hot Chocolate Recipe

Lastly, add the layer of marshmallows.

Step 2: Ready To Use | The Best Winter Hot Chocolate Recipe

Your jar is ready to close, decorate and label.

One by one, take your ingredients and pour them into the jar. Make sure your powders go on the bottom so they don’t fall in between the cracks of the marshmallows and chocolate chips.

Step 3: Decorate and Label

Step 3: Decorate and Label | The Best Winter Hot Chocolate Recipe

image credit via www.createkits.com

Close the lid on your glass jar. You can choose to decorate it any way you wish. Whether that’s just ribbon, tissue paper, or whatever you would like. Next, take your label and write out your ingredients and the directions of how to use. Once you have that done, tie it around your jar and you are done!

Recipe yields 6 cups of Hot Cocoa. To make add 1 cup hot water and 5 cups hot milk to the mixture. You can make it in a stovetop, microwave-safe bowl, or in a crockpot.

Still craving for more hot chocolate recipe? Check out this video from The Domestic Geek:

Now you can take your Hot Cocoa Mix jar and gift it to your friends and family. Or just make hot chocolate and enjoy it for yourself. You can also give your favorite hot choco a little twist by adding a hint of peppermint or cinnamon perhaps. But, in case you are not sure how to do it, check how to make hot chocolate with a twist here, and get a quick guide you can refer to anytime. Happy Holidays!

And if you need more warm and fancy drinks to serve this winter, I have here 17 warm and fancy crockpot drinks ready for you!

What do you think of this winter hot chocolate recipe? Will you give it a try? I’m excited to know! Let us know in the comments below.

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Monday, 28 November 2016

Coolest High Chair Ever

Coolest High Chair Ever Read more on: http://ift.tt/1Qfw8v0

Babies spend a lot of time in their high chairs. They eat, play and sometimes even nap in them! From modern to classic, here are the best-looking high chairs for every style.

#1. Boon Flair Pedestal Highchair with Pneumatic Lift

600_boon_flair_high_chairmore details here…

#2. Micuna Ovo Max Luxe High Chair

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#3. Wooden High Chair with Tray

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#4. Wooden High Chair with Removable Tray

Svan_Signet_Complete_High_Chair

more details here…

#5. Coolest High Chair Ever Looks Like a Giraffe

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