We have slowly been building up our preparedness for the possibility of losing power again this winter. With that, my mom has been emailing me videos she came across on YouTube that walk you through the process of survival techniques in frozen areas. One of those things, is cooking when you lose power. While I have a small propane-fueled camping stove top to use, I have at least been watching such videos to have a better idea in case I'm unable to make do with that. I thought I should share some of them with you guys as well. After all, one never knows who they might be helping to get through similar situations. So here are the videos! Let me know your thoughts below in the comments. Also, have you ever went without power? What was something you learned from that experience?
This first one, I chose to share because she gives simple meal ideas with the ingredients for you guys. This can help you also stockpile items that will work well for power-less cooking. We have actually had ramen noodles in 'spaghetti' before. It is quite interesting.
I thought this was a great video to share as well. I chose to skip the Chit Chat part of the video. Thankfully, they label it. I went to the part where they talked about their Power Outage. Winter is inching closer for some of us.
Last winter, our home was without power for a little under a week. We had snow outside and ice inside. Windows are single-paned, unfortunately. Since we rent, there isn't much we can do. We ended up having to go stay at my in-laws home to ride it out. We have been thinking about what that could mean for us if we have to go through that again in the upcoming winter months. From what we have read and heard, it sounds like they are predicting that this will be the worst winter in 7 years. Texas grid can't handle "rolling blackouts" as they tried last year. So what do we do? We started doing some research. My mom even helped! She sent several great videos that have taught me a thing or two about how to handle keeping my family warm without power, as well as cooking without power. I thought I might share some in case you are wondering where to start. Each of us has needs that vary from each other. So keep that in mind. What works in one case, might not work in another.
Rocket Stove:
I'd never heard of this concept. But it is pretty cool! Simple, effective and cheap. However, it does mean you can only have this outside. Last winter, I did not like being outdoors for long. It was way too cold and way too hard on my arthritic joints. But for cooking quickly, I think it would work perfectly.
One room for all:
If the power goes out, my goal is to get all 4 children bunking in the living room. Far as I can tell, that is the room that can hold the most heat, fit them all, and have room to spare for them to play or do school in. There is also the fire place that we are stocking wood for. Little by little, we have been investing in wood and the storage of it. We bought a rack and some wood that we cover snugly with a tarp. I will be putting rolled up materials at door bases and windowsills. This should help with insulating better against the cold. Blankets will line the floor in the living room. For them - it will be like a camp out! Or maybe a slumber party... Either way, I'll do what I can to make it fun.
Clay pots and tealight candles:
I
had heard of this before. But actually seeing it in action made a
difference in my belief on how well it might work. This would do nicely
for heating the room that I plan to have the kiddos bunk in. I could easily set it up on the table in the dining room, which is attached to the living room. It should provide plenty of heat to keep us going.
Or this method:
10 ways according to a prepper:
This guy seems to know his stuff. I plan to check out more of his videos to see what other ideas he has. He gave great tips that could be helpful for different situations.
Alcohol and toilet paper:
This is one I would never have thought of. Especially when we know about that shortage we had at the start of the pandemic age. However, I include it as it is unique and can be stored away for an indefinite time.
What else do you think I am missing? I'd love to hear from you. Are you prepping too?
Through my association with US Family Guide, I have been chosen to review a very cool product called the Freeloader.
When I first heard the name, I was curious as to what item could possibly be associated with such a name. After seeing the product, I can see why the name is so fitting.
We have a carrier for infants. But that only lasts so long. If you are anything like us, you might have a toddler who gets worn out quicker than everyone else. Their little legs can't manage the adventures like us bigger folks. That is where the Freeloader comes in handy. It is built to provide comfortable transportation of a toddler without straining your own back.
Families need to be able to get out and explore. Have some adventures together! This carrier allows you to continue to do that, despite the limitations of the little ones.
What do I like most of all about this carrier?
The frame is lightweight, but sturdy. When you are carrying a child, the last thing you need is for the carrier to be heavy. However, you also don't want it to be flimsy and fall apart easily. Especially if you are using it to travel with.
The straps and back are well-padded as well as adjustable. Ever have a backpack full of something and it pulled on your shoulders, biting in? This thing won't give you such problems! It has strong padding on the straps as well as on the back where your kiddo goes.
Pockets on either side are capable of carrying your phone, keys, money, etc. Whether you are hiking or going into a long line, you want to have your hands as free as possible. So keep those little things tucked away.
There is a little seat for the kiddo to sit upon. You want you child to be comfortable as well. So instead of just strapping them into a harness, this gives them something to actually rest on. They aren't just hanging around.
They include a guide on all you need to know about your Freeloader. About the design, how to single-handedly load your kid in it, how to make adjustments, how to care for it and what can come off for cleaning. The cover and seat cover are both removable.
I can see more than the potential of long hikes or traveling benefits with the Freeloader. My husband and I are beginning to prep for emergencies. After all, there have been some pretty bad hurricanes out there recently. But emergencies come in more than one form. Weather disasters, wars, government collapse. Those are just a few reasons why someone might have to venture away from home and start trekking on foot one day. If that were to happen, you wouldn't want to have whiny toddlers who "can't take another step". Or can't keep pace. The Freeloader would be a huge help in transporting the child as well as giving you the ease to go long distance.
Or what about runs? Marathons? This would make something like that possible even with a kid in tow. See how to get it on and the kid loaded when you are alone.
And this video shows it in use and how the two of them reacted to it.
I'm feeling great about this product and would love to hear what you have to say about it. Do you think you would use it? And if so, in what way? You can also get 10% off while taking the whole family on your adventures. Just check out the deal here.
