Self-Reliant Living

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When it comes to emergency preparedness, some people might be prepared with supplies, but are they really prepared to survive? It takes more than a few supplies.

The "Hot Pot" Solar Cooker

This is a review of a new type solar cooker I purchased, called the "Hot Pot." It is different than box solar cookers, and I was curious if it would cook effectively, particularly in an emergency situation. I figured, if it worked well, I would be able to cook as long as there was sun, and save using other types of non-renewable fuels.

Propagating Your Tomato Plants - Part 1 & 2

You Get New Plants for Free

I read an article about propagating your tomato plants by removing the side-shoots that develop from the angle between the leaf stems and the main stem of the plant. Removing these side-shoots helps the main plant develop more fruit, but it also would give me more tomato plants FREE!

Make Your Own Leather Knife Sheaths

Some of the leather knife sheaths I was getting with new knives left a bit to be desired. I thought it might be a good time to start hand making my own so I could decide on the type and style of sheath. After buying some leather, a few leather tools, and a few short lessons, I was on my way.

Finding Space for a Food Pantry

and Emergency Supplies

As we know, it is important to have a food pantry with extra food in the home in the event of an emergency. It is also important to store other emergency supplies in an area where you can get to them when you need them.

Preparing Parsley for the Pantry

Our garden was full of Parsley which we like to dehydrate and bottle for the pantry. It lasts for the whole winter-spring time span (and even longer), so we never have to buy it (this goes for other things like oregano, savory, etc.).