Cooking Without Electricity (Wintergeddon Prepping #2)

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.

Beginning Preparations for the Next Wintergeddon

I don't know how many of you remember, but last winter Texas had a massive winter storm that some have dubbed Wintergeddon. Fast forward to September and we have only recently seen 100 degrees in central Texas. Crazy, right?? 

But even though the temperatures outside are about 98-100, I've noticed that I'm not the only one wondering what is going to happen when winter returns. We lost power during a rain storm recently. During rain! It was crazy to wake up to flashing clocks everywhere. Last I heard, they haven't fixed all the problems that led to days without power, and even some deaths during the frigid cold. 

Knowing this, my husband and I have started to prepare ourselves a little more. Last winter, we had needed to go stay with his mother and sister after waiting several hours for the power to return. Our home does not hold heat thanks to the outdated single-paned windows and gaps in the doors. But since we rent, there isn't much I can do to help that. Or is there?

Centralizing the heat

I've been doing some research. One way to keep from having higher bills, also works to keep heat or air centralized. You seal off rooms that you can do without. This got me thinking. Wouldn't be so bad to let the kids camp out in the living room, now would it? Close their bedroom doors, stuff towels in the window sills and door cracks. Then, make sure to close their vents. This works for having electricity or not. All the air will blow into the rooms being used instead. 

Firestarters

We have a great fireplace to utilize in winter months. I've been making homemade fire starters from dryer lent and toilet paper rolls. Simple, yet highly effective! I filled a shoe box so far and then have been saving dryer lent as well.Lesson learned - pack it lightly!

Wood is something that we will have to store up. We plan to get a wood stacking rack. I rather not just have it piled on the ground. Plus, we will be keeping it covered to keep it dry from the elements.

Propane or gas grill

We bought a wonderful 2 burner stove top. It has dual uses. We can use it during camping trips as well as when there is loss of power. It is small, so making meals will be time-consuming. But still totally worth it. If you are looking for what we got, it is Ozark Trail. We love their brand! We can grab the little camping propane tanks to use.

Food stocking

Canned goods are definitely the way to go! So our plan is to collect canned soups and maybe ramen for warm meals. Peanut butter will be another thing we will keep on hand. Bottled water will be a big deal for us. These are things we can stock up on little by little from each paycheck. 

Bringing out the heat

Lastly, we have talked about how to heat up the place in the event that the power does go out. How do we keep everyone warm? For the most part, I plan to keep all jackets, hats, gloves and blankets in the living room with the kids. It will be a giant, warm fort! Bundling up will be easy. We are looking into space heaters as well. And the fireplace will be kept stoked. 

Passing the time

Everyone knows we live in the age of technology. So what do we do with no power? How do we plan to pass the time? First off, we have a portable DVD player we picked up at an estate sale. We have 2 DS game devices. And even a tablet. But how will we charge those? Our vehicle comes with plugs, both USB and your standard wall plug! When we have to go places, we can charge them here and there. But those aside, we have a ton of board games! We can easily pass the spare time with that. We are all readers. So books will be at our disposal. Nerf gun fights and Barbies, Lego creations and hide-n-seek games. We can pass the time. After all, during daylight hours will be school too. 

Speaking of light...

Without power, we will be needing to pull out candles and flashlights. My favorites are the LED ones we picked up at Harbor Freight.  They have multiple options on the type of light and are easy for the kids to use. So don't forget those extra batteries!

What are your thoughts? How would you prepare? I'd appreciate hearing from you. Leave me a comment below!

Freeloader Child Carrier Review and Discount

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.