Thursday, 30 November 2017

Cardboard Fireplace DIY for Christmas

Cardboard Fireplace DIY for Christmas Find more on: http://ift.tt/1Qfw8v0

No place to hang your stockings or Christmas decor? DIY a faux firplace with cardboard! Start with four cardboard display boards. I think this is a great idea and the kids will enjoy it. What do you think? How-to here:

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

Source Here: Cardboard Fireplace DIY for Christmas

How To ‘Speak Chicken’ To Your Flock

How To ‘Speak Chicken’ To Your Flock is available on http://ift.tt/1nr27gs

Do chickens have a language? Yes – and you can learn it, too!

So says author and backyard chicken keeper Melissa Caughey, who studied her flock and concluded that chickens have behaviors and sounds that have specific meanings. There’s even scientific research proving this!

Caughey is this week’s guest on Off The Grid Radio, as she tells us why every homesteader and chicken owner should know how to “speak chicken.” She is the author of two books: “How to Speak Chicken: Why Your Chickens Do What They Do and Say What They Say” and “A Kid’s Guide to Keeping Chickens.” Both are published by Storey.

Caughey also tells us:

  • The chicken sound for “hello.”
  • The chicken sound for “I’ve laid an egg.”
  • How to watch your flock and learn their specific behaviors.
  • Why she thinks chickens are smarter than we realize.
  • How to recognize chicken emotions.

If you own chickens, then this is one show you don’t want to miss!

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

Article Source Here: How To ‘Speak Chicken’ To Your Flock

Troll Doll upcycled into a fun and unique planter

The blog post Troll Doll upcycled into a fun and unique planter is courtesy of http://ift.tt/1Qfw8v0

How cute are this? The original troll doll has been upcycled from a children’s toy into a fun and unique planter that can be used for a variety of plants. Kids will love this! What do you think? Check out these troll doll planters in the links below.

He is dressed as an elf ready for Christmas.

He is dressed as an elf ready for Christmas… Find it HERE…

Vintage Troll Doll Planter – SNOW WHITE

Vintage Troll Doll Planter – SNOW WHITE … Find it HERE…

Troll Doll Planter

Troll Doll Planter … Find these HERE…

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

See More Here: Troll Doll upcycled into a fun and unique planter

Why You Should Be Scared Silly About A Nuclear Winter

The article Why You Should Be Scared Silly About A Nuclear Winter was first published on http://ift.tt/1nr27gs

Image source: Pixabay.com

Maybe you’ve heard people say they’d like to see North Korea wiped off the face of the map. Maybe you’ve even said it yourself. You might agree with Americans who think Kim Jong-un should be taught a lesson by way of American nuclear firepower.

Perhaps you agree with those who feel, for any one of myriad possible reasons, that the immediate loss of life—on the Korean peninsula and among its neighbors—is not enough of a deterrent to the idea of unleashing nuclear weapons on North Korea. You may or may not be right, but I am not here to argue that point with you today.

Instead, I would like us to consider the possibility of nuclear winter. This is the term used to describe the earth’s atmosphere being shrouded in a heavy layer of smoke, limiting the sun’s rays and cooling the planet significantly—or worse, causing the sun to be blocked out entirely. Nuclear winter is mostly theoretical, predicted by scientists and computer models as something that could happen under certain conditions. These conditions include extreme amounts of industrial smog, massive fires, volcanoes and nuclear detonation.

I admit that I have not given the concept of nuclear winter much thought before now. It’s an idea that was around in the latter decades of the 20th century and has not gotten much attention since then. Or, at least, it hasn’t gotten much of my attention. But I heard a radio show recently that examined the possibility, likelihood and repercussions of what could happen in the event of a nuclear conflict, and it frankly scared the heck out of me.

Sun-Blocking Clouds

The idea of nuclear winter takes the concern for people living on a distant continent and transports it to my own backyard. Nuclear winter would, at the very least, have widespread impacts on agriculture, causing extensive famine. And in today’s global market, even if you and I are not directly affected by sun-blocking clouds, we will still feel its effects.

Get Free Backup Electricity — And Never Be Without Power!

I have never been the kind of prepper who believes in storing up 10 years’ worth of rice and beans and other dry staples with a long shelf life. I’ve always thought it makes much more sense to instead have land and skills, and be tough and independent. Why have a bunkerful of processed food—why not instead be able to grow and harvest and preserve my own? Sure, that stuff is great for the short term, as my pantry chocked full of both home-grown and store-bought foods will attest to, but nothing I want to rely on for the long haul.

But if the science is correct, even a small-scale nuclear event could cause a cloud to spread over enough of the atmosphere to create significant famine. And if there’s no sun at all, all the land and skills and tough independence in the world won’t be enough.

The prominent 20th-century astrophysicist Carl Sagan was among the first to warn the world about the possibility of nuclear winter. According to a New York Times video, the predictions of Sagan and other scientists influenced decisions by superpower leaders that helped bring about the end of the Cold War.

Successive studies suggested that nuclear winter was not a certainty, and that something closer to “nuclear fall” was more likely to occur. People sort of set it aside and forgot about it.

The Science Behind It

Why You Should Be Scared Silly About A Nuclear Winter

Image source: Pixabay.com

Recently, the topic of nuclear winter and its possible global repercussions is again making the news, as tensions mount between the United States and North Korea, and the threat of nuclear detonation feels more real than it has for decades. And again, scientists are telling us that nuclear winter is real, and it is a big deal. In a January 2017 “Open Letter to President-elect Trump” about Nuclear Weapons and Nuclear Winter, climate science professor Alan Robock offered this dire prediction:

“In the 1980’s…scientists…discovered that smoke from fires ignited by nuclear explosions would be so dense that it would block out the sun, turning Earth cold, dark, and dry, killing plants, and preventing agriculture for at least a year. In the last decade…using modern climate models and computers, I found that this nuclear winter theory was correct, that the effects would persist for more than a decade, and that the New START-reduced nuclear arsenals will still be able to produce this nuclear winter.”

Those are strong words. Strong enough to make people sit up and pay attention, and strong enough to make people like me start thinking about a bunkerful of food. Alan Robock was among the guest experts on the radio show I heard that shook me awake to this topic. The show On Point, entitled “The Ramifications of Going Nuclear,” also featured president Joseph Cirincione of the nonprofit Ploughshares Fund, which seeks to abolish the threat of nuclear warfare.

After hearing the episode, my husband and I mulled over what Robock and Cirincione had said, and we discussed the potential implications in our own lives. Should we begin building a bunker of foods that will last us the duration of a nuclear winter? Should we wait until we hear on the news that the first missile has launched and then run out and max out our credit cards on pasta and canned goods? Should we hope and pray that cooler heads prevail and the crisis is averted altogether?

Some might dismiss the likelihood of nuclear winter, or even nuclear autumn. It’s true that scientists are not always right about the future. None of them are A cardiologist cannot tell you with absolute certainty whether you will have a second heart attack. Meteorologists don’t always get tomorrow’s weather exactly right. Intelligent people do well to maintain a modicum of skepticism.

But experts do know more than we do about their subjects. For example, I assure you that you are far better off driving across a bridge that was designed by engineers, rather than across a bridge that was designed by me. And getting your teeth fixed by a dentist is probably a better choice than asking the guy at the coffee counter to do it. We cannot realistically be specialists in every area of our lives. We can’t be our own pediatricians, electricians, software engineers, homebuilders and astronauts—along with every other area of scientific study most of us rely on in our daily lives. In the end, we have to trust somebody else’s interpretation of science and their predictions of what might happen.

And what some scientists are saying is that nuclear warfare could spell absolute disaster for the planet. Not just for the people and landscape in its immediate vicinity, and not just for a brief period of time. It could be quite literally the end of the world as we know it. They may not be right, but as Carl Sagan said, “I wouldn’t want to bet my life on it.”

What do you think? Share your thoughts in the section below:

For additional information, visit:

http://ift.tt/2itcJyC

http://ift.tt/2Auy5CR

http://ift.tt/2zfHNZu

http://ift.tt/2kJDtq2

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

Source Here: Why You Should Be Scared Silly About A Nuclear Winter

Keeping Warm – Winter Prep List for You and Your Home

The article Keeping Warm – Winter Prep List for You and Your Home was first published to http://ift.tt/1nr27gs

Keeping Warm - With the right preps, we reduce our heating bills all season, and are in much better shape if a winter storm knocks out the power.

Little things can make a big difference when it comes to keeping warm and comfortable in your home. A friend of mine made one change from this list and raised the temp in her daughter's bedroom over 10 degrees – without turning up the thermostat. With the right preps, we reduce our heating bills all season, and are in much better shape if a winter storm knocks out the power.

This post is part of our Winter Home Heating Series, which includes:

Best Ways to Keep Your House Warm – New Construction and Remodeling

25 Cheap Ways to Keep Your House Warm in Winter

Emergency Heat During a Power Outage and other Winter Storm Preps

Keeping Warm – Winter Prep List for You and Your Home

Start with the house, inside and outside, then make sure each family member has the right gear for keeping warm.

Home Heating Safety

Get stocked on fuel. Make sure your propane tank is full for the winter and/or you have plenty of dry firewood or heating pellets. In the middle of a snowstorm is not when you want to realize you are out of fuel.

Make sure everything is clean. Change your furnace filter (if you have one). Clean the woodstove and chimney and inspect for any signs of wear.

Have emergency supplies on hand. Make sure you have a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit – because things happen, and no one wants to see you on the nightly news for bad things happening.

Use space heaters wisely. My friend, CJ Harrington, recommended Buddy Heaters (that burn propane) for safe indoor use. There are also a wide variety of electric space heaters available. Check and double check to make sure any combustion device you choose is rated for indoor use and that you have enough airflow. On electric heaters, watch for frayed cords or other signs of excess wear. Always keep combustible items clear of your heat source, and don't plug electric heaters into a power strip. They will melt the strip.

Outside the house. Inspect your house. Walk around the exterior looking for openings and gaps. Do the same inside and check the attic in late spring when its still cool. Keep an eye on your roof throughout the winter. If you get icicles or ice damns, you likely have excess heat loss in the attic. Inspect the roof the following spring/summer for leaks due to ice damage.

Keeping Warm - With the right preps, we reduce our heating bills all season, and are in much better shape if a winter storm knocks out the power.

Control Drafts

Even with good windows, doors and patio doors, you might need to block drafts. In our first house we had a brand new front door. When we got below zero weather, the door frosted up along the bottom edge. We added draft blocker against the door to reduce heat loss.

Some spots to check for drafts include:

  • Weather stripping on all windows and doors. Replace any that is damaged or missing.
  • Electrical outlets – many may have drafts. If you are qualified, disable the circuit, pull out the plug and carefully insulate around the box. Simpler fixes are outlet insulation and outlet covers.
  • Door bottoms. Place rolled up towel at the base of a front door or drafty door to keep heat in or cold out. For a sturdier draft blocker, use a leg from an old pair of sweats stuffed with old socks, tshirts and other “rags”. Fill it and tie off ends and lay along door blocking the draft. Another more attractive option is heavy duty draft blockers that lock to the door.
  • Windows – See the Reduce Window Heat Loss Section on 25 Cheap Ways to Keep Your House Warm in Winter. Installing window insulating film over an old patio door helped my friend warm up her daughter's bedroom.

Keeping People Warm

Stock Warm Clothes. Make sure each family member has:

  • Long underwear tops and bottoms.
  • Good winter boots and outdoor gear (if you're freezing outside, it'll take you that much longer to warm up when you get in)
  • Clothes that you can layer for warmth, such as flannel overshirts or sweatshirts
  • Polypropylene 1st layer socks, very warm wool socks and slippers

** For more info, see The 4 Layers of Winter Clothing Everyone Should Know

Warm feet help keep you whole body warm.

Bedding. Make sure you have a few extra very warm blankets and comforters. Watch for sales or buy them secondhand to save money.

  • A good wool blanket can really improve the livability of a cold house or cold bed. If you don't like wool, sandwich it between cotton sheets or other blankets.
  • Electric blankets can heat up the bed before you get in and then turned off once you get warmed up.
  • Choose flannel sheets for extra warmth.
  • Purchase cold weather sleeping bags (one per person) for emergencies (or winter camping or really chilly bedrooms).
  • Down comforters trap insulating pockets of air, keeping you warm without adding a ton of extra weight.

See “No More Cold Feet in Bed” for more tips for toasty toes.

Targeting heating. Use chemical hand warmers in gloves, footwear or pockets – but be careful because they may be too warm to place directly against the skin. These warmers can be purchased almost anywhere. They are inexpensive and work fast. The heat can really make a difference for comfort and keep you from getting frostbite. Many boots, gloves and mittens have a pouch for the warmers.

Keeping Warm - With the right preps, we reduce our heating bills all season, and are in much better shape if a winter storm knocks out the power.

What other preps do you make for cold weather? Leave a comment and let us know.

Don't forget to check out our other Cold Weather Preparedness posts.

The post Keeping Warm – Winter Prep List for You and Your Home appeared first on Common Sense Homesteading.

This Article Was Originally Posted at commonsensehome.com Read The Original Article Here

Originally Published Here: Keeping Warm – Winter Prep List for You and Your Home

Wednesday, 29 November 2017

66 Shelters You Can Make From A Tarp

66 Shelters You Can Make From A Tarp was originally published to http://ift.tt/1nr27gs

A number of ways are available to make shelters for survival or during an emergency. If camping is among your hobbies, you probably know a lot of useful tips and tricks in this field. But what do you do when you go camping and you’re surprised by a sudden rainstorm? You can create a safe shelter from several materials, you just have to make a list before packing.

See more at: http://ift.tt/2clyVEQ

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

Check Out The Post Here: 66 Shelters You Can Make From A Tarp

North Korea Launches New Missile That Can Reach ‘Everywhere In The World’; 8,100-Mile Range; Rogue Country ‘Confident’

North Korea Launches New Missile That Can Reach ‘Everywhere In The World’; 8,100-Mile Range; Rogue Country ‘Confident’ is courtesy of http://ift.tt/1nr27gs

North Korea tested a powerful new Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Wednesday that experts say can reach any location on Earth.

The Hwasong-15 missile has a range of 8,100 miles — enough to hit any target in the United States.

“Such a missile would have more than enough range to reach Washington, D.C., and in fact any part of the continental United States,” said David Wright of the Union of Concerned Scientists.

The Hwasong-15 was reportedly launched from a mobile launcher outside the North Korean capital of Pyongsong, and flew 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles) to 4,500 kilometers (2,796 miles) in the air before crashing into the Sea of Japan, CNN reported.

Get Free Backup Electricity — That Works Even During Blackouts!

U.S. Defense Secretary General James Mattis conceded that the Hwasung-15 gives North Korea the ability to hit “everywhere in the world.”

“The bottom line is, it’s a continued effort to build a threat — a ballistic missile threat — that endangers world peace, regional peace and certainly the United States,” Mattis concluded.

“It went higher, frankly, than any previous shot they’ve taken,” Mattis added.

The Hwasong-15 is capable of carrying a “super-large heavy warhead, which is capable of striking the whole mainland of the U.S.,” according to a statement from North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency.

“This range could cover all of the mainland United States, including Florida,” Melissa Hanham, a senior researcher at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, told National Public Radio (NPR).

Other experts agreed.

“I think they’re confident now that they can hold the U.S. Eastern Seaboard at risk, which is a big deal,” said Vipin Narang, an assistant science professor at MIT.

Narang believes that New York is North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un’s ultimate target.

“Do they need to hit New York with certainty and accuracy? No. A 30 percent chance that they can park one on the Upper East Side is enough to deter us,” Narang said.

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

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

Read More Here: North Korea Launches New Missile That Can Reach ‘Everywhere In The World’; 8,100-Mile Range; Rogue Country ‘Confident’

The 4 Layers of Cold Weather Clothing Everyone Should Know

The 4 Layers of Cold Weather Clothing Everyone Should Know was first seen on Total Survival

Learn how to chose the right type of cold weather clothing to layer for warmth and safety, including the importance of wicking layers and windshells.

In this post, I'm going to quickly review the best cold weather clothing tips for extreme weather, adapted from the Field Manual for the U.S. Antarctic Program. Then we'll get into some of our favorite gear for general cold weather wear. Finally, I'll wrap up with a Fortress Clothing review. Look things through, and decide which clothes are a worthwhile investment for your cold weather safety and comfort.

How to Dress for Cold Weather

In general, the rule of thumb for living in a cold environment is to get lots of insulation between you and the environment, and to remove that insulation layer by layer when you get warmer. You need a clothing system that allows you to shed layers quickly and easily before you get damp from perspiration. Several thinner garments will serve this purpose better than one bulky overcoat.

The 4 Layers of Extreme Cold Weather Clothing (ECW)

1. Long Underwear

Your first layer should be your long underwear. It should fit snugly against your skin and be made of a nonabsorbent material. This layer works by wicking away water and keeping your skin dry.

Synthetic fabrics such as polypropylene work the best, whereas wool and silk are the best natural fibers. Cotton is a poor choice because it absorbs water and holds the water next to your skin where it will cool you off. Personal note – I have thick calves and broad shoulders, so I usually buy men's long underwear, as the women's tends to be cut skimpy.

Some long underwear options:

FX Womens MAXHEAT Fleece Long Johns Thermal Underwear

FX Mens MAXHEAT Fleece Compression Performance Long Johns Thermal Underwear

Tesla Blank Men's Microfiber Fleece Lined Top & Bottom Set

Learn how to chose the right type of cold weather clothing to layer for warmth and safety, including the importance of wicking layers and windshells.

2. Mid Layers

The next layers are important because they serve to absorb the moisture out of your long underwear and transport it to the environment through evaporation.

Once again, synthetics are best here, but wool is a good substitute. Shirts, sweaters, and trousers are what you will likely be wearing when you are active. Pay close attention to the fit, as the mid layers work by trapping air and preventing it from circulating and carrying away your body heat.

Some mid layer options include:

Women's Merino Wool Top

Woolx Men's Merino Wool Shirt

Men's Daybreaker Fleece Jacket

3. Insulation Layer

Thickness is warmth. For sedentary activities or extremely cold conditions, an outer garment with several inches of loft is recommended. Down, Polarguard, Holofill, Thinsulate, and Primaloft are the types of insulation that the USAP uses in the ECW gear.

Some Down Coat Options:

Women's Thickened Down Jacket

Ultra-Lightweight Hooded and Stand Collar Packable Down Puffer Jacket Coat with Travel Bag

Columbia Men's Lone Fir 650 Turbodown Hooded Jacket

For personnel working in the Peninsula area it is important to understand that down loses most of its loft when wet and takes a long time to dry, so you must be careful to avoid getting down garments wet. Synthetic insulation is a better choice for working in potentially wet conditions.

Some synthetic options:

AIRBOSS Women's Parka with Thinsulate

AIRBOSS Men's Parka

Lined Quilted Holofill Vest Big and Tall USA Made

Women's Plus Size Knee-Length Arctic Parka

4. Shell Layer

The most important part of your layering system, and the most used besides your long underwear, is your windshell. Studies conducted by Recreational Equipment Co-Op show that in still air, windshells worn over any garment can add up to 25°F of warmth. In windy conditions, windshells can increase warmth by 50°F or more.

Personnel working in the McMurdo system are issued a windshell that is windproof but not waterproof. Because of the dry climate, the non-waterproof fabrics are superior because they allow your perspiration to escape more easily. Personnel working in the Peninsula area are issued a waterproof/breathable windshell because of the potentially wet conditions encountered there.

Some windshell options:

Outdoor Research Men's Horizon Jacket

Women's Scopi Windshell Jacket

Accessories

Conditions in Antarctica are frequently extreme. Remember that you need to pay particular attention to protect your head, neck, and extremities with layers comparable to your other clothing. If you be doing work that requires much use of your hands, consider requesting chemical heat packs for inside your gloves For work that must be done without heavy gloves or mittens (for dexterity), use polypro glove liners.

Learn how to chose the right type of cold weather clothing to layer for warmth and safety, including the importance of wicking layers and windshells.

Cold Weather Pants

For working outside in cold conditions, flannel lined jeans are a great option by themselves, or in combination with other layers for extreme cold. My sons and husband are the same size, so sometimes my husband finds his lined jeans missing from the closet. (Might be time to get the boys their own pairs for Christmas…)

Some lined jean options include:

Carhartt Men's Relaxed Fit Straight Leg Flannel Lined

LEE Men's Fleece and Flannel Lined Relaxed-Fit Straight-Leg Jeans

Dickies Men's Relaxed Fit Flannel Lined Jean

Dickies Women's Flannel Lined Jean

Eddie Bauer Women's Boyfriend Flannel-Lined Jeans

No More Cold Feet

Fortress clothing Hot Socks are an insulating foot cover that can be worn inside as a slipped or outside as a boot liner. They are not designed for outside wear as a stand alone item. (The name is “Hot Socks”, not “Hot Boots”.) You can replace your existing boot liner or wear them inside a larger muck boot. I've been wearing mine around the house as slippers because they don't make my feet sweat.

A reader recommended MukLuk slippers, saying that she's be very happy with the ones she received as a gift. (Most used Christmas gift ever.) MukLuks come in several different styles, including:

MUK LUKS Women's Sofia Slipper, which cover the ankle

Women's Tall Fleece-Lined Slipper Boot, which come further up the leg

Muk Luks Men's Mark Slipper, which sits low on the ankle

Another reader recommended Warrior Alpaca Socks, saying that they kept her feet warm even though she has Raynaud’s Phenomena. Carhartt synthetic/wool blend socks are durable and breathe well. Arctic Extreme socks are fully synthetic and very well reviewed on Amazon.

See also: “Emergency Underwear and Socks – More Important Than You May Realize“.

Learn how to chose the right type of cold weather clothing to layer for warmth and safety, including the importance of wicking layers and windshells.

Fortress Clothing

Early in 2015 I was contacted by Dale Lewis of Fortress Clothing, who introduced me to the best cold weather clothing I've encountered to date – Fortress Clothing. The boys and I did some testing at the tail end of winter, but we decided to save the review for when folks started thinking more about winter preps.

Fortress winter clothing addresses a number of cold weather needs:

  • Staying warm when you get wet. Who hasn't gotten slopped by water or slush when out doing chores or even shoveling wet, heavy snow?
  • Staying comfortable in a range of temperatures. I hate it when you're going in and out of buildings and you work up a sweat inside and then get frozen clammy outside.
  • Having an extra layer of safety for power outages. When you're without heat for several days, your house may not freeze, but it sure isn't comfortable. This gear is light enough that you can wear it and still tackle day to day activities in comfort.

Learn how to chose the right type of cold weather clothing to layer for warmth and safety, including the importance of wicking layers and windshells.

How Does Fortress Clothing Work as Cold Weather Gear?

Fortress is a “base” or “mid-layer” cold weather garment that is designed to keep you warm – even when wet. It is designed also to be worn as a mid-layer/insulation garment (ie: underwear/Fortress mid-layer garment/outer shell appropriate for the conditions – typically NOT an insulated coat).

The engineered polymer used as the insulation in Fortress clothing is hydrophobic – it repels water. Fortress doesn’t hold on to water, or the perspiration your body puts out.

Water is 25X more conductive than air, so if your sweat, slush, cow slobber or anything else stays trapped next to your skin, the heat of your body is channeled through that moisture away from you.

Some other winter clothing options claim to be both waterproof and breathable in one garment. These garments are typically 100% Waterproof and only 15% breathable. Once the pores in the garment are filled, they trap the dampness and you get cold.

When you pair up Fortress clothing with a windproof shell (not waterproof, as noted above in the Antarctica recommendations), Fortress covers the wet conditions and sweat and your windbreak covers the wind, and you are covered in comfort. Fortress has been worn from -30°F to 70°F.

Best Cold Weather Clothing - Fortress Cold Weather Gear insulates and wicks moisture away from your skin so you stay warm, dry and comfortable down to -30F.

In the video below, my son does the ice bucket challenge wearing Fortress clothing. He also spends a good deal of time with his hand submerged in ice water, and comes out without pruney fingers or chafing.

If you'd like to learn more about Fortress Clothing, please visit http://ift.tt/2f8Jj0K and watch more videos of their cold weather gear in action.

What's your biggest cold weather clothing challenge?

Where do you have the most difficulty staying warm? Is is out doing chores, hunting, snowmobiling, snowblowing, shoveling? What are your favorite brands of winter clothing and gear? Do you have any tips for keeping warm that you'd like to share? We'd love to hear from you.

You may also find useful:

Don't forget to check out the Common Sense Preparedness page for a full list of our preparedness posts.

Thank you to Fortress Clothing for sponsoring this post.

Learn how to chose the right type of cold weather clothing to layer for warmth and safety, including the importance of wicking layers and windshells.


Originally published in October 2015, updated in 2017.

The post The 4 Layers of Cold Weather Clothing Everyone Should Know appeared first on Common Sense Homesteading.

This Article Was Originally Posted at commonsensehome.com Read The Original Article Here

Source Here: The 4 Layers of Cold Weather Clothing Everyone Should Know

7 Natural Remedies To Fight Dry Skin

The article 7 Natural Remedies To Fight Dry Skin is republished from Total Survival

Battling dry skin can be a constant battle all year round for so many. People who fight dry skin can experience anything from constant itchy skin to reddish, dry patches on their skin. These dry patches can be quite severe for some as they can sometimes swell.

Constant dry skin is an uncomfortable experience and the causes can be from a number of things including:

  • Cold weather
  • Humidity
  • Hot baths/showers
  • Harsh soaps
  • Over exposure to harmful UV rays
  • Poor hydration
  • Medical conditions such as: dermatitis, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and psoriasis

In this article, I will cover 7 effective natural remedies to help you fight dry skin. Let’s take a quick glance at the natural remedies I’ll be covering today:

  • Honey
  • Aloe Vera
  • Oatmeal
  • Coconut Oil
  • Yogurt
  • Olive Oil
  • Avocados

Let’s get started!

7 Natural Remedies To Fight Dry Skin

Honey

Honey’s humectant, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties make it an effective natural moisturizer, which makes it very effective at fighting dry skin.

Remedy:

  • Right before bathing, using circular motions, rub and massage raw honey over your entire body or just over the affected areas.
  • After massaging, let the honey sit for 10 minutes.
  • Next, bathe as normal.

This remedy can be done once a day.

Aloe Vera

Aloe vera is an excellent natural remedy to fight dry skin! This remedy can help prevent cracking, relieves itchiness, and will improve your skin tone.

Remedy:

  • Open up an aloe vera leaf to extract the gel substance inside.
  • Apply the gel over the affected areas.
  • Using circular motions, massage the aloe vera onto the affected areas for 3-5 minutes.
  • Leave on for 30 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

This remedy can be done 1-2 times a day.

Oatmeal

The natural cleansing and exfoliating properties of oatmeal help to fight dry skin by removing dead skin cells. It is also very effective for relieving itchiness and irritation associated with dry skin.


Want more homesteading tricks, tips and tidbits? Click here to sign up NOW! We'll even throw in some FREE Survival Seeds Playing Cards!

Remedy #1:

  • Add a few drops of lavender essential oil and 1 cup of oatmeal to your bath water. Stir thoroughly.
  • Soak your body for at least 15-20 minutes.
  • Next, rinse your body with fresh water and pat dry.

This remedy can be done once a week.

Remedy #2:

  • Combine 1 tablespoon of ground oatmeal, 1 tablespoon of milk, and 2 tablespoons of raw honey. Mix thoroughly.
  • Apply this mixture onto the affected areas.
  • Leave on for 15 minutes.
  • Next, rinse with warm water.

This remedy can be done once or twice a week.

Coconut Oil

Due to the fatty acids, protein, antioxidant, and vitamin E content of coconut oil, makes it yet another effective natural remedy to fight dry skin.

Remedy:

  • Warm ¼ to ½ cup of coconut oil in the microwave for 3-5 seconds.
  • Before bathing, apply the warmed coconut oil to your skin. Massage the oil so it is absorbed into your skin.
  • Wait 10 minutes, then bathe or shower as normal.

This remedy can be done once a day.

7 Natural Remedies To Fight Dry Skin

7 Natural Remedies To Fight Dry Skin

Yogurt

Yogurt is another effective natural remedy to fight dry skin. It hydrates your skin, soothes itchiness, and the lactic acid within yogurt helps to remove dead skin cells.

Remedy:

  • Apply fresh (plain) yogurt onto the affected areas.
  • Gently massage the yogurt onto your skin and leave for 10 minutes.
  • Next, bathe or shower as normal.

This remedy can be done 3-4 times a week.

Olive Oil

The antioxidant properties within olive oil makes it extremely effective to fight dry skin.

Remedy:

  • Rub lukewarm olive oil onto the affected areas.
  • Using circular motions, massage gently so it becomes slightly absorbed into your skin.
  • Leave on your skin for 30 minutes.
  • Take a shower to rinse your body.
  • Pat dry your skin and apply a light moisturizer.

This remedy can be done once a day.

Avocados

The vitamin E and omega-3 fatty acids content of avocados make for an effective remedy that is very popular among those who battle with constant dry skin.

Remedy:

  • Cut an avocado in half. Scoop one side of the avocado out.
  • Using a fork, mash the avocado to form a paste.
  • Combine the avocado paste with 2 tablespoons of raw honey.
  • Spread this paste onto the affected areas and leave on for 20 minutes.
  • Next, wipe off the mixture with a clean, damp cloth.
  • Rinse the affected area with warm water.

This remedy can be done 4-5 times a week.

**The content within this article is for informational purposes only. Please read our full information disclaimer here.

Do you use a natural remedy to fight dry skin? Share with us your favorite natural remedy in the comment section below.

Check out these articles on all natural skin care:

The Best Homemade Skin Care Recipes

Homemade Sugar Scrub Recipe [Just Mix Raw Sugar And Coconut Oil]

Avoid These 17 Ingredients For Naturally Beautiful Skin At Any Age

Suggested Videos

This Article Was Found On pioneersettler.com Read the Original Article

Read Full Article Here: 7 Natural Remedies To Fight Dry Skin

Emergency Heat During a Power Outage and other Winter Storm Preps

The following article Emergency Heat During a Power Outage and other Winter Storm Preps was originally published on Total Survival

Winter Storm Preparedness - Emergency Heat During a Power Outage - Conserving heat, dressing for warmth, food and water needs, hygiene issues.
It's winter, and you always *planned* to get supplies if the power went out. Now it's below zero and the power just failed. What do you do for emergency heat during a power outage?

This post contains ideas for winter storm survival while sheltering in your home, but many of the ideas could be adapted for elsewhere, especially the section on cold weather clothing. Plan NOW instead of trying to remember all this when you are freezing and the power is out.

Long Before the Winter Storm Arrival

  • Ensure you have fuel for your generator. If you don't have a generator consider a dual fuel generator.
  • Get an indoor propane heater, such as a Buddy Heater. Buddy Heaters and other similar propane heaters are safe for indoor use.
  • Before the storm – consider improving your windows by controlling heat loss.
    • Honeycomb insulating shades are a good option to consider. Home Depot, Menards, Lowes, and numerous websites and stores will allow custom orders. We have Bali insulating cellular shades and open and close them with the sun.
    • At least consider Insulating Curtains to reduce your heat loss.
    • If its time to replace windows, consider adding storm windows.
  • Make sure each family member has
  • Make sure your propane tank is full for the winter.
  • Make sure you have a few extra very warm blankets and comforters, buy them on sale.

Just Before the Winter Storm Hits

  • Add extra heat before you lose power. If you have some warning that the power will go out, set the temperature higher in your house. The warmer it is to start, the longer it will take to cool. This could include warming normally unused spaces in your home to create more thermal mass.
  • Fill bathtubs and sinks with water before the storm.
  • Test your generator.
  • Reload firewood so you have a full stock before the storm.

Emergency Heat During a Power Outage – First, Eliminate Heat Loss, Then Safely Add Heat

#1 – Eliminate Heat Loss

  • Avoid opening and closing exterior doors. We don’t think about it much when heating is working but a blast of cold can easily drop the temp 5 to 10 degrees with no easy way to get that heat back. If you need to go outside, go through a porch or garage or other area that can act as an airlock to prevent colder air from entering the home. You can even use the open area of your home as a portal, and keep a room closed for sleeping and living till the power comes back on.
  • Close all the doors inside the house. This keeps unused exterior rooms from cooling your main living/survival area. If you have forced air heat, close the vents once the power goes out (don't let the cold into your warm room, or your heat out). Remember to open them when the power returns.
  • Block drafts. Place rolled up towel at the base of a front door or drafty door to keep heat in or cold out. Hang blankets over windows and doorways to block out even more cold. If you have time to order them, you can get heavy duty draft blockers that lock to the door.
  • Insulate windows. Close your blinds/curtains to insulate the windows (reduce heat loss).
  • Consider moving to the basement. – Even though basements are normally colder, they can be “warmer” because of the insulating quality of the ground. 45 degrees ground temperature is a lot better than 20 below zero air temperature, especially with high winds.

#2 – Safely Add Heat to the House – Indoor Heaters and Alternative Heat Sources

  • Wood stoves – If you have a wood stove, fire it up and keep it burning. If you have a limited amount of wood, burn at regular intervals, letting it get quite cold between burns.
  • Indoor Propane Heaters. My friend, CJ Harrington, just commented that some Buddy Heaters (that burn propane) are safe for indoor use. Check and double check to make sure any combustion device you choose is rated for indoor use.
  • Open FlameUSE WITH CAUTION**Do not burn anything larger than a candle inside your home without providing adequate ventilation to the outside. Keep a fire extinguisher right near whatever open flame heat source you are using. Carbon monoxide and fire can be deadly. Pay special attention to kids and pets with any open flame.
  • Use the sun for heat. If it’s a sunny day, open the blinds on the windows on the sunny side of the house. Place dark blankets on the floor, furniture or bed in direct sun to soak up the sun's heat. As soon as the sun goes down re-insulate the windows best you can.
  • Run a bathtub of hot water. It will add heat to the house, and you will be able to drink it if needed (probably filter it if you have a water filter). If the temperature drops too close to the freezing point you can allow it to drain.

Unsafe Emergency Heating Options

You might be tempted to use a Coleman pack heater or Alcohol Fuel heater, but these can quickly build up dangerous levels of combustion products in confined spaces. The terracotta pot candle heaters (in all their variations) do help to trap the heat given off by a candle and slowly radiate it into the room. Don't leave open flames unattended.

I've heard from two friends who know someone who had a flower pot heater catch on fire. In one case, the pot itself ignited due to wax buildup, in another case, they had the heater on a table and the table varnish ignited. If you cook outside on a grill and bring the warm pots in, that will safely add some warmth inside indirectly.

Winter Storm Preparedness - Emergency Heat During a Power Outage - Conserving heat, dressing for warmth, food and water needs, hygiene issues.

Conserve Heat by Living in One Room

When faced with an extended power outage, living and sleeping in a single room will help conserve heat. Select a room away from the prevailing winds. If you have a room in your house that normally stays warmer than the rest of the house, that's probably a good choice. Hang blankets over the door to your “warm” room, and insulate the window with blankets if possible. Use painters tape, duct tape or other tape to seal the blanket over the window. Pillows function well as insulation. If by chance you have spare fiberglass insulation, bubble wrap, or Styrofoam sheets, those can be used to cover windows, too.

Heat may also be lost through the floor. Put blankets, rugs or pillows on the floor to further insulate the room. You can set up a tent in the house. The tent can also keep kids distracted. You can sleep in sleeping bags on a mattress in the tent to share heat and warm a smaller area. Having everyone sleep in the same room will ensure body heat can build up some also.

Choose the Right Clothing to Stay Warm

Layer your clothes – include wool and/or Thinsulate if you have it. Loose layers will keep you warmer than tight layers. Wear gloves under mittens to trap more heat around your fingers. Remember, extremities are in the most danger from intense cold. If you have no gloves or they aren’t warm enough, wear socks over gloves.

Look for a Higher Gram Count – When considering winter clothing, get 100 gram (Grams per square meter of insulation) or higher if possible. Higher gram counts provide more warmth. Traditional wool, down and fur jackets, hats and gloves are also good options. When you are active, it helps to have a wicking layer close to your body to draw excess moisture away so you don't end up cold and clammy. More on this in the post, “Emergency Underwear and Socks“.

From the 3M website – Recommended grams of 3M™ Thinsulate™ Insulation for footwear:

  • 200 grams for cool conditions or high activity levels
  • 400 grams for cold conditions or moderate activity levels
  • 600 grams for very cold conditions
  • 800 grams for extremely cold conditions with light activity levels
  • 1‚000+ grams for extremely cold conditions with light to minimal activity level

Use chemical hand warmers in gloves, footwear or pockets – but be careful because they may be too warm to place directly against the skin. These warmers can be purchased almost anywhere. They are inexpensive and work fast. The heat can really make a difference for comfort and keep you from getting frostbite. Many gloves and mittens have a pouch for the warmers.

For more info, see The 4 Layers of Winter Clothing Everyone Should Know.

Keeping Warm While You Sleep

A bulk of your heat loss is through your head, so put on a light comfortable hat or other headcover to sleep. (“And ma in her kerchief and I in my cap, had just settled down to a long winter's nap.”) Use a sleeping bag if you have it. Wool is an amazing insulator, so combining a wool blanket a cotton sheet and even a mediocre sleeping bag can give you a very warm bed. If wool makes you itch, layer a wool blanket with a cotton sheet above and below. Use fur or fleece if you have it. Both are great insulators and can add some comfort. Put on warm socks/slippers or even boots. Watch those extremities! Sleeping in a group will allow you to share body heat. If you have your indoor tent set up, this is the perfect time to put it to use. A calorie dense bedtime snack will help you to be your own natural source of heat.

Eating and Drinking for Warmth and Safety

Your body will need more calories just to stay warm. If you are active (which will also help you stay warm), your calorie needs will increase even more. Eating raises your metabolism, which generates some additional internal heat.

Make sure to keep hydrated. Drink plenty of liquid. Hot beverages such as tea or hot chocolate can act as hand warmers while you drink and warm you from the inside out. They also add variety to emergency meals. You can melt snow for water if needed using one of the emergency cooking options. You may want to filter the water before drinking. Avoid large amounts of alcohol! A sip or two is one thing, but some folks think that if a little is good, more is better. The “warming effect” of excess alcohol is a false one. It can impair judgement and put you at an ever greater risk. Just ask the people that the cops found drunk outside the Packer stadium during the last playoff game. Not good!

Personal Hygiene – When the Toilet Won't Flush and Washing Gets Tricky

We take toilets for granted. When the power goes out, most of us no longer have running water. You should have emergency water storage and filtration as part of your basic preparedness supplies. If you have warning that the power may go out, you can supplement these supplies by filling a bathtub with warm water. Portable storage containers like the $24.95 waterBOB or $26.70 65gal Emergency bathtub container attach directly to your faucet and come with a pump to make it easy to get the water out when you need it. This water can be used for washing, drinking and toilet flushing. When water is scarce, the “mellow yellow” rule should apply. Don’t flush the toilet unless you *really* need to. If you have no water for flushing, use a 5 gallon bucket and paper or sawdust to absorb liquid and odor. You could also cover a bucket tightly or use a garbage bag. See Portable DIY Toilet instructions here.

Burning Waste

If you have a wood stove and don't mind getting a little primitive, you can do what my older sisters used to do. Rather than running out to the outhouse in winter (the farmhouse I was raised in had no running water when my parents started their family), my oldest siblings would poop on several sheets of newspaper and burn it in the wood stove. As I said, primitive, but it worked. I was very glad we had indoor plumbing by the time I was born, as I have used the outhouse when there was a minus 40 below zero wind chill one Christmas and the septic system froze. It was not pleasant.

No Power Often Means No Hot Water or No Water at All

If you have a well pump, a power outage means no water without a backup generator. If you're connected to city water, you may or may not have water, depending on the area affected by the outage and whether or not the city has backup pumps. In either situation, there may be enough pressure in the plumbing to fill a sink or two for washing, but you should have emergency water storage. (See – Emergency Water Storage and Filtration for more info.)

Even if you have a gas or propane water heater, odds are that you won't have hot water for very long without electricity. Most gas and propane water heaters have electric ignition switches to light the fire to heat the water. You have the hot water in the tank for as long as it stays hot, and that's it.

Don’t bathe unless absolutely necessary. Getting wet is a quick way to get really cold. Keep some baby wipes on hand for waterless cleaning. If you still have running water, protect faucets that are at risk of freezing by turning on a pencil size stream of water.

Cars, Cards and Food Storage

Your car can be a refuge. If you seriously cold, you can start car up and use it for an emergency heat up for a brief period. Bring blankets and other things that will get warmed up and bring them back in the house all toasty. **Remember – never run the car in an unventilated area. Carbon monoxide can be deadly. Have something to help pass the time that doesn't require power. Get a couple of decks of cards and a card game book, or some print books. Board games are great, too.

Use the cold to keep food fresh. If the power is out and it's warm enough inside that food in the refrigerator or freezer will spoil, move food to an unheated porch or garage or outside to take advantage of natural refrigeration. Statistically, here in Wisconsin, January is the coldest month (on average).

Stay safe and warm!

P.S. – Shout out to my husband, August, for helping to put this article together.

Winter Storm Preparedness - Emergency Heat During a Power Outage - Conserving heat, dressing for warmth, food and water needs, hygiene issues.

You may also find helpful:


Originally posted in 2015, updated in 2017.

The post Emergency Heat During a Power Outage and other Winter Storm Preps appeared first on Common Sense Homesteading.

This Article Was Originally Posted at commonsensehome.com Read The Original Article Here

Post Source Here: Emergency Heat During a Power Outage and other Winter Storm Preps

Tuesday, 28 November 2017

Goats enjoy living in their own tower

The following post Goats enjoy living in their own tower was first published on http://ift.tt/1Qfw8v0

Goats living happily in their home. This next thing might seem very peculiar, but it actually exists. There are some towers spread across the globe, which are inhabited by goats and they are called, goat towers. A Goat Tower is a decorative goat house, modeled on a European garden Folly, an early example of which was built in Portugal in the 19th century.

Goats living happily in their home

Find more goat towers on Pinterst

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

check out the full article Here: Goats enjoy living in their own tower

Funny Tortoise Signs to make life a little more fun

The following post Funny Tortoise Signs to make life a little more fun is available on http://ift.tt/1Qfw8v0

Display this little beauty to give warning to all those that may trespass while your Tortoise is on guard duty. A perfectly versatile full color signs that is guaranteed to make a perfect gift or accessory for any garage, Man Cave, Wall Accent, child’s room, and anything else you can think of. Crafted from high quality aluminum, these full color signs are designed and thermally imprinted with eco-friendly inks, right here in Michigan! What do you think? This is available in the link below…

Find this Tortoise Sign HERE…

More ideas:

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

Source Here: Funny Tortoise Signs to make life a little more fun

Extreme Survival: Staying Alive In A Post Apocalyptic Environment

Extreme Survival: Staying Alive In A Post Apocalyptic Environment Read more on: http://ift.tt/1Qfw8v0

We live in a much different time than the generations before us. It’s all around us…the constant reminder that our world as we know it could change. When I say change, I’m referring to the all too real possibility that our towns could turn into ghost towns. Streets once filled with moving vehicles, people walking or riding bikes…empty. Playgrounds filled with happy children…empty. Retail stores…empty. Movie theaters…empty. Sport stadiums….empty. Our towns become shells. Movies, such as “The Road”, portray the exact post apocalyptic environment I just described.

Staying Alive In A Post Apocalyptic Environment

A heartbreaking story of a father and his young son setting out on their own in an post apocalyptic world. Darkened skies, smoke filled air, no clean water in sight, and everything from houses to businesses lay in ruins. They travel with very few possessions and barely any supplies at all. Along the way, they pick up whatever supplies they can to survive as they head out on a long journey toward the coast. The possibility that this could happen in our lifetime makes the story all that more heartbreaking.

There are so many reasons why our world could end up this way. Here are a few that come to mind:

Events such as these are reasons why we should always be prepared so that we may survive! In this article, I will discuss ways to do just that.

Extreme Survival: Staying Alive In A Post Apocalyptic Environment

How To Be Prepared: Staying Alive In A Post Apocalyptic Environment

Gather Enough Supplies To Last You 100 Days

Of course, if living in a post apocalyptic world, 100 days of supplies will not last forever. However, this is a good start until you can become self sufficient. Consider the following items as part of your 100 day supply.

  • Gallon jugs of drinking water
  • Vacuum sealed food items
  • Canned goods
  • Bedding – pillows, blankets, and/or sleeping bags
  • Medications (OTC and prescriptions)
  • A weapon for self defense purposes
  • A knife or a multi-tool
  • Warm clothing
  • And, of course, a good sized sturdy pack to carry these items
Other supplies to consider:
  • Batteries
  • LED flashlights
  • Lighter or matches
  • Ferro rod
  • Cooking/Dining Ware
  • 550 paracord
  • Can opener
  • Duct tape
  • Compass
  • Maps of surrounding areas
  • Weather radio
  • 2-way radios
  • A simple fire starting kit with char cloth
  • A poncho
  • Sunglasses and other protective eye gear
  • MRE’s (Meals ready to eat)
  • A small, portable fishing kit

First Aid Kits

A well stocked first aid kit should always be among your supplies. Check out these articles from us here at Survival Life on how you can have the perfect first aid kit for yourself and your loved ones:

Must Have Miscellaneous Items

Believe it or not, people often overlook these necessary items when putting together they’re supplies:

  • 2-4 rolls of toilet paper
  • Soap
  • Shampoo
  • Menstrual items
  • Toothbrush/toothpaste
  • Trash bags
  • Bleach
  • Shovel

Learning New Skills

Learning to hunt, fish, gather wild edible plants, garden, and setting traps for wild game are all skills that come in handy after your food supplies run out.

Also, learning how to purify water, build shelters, and start fires will deem extremely valuable in a extreme post apocalyptic survival situation.

Self defense is another skill everyone should learn to protect themselves and their loved ones. Also, learning what to do (or not do) around wild animals. Check out this article on great tips on how to avoid animal attacks.

Maintaining A Positive Outlook

In a post apocalyptic world, it will be hard to stay positive. However, try to maintain a positive outlook, if you can. It will make all the difference for you and those around you. Survival is 90% mental and if you think you can’t make it through, then you most likely will not. Fight the urge to give up and move forward. You are stronger than you think!

What are your thoughts on the possibility of living in a post apocalyptic world? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

Check out these articles on other must have survival tips:

10 Radiation Accident Survival Tips That Could Save Your Life

Communication Breakdown – How to Stay in Touch after a HEMP Attack

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

Source Here: Extreme Survival: Staying Alive In A Post Apocalyptic Environment

Cute and Cozy 900 Sq Ft Log Cabin Kit

Cute and Cozy 900 Sq Ft Log Cabin Kit is available on http://ift.tt/1nr27gs

The comfortable simple cabin design you see in the pictures is called `Elk Tine`. The 853 square feet of space provides with a large open living and kitchen, as well as a bath and bedroom on the first floor (483 square feet)

See more at: http://ift.tt/2nbLKJm

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

Read Full Article Here: Cute and Cozy 900 Sq Ft Log Cabin Kit

The Very Best Backyard Chickens For Meat

The Very Best Backyard Chickens For Meat was first published to http://ift.tt/1nr27gs

Image source: Cakle Hatchery

For most homesteaders and those working toward a more sustainable lifestyle, raising meat animals is almost a rite of passage. Due to the ease of raising and harvesting poultry, chickens are generally the first animal most of us turn to when starting our journey into raising our own meat.

The first step to home chicken production success is determining what type of chickens you want to raise. Any chicken can be grown for meat, although certain breeds produce a far better yield than others. Birds grown for table use primarily will fall into one of four categories:

Traditional Broilers

Of the broiler class, the white Cornish Cross is the most common. These birds grow the quickest and produce the most meat. By far, they are the most economical of the meat birds to raise as they have a superior feed-to-meat ratio. These birds are not known to pasture well and do best being reared on commercial feeds.

Cornish Cross are generally ready to butcher by 6-8 weeks, but are often plagued by joint and heart issues due to the speed at which they grow. For best success with these birds, try using the 12/12 method of feeding (12 hours of available feed, 12 hours of no feed), and make sure to keep their water at the opposite end of their pen to encourage movement.

These Solar Backup Generators Deliver 4 Times More Power Than Other Models!

Traditional Broilers are generally a crossbreed and do not breed true, so if you raise these birds you will need to purchase chicks each time.

Pasture Broilers

As pastured meat has become more popular, so has the breeds which take up this niche. These birds have been bred to have not only good feed conversion on commercial feeds, but also excellent conversion of pasture-based diets. The more common breeds in this category are the Red Ranger, Freedom Ranger, Pioneer, and both the Black and Red Broiler.

Though not as quick-growing as the Traditional Broilers, these birds often finish at 9-11 weeks. Pasture Broilers are often not plagued with the health problems of the Traditional Broilers and are naturally mating, which make them a good choice if you plan to rear your own chicks down the road.

Dual Purpose

Dual-purpose birds are large and meaty, although the hens are also excellent layers and often good mothers. Quite a few of the typical farm favorites fall into this category, including the Rhode Island Red, New Hampshire, all varieties of Wyandotte, Plymouth Rocks and Orpingtons, just to name a few.

This category of meat bird is the easiest to find and generally lend themselves well to both pasture rearing and commercial feed rearing. However, dual-purpose breeds are one the slowest to grow, and may be 14-16 weeks old before reaching a good size and meatiness.

Like Pasture Broilers, the Dual Purpose breeds will mate naturally and hens will even go broody and hatch their own chicks.

Giants

In recent years the Jersey Giant and the larger varieties of Cochin and Brahma have become popular for backyard meat breeders. In addition to taking a lot of space, they tend to have one of the poorest feed conversion ratios. Breeders claim that the meat is superior to many others in terms of flavor, though, so if you are willing to wait the 16-24 weeks from hatch to harvest, this may be a choice for you.

Caring for Your Meat Chicks

Like any chicken, starting meat birds off correctly requires good brooding space that is protected from the elements and predators alike. Remember that in the first week they will need temperatures of around 95 degrees, but you can lower the temperature by as much as 5 degrees each week until they are off heat. Chicks also will need a constant supply of clean water and a quality chick starter.

Feeding Your Birds

Feeding your birds will largely depend on what category they fall in and how you choose to raise them. For quickest results a diet of commercial feed is the easiest to follow, with birds being fed a Chick Start (22 percent protein) for the first few weeks, moving to a Meat Grower feed (20 percent protein), and using a Finisher feed (18 percent percent) for the last two weeks before harvest. Birds are usually allowed feed at all times, although it is advised to keep water at the opposite end of their pens to encourage the birds to get up and move.

Diatomaceous Earth: The Best All-Natural De-Wormer For Your Livestock!

For those who decide to pasture raise with supplement feed, chicks can be acclimated to outside weather once they begin feathering at about a month of age. Keep in mind that they will still need shelter and secure fencing such as a large run or mobile chicken tractor. The feeding recommendations are still the same, though most pasture growers offer feed in the late afternoon or evening and remove it in the morning using the 12/12 method (12 hours of available feed, 12 hours off). This encourages the birds to forage or graze during the bulk of the day, cutting feed costs.

If it is available, it is possible to exclusively pasture poultry once they have transitioned from the chick starter to pasture. Keep in mind that growth rates will vary substantially based on the quality and quantity of available forage.

Raising your own chickens for meat is a very rewarding endeavor if you start off right and do your research before bringing home your birds. There is a sense of peace and accomplishment in knowing that you raised your meat with quality feed, care and respect to nourish not only yourself but your family.

What is your favorite meat chicken?

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

Post Source Here: The Very Best Backyard Chickens For Meat

Monday, 27 November 2017

Coolest Log Cabin Ever, Take A Peek Inside!

The following article Coolest Log Cabin Ever, Take A Peek Inside! was originally published to http://ift.tt/1nr27gs

Log homes are one of the most resistant types of home and they are also very affordable. For centuries, people around the world have been living in log homes and they seem to be quite popular nowadays too.

See more at: http://ift.tt/1cfKpH9

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

See Full Article Here: Coolest Log Cabin Ever, Take A Peek Inside!

7 Ways Tin Cans Can Make Your Life Easier

7 Ways Tin Cans Can Make Your Life Easier See more on: http://ift.tt/1nr27gs

Photographer: Steve Nubie

It seems a bit of a stretch to try and think about cooking and eating with tin cans, but there’s a history to this practice that’s worth considering. During the Great Depressions, many men found themselves not only displaced, but using freight trains for travel. They would hop on open-box cars and ride the rails to the next town or job or anywhere that afforded them a place to sleep, work, live and eat.

They often were referred to as “Hobos.” The term first showed up after the Civil War when many men found themselves displaced and out of work. As this problem continued, a Hobo culture followed that again found men riding the rails into the 1930s.

Discover 1,147 Secrets Of Successful Off-Grid Living!

For the record, Hobos were not bums. They were men willing to work hard when they could find work, and that was the fundamental challenge.

Eating was the hardest part, and cooking was always a challenge given their need for frequent travel across country in demanding conditions. However, they found unique solutions to this need and it was often defined by using tin cans for a variety of cooking and drinking utensils.

These included:

  1. Tin can cup
  2. Tin can stove
  3. Tin can frying pan
  4. Tin can sauce pan
  5. Tin can toaster
  6. Tin can candle lantern
  7. The tin can knife

The edges of tin cans are sharp, and anyone who’s worked with sheet metal knows how easily you can get a severe cut from a casual glance against raw-cut steel or tin. In fact, I question the need to cut a handle on a tin can cup when an empty tin can offer a clean lip at the top that won’t cut your lips with a casual sip.

You also may have to “temper” any tin can to remove any lacquer or waxy film on the interior. This can be done by boiling water in the can or simply heating it over an open fire first.

Tools to Consider

Tin snips help, along with some leather work gloves. A pair of pliers also comes in handy. You’ll probably also need a can opener. If you’re exploring this idea for the first time, make sure you are wearing the leather work gloves.

A tin can when opened can be placed into or next to a fire, and the contents will be heated. You can then eat what’s inside directly from the can. It’s as simple as that and was often the first choice for any Hobo on the road who happened to have a can of food. But there were more creative solutions.

The Hobo Stove

There are safe ways to make use of tin cans as cooking utensils, and the Hobos perfected the art. The first is the tin-can stove or “Hobo stove.” It’s usually a large can with cuts made in the bottom by a can opener or “church key” which had a pointed end and would allow you to make various openings in the base of the can.

There also were some “church key” openings at the top of the can to allow the smoke to escape when a larger pan or pot was put on top.

Larger cans were cut to allow a wooden handle to be surrounded by tin for a sauce pan or frying pan. This created a very effective and creative solution that kept the fire hot and could easily and quickly cook a meal. That was often a necessary prerequisite for Hobos who had to avoid the “bulls” or security staff that manned the freight yards and trains.

Hobo Toaster

This is as simple as a large inverted can with vents in the bottom and some at the top to create a hot surface for an inverted can. It could be used to fry a fish or simply to toast some bread. It was another simple and quick solution that could be easily abandoned if the “bulls” showed up.

Tin Can Candle Lantern

A candle in the wind won’t last long, but if surrounded by a cleverly cut piece of a tin can, it will not only be protected from the wind, but the shiny interior will also reflect light. The base of the candle was melted to create a pool of wax at the bottom and the candle was stood in place. The critical part is to make sure the can is taller than the candle or you just have another candle in the wind.

Tin Can Frying Pan

Any #10 sized can is an easy choice for a tin can frying pan. A stick was often used around a cut of the can that was folded around the stick to create a handle. I think the whole handle thing is a lot of extra work that’s unnecessary. Cutting a large can down to frying-pan size works fine and you can always toss it off the fire with a stick after you’re done cooking.

Tin Can Sauce Pan

This is not hard to do. Just use a whole, large can or if needed, cut it down halfway. Personally, I don’t prefer any cuts requiring tin-snips if I can use the basic can in some way. It’s all a question of the size of your can and what you’re trying to cook. I still like the idea of just cooking it in the can.

Tin Can Knife

Anyone who has cut tin or sheet metal knows how sharp the edges can be. That’s a good thing if you’re trying to make a knife; a strip from a tin can in a piece of wood cut with a slight wedge and bound cannot only filet a fish but cut most game and other wild meats.

Tin Can Cup

This is where I depart from most of the popular and historical culture about tin can cups. If I have an empty tin can, I have a cup. The idea of cutting it in half and creating a handle is idiotic. All you’re doing is creating hard, sharp edges to cut your fingers and lips. It looks good in pictures but makes no sense in actual practice. If you have an empty tin can, you have a cup usually with a band at the top that protects you from hard and sharp edges. I like that.

Be Creative

Once you start fashioning utensils from tin cans you’ll get the idea and can it to new levels. Tin can arrowheads come to mind. The key is to avoid getting cut by the sharp edges and to temper the cans to remove their waxy or synthetic coating before your cook or eat out of the can. If you can manage that, you can manage anything — including cooking and eating from improvised tin cans.

What advice would you add? Share it in the section below:

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

This Article Was Found Here: 7 Ways Tin Cans Can Make Your Life Easier

How Bolt Cutters Can Help You For Your Emergency 

9 Amazing Uses For Glycerin

9 Amazing Uses For Glycerin is available on Total Survival

What is glycerin exactly? It is a liquid, organic compound made of hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen. It’s thick, odorless, and colorless and is used in a wide range of beauty products such as moisturizers, soaps, and more. Glycerin is also used in the printing industry, pharmaceuticals, and food as a sweetening agent.

Glycerin | 9 Uses That Will Surely Amaze You

When you buy glycerin, it is important to know that there are 2 varieties. The first variety is a natural one which is derived from plant oils. The second variety is a synthetic which is derived from petroleum based oils. The natural one is toxic free and safe to use. Synthetic glycerin can harm your body.

There are many uses for glycerin and in today’s article, I will cover 9 amazing uses such as:

  • Helps To Improve Psoriasis And Eczema
  • Acts As A Skin Moisturizer
  • Acts As A Skin Toner
  • Acts As A Lip Moisturizer
  • Remedy For Cracked Heels
  • Helps To Reduce Skin Aging
  • Treats Mouth Ulcers
  • Gives Your Nails A Brighter Look
  • Helps To Prevent Frizzy Hair

Let’s get started!

1. Helps To Improve Psoriasis And Eczema

Glycerin helps to form a barrier on the skin which helps to lock in moisture. It also helps to keep toxins from entering the skin. The combination of the two helps to greatly reduce inflammation associated with these skin conditions.

How to use for psoriasis on the scalp:

  • Combine equal parts of glycerin and aloe vera gel and leave on the scalp for 30 minutes.
  • Next, shower as normal.

This process can be done 2-3 times a week until you see that the condition has improved.

For eczema:

  • Combine equal parts of glycerin and water.
  • Using a cotton ball, apply this mixture to the affected areas and leave on for 15 minutes.
  • Next, rinse the affected area with warm water.

For best results, this should be done twice a week.

2. Acts As A Skin Moisturizer

The humectant properties help keep moisture locked in which makes for really smooth skin!

How to use as a moisturizer:

Hoffman Richter Knives
Want more homesteading tricks, tips and tidbits? Click here to sign up NOW! We'll even throw in some FREE Survival Seeds Playing Cards!
  • Generously apply glycerin to your skin, making sure to cover those areas that may be extra dry.
  • Leave on for a few hours.
  • Rinse off with warm water.

This can be done 2 or 3 times a week.

3. Acts As A Skin Toner

Acts As A Skin Toner | Amazing Uses For Glycerin

Acts As A Skin Toner | Amazing Uses For Glycerin
Glycerin is a great facial toner, especially for those who may suffer from dry skin. It also helps to improve the pH levels in your skin which, in turn, helps to reduce the appearance of scars.

How to use as a facial toner:

  • Mix thoroughly 1 teaspoon of glycerin with 2 tablespoons of rose water.
  • Add mixture to spray bottle.
  • Wash your face as normal.
  • Spray the toner onto your face and apply moisturizer.

This can be done daily. This mixture should be kept in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

4. Acts As A Lip Moisturizer

Other than lip balm, applying glycerin to your lips will make them extra soft and keeps them hydrated.

How to use as a lip moisturizer:

  • Combine equal amounts of glycerin and rose water.
  • Apply this mixture to your lips a few times every day to keep them soft and hydrated.

5. Remedy For Cracked Heels

Glycerin is an extremely effective remedy for dry and cracked heels!

How to use for dry and cracked heels:

  • Soak your feet in warm, soapy water for 5 minutes.
  • Using a loofah, scrub your feet to remove any dead skin.
  • Pat dry.
  • Apply and massage onto your heels for 5 minutes.
  • Put on socks and leave overnight.
  • When you wake the following morning, rinse feet with warm water.

This can be done daily to achieve best results.

6. Helps To Reduce Skin Aging

Glycerin is an effective remedy for maintaining that youthful look!

How to use to reduce skin aging:

  • Combine 1 teaspoon of glycerin and 1 teaspoon of vitamin E oil.
  • Gently massage this mixture onto your face and neck area.
  • After 15 minutes, rinse with warm water.

For best results, this should be done nightly before bed.

7. Treats Mouth Ulcers

Glycerin is a quick and effective way to help treat mouth ulcers.

How to use to help treat mouth ulcers:

  • Using a cotton ball, dab a small amount of glycerin onto the affected area.
  • Allow the glycerin to remain on the affected area for at least 30 minutes.
  • Rinse your mouth with cool water.

For best results, this should be done 3 or 4 times a day.

8. Gives Your Nails A Brighter Look

Gives Your Nails A Brighter Look | Amazing Uses For Glycerin

Gives Your Nails A Brighter Look | Amazing Uses For Glycerin
After frequent use of nail polish, your nails can start to become dry. Glycerin is an effective way to moisturize them, making them look healthy and bright.

How to use on your nails:

  • Combine 2 tablespoons of rose water with 2 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide (3%) into a bowl.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of glycerin and mix well.
  • Using a cotton ball, rub a generous amount of this mixture onto your nail.
  • After 10 minutes, rinse with warm water.

This can be 2-3 times a week.

9. Helps To Prevent Frizzy Hair

If you constantly battle with frizzy hair, try this very effective remedy.

How to use to help prevent frizzy hair:

  • Dampen your hair and apply glycerin.
  • After a few minutes, wash your hair as normal.

For smooth and healthy hair, this can be done 2-3 times a week.

Health is Wealth shows a video on the top 10 uses of Glycerine for skin and hair care.

Do you use glycerin around your home? Share your favorite use in the comments section below.

Up Next:

SubscribeSubscribe

Follow us on facebook, instagram, pinterest, and twitter!

The contents of this article are for informational purposes only. Please read our full disclaimer.

Suggested Videos

This Article Was Found On pioneersettler.com Read the Original Article

See Full Article Here: 9 Amazing Uses For Glycerin

The Crazy Trick That Lets You Re-Grow Herbs From Just One Plant

The following blog post The Crazy Trick That Lets You Re-Grow Herbs From Just One Plant See more on: Total Survival

Image source: Pixabay.com

Do you love herbs, but shudder at the price? Here’s some good news: With a single potted plant (or grocery store remains) you can easily grow your own by cutting from the original plant or bunch.

Clone these four herbs and get a bigger harvest, faster.

Basil

The garden favorite is very easy to propagate — which means creating a new plant from an existing plant. (Pesto fans, rejoice!) Cut the basil right below where two or three leaves join the main stem, usually from the top. That’s what’s called the “leaf node.” (Leave at least 5 leaves on the plant you cut from, and it will grow back.)

Clip leaves about 3 to 4 inches from the top, right below the leaf node, where the leaf joins the main stem. Remove any leaves that are in the area 2 inches from the bottom, and use those for cooking. (They will rot in the water.) Add the stems to a glass of water, and place in a sunny spot. Depending on the size of your glass, you can put 3 to 6 cuttings in each; just don’t over-crowd them.

Need Non-GMO Heirloom Seeds For Your Garden? The Best Deals Are Right Here!

In a week, you’ll see tiny white roots growing, but wait until the roots are 2 inches or so long before planting. Continue to change the water every other day. Once the roots are about 2-inches long, plant them in a spot with a lot of sun, since basil prefers heat. If you’re using a pot, make sure it has good drainage. Soon, the little cutting will start growing and rooting exponentially. Want more basil? Keep cutting! Just leave at least 5 leaves on the plant you cut from, and it will grow back.

Mint

Like basil, mint is easy to re-grow. From a healthy, strong green plant, or from a grocery-store produce bunch, cut a sprig about 4 inches long. Remove the lower leaves, add to a glass of water and sit on a sunny windowsill. Change the water every other day, and you’ll see roots in about a week. Once the roots get about a half-inch long, they’re ready to plant. It’s best to plant any mint in a pot, because a mint can, eventually, overtake your entire garden.

Lavender

This herb is not only culinary, but is widely recognized as helpful for sleeping. It’s best to use fronds from a mature plant. You’ll need some peat-free compost, some organic rooting powder and a suitable pot.

Using branches that have never flowered allows the plant to concentrate its energy on rooting. Gently pull the branch from the stem, including a small bit of bark. Remove any leaves from the bottom and trim excess the “heel” of the bark, where the rooting happens. Put these in warm water while you ready the medium.

When you’re ready to plant, make a small well with your finger in the compost, dip the cut end into the rooting powder and add it to the pot. Water, and cover with a plastic bag, and seal. Leave it for four weeks, uncover occasionally to prevent fungal growth, until they start rooting. Once the plants are rooted, plant them into pots or your garden.

Rosemary

Like basil, this plant is easy to grow and re-grow, but it takes longer. Cut some from an existing plant, or root some leftover from some bought at the grocery or farmer’s market.

Cut and use the softer top tip area, 3 to 5 inches long (like what you buy at the grocery), and remove the bottom leaves. Then make a small diagonal cut on the bottom of the stem, and add to water. Keep watching and changing the water, and in a few weeks, roots will appear. Once the roots get a little longer, it’s ready to plant in a pot, or in your garden. Keep the soil a little moist, but don’t over-water it; do that and you’ll kill the plant.

Green onions

You’ll always have them available if you buy a bunch or two at the grocery. Cut the white root ends about 4 inches or so long, and put them into a glass of water (don’t submerge them). Use the green parts as you normally would, and watch the white parts grow back green in a matter of days. You can keep clipping and using them, changing the water, or you can plant them when they begin re-growing. Repeat until you have a supply you can cut regularly.

What advice would you add on propagating herbs? Share your tips in the section below:

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

Read Full Article Here: The Crazy Trick That Lets You Re-Grow Herbs From Just One Plant