Since watching your videos in the past 6 months. 1) found an oil lamp at a thrift store in perfect condition for 16$ 2). Made my own bread for Pennie’s 3). Made my own shampoo and soaps. 4). Made my own makeup. 5). Made vinegar. 6) made pain relief salve. Single mom. Don’t make a lot. And making little investments with your videos. So grateful.
Never apologize for being prepared and aware of what CAN happen. Dwarf brains and Ding bats only choose to NOT prepare. It is no longer what if, it is a matter of it will, so be ready. I keep junkin', and lookin. Wool blankets, canning/drying jars, 100% cotton sheets, camping goods, yarn, cast iron, hand tools, enamel ware. Anything I can USE in everyday. Not frou-frou. And we love you and look forward to the knowledge you share with us. 70+ and still working hard for Family and Lord.
You should never apologize for having the things that you worked for . God has blessed you with the knowledge to do those things. I am so thankful that you guys share so much great information to help the rest of us. Have a blessed day. Again thank you for sharing
Thank you Heidi! 🙂 It seems more so in recent years that I'm reminded of an Aesop's fable my mom used to read to me called The Fox and the Grapes. So many negative Nellies! ☺️ smh It also exemplifies how long they've been around! I mean, Aesop for cryin' out loud! 😵😂😁 Blessings! 💜
You are so helpful and encouraging, Heidi! Thank you! I grew up gardening and canning, sewing, etc. My mom is widowed and lives in King County on almost nothing and is content. She taught us kids how to live on pretty much nothing, even before Dad was promoted to heaven. And we were so happy!! Now my husband and I have been married for 28 years and have been living the same way and are in great shape. Our nest became empty this past fall and our children are doing the same things we did and are facing the same scrutiny we did for choosing to save rather than spend. I think most people don’t have the discipline to give up the momentary pleasure for the long term goal. It seems there is also a lack of desire to “do” anything. However, we were created to work. Adam and Eve worked in the garden before The Fall. Work was not created as a punishment - we were created to be busy and productive and good stewards of the earth He created. Thank you again, Heidi for being a voice of encouragement to me.
My husband and I live on a disability pension and carer's pension and have more than enough to live on. We have more than most people who are working because of the way we live! It can also be lots of fun learning what else we can do and learn to support ourselves even more.
I, too, am very content living on what other people couldn't. My horses, dogs, cats, and chickens don't suffer either. I don't, nor do I want to, travel or go out to eat. I never worry about food poisoning, or e-coli, because I know where most of my food came from. My happiest day is staying home and doing whatever strikes my fancy that day. It may be quilting, riding, or weeding, picking, canning, or whatever, but there is great pleasure in sitting down to eat and you've grown everything on your plate. We raise chickens, pork, and beef. My truck is a '19, and has 13,000 miles on it, that includes a 1,400 mile trip to explore North Carolina to see if I wanted to live there someday. I think I'll take my chances up here with snow storms and no poisonous snakes, but I do like NC. Anyway, good for you for living the simple life!
Being a senior and low income, I started 2 years ago doing what I can with what I have. I now have at least 6 months of food. I bought 4 solar light bulbs and a solar lantern, which I have used during power outages. I live in the high desert so solar energy works. I make candles. I'm currently looking into a cook stove for my patio. I also have a patio garden. I tend to grow what costs the most to buy. I saved for a small chest freezer. Then found it on sale. I budget and shop for food and essentials once a month and keep back cash for a weekly top off, if needed. It's possible to do and be positive. I have peace of mind and less worry. I recently bought a small dehydrator and plan to grow herbs and veg for another way to store them.
My husband and I are on a low income as well. Shopping in bulk and knowing how to pressure can and dehydrate makes all the difference. We shop about once a month - and even then, we never need a great lot. We are on the same wave length.
To live a simple life...of gardening my own food as much as possible. Canning and drying and freezing it...enjoy the wonderful taste of the veggies and herbs...drinking herb tea out of my own garden...tell me what's better???😊 To prepare for trouble times, whatever it may be...just living the simple ( wonderful) life brings me real blessings. Somehow feeling more connected with the things that really matter. I'm not going on vacation for years now. And since I live in a "bicycle country" ( the Netherlands) I make some lovely bicycle trips. Drinking coffee or tea at some rest places you can find in the countryside. Eating a picnic of my own baked bread...That's jus lovely. Thank you Heidi for all you are doing. It helps me a lot ! Be Blessed ❤
When we had a hurricane coming several years ago, Mike went out to buy us a generator. Not 1 store in 2 counties had one. I called my cousin in Savannah (2 1/2 hrs away) and asked if she would see if the store near her had one. Bless her heart, she did find one and actually sat on the box until we could buy it over the phone. She sat on it until they wrote sold with our name on the box and brought the cart to take it up front. She’s so totally awesome and I love her dearly. I have always been intrigued by non electric tools, kitchen gadgets and antiques. I absolutely love your laundry set up, something I will eventually have Mike make. I was thinking about people who don’t plan, that if you asked them for money that took hours of their time to make at work, they would be offended, yet they don’t mind asking for items that took you hours to put away. We do share a lot with others, but I always tell them that they can only have more if they bring my jars back. 😂 God has blessed us so much, we feel like we are supposed to share those blessings. You can’t out give the Father is so true! God bless you and yours and thank you for sharing your knowledge that makes what I do possible. ❤
I also love gadgets you don't need electricity for. I love antiques. We have two clocks now - one is a pendulum and the other a mantle. We've learned how to clean them, but now we need to know how to do small repairs (like getting the chimes back on time in the mantle clock). We will learn these skills too. I love Heidi's laundry set up as well. I'm on the lookout for a wringer, haha.
@@dayamitrasaraswati6276Have you seen Lehmans? They cater to the amish community. I look online and drool. I was gifted a treadle sewing machine when I moved here. Lehmans has the rubber "line" to attach the machine to the treadle. This spring I want to get it running. Oh yes, I own a nice sewing machine with a lot of attachments. My grandmother made all her husband's clothes, long before a big n tall store existed.
Heidi, I totally understand your frustration. When I was a child I understood that the way most people live now was how only the rich were able to live. It amazes me to see how many things that I was raised to think of as just for the rich are considered necessities now. Many of our poor now live better than everyday people lived in the past. I think I was a preteen before we even had indoor plumbing. Everyone I knew had gardens and preserved. People slept in the yard in the summer as there was no air conditioning. Vacations were visits to family. You didn’t stop a hotel you slept in the car or maybe on the living room floor at a relatives. You didn’t fly you drove and didn’t stop at a restaurant to eat, you packed food for traveling. So glad you teach people how to survive and prepare. Normal living is a lost art. Thank you for caring. Thank the Lord for his blessings and your guidance.
I also grew up in an era where packed lunches were the way to go if you went on a trip. I am also grateful to Heidi for teaching people how to really live and prepare. You are right, it is a lost are.
My parents were born in Germany and Poland before WW2 and went through the war as children. They came to Canada then America, but lived as frugally as possible on one salary after they started having children. Times were different in the 1970's when I was a child, but my parents were raised with the old ways of the old country, so I learned a lot from just observation. I wish my mom would have pushed me more to learn canning, but she didn't and I wasn't really interested either back then. I regret that now, but it's too late, as mom passed away 6 years ago and she had dementia before that for years. I love learning from Heidi and others on RUclips. Thank you Heidi! You are awesome in my eyes!!! I only wish I would have started many years ago, but I was one of the sleeping masses that was clueless until about 8-9 years ago. My mom always made sandwiches when we traveled by car or went to the lake, we didn't stop at fast food places. My husband laughed at that when we were dating, as he wasn't raised that way and he is 2 years older than I am, but his parents are 10 plus years younger than mine were and they were born and raised in the USA, much different culture.
This to the letter. Everything we have today in the modern home is a rich person's luxury back just a few decades ago. We as a species can absolutely thrive off of far less than what governments (especially the US) says is "standard bare necessities" for a house. Outhouses, composting, candles, fire place, canning, dehydrating, catching rain water or collecting buckets of snow for baths, gardens, foraging... All humans really need is a roof and walls at night, somewhere to build a fire and fallen wood to burn, and even just a large flat rock for frying on.
My mother grew up in the Depression era -with no mother! We learned a lot about what it was to be poor back then. I was born in 1961, so all the luxuries we have now weren't even invented then. Mothers had to trust their children would be okay because there were no mobile phones back then. Children would play with their new bikes at Christmas. I still miss the ruckus of hearing kids tooting horns and yelling and laughing playing with their new toys in the street. We were taught not to throw things away in case they may be needed (probably why I keep rags for cleaning rather than buy things like paper towels or the like). Today we have all the "luxuries" but, I have to say, we also have less freedom. There is less joy when there is not to drive to succeed or make things yourself. We had a sense of independence when I was growing up. We also had more of a sense of community back in the 60's. It was the era of talking to your neighbour over the back fence. Now nobody is ever home. Everyone is at work. Kids stay inside and get goghle-eyed as they live at the computer. There is an impression of being alone more now. Some things have been a welcome change. But the cost has been expensive at times.
I'm in my 60's, and yes, I think that, too. Most of the families when I grew up only had one car. My aunt walked across town everyday to work at an department store, because Uncle Albert went to construction sites with their big old black car. Now, people think they need a McMansion for two people, when many of us, myself included, grew up in a Cape Cod. We had a farm, though, and I"m happy for that upbringing for sure! My mother canned and froze food, and I've taken that to new levels these days. People now need the latest expensive phone, a boat, fancy vacations, and OMG - they need a Spa day and a mani/pedi. Crazy thinking to me!
I got alarmed in 2020, realizing how quickly things can go south with some social upheaval. Toilet paper comes ro mind, but i noticed things were rationed, like meats because people panicked and hoarded. And then in 2021, I was boticing store shelves appeared full until you took down a few boxes or cans and saw it was empty behind the front row. I started to go about my day thinking what would i do if there were no stores and no power and then prepare and purchase things to accomplish that. Order of priority was food and water, i learned foraging, started a garden, got some chooks and started scrounging hand tools, especially kitchen tools like grinders and mills. Cooking. I have a solar stove i made from a car windshield screen and have old mirrors to kick it up a notch and cinderblocks stacked off to the side to build a rocket stove. I also bought a small cookstove that uses twigs to cook with. If I lose power permanently, my generator will eat up propane and maybe last us 3 days. I prefer not to use it and do without. I've had a bad feeling for several years now, and if it all went down tomorrow, I'm resigned. It will be, what it will be. I pray, God helps my children make their way here with to be with us. Together we will be family strong.
This is an important message for a lot of people. Sadly, a lot of people think they can have it all right from the start. I like to think of it like a stair way, one step at a time. I was disaster trained with my job (I’m retired now) and it taught me that it’s far better to be prepared than to be that person who makes a disaster worse because they were not prepared. It relieves some of the burden on rescue workers and counties who are affected. The one huge expense we did last year was a hand pump on our well. I didn’t want to rely on solar because it eventually breaks down. No solar, no water. I have water I can pump as long as I have the ability to raise my arm and push down lol (I laugh but getting older it is a reality). I like your channel and the way you think.
So true about that first part. Most people still somehow think, even after 2020, that stores will always have everything they need so if the power is out then miraculously the stores will still have power (which may be true for a few hours, but hardly longer). It's kind of pathetic to see the younger generations expecting stores to provide for them and have no idea where anything comes from. I'm baffled by how many people my age (40) and older who don't know. I've actually had to cut ties with my only friends because they were the type of people to constantly complain but never prepare, even when I offered things like free quail + a free cage or when I bough them those bulk packs of batteries from Costco and medicinal herb seeds. After about a year of encouraging them to start being more self sufficient when they knew stores were unreliable, I just had to stop talking to them. It became clear that they would be the ones who made the disasters worse, and that since I loved their kids as my own, I needed to get away asap before I was in a position to choose between my kid and their kids (because in that position, whether anyone wants to admit it, every parent will ALWAYS choose their own kids over even their bff's kids or nieces/nephews). Those people are sadly going to make their kids suffer by refusing to prepare even for emergencies, and I can't be around to watch that. I don't get how people can so willingly choose to ignore the fact that emergencies happen sometimes and we need to be prepared just in case. Not to mention if worse happens because of our competent world leaders.
@@homesteadgamer1257 the old adage applies here “you can lead a horse to water but you cannot make them drink”, 2020 was the best and the worst thing to happen to everybody. The worst because so many relationships were ruined, the best because it alerted us to what we needed to do to prepare. I’ve lost a lot in preparation as well but I guess it’s just like culling the herd. The weakest ones had to fall away. Harsh I know but what we’ve endured at some of their obnoxious remarks and actions calls for just that.
We have the same generator we purchased in 1999, just in case y2k was a thing. When the old, worn electric lines in our area were hit with an incredible ice storm in 2007, we had a power source for 11 days while all our family and friends who lived in town were without. It’s definitely one of the noisy ones, but I’m glad we were prepared and could provide those friends and family members with a warm place to sleep. I am grateful every day that hubs and I are good diy’ers and between us can fix just about anything we need to get by.
Never apologize for telling the truth. We have become a "drive thru" " throw awat" society. The "old way" things you show people are not old just forgotten.
Your videos are always full of great ideas, tips and tricks that I may never have come up with without inspiration from you. That said, I think sometimes what is missed by content providers like yourself is that you're always going to have moaners and complainers. These are the kind of people that may just not really fit your audience. You're also going to have people, like me, who may weigh in from time to time with a different perspective. Don't sweat us small stuffs. Keep doing the great work you've always done. Your content resonates with 377k subscribers. That is a TON of people!!! You're bound to have people who just "don't get it". Love from Heidi a few hours South of your rain country!
Yep, I get all kinds of people, most are good and kind, many are honest but polite, and then there are the whiners that do nothing but complain about that which cost them nothing. I have dealt with that since starting my channel in 2016 and much longer with my previous businesses of teaching Ballet and Martial Arts (30 years total on those). It is just life. For my channel I have deleted innumerable rude comments that most will never have seen, some I will direct because I think they are important points to bring up. Even if only one person vocalized such opinions, they will represent several others who need to understand the reasons why people like us do what we do. Hopefully it will help them rethink their stance and learn to do what they can to better their own situation
As a rule we don't have weather events that knock out power, but about 15 years ago we had an ice storm. My town maintained power the entire time, but the rural homes were without electricity for two days to two weeks, depending on which power company they had. My sister and BIL were out for about one week - fortunately, I had given them an oil lamp and oil as a housewarming gift. It was pretty, and she kept it on a shelf strictly for decoration - but when the need arose, she knew exactly where to find it. Between that, a kerosene heater, a small propane grill, and a small generator, they got by.
Heidi, you inspired me to start (slowly) my preparedness journey in mid 2020, and I am so grateful you did! I did it little by little, both some food storage and also some equipment, and not forget acquiring knowledge. I am so grateful to you. Still remember your video series with your different bags, which gave me comfort during those uncertain times. Think there are a lot of us who do not always comment on videos (but I always leave a like!), but we are forever grateful for your knowledge sharing! ❤️
I love my oil lamps! 4 large and 2 small! As well as a couple lanterns. And I have my wood stove. Living in the mountains of n. Idaho I use my wood stove for my main heat. And I make my own candles. The only thing I have a problem with is I have no way to keep my fridge and little freezer going when the power goes out. Havent found a cheap little generater. I am on a low fixed income and and disabled. At 69 I am used to losing power off and on. So having grown up on a farm in the 60s I have good storage just need a to find a little generater. So sad the kids dont get outside and play and run and ride bikes anymore. Very unhealthy. Enjoy your channel very much!! Never learned about fermenting and alm that in my younger years so having fun learning now!!
Wood stove great investment and there are affordable options Generator next on the list I heard behind every solar system there is a great generator lol Thank you for all the info There are a lot of people still oblivious to what is going on on Also a sun oven might be a good option you can make them or buy them
Heidi, you are so wonderful. I have followed you, along with some amazing others. Thank you for the years you have been in my life. You encourage me and teach me. I also love seeing Western, WA in your videos. I lived there right at 35 years. Just moved to MO one year ago. Side note; The Snake's in the south 🥺! I was really spoiled living in a beautiful place that only had garder snakes, lol. I grew up in the south, had my three daughters here then, moved to WA. My fear of snakes now has done a number on my bravery, to say the least. But I'm working on it. It helps when someone is here, I'm a little braver then 😊 God bless you and yours.
I also want to add that you don't necessarily need a wood stove or the like when the power goes out. If you have a couple bricks (which are SO inexpensive), you can put a few bricks (I'd say at least 4), then you can build a small fire on those - if you're in an apartment and have a balcony, you can do this on the balcony, otherwise you can do it right outside your front door - and cook over that with a camping grille. If you don't have a porch and don't feel comfortable cooking outside your front door (even when everyone's power is out), you can fill an empty can (like a can green beans or corn or tuna would come in) with rubbing alcohol, and light that. Just $1 rubbing alcohol and an empty can; practically free (cans of veggies here in northern California go for around maybe .38 - .52 cents). You can prop up a simple air fryer rack or camping grille over that and cook in a small pan or heat up canned foods. And remember always when you need to light a fire inside even with something safe like alcohol, make sure your home is well vented just in case. And speaking of rubbing alcohol, If you NEED extra heat because the bad weather is bringing a chill into your house, whether oou have a carpet or hard floor, you can still make a small fire in your home. BUT you will need a LOT of bricks. You don't need to mortar them down, but you do need a large enough surface of them, and from there you build a staggered dome up around that (to get air flow in and let the heat out to warm you). Before you put the last brick on top, put a tall empty tuna can or two filled with rubbing alcohol or a low-percentage drinking alcohol (like vodka, wine, dry cider, etc. I've always used 70% rubbing alcohol, so a cheap bottle of liquor would work fine), light that, then put the top brick on. You should have at least a foot of brick base around the base of your staggered brick dome. ~~~ OR ~~~ make a brick base like above (if anyone needs better clarity, just make like a square of bricks about 4 x 4 bricks or 5 x 5 bricks - all flat on their widest side; like you'd lay them to make stepping stones). Then put an empty tuna tin filled with alcohol, and about 2 inches from that place another brick on each side, then prop an upside down clay pot (like for planting) on top of those two bricks (no hole in the bottom of the clay pot, the heat will escape right out). If you need to magnify that, put two more on either side of that clay pot and then prop up a larger clay pot. The upside down clay pots act as a wood stove does, and you can even cook on them. BUT you NEED to have a good solid brick base to set them on. Do NOT that try this on carpet or linoleum. But you can do this on a balcony or just outside your front door.
Man, RUclips has been killing it lately with my recommendations! I've been getting tons of Christian homesteaders/preppers and I ain't mad about it! Thank you for your videos!
Thank you for being you!!! I was raised this way - power going out, growing a HUGE farm garden, processing our own meat, making clothes, knowing how to can and preserve our food, and so much more. I value what I was taught and learned along the way. Now learning the herbal remedies, my passion!!!, is completing my knowledge. I appreciate everything you do and inform us on your knowledge. 🥰🥰🥰
Heidi, I have been working on being prepared for a few years now. Every day, I learn something new or a better way. The strange thing is when my sisters or my husbands kids come to visit, I show them what I doing, tell them why, and it never fails for them to say that they don't have time or dedication for it, but they would just come here. It is so disappointing, but it is how they are choosing to go through life. They eat out all the time, they take vacations, and they all have a crazy credit card debt. All I have left other than utilities is my mortgage, and I am working on that every month. I make it clear to them that what I am doing is for my husband and I, and I will teach them and help them start. We never take vacations, never go out to eat, and anything fun that we do is free. You can have fun and amazing trips that cost mothing more than some gas.
Many times growing up and raising my children we had to revert to other ways of cooking. I’ve even gone out and cooked over an open fire in the snow and ice. It can be done. I would love a wood stove but there is no room in this house.
This came in great timing, although i couldn't watch it earlier because my power has been out all day. I've been canning a lot again lately, so far I got 10 quart jars of meals done and plan on another 20 or so. Costco actually has a really good sale on 1600/2000 watt gas generators this month for only $300 with only $25 shipping, so we ordered one just a couple days ago. But honestly unless we have a few days-long blizzard hat shuts down the power, I don't think we'll be too bad off. I have a wood stove I can cook on, I'm stocked up on canned foods from stores and what I've canned myself, the last time I rained I filled up 15 gallons of water in just under a day. I think the only thing we could use more of is solar lanterns, which I'm hoping to find a good deal on when we go shopping tomorrow. But if I hadn't already been prepared? Power outages would be agonizing.
LOVE this. DONT APOLOGIZE . Tired of hearing the same when we had no power for a week after hurricane. I bought solar generators (2) before after this happening often with storms and we ran the modem, phones, TV, computers ( I work online a lot). I have a charcoal grill, and hibachi for smaller cooking. I also have chaffing dishes that you can cook on when no power. Does it take longer....yes. But microwaving is not healthy. Next is to build a small concrete stove outsides. People around me were mad because we had lights (small lanterns) fans and such. An electric kettle kept to make tea. Ran my CPAP on generator and recharged them each day. Have now saved and purchased another generator.
It takes a long time to get prepped! And we have animals on our small place, so, we're never 'done'. Just when you think that you're ahead of the game, you discover some fence posts rotted, the hay barn needs a new roof before you get more hay in.....etc. Here in NY state, the government is putting bans on propane stoves in new buildings, school buses have to be all electric by 2035 (BAD idea!, and I'm a retired driver), and also wood stoves are banned in places, too. It's like they are trying to make it more difficult for people to do/have simple things, you know, like cook and be warm. I have an extra propane stove I bought last year to do my canning outside, right now we are boiling down sap on it. Last year we boiled in the horse trailer, LOL. Being out of the wind and rain and snow helps a lot when making syrup. We have many ways to cook outside, even if I just want to go burn some sticks from the woods and some cut-off's from 2 x 4's or something, having cinderblocks and/or fire bricks isn't that expensive. We also have plans for getting water out of the well, too. Besides generators. I wish that we had a pond, but we don't, and small creeks are within a half-mile or so, but I hope I never have to carry that much water that far! We have lots of 'totes', water troughs, etc., to catch rain water. Heidi, what is your plan for watering? It sounds like you're probably on city water. I bet Patrick has a clever idea, like a bailer bucket? :)
@@RainCountryHomestead Right! I have watched that a while ago, but I'll watch it again. You do such a nice job, and we have metal roofs, totes, water troughs. Thanks Heidi!
WOW!! Thank you, I had no idea that treadle sewing machines were still made! I've been looking for one for years. And oh my goodness Heidi!! You are so thoughtful and sweet and should never feel bad about someone else misunderstanding. I know it's because you want everyone to understand. Broccoli because they already feel guilty or they just really haven't read it all or it's also new to them. But thank you for being concerned about those who are new to this lifestyle. May the Lord continue to bless you as you have been such a blessing to everyone who watches your videos!!! Again thank you!!!
Sorry for a second post but I wanted to let you know. My husband are about 10 years older than you and we have lived this way, without all the dehydration and canning knowledge that you have. But built our own house with our own two hands because it costs less than a trailer at the time. And because we live in the mountains of North Carolina built it so we were ready for power outages. Had one of those two step stoves. Not ideal for cooking on butt cooked on it anyway, he did the house with it heated water so we could bathe ourselves. When we lost power for a week or more. You are so right. We do have to think about preparedness depending on where we lived. Before we moved in North Carolina, we lived in Toronto with a small back porch with a grill so we could cook on it when the power went out. Which even in the city it went out.
We had a blackout once. A few days, I believe and afterwards we found out our neighbors sat in the dark with one flashlight the entire time. We automatically go into dry camping mode. My kids loved it. Pull out lanterns and board games.
I agree with you Heidi. Self-sufficiency and preparedness are important to assure our lives in bad times. We are responsible for ourselves and can't count on governments, politicians etc. I am happy you have that sewing machine, I would like to have the same. I am in the process to get installed a wooden stove. Have a wonderful weekend ❤😊❤
Such great ideas, always good information! I left many of my preps in my daughter's home in West Virginia. So, I am starting over with small preps here in Florida Yes, yard sales, clearance at stores, buy an extra each week, it does add up. Thank you so much, Heidi, may God continue to bless you.
Heidi, another Great Video on preparedness! I sure miss my wood stove Heidi. I am so thankful when I first started watching you Heidi, I purchased those light with batteries next to my light switch and put them in my closet too. I am so thankful for you Heidi! and as I have stated before you have taught me a lot of things that I did not know. Yes, little by little you can do it, but start now.
Heidi, when we moved last year to Missouri we are in a very small home, and I have everything stuffed everywhere. I move out of a 1500 sq ft home to a 900 sq foot home without a basement and not garage. Amen Heidi, we need to take our own responsibility. I sure have enjoyed this video.
So many folks forget that God helps those who help themselves, and not sit and whine. We struggled the same as you to obtain needed items. For our 50th anniversary my hubby had saved up and offered me a trip to France by myself (he wasn't interested). 2 weeks in France was my dream but it wasn't practical. Instead, I asked him for a wood cookstove I fell in love with. He thought I was a bit crazy turning down France but when he was sure I was serious, we bought the stove and have never regretted it. It benefits the whole family with loads of heat, cooking and baking. Next month is our 55th and I still don't regret the choice.
Thank you Heidi. you just reminded how I used to always have oil lamps and lanterns. I realize now I lost them all in a move. I will get more now. I love your mind and your heart. thank you for sharing so much. God is good, always.
When an airline attendant gives the safety instructions for possible emergencies, one of the rules given is to protect yourself first, and then assist others. It's a burden for everyone to have to care for a small child or elderly parent while their caretaker has passed out. When emergencies happen, the rescue teams are able to get to the real needs and pass you by. And you may be able to assist others. You are so helpful and wise. Thank you. And I have an oil lamp. 😉
One small tip! You can buy used candles and melt them down with new wax (parafin) and make your own candles very easily! If you dont like parafin wax get the soy!
Back here again... ha-ha! Second time around, l've absorbed a lot more of your excellent advice... yay. I'm going to be buying some of those LED votives... they would be good for summer power outtages, as they wouldn't give out heat. In winter, the actual candles would be better, as they would do double-duty, contributing some warmth. When you hold your hand some distance above a real candle, you realise just how much heat a tiny flame gives out! Thankyou, Heidi. God bless. 🙂❤🫂🦘
I also got my 1st hurricane lantern with a metal backing and it hangs as a wedding gift. I still have it,it's 47 years old,my late husband didn't last that long,I have to rely on town electricity, and propane. But I have bought simple things to use if I don't have electricity. Firepace,BBQ grill, open fires. I'm not afraid,I'm prepared. Learning is the key.
Being prepared is second nature living in Florida with hurricane season. But seeing how events are occurring, we upped our game: gardening, food preservation and making sure we have alternative power systems. Thank you for your knowledge and sharing it with us!
I also am in Florida do you know if there are any groups of preppers that get together or keep in touch that are in our state I have not found any in my particular area. I am in central South Florida.
I agree with a lot of the comments here. Self sufficiency is a step by step approach. I started out with growing some tomatoes and learning to make jam with them. Then I learned how to make sauce. Now I know how to do those things and many other things I pressure can and dehydrate and just make. I bought an old treadle sewing machine (wish we could buy the ones you guys have there in America, but we cannot buy them here in Australia) that we use as a writing desk, but I know I can use the sewing machine in it (yes, it works!) if I needed to. I am also a weaver and my floor loom makes lots of fabrics I can use to make all kinds of things that I can choose the colours and patterns for myself - and it's all done with no electricity. Everything we buy we try to get quality. Cheap is cheap for a reason, usually. You need something you know will last a long time. My husband and I use toilet rags rather than toilet paper. We wash them regularly and rinse them with antibacterial stuff (CS). We grow as much food as we can in the small space we have. We built our own poly tunnel. We are about 20 years into this lifestyle now - and love it! My husband has added soap making to his skills. For Christmas everyone gets something that has been home made or home grown. We make our own vinegars and hair shampoo and rinses - thank you, Heidi. My husband and I love being as independent as we can be and finding ways to add more skills to the list. Recently we bought a pendulum clock for only $75 and learned how to clean and oil it, which we had to do when it stopped working one time. One has to do the work to wind it once a month, but the joy it gives is so worth it! Anyhow..... the point is; build step by step and enjoy the process. Learn skills to build on that don't use electricity and that you may be able to barter with some day if you need to. Grow food if you can or cook from scratch. Make the most of any fruits or vegetables that are on sale. Buy in bulk and pressure can or dehydrate. Start small and build. Love Heidi and this channel! I love all I have learned so far with Heidi's help, plus the skills I already had. God bless.
Buenas tardes desde España 🇪🇦, muy buen video ,empeze con la preparación a partir del 2020 , mi familia me dice que no va a pasar nada , pero ya para mi es un estilo de vida, de aqui problema aqui es el calor y la humedad, no se dan bien las conservas y tengo la duda de comprar un deshidratador, y como mejor puedo pasar mi tiempo es aprendiendo , porque lo único que no nos van a poder quitar es el conocimiento, muchas gracias por tu tiempo, ❤❤❤
You certainly have encouraged me after finding your channel. I made some cleaning vinegar as a test run for other vinegers, some delicious preventative garlic, ginger & honey spice. I've been stocking up on jars and filling them with ancient grains, flours nuts,seeds coffee and whatever else I can get a deal on. I've been buying herbs as well to make extracts.Have a candle and fabric stash going that I buy from thrift stores, bought a propane camp stove and extra propane. I don't have a lot of money but it's a start and I feel good about doing it. I'm So Grateful for people like you and my other favorites who inspire and keep me on track. 🌿🦉💚
I have these things too, and yes,it sure WAS a way of life for my great-grandparents, had electricity though, but still kept a lot of the old ways, I have a lot of their manual items and I add most of what you said TO all that...I have all kinds of ways to have light, heat, water, etc...been building for years to be ready for what comes! mine is my husband's cell that he must be able to sit and be on...lol...I actually look at power outages as getting him up and moving😂
I love seeing what you have and greatly appreciate the info that you put out to us! ❤ BTW, the last time you talked about this you told me in the comments about the grill set that can go inside the open fireplace. I purchased it and absolutely love it! I haven’t NEEDED to use it, but will be using it for experience and for fun this weekend!! ❤❤❤ Thank you so much for sharing with us!
I, for one appreciate your helpful videos. It does take many years to get useful, expensive items. We have made a priority list for things to buy or replace. Most of them are not cheap either unfortunately. We have knocked out 3 from our list so far and will keep going as finances allow. The list has really helped us keep a focus on our needs.
Great common sense video! I do have a couple small emergency cook stoves to be used with canned heat. I also have a cook top that uses butane...bought around 2020 when everything was happening. I also bought portable solar lights little by little, as well as small lantern lights and flashlights. And I am on SS.
I started small, everytime I went food shopping bought 5 extra cans or 5 extra items...little by little I feel very lucky and secure right now. The only thing I worry about is self defense.
I bought a mini solar powered generator from 4patriots, and I made 100 monthly payments as it's what I can afford and now I own 2 of them just in case ❤ I have been slowly getting canning jars, a presto, etc and I have used things like afterpay to make small payments on items... I remember when my great grandmother was alive and we lived with her when I was a kid we would go to the garage every day to get canned food she'd canned and get eggs from the ducks 😊 its the little things that can make a difference. ... I have been stalking up on seeds for a few years now just in case my family and neighbors need it... Thank you Heidi for all of the amazing things you share❤
Thank you Heidi for providing practical tips for prepping for power outages. It’s easier to think through what works and what would be useful, if you often lose power, but for those that don’t, they need a checklist of items to acquire. God bless you.
We have a grill & camp stove,oil lanterns, candles & batteries for our battery operated lights ,got a little at a time, still got a ways to go,but little by little we are trying 🥰🥰
We give up a lot to put ourselves in a more secure spot. While others go on vacations, buy clothing to look good, go out to eat,...then others say “well we know where we’re going when it hits the fan...” NO! I gave up a lot of my time to stay hopefully ok. Sink or swim
I have used alot more wisdom in purchasing items since i have been watching your vids, You and Patrick have been great teachers and role models showing through your own life how to be a good stewards with your time and money.. making well informed decisions.. and using your creativity in all those things you do, sewing, cooking, building, fixing, ... Life-ing in general.. and you seem like you are having a great time doing it !! And you take the time to share your lives with all of us!! You are giving so much!! I have no doubt that are as generous with your garden and resources with your family and neighbors, probably even strangers if the need arises! because you are so generous sharing your time, knowledge, skills, kindness and faith. You have a big heart, and you use wisdom and discernment so masterfully :) you are one of my personal heroes... and if i ever manage to grow up ( I am 55 now) I wanna be just like you :) haha ... sounds like I am the president of your fan club .. haha.. but seriously I have seen all these things in you over these last several years i have been watching you, I appreciate you guys so much !!
My 1st prepping items when I was young were an oil lantern, a ‘Betty G’ multi cooker and a blender. I found a book on homesteading and learned a lot. I used make my own baby wipes, and my son would eat healthy foods that were puréed, and was potty trained by 1 yr old. I’ve always been frugal but still have my spoils too. It’s about balance.😊
Thanks Heidi you have helped me with making laundry powder, makeup, etc. I also bought those battery operated lights. I live close to the Gulf of Mexico. Thanks for allllll your help❤️✝️🙏🏻
Years ago, I watched a video by Jamie Oliver. He dug a bowl shaped hole outdoors, lit a small fire in it, placed an oven rack over the top then used the rack to cook on. You could also, boil a pot of water etc 🙏🏼
Always be prepared for anything. Also, kids shouldnt have electronics 24/7. Spend time with them, teach them skills, make it fun. Get right with GOD. Love your channel. GOD bless
Baby steps. You can’t swallow an elephant all at once… it’s one bite at a time. Live within your means. I made many frivolous mistakes in my life… I regret those now. Don’t worry abt keeping up with the Jones… slow &steady!
People need to realise that your experience is an amazing guide to what we can strive to achieve. Heidi has always said start small which is what I have been doing and now I'm saving to buy my first vaccum sealer which I never thought I would do. Learning from Heidi saves you time and money because of her many years of practical experience. People should appreciate and not complain, and if you have to complain, complain at yourself for not taking the first step, dont blame someone else who only trying to help. God bless Heidi and her family❤
Thank you Heidi. One thing I would like to add is that hand written important notes/instructions/lists etc, for “anything” in a notebook or something larger could only be of benefit should ever, there be no access to the internet. Also, you never know if your particular, notes could be of benefit to future generations eg. family health conditions, family recipes, basic genealogy etc
I love your videos and your message, Heidi! I am so very sorry that so many people come at you with such negativity! We should all be here to help each other. It's such a shame that we are not.
Helping people who need it is one thing, helping people who did absolutely nothing to prepare themselves and expect you to do it for them are two different things. They are the people who make comments like that.
There is really useful not at a fancy wood stove made in another country that i have my eye on. I keep saving a little at a time and watching. Maybe someone will sell one here. A little at a time is the way to live. No way could i afford some things. But i am secure in the things i have done and purchased.
I find your videos very informative, and make alot of things according to your instructions. They are spot on. I'm making vanilla at the moment, and make lemon, and orange extract as well. Thank you, and God Bless.
I love your channel Heidi you are so kind to try and help people with ideas tips ,recipes . We all have to start somewhere. Forgoing on a luxury can be the easiest way to get a couple of bucks for a need over a want when you're starting out definitely!
Thankyou once again, Heidi: an excellent video! It sparked a memory for me.... When Y2K was a real threat, l prayed a lot, did some reading and research so l could understand the problem, and went about making the preparations that l could. I was on a very low income, alone with 2 small boys. It was hard, because we were already living frugally...so how was l going to put any extras aside?! But l persisted, and God showed me how to make the little trickle of preparation count. In the end, by New Year's Eve, I had enough provisions for about 6 weeks, and some to share. But we would have to be careful with it. The new millenium ticked over, and the 2 years or so of world preps behind the scenes paid off. The problem had been diverted, and the world's computers ticked over, on the whole, okay. The next Sunday (a day or so after) at church, there was much discussion. Sadly, there were some who poked fun at those who had prepared. The preppers were shamed into withdrawal, or stayed silent because of the way some loudmouths talked. And that was from the pulpit 😳!! And my (l thought) close (and fairly well-off) friend turned to me and said, mid-discussion.. "Oh, we didn't prepare at all. I just didn't know what to do" (she didn't even buy her family a box of baked beans!), "and besides, l knew Bev would be all prepared, so l was just going to come down to her, if it came to it... l knew she'd help us, wouldn't you, Bev?" And she laughed, in an offhand kinda way... Well. Luckily, l was so flabberghasted, l couldn't reply. My jaw dropped, and nothing came out of my mouth. God is indeed Good, 'cos there was plenty going on in my head! After that, God coninued to reveal what sort of person my "friend" was. And that churxh. It was pretty bad, but l was able to pull away later, sadder, but a lot wiser. The church crumbled from within, people scattered, and it was taken over a few years later by another. Crises will bring out the True Nature of folk, and there will always be some surprises!! God is still good, and l am once again making what provision l can for harder times, still on a low income, with God's guidance. I am currently getting over a series of illnesses that have stopped me from working, and my "put-asides" have stood me in very good stead. Funny though... it took me a couple of weeks to realise that this WAS a Rainy Day, and to give myself Permission To Use them! 🤪😂 Love and hugs, Heidi. Praying for you and yours, and your channels. X0❤🫂✝️
Very good video and i started out buying food then long term food. List off make a budget and cut out things to the bone. To do this the following week go through your budget again and cut some more. Envelopes for food then car repairs etc. it does not have to be much for repairs or emergency. Get a 2 nd or 3 rd job and use that to buy long term non pershable food. I bought beans in mylar bags with oxygen asorbers. The SCRIPTURE SAID DESPISE NOT SMALL BEGININGS. a LITTLE here and there it will add up. The wood/ cal burning stove has saved me loads of money in heating. The old stove was just wood stove. I bought a truck load from the Amish saw mill about $15-20 a truck load. The bulk food i buy from the Amish Pantry Bargains. It is a Amish store and Those stores are a LOT AND I MEAN Lot cheaper than english stores. They are very helpful and love sharing their way of life. Some carry canning jars and other items for canning. They are willing to tell how to do canning Amish way. They don't follow the modern Ball method, but the old proven Amish method as was done for years on end. Very good people
Thankyou Heidi. Appreciate it , things are changing in the citys ,new restrictions . But dealing with it . Have a good weekend. We are entertained to death in the citys . I walk down allys and all the back yareds are run down over grown Or junk yards so sad . Very wise word you give us .
Garage sales and estate sales - Oh Boy!! I got washtubs on a stand for $2, lanterns and other camping equipment for $3 or so, that those people will wish they had one day soon! Edited to add: I never, ever, buy coffee when out shopping either. My truck has, besides things I might need if there is an EMP and I'm walking home (I hope never!), a small storage bin full of food. I take water with me, and behind the seat and under the back seat are water in 2-liter bottles for hand washing, dog watering (dishes under the seat), in case I'm going somewhere with a dog or three. A ride in the truck shouldn't be just to the vet. They can go in Home Depot, Agway, Tractor Supply and have an adventure.
If you buy a generator it doesn't have to be wired to the house. You can run a number 10-3 fifty foot cord in through a window. Get a piece of plywood 6 inches high and as wide as the windows opening, with a lip on the top and bottom to trap it between the window sash and the sill. Drill a 3/4 hole about an inch from one side, and cut a slot from the side. Now the cord will not get pinched in the window. You can run the generator well away from the house, and get number 12-3 extension cord for the refrigerator, and number 14 or number 16 for the lights and the electronics. If a cord gets warm to the touch while in use, it is too skinny. Use a fatter one. You will have to switch on and off what you have plugged in. Extension cords are expensive but they have more than one use and are portable. No electrician needed. Cut away 3 inches along the bottom corner of the window screen, you can glue it back to the frame later with clear silicone. 😮😮😮
We have found good extension cords at garage sales and no, our gas generator is not wired to our house so we run the cords through a window and the dog door for when we really need to use it but many times we do not bother with it during power outages
For the first time, I'm looking forward to rummage sale season so I can start looking for candles, extra blankets, etc. So far I've looked for pots & such for gardening, without much luck, but now I might have success.
Thank you for sharing how to do things with out the scare tactics. It is a blessing to be able to learn or be encouraged in them without the stress of added fear.
Just think about this....the "progress" that everyone loves so much is actually the downfall of this world. We as people gave up so much for this so-called progress. Everyone just loved it all because of the "convenience" factor. What did that actually produce? Lazy people. People that are now dependent on others for almost every aspect of living. It's truly sad. Third world countries have it better than us. And I agree...just little things can make a huge difference in a power outage. We still haven't purchased a generator but we will eventually. (I even looked up the one you guys have as I watched your video.) I also like the fact that you brought up learning how to sew. It's so easy and rewarding at the same time. Maybe that's what that 11 yr old daughter could have been doing during the power outage. Now I need to get to my potatoes that I dehydrated up yesterday. My 50# of potatoes are sprouting bc my cool area in the back closet is no longer cool enough with the warmer termps. Yes...I re-watched your video's on dehydrating potatoes! Love them!! Have a great Friday and can't wait to see your Monday This-N-That! God Bless!
Funny! I presume NO ONE will Help me out!! I already know that! 😅 Even ones I have Helped them? They convenient Forget and get all Rankled I dare ASK! And that is an important point.... Heidi? Some out there feel Guilty. IF they think You Impose? They lash out with Anger and Hate. Shaming with Rage, because They Don't WANT to! I run into These quite often. There is another Type that Take. Take and Take for Free. But IF you Stop Being Free? Watch Out!- they will give bad reviews, ban you, block you and spread bad gossip! They get Triggered when.they feel Pressured TO Do. You might be stumbling across These. Let it Pass. That is the best advice I can think of. Most of us come to SEE what you are sharing, take notes, ask questions, and highly appreciate what you Share! I never take your videos incorrectly. Most of us don't. So there is NO REASON, That they need to flip out!! Even If you had spoke firmly, it would be with Love! ❤
Since watching your videos in the past 6 months. 1) found an oil lamp at a thrift store in perfect condition for 16$ 2). Made my own bread for Pennie’s 3). Made my own shampoo and soaps. 4). Made my own makeup. 5). Made vinegar. 6) made pain relief salve. Single mom. Don’t make a lot. And making little investments with your videos. So grateful.
Never apologize for being prepared and aware of what CAN happen. Dwarf brains and Ding bats only choose to NOT prepare. It is no longer what if, it is a matter of it will, so be ready. I keep junkin', and lookin. Wool blankets, canning/drying jars, 100% cotton sheets, camping goods, yarn, cast iron, hand tools, enamel ware. Anything I can USE in everyday. Not frou-frou. And we love you and look forward to the knowledge you share with us. 70+ and still working hard for Family and Lord.
You should never apologize for having the things that you worked for . God has blessed you with the knowledge to do those things. I am so thankful that you guys share so much great information to help the rest of us. Have a blessed day. Again thank you for sharing
Thank you Heidi! 🙂
It seems more so in recent years that I'm reminded of an Aesop's fable my mom used to read to me called The Fox and the Grapes. So many negative Nellies! ☺️ smh It also exemplifies how long they've been around! I mean, Aesop for cryin' out loud! 😵😂😁
Blessings! 💜
You are so helpful and encouraging, Heidi! Thank you! I grew up gardening and canning, sewing, etc. My mom is widowed and lives in King County on almost nothing and is content. She taught us kids how to live on pretty much nothing, even before Dad was promoted to heaven. And we were so happy!! Now my husband and I have been married for 28 years and have been living the same way and are in great shape. Our nest became empty this past fall and our children are doing the same things we did and are facing the same scrutiny we did for choosing to save rather than spend. I think most people don’t have the discipline to give up the momentary pleasure for the long term goal. It seems there is also a lack of desire to “do” anything. However, we were created to work. Adam and Eve worked in the garden before The Fall. Work was not created as a punishment - we were created to be busy and productive and good stewards of the earth He created. Thank you again, Heidi for being a voice of encouragement to me.
My husband and I live on a disability pension and carer's pension and have more than enough to live on. We have more than most people who are working because of the way we live! It can also be lots of fun learning what else we can do and learn to support ourselves even more.
I, too, am very content living on what other people couldn't. My horses, dogs, cats, and chickens don't suffer either. I don't, nor do I want to, travel or go out to eat. I never worry about food poisoning, or e-coli, because I know where most of my food came from. My happiest day is staying home and doing whatever strikes my fancy that day. It may be quilting, riding, or weeding, picking, canning, or whatever, but there is great pleasure in sitting down to eat and you've grown everything on your plate. We raise chickens, pork, and beef. My truck is a '19, and has 13,000 miles on it, that includes a 1,400 mile trip to explore North Carolina to see if I wanted to live there someday. I think I'll take my chances up here with snow storms and no poisonous snakes, but I do like NC. Anyway, good for you for living the simple life!
Being a senior and low income, I started 2 years ago doing what I can with what I have. I now have at least 6 months of food. I bought 4 solar light bulbs and a solar lantern, which I have used during power outages. I live in the high desert so solar energy works. I make candles. I'm currently looking into a cook stove for my patio. I also have a patio garden. I tend to grow what costs the most to buy. I saved for a small chest freezer. Then found it on sale. I budget and shop for food and essentials once a month and keep back cash for a weekly top off, if needed. It's possible to do and be positive. I have peace of mind and less worry. I recently bought a small dehydrator and plan to grow herbs and veg for another way to store them.
And those herbs will be your medicine cabinet! God Bless!
My husband and I are on a low income as well. Shopping in bulk and knowing how to pressure can and dehydrate makes all the difference. We shop about once a month - and even then, we never need a great lot. We are on the same wave length.
@@Kay-du4ll I make a master tonic (fire cider) I also cook with lots of herbs.
@@dayamitrasaraswati6276 I don't have a pressure canner any more. Also just for one I freeze and will dehydrate. Maybe later I will afford to buy one.
YOU ROCK! That is awesome.
To live a simple life...of gardening my own food as much as possible. Canning and drying and freezing it...enjoy the wonderful taste of the veggies and herbs...drinking herb tea out of my own garden...tell me what's better???😊
To prepare for trouble times, whatever it may be...just living the simple ( wonderful) life brings me real blessings. Somehow feeling more connected with the things that really matter. I'm not going on vacation for years now. And since I live in a "bicycle country" ( the Netherlands) I make some lovely bicycle trips. Drinking coffee or tea at some rest places you can find in the countryside. Eating a picnic of my own baked bread...That's jus lovely.
Thank you Heidi for all you are doing. It helps me a lot ! Be Blessed ❤
When we had a hurricane coming several years ago, Mike went out to buy us a generator. Not 1 store in 2 counties had one. I called my cousin in Savannah (2 1/2 hrs away) and asked if she would see if the store near her had one. Bless her heart, she did find one and actually sat on the box until we could buy it over the phone. She sat on it until they wrote sold with our name on the box and brought the cart to take it up front. She’s so totally awesome and I love her dearly. I have always been intrigued by non electric tools, kitchen gadgets and antiques. I absolutely love your laundry set up, something I will eventually have Mike make. I was thinking about people who don’t plan, that if you asked them for money that took hours of their time to make at work, they would be offended, yet they don’t mind asking for items that took you hours to put away. We do share a lot with others, but I always tell them that they can only have more if they bring my jars back. 😂 God has blessed us so much, we feel like we are supposed to share those blessings. You can’t out give the Father is so true! God bless you and yours and thank you for sharing your knowledge that makes what I do possible. ❤
I also love gadgets you don't need electricity for. I love antiques. We have two clocks now - one is a pendulum and the other a mantle. We've learned how to clean them, but now we need to know how to do small repairs (like getting the chimes back on time in the mantle clock). We will learn these skills too. I love Heidi's laundry set up as well. I'm on the lookout for a wringer, haha.
@@dayamitrasaraswati6276 me too on the wringer! I can get everything else! ☺️
@@dayamitrasaraswati6276Have you seen Lehmans? They cater to the amish community. I look online and drool. I was gifted a treadle sewing machine when I moved here. Lehmans has the rubber "line" to attach the machine to the treadle. This spring I want to get it running. Oh yes, I own a nice sewing machine with a lot of attachments. My grandmother made all her husband's clothes, long before a big n tall store existed.
Oh my gosh haha your cousin is AMAZING. We all need a cousin like that.
Heidi, I totally understand your frustration. When I was a child I understood that the way most people live now was how only the rich were able to live. It amazes me to see how many things that I was raised to think of as just for the rich are considered necessities now. Many of our poor now live better than everyday people lived in the past. I think I was a preteen before we even had indoor plumbing. Everyone I knew had gardens and preserved. People slept in the yard in the summer as there was no air conditioning. Vacations were visits to family. You didn’t stop a hotel you slept in the car or maybe on the living room floor at a relatives. You didn’t fly you drove and didn’t stop at a restaurant to eat, you packed food for traveling.
So glad you teach people how to survive and prepare. Normal living is a lost art. Thank you for caring. Thank the Lord for his blessings and your guidance.
I also grew up in an era where packed lunches were the way to go if you went on a trip. I am also grateful to Heidi for teaching people how to really live and prepare. You are right, it is a lost are.
My parents were born in Germany and Poland before WW2 and went through the war as children. They came to Canada then America, but lived as frugally as possible on one salary after they started having children. Times were different in the 1970's when I was a child, but my parents were raised with the old ways of the old country, so I learned a lot from just observation. I wish my mom would have pushed me more to learn canning, but she didn't and I wasn't really interested either back then. I regret that now, but it's too late, as mom passed away 6 years ago and she had dementia before that for years. I love learning from Heidi and others on RUclips. Thank you Heidi! You are awesome in my eyes!!! I only wish I would have started many years ago, but I was one of the sleeping masses that was clueless until about 8-9 years ago. My mom always made sandwiches when we traveled by car or went to the lake, we didn't stop at fast food places. My husband laughed at that when we were dating, as he wasn't raised that way and he is 2 years older than I am, but his parents are 10 plus years younger than mine were and they were born and raised in the USA, much different culture.
This to the letter. Everything we have today in the modern home is a rich person's luxury back just a few decades ago. We as a species can absolutely thrive off of far less than what governments (especially the US) says is "standard bare necessities" for a house. Outhouses, composting, candles, fire place, canning, dehydrating, catching rain water or collecting buckets of snow for baths, gardens, foraging... All humans really need is a roof and walls at night, somewhere to build a fire and fallen wood to burn, and even just a large flat rock for frying on.
My mother grew up in the Depression era -with no mother! We learned a lot about what it was to be poor back then.
I was born in 1961, so all the luxuries we have now weren't even invented then. Mothers had to trust their children would be okay because there were no mobile phones back then.
Children would play with their new bikes at Christmas. I still miss the ruckus of hearing kids tooting horns and yelling and laughing playing with their new toys in the street.
We were taught not to throw things away in case they may be needed (probably why I keep rags for cleaning rather than buy things like paper towels or the like).
Today we have all the "luxuries" but, I have to say, we also have less freedom. There is less joy when there is not to drive to succeed or make things yourself. We had a sense of independence when I was growing up. We also had more of a sense of community back in the 60's. It was the era of talking to your neighbour over the back fence. Now nobody is ever home. Everyone is at work. Kids stay inside and get goghle-eyed as they live at the computer.
There is an impression of being alone more now.
Some things have been a welcome change. But the cost has been expensive at times.
I'm in my 60's, and yes, I think that, too. Most of the families when I grew up only had one car. My aunt walked across town everyday to work at an department store, because Uncle Albert went to construction sites with their big old black car. Now, people think they need a McMansion for two people, when many of us, myself included, grew up in a Cape Cod. We had a farm, though, and I"m happy for that upbringing for sure! My mother canned and froze food, and I've taken that to new levels these days. People now need the latest expensive phone, a boat, fancy vacations, and OMG - they need a Spa day and a mani/pedi. Crazy thinking to me!
I got alarmed in 2020, realizing how quickly things can go south with some social upheaval. Toilet paper comes ro mind, but i noticed things were rationed, like meats because people panicked and hoarded. And then in 2021, I was boticing store shelves appeared full until you took down a few boxes or cans and saw it was empty behind the front row.
I started to go about my day thinking what would i do if there were no stores and no power and then prepare and purchase things to accomplish that. Order of priority was food and water, i learned foraging, started a garden, got some chooks and started scrounging hand tools, especially kitchen tools like grinders and mills. Cooking. I have a solar stove i made from a car windshield screen and have old mirrors to kick it up a notch and cinderblocks stacked off to the side to build a rocket stove. I also bought a small cookstove that uses twigs to cook with. If I lose power permanently, my generator will eat up propane and maybe last us 3 days. I prefer not to use it and do without.
I've had a bad feeling for several years now, and if it all went down tomorrow, I'm resigned. It will be, what it will be. I pray, God helps my children make their way here with to be with us. Together we will be family strong.
Today I see 105 very positive and supportive comments and zero negative. God is Good! Thanks Heidi for all you share!
This is an important message for a lot of people. Sadly, a lot of people think they can have it all right from the start. I like to think of it like a stair way, one step at a time.
I was disaster trained with my job (I’m retired now) and it taught me that it’s far better to be prepared than to be that person who makes a disaster worse because they were not prepared. It relieves some of the burden on rescue workers and counties who are affected.
The one huge expense we did last year was a hand pump on our well. I didn’t want to rely on solar because it eventually breaks down. No solar, no water. I have water I can pump as long as I have the ability to raise my arm and push down lol (I laugh but getting older it is a reality).
I like your channel and the way you think.
So true about that first part. Most people still somehow think, even after 2020, that stores will always have everything they need so if the power is out then miraculously the stores will still have power (which may be true for a few hours, but hardly longer). It's kind of pathetic to see the younger generations expecting stores to provide for them and have no idea where anything comes from. I'm baffled by how many people my age (40) and older who don't know.
I've actually had to cut ties with my only friends because they were the type of people to constantly complain but never prepare, even when I offered things like free quail + a free cage or when I bough them those bulk packs of batteries from Costco and medicinal herb seeds. After about a year of encouraging them to start being more self sufficient when they knew stores were unreliable, I just had to stop talking to them. It became clear that they would be the ones who made the disasters worse, and that since I loved their kids as my own, I needed to get away asap before I was in a position to choose between my kid and their kids (because in that position, whether anyone wants to admit it, every parent will ALWAYS choose their own kids over even their bff's kids or nieces/nephews). Those people are sadly going to make their kids suffer by refusing to prepare even for emergencies, and I can't be around to watch that. I don't get how people can so willingly choose to ignore the fact that emergencies happen sometimes and we need to be prepared just in case. Not to mention if worse happens because of our competent world leaders.
@@homesteadgamer1257 the old adage applies here “you can lead a horse to water but you cannot make them drink”, 2020 was the best and the worst thing to happen to everybody. The worst because so many relationships were ruined, the best because it alerted us to what we needed to do to prepare. I’ve lost a lot in preparation as well but I guess it’s just like culling the herd. The weakest ones had to fall away. Harsh I know but what we’ve endured at some of their obnoxious remarks and actions calls for just that.
Amen Heidi. It takes one step at a time too get there. We've had a wood stove for 2 years . We're still trying to find a good place to put it.
We have the same generator we purchased in 1999, just in case y2k was a thing. When the old, worn electric lines in our area were hit with an incredible ice storm in 2007, we had a power source for 11 days while all our family and friends who lived in town were without. It’s definitely one of the noisy ones, but I’m glad we were prepared and could provide those friends and family members with a warm place to sleep. I am grateful every day that hubs and I are good diy’ers and between us can fix just about anything we need to get by.
Wow, that's amazing that it lasted that long in a row for being so old. That was definitely a great investment.
Never apologize for telling the truth. We have become a "drive thru" " throw awat" society. The "old way" things you show people are not old just forgotten.
Your videos are always full of great ideas, tips and tricks that I may never have come up with without inspiration from you. That said, I think sometimes what is missed by content providers like yourself is that you're always going to have moaners and complainers. These are the kind of people that may just not really fit your audience. You're also going to have people, like me, who may weigh in from time to time with a different perspective. Don't sweat us small stuffs. Keep doing the great work you've always done. Your content resonates with 377k subscribers. That is a TON of people!!! You're bound to have people who just "don't get it".
Love from Heidi a few hours South of your rain country!
Yep, I get all kinds of people, most are good and kind, many are honest but polite, and then there are the whiners that do nothing but complain about that which cost them nothing. I have dealt with that since starting my channel in 2016 and much longer with my previous businesses of teaching Ballet and Martial Arts (30 years total on those). It is just life. For my channel I have deleted innumerable rude comments that most will never have seen, some I will direct because I think they are important points to bring up. Even if only one person vocalized such opinions, they will represent several others who need to understand the reasons why people like us do what we do. Hopefully it will help them rethink their stance and learn to do what they can to better their own situation
As a rule we don't have weather events that knock out power, but about 15 years ago we had an ice storm. My town maintained power the entire time, but the rural homes were without electricity for two days to two weeks, depending on which power company they had. My sister and BIL were out for about one week - fortunately, I had given them an oil lamp and oil as a housewarming gift. It was pretty, and she kept it on a shelf strictly for decoration - but when the need arose, she knew exactly where to find it. Between that, a kerosene heater, a small propane grill, and a small generator, they got by.
That is such a great example. And I love that idea as a housewarming gift!
Heidi, you inspired me to start (slowly) my preparedness journey in mid 2020, and I am so grateful you did! I did it little by little, both some food storage and also some equipment, and not forget acquiring knowledge. I am so grateful to you. Still remember your video series with your different bags, which gave me comfort during those uncertain times. Think there are a lot of us who do not always comment on videos (but I always leave a like!), but we are forever grateful for your knowledge sharing! ❤️
That is awesome. I'm so proud of you! It's such a huge weight off the shoulders to not have to worry.
I love my oil lamps! 4 large and 2 small! As well as a couple lanterns. And I have my wood stove. Living in the mountains of n. Idaho I use my wood stove for my main heat. And I make my own candles. The only thing I have a problem with is I have no way to keep my fridge and little freezer going when the power goes out. Havent found a cheap little generater. I am on a low fixed income and and disabled. At 69 I am used to losing power off and on. So having grown up on a farm in the 60s I have good storage just need a to find a little generater. So sad the kids dont get outside and play and run and ride bikes anymore. Very unhealthy. Enjoy your channel very much!! Never learned about fermenting and alm that in my younger years so having fun learning now!!
Wood stove great investment and there are affordable options
Generator next on the list
I heard behind every solar system there is a great generator lol
Thank you for all the info
There are a lot of people still oblivious to what is going on on
Also a sun oven might be a good option you can make them or buy them
Heidi, you are so wonderful. I have followed you, along with some amazing others. Thank you for the years you have been in my life. You encourage me and teach me.
I also love seeing Western, WA in your videos. I lived there right at 35 years. Just moved to MO one year ago. Side note; The Snake's in the south 🥺! I was really spoiled living in a beautiful place that only had garder snakes, lol. I grew up in the south, had my three daughters here then, moved to WA. My fear of snakes now has done a number on my bravery, to say the least. But I'm working on it. It helps when someone is here, I'm a little braver then 😊
God bless you and yours.
I also want to add that you don't necessarily need a wood stove or the like when the power goes out. If you have a couple bricks (which are SO inexpensive), you can put a few bricks (I'd say at least 4), then you can build a small fire on those - if you're in an apartment and have a balcony, you can do this on the balcony, otherwise you can do it right outside your front door - and cook over that with a camping grille. If you don't have a porch and don't feel comfortable cooking outside your front door (even when everyone's power is out), you can fill an empty can (like a can green beans or corn or tuna would come in) with rubbing alcohol, and light that. Just $1 rubbing alcohol and an empty can; practically free (cans of veggies here in northern California go for around maybe .38 - .52 cents). You can prop up a simple air fryer rack or camping grille over that and cook in a small pan or heat up canned foods. And remember always when you need to light a fire inside even with something safe like alcohol, make sure your home is well vented just in case.
And speaking of rubbing alcohol, If you NEED extra heat because the bad weather is bringing a chill into your house, whether oou have a carpet or hard floor, you can still make a small fire in your home. BUT you will need a LOT of bricks. You don't need to mortar them down, but you do need a large enough surface of them, and from there you build a staggered dome up around that (to get air flow in and let the heat out to warm you). Before you put the last brick on top, put a tall empty tuna can or two filled with rubbing alcohol or a low-percentage drinking alcohol (like vodka, wine, dry cider, etc. I've always used 70% rubbing alcohol, so a cheap bottle of liquor would work fine), light that, then put the top brick on. You should have at least a foot of brick base around the base of your staggered brick dome. ~~~ OR ~~~ make a brick base like above (if anyone needs better clarity, just make like a square of bricks about 4 x 4 bricks or 5 x 5 bricks - all flat on their widest side; like you'd lay them to make stepping stones). Then put an empty tuna tin filled with alcohol, and about 2 inches from that place another brick on each side, then prop an upside down clay pot (like for planting) on top of those two bricks (no hole in the bottom of the clay pot, the heat will escape right out). If you need to magnify that, put two more on either side of that clay pot and then prop up a larger clay pot. The upside down clay pots act as a wood stove does, and you can even cook on them. BUT you NEED to have a good solid brick base to set them on. Do NOT that try this on carpet or linoleum. But you can do this on a balcony or just outside your front door.
Man, RUclips has been killing it lately with my recommendations! I've been getting tons of Christian homesteaders/preppers and I ain't mad about it! Thank you for your videos!
That is awesome.
Thank you for being you!!! I was raised this way - power going out, growing a HUGE farm garden, processing our own meat, making clothes, knowing how to can and preserve our food, and so much more. I value what I was taught and learned along the way. Now learning the herbal remedies, my passion!!!, is completing my knowledge. I appreciate everything you do and inform us on your knowledge. 🥰🥰🥰
Heidi, I have been working on being prepared for a few years now. Every day, I learn something new or a better way. The strange thing is when my sisters or my husbands kids come to visit, I show them what I doing, tell them why, and it never fails for them to say that they don't have time or dedication for it, but they would just come here. It is so disappointing, but it is how they are choosing to go through life. They eat out all the time, they take vacations, and they all have a crazy credit card debt. All I have left other than utilities is my mortgage, and I am working on that every month. I make it clear to them that what I am doing is for my husband and I, and I will teach them and help them start. We never take vacations, never go out to eat, and anything fun that we do is free. You can have fun and amazing trips that cost mothing more than some gas.
Many times growing up and raising my children we had to revert to other ways of cooking. I’ve even gone out and cooked over an open fire in the snow and ice. It can be done. I would love a wood stove but there is no room in this house.
This came in great timing, although i couldn't watch it earlier because my power has been out all day. I've been canning a lot again lately, so far I got 10 quart jars of meals done and plan on another 20 or so. Costco actually has a really good sale on 1600/2000 watt gas generators this month for only $300 with only $25 shipping, so we ordered one just a couple days ago. But honestly unless we have a few days-long blizzard hat shuts down the power, I don't think we'll be too bad off. I have a wood stove I can cook on, I'm stocked up on canned foods from stores and what I've canned myself, the last time I rained I filled up 15 gallons of water in just under a day. I think the only thing we could use more of is solar lanterns, which I'm hoping to find a good deal on when we go shopping tomorrow. But if I hadn't already been prepared? Power outages would be agonizing.
LOVE this. DONT APOLOGIZE . Tired of hearing the same when we had no power for a week after hurricane. I bought solar generators (2) before after this happening often with storms and we ran the modem, phones, TV, computers ( I work online a lot). I have a charcoal grill, and hibachi for smaller cooking. I also have chaffing dishes that you can cook on when no power. Does it take longer....yes. But microwaving is not healthy. Next is to build a small concrete stove outsides. People around me were mad because we had lights (small lanterns) fans and such. An electric kettle kept to make tea. Ran my CPAP on generator and recharged them each day. Have now saved and purchased another generator.
Congrats on 34 years of marriage! Blesslings
God helps those who help themselves! Thank you for giving away all your knowledge for free in a genuine and humble way.
It takes a long time to get prepped! And we have animals on our small place, so, we're never 'done'. Just when you think that you're ahead of the game, you discover some fence posts rotted, the hay barn needs a new roof before you get more hay in.....etc. Here in NY state, the government is putting bans on propane stoves in new buildings, school buses have to be all electric by 2035 (BAD idea!, and I'm a retired driver), and also wood stoves are banned in places, too. It's like they are trying to make it more difficult for people to do/have simple things, you know, like cook and be warm. I have an extra propane stove I bought last year to do my canning outside, right now we are boiling down sap on it. Last year we boiled in the horse trailer, LOL. Being out of the wind and rain and snow helps a lot when making syrup. We have many ways to cook outside, even if I just want to go burn some sticks from the woods and some cut-off's from 2 x 4's or something, having cinderblocks and/or fire bricks isn't that expensive. We also have plans for getting water out of the well, too. Besides generators. I wish that we had a pond, but we don't, and small creeks are within a half-mile or so, but I hope I never have to carry that much water that far! We have lots of 'totes', water troughs, etc., to catch rain water.
Heidi, what is your plan for watering? It sounds like you're probably on city water. I bet Patrick has a clever idea, like a bailer bucket? :)
I guess I did not happen to mention it in this video though I have many. Here is your answer on the water: ruclips.net/video/Ox4tKIrCEeg/видео.html
@@RainCountryHomestead Right! I have watched that a while ago, but I'll watch it again. You do such a nice job, and we have metal roofs, totes, water troughs. Thanks Heidi!
WOW!!
Thank you, I had no idea that treadle sewing machines were still made!
I've been looking for one for years.
And oh my goodness Heidi!! You are so thoughtful and sweet and should never feel bad about someone else misunderstanding. I know it's because you want everyone to understand. Broccoli because they already feel guilty or they just really haven't read it all or it's also new to them.
But thank you for being concerned about those who are new to this lifestyle. May the Lord continue to bless you as you have been such a blessing to everyone who watches your videos!!!
Again thank you!!!
Sorry for a second post but I wanted to let you know. My husband are about 10 years older than you and we have lived this way, without all the dehydration and canning knowledge that you have.
But built our own house with our own two hands because it costs less than a trailer at the time.
And because we live in the mountains of North Carolina built it so we were ready for power outages.
Had one of those two step stoves. Not ideal for cooking on butt cooked on it anyway, he did the house with it heated water so we could bathe ourselves. When we lost power for a week or more. You are so right. We do have to think about preparedness depending on where we lived.
Before we moved in North Carolina, we lived in Toronto with a small back porch with a grill so we could cook on it when the power went out. Which even in the city it went out.
We had a blackout once. A few days, I believe and afterwards we found out our neighbors sat in the dark with one flashlight the entire time. We automatically go into dry camping mode. My kids loved it. Pull out lanterns and board games.
I agree with you Heidi. Self-sufficiency and preparedness are important to assure our lives in bad times. We are responsible for ourselves and can't count on governments, politicians etc. I am happy you have that sewing machine, I would like to have the same. I am in the process to get installed a wooden stove. Have a wonderful weekend ❤😊❤
Such great ideas, always good information! I left many of my preps in my daughter's home in West Virginia. So, I am starting over with small preps here in Florida
Yes, yard sales, clearance at stores, buy an extra each week, it does add up. Thank you so much, Heidi, may God continue to bless you.
Heidi, another Great Video on preparedness! I sure miss my wood stove Heidi. I am so thankful when I first started watching you Heidi, I purchased those light with batteries next to my light switch and put them in my closet too. I am so thankful for you Heidi! and as I have stated before you have taught me a lot of things that I did not know. Yes, little by little you can do it, but start now.
Heidi, when we moved last year to Missouri we are in a very small home, and I have everything stuffed everywhere. I move out of a 1500 sq ft home to a 900 sq foot home without a basement and not garage. Amen Heidi, we need to take our own responsibility. I sure have enjoyed this video.
People are nuts , you never pressure anyone into anything, appreciate you very much 😊
So many folks forget that God helps those who help themselves, and not sit and whine. We struggled the same as you to obtain needed items. For our 50th anniversary my hubby had saved up and offered me a trip to France by myself (he wasn't interested). 2 weeks in France was my dream but it wasn't practical. Instead, I asked him for a wood cookstove I fell in love with. He thought I was a bit crazy turning down France but when he was sure I was serious, we bought the stove and have never regretted it. It benefits the whole family with loads of heat, cooking and baking. Next month is our 55th and I still don't regret the choice.
Lovely story and what a lovely, team you both are 😁🙏🏼
Thank you Heidi. you just reminded how I used to always have oil lamps and lanterns. I realize now I lost them all in a move. I will get more now. I love your mind and your heart. thank you for sharing so much. God is good, always.
It is a mindset in my opinion. You have taught me so much in the past year. Plan and prepare for the unknown. Thank you so much! ❤
When an airline attendant gives the safety instructions for possible emergencies, one of the rules given is to protect yourself first, and then assist others. It's a burden for everyone to have to care for a small child or elderly parent while their caretaker has passed out.
When emergencies happen, the rescue teams are able to get to the real needs and pass you by. And you may be able to assist others.
You are so helpful and wise. Thank you.
And I have an oil lamp. 😉
Remember they tell you to put your heads down to ensure more deaths. Deaths cost them less than multi year injury settlements. Just sayin.
One small tip! You can buy used candles and melt them down with new wax (parafin) and make your own candles very easily! If you dont like parafin wax get the soy!
Back here again... ha-ha! Second time around, l've absorbed a lot more of your excellent advice... yay. I'm going to be buying some of those LED votives... they would be good for summer power outtages, as they wouldn't give out heat. In winter, the actual candles would be better, as they would do double-duty, contributing some warmth. When you hold your hand some distance above a real candle, you realise just how much heat a tiny flame gives out! Thankyou, Heidi. God bless. 🙂❤🫂🦘
I also got my 1st hurricane lantern with a metal backing and it hangs as a wedding gift. I still have it,it's 47 years old,my late husband didn't last that long,I have to rely on town electricity, and propane. But I have bought simple things to use if I don't have electricity. Firepace,BBQ grill, open fires. I'm not afraid,I'm prepared. Learning is the key.
Being prepared is second nature living in Florida with hurricane season. But seeing how events are occurring, we upped our game: gardening, food preservation and making sure we have alternative power systems. Thank you for your knowledge and sharing it with us!
I also am in Florida do you know if there are any groups of preppers that get together or keep in touch that are in our state I have not found any in my particular area. I am in central South Florida.
@@jeanettehayes687 not that I know of. Just following the state guidelines for preparedness and self sufficiency.
I agree with a lot of the comments here. Self sufficiency is a step by step approach. I started out with growing some tomatoes and learning to make jam with them. Then I learned how to make sauce. Now I know how to do those things and many other things I pressure can and dehydrate and just make. I bought an old treadle sewing machine (wish we could buy the ones you guys have there in America, but we cannot buy them here in Australia) that we use as a writing desk, but I know I can use the sewing machine in it (yes, it works!) if I needed to. I am also a weaver and my floor loom makes lots of fabrics I can use to make all kinds of things that I can choose the colours and patterns for myself - and it's all done with no electricity. Everything we buy we try to get quality. Cheap is cheap for a reason, usually. You need something you know will last a long time. My husband and I use toilet rags rather than toilet paper. We wash them regularly and rinse them with antibacterial stuff (CS). We grow as much food as we can in the small space we have. We built our own poly tunnel. We are about 20 years into this lifestyle now - and love it! My husband has added soap making to his skills. For Christmas everyone gets something that has been home made or home grown. We make our own vinegars and hair shampoo and rinses - thank you, Heidi. My husband and I love being as independent as we can be and finding ways to add more skills to the list. Recently we bought a pendulum clock for only $75 and learned how to clean and oil it, which we had to do when it stopped working one time. One has to do the work to wind it once a month, but the joy it gives is so worth it! Anyhow..... the point is; build step by step and enjoy the process. Learn skills to build on that don't use electricity and that you may be able to barter with some day if you need to. Grow food if you can or cook from scratch. Make the most of any fruits or vegetables that are on sale. Buy in bulk and pressure can or dehydrate. Start small and build. Love Heidi and this channel! I love all I have learned so far with Heidi's help, plus the skills I already had. God bless.
We've been saving RUclips playlists onto thumb drives to access on laptops (grid down through solar power). Most of the playlists are from Heidi.❤
That is a great idea! Thanks for sharing that!
Buenas tardes desde España 🇪🇦, muy buen video ,empeze con la preparación a partir del 2020 , mi familia me dice que no va a pasar nada , pero ya para mi es un estilo de vida, de aqui problema aqui es el calor y la humedad, no se dan bien las conservas y tengo la duda de comprar un deshidratador, y como mejor puedo pasar mi tiempo es aprendiendo , porque lo único que no nos van a poder quitar es el conocimiento, muchas gracias por tu tiempo, ❤❤❤
You certainly have encouraged me after finding your channel. I made some cleaning vinegar as a test run for other vinegers, some delicious preventative garlic, ginger & honey spice. I've been stocking up on jars and filling them with ancient grains, flours nuts,seeds coffee and whatever else I can get a deal on. I've been buying herbs as well to make extracts.Have a candle and fabric stash going that I buy from thrift stores, bought a propane camp stove and extra propane. I don't have a lot of money but it's a start and I feel good about doing it. I'm So Grateful for people like you and my other favorites who inspire and keep me on track. 🌿🦉💚
I totally agree with you. People waste money all the time, then complain about preparing for what's to come.
I have these things too, and yes,it sure WAS a way of life for my great-grandparents, had electricity though, but still kept a lot of the old ways, I have a lot of their manual items and I add most of what you said TO all that...I have all kinds of ways to have light, heat, water, etc...been building for years to be ready for what comes!
mine is my husband's cell that he must be able to sit and be on...lol...I actually look at power outages as getting him up and moving😂
I love seeing what you have and greatly appreciate the info that you put out to us! ❤
BTW, the last time you talked about this you told me in the comments about the grill set that can go inside the open fireplace. I purchased it and absolutely love it! I haven’t NEEDED to use it, but will be using it for experience and for fun this weekend!!
❤❤❤ Thank you so much for sharing with us!
I, for one appreciate your helpful videos. It does take many years to get useful, expensive items. We have made a priority list for things to buy or replace. Most of them are not cheap either unfortunately. We have knocked out 3 from our list so far and will keep going as finances allow. The list has really helped us keep a focus on our needs.
Great common sense video! I do have a couple small emergency cook stoves to be used with canned heat. I also have a cook top that uses butane...bought around 2020 when everything was happening. I also bought portable solar lights little by little, as well as small lantern lights and flashlights. And I am on SS.
I started small, everytime I went food shopping bought 5 extra cans or 5 extra items...little by little I feel very lucky and secure right now. The only thing I worry about is self defense.
I bought a mini solar powered generator from 4patriots, and I made 100 monthly payments as it's what I can afford and now I own 2 of them just in case ❤ I have been slowly getting canning jars, a presto, etc and I have used things like afterpay to make small payments on items... I remember when my great grandmother was alive and we lived with her when I was a kid we would go to the garage every day to get canned food she'd canned and get eggs from the ducks 😊 its the little things that can make a difference. ... I have been stalking up on seeds for a few years now just in case my family and neighbors need it...
Thank you Heidi for all of the amazing things you share❤
Thank you Heidi for providing practical tips for prepping for power outages. It’s easier to think through what works and what would be useful, if you often lose power, but for those that don’t, they need a checklist of items to acquire. God bless you.
We have a grill & camp stove,oil lanterns, candles & batteries for our battery operated lights ,got a little at a time, still got a ways to go,but little by little we are trying 🥰🥰
Thank you for this post. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the myriad of voices “do this now or die” You are as always a breath of wisdom and peace
We give up a lot to put ourselves in a more secure spot. While others go on vacations, buy clothing to look good, go out to eat,...then others say “well we know where we’re going when it hits the fan...” NO! I gave up a lot of my time to stay hopefully ok. Sink or swim
I have used alot more wisdom in purchasing items since i have been watching your vids, You and Patrick have been great teachers and role models showing through your own life how to be a good stewards with your time and money.. making well informed decisions.. and using your creativity in all those things you do, sewing, cooking, building, fixing, ... Life-ing in general.. and you seem like you are having a great time doing it !! And you take the time to share your lives with all of us!! You are giving so much!! I have no doubt that are as generous with your garden and resources with your family and neighbors, probably even strangers if the need arises! because you are so generous sharing your time, knowledge, skills, kindness and faith. You have a big heart, and you use wisdom and discernment so masterfully :) you are one of my personal heroes... and if i ever manage to grow up ( I am 55 now) I wanna be just like you :) haha ... sounds like I am the president of your fan club .. haha.. but seriously I have seen all these things in you over these last several years i have been watching you, I appreciate you guys so much !!
My 1st prepping items when I was young were an oil lantern, a ‘Betty G’ multi cooker and a blender. I found a book on homesteading and learned a lot. I used make my own baby wipes, and my son would eat healthy foods that were puréed, and was potty trained by 1 yr old. I’ve always been frugal but still have my spoils too. It’s about balance.😊
Thanks Heidi you have helped me with making laundry powder, makeup, etc. I also bought those battery operated lights. I live close to the Gulf of Mexico. Thanks for allllll your help❤️✝️🙏🏻
I never go to someone with a problem unless I also have a solution. When I think I can’t do that…I add but I can do…❤
How could anyone question your motives?! You are knowledgeable and encouraging and motivate me with every video that posts. You guys rock!🤘❤️
You can get those led votives really cheap after weddings . People sell the decor off
Years ago, I watched a video by Jamie Oliver. He dug a bowl shaped hole outdoors, lit a small fire in it, placed an oven rack over the top then used the rack to cook on. You could also, boil a pot of water etc 🙏🏼
Always be prepared for anything. Also, kids shouldnt have electronics 24/7. Spend time with them, teach them skills, make it fun. Get right with GOD. Love your channel. GOD bless
Baby steps. You can’t swallow an elephant all at once… it’s one bite at a time. Live within your means. I made many frivolous mistakes in my life… I regret those now. Don’t worry abt keeping up with the Jones… slow &steady!
There are very few people I know who have not spent their money frivolously at some point, I know I have!
People need to realise that your experience is an amazing guide to what we can strive to achieve. Heidi has always said start small which is what I have been doing and now I'm saving to buy my first vaccum sealer which I never thought I would do. Learning from Heidi saves you time and money because of her many years of practical experience. People should appreciate and not complain, and if you have to complain, complain at yourself for not taking the first step, dont blame someone else who only trying to help. God bless Heidi and her family❤
Beautiful video Heidi! So thoughtful and well stated!
Thank you!
Thank you Heidi. One thing I would like to add is that hand written important notes/instructions/lists etc, for “anything” in a notebook or something larger could only be of benefit should ever, there be no access to the internet. Also, you never know if your particular, notes could be of benefit to future generations eg. family health conditions, family recipes, basic genealogy etc
I love your videos and your message, Heidi! I am so very sorry that so many people come at you with such negativity! We should all be here to help each other. It's such a shame that we are not.
This is SO important right now! Thank you, Heidi! God bless you! 🥰
Surviving is what it is all about. You have awesome methods Heidi.
Helping people who need it is one thing, helping people who did absolutely nothing to prepare themselves and expect you to do it for them are two different things. They are the people who make comments like that.
There is really useful not at a fancy wood stove made in another country that i have my eye on. I keep saving a little at a time and watching. Maybe someone will sell one here.
A little at a time is the way to live. No way could i afford some things. But i am secure in the things i have done and purchased.
I find your videos very informative, and make alot of things according to your instructions. They are spot on. I'm making vanilla at the moment, and make lemon, and orange extract as well. Thank you, and God Bless.
Great video Heidi. I just ordered the candles. Great idea for night lights during power outage that is save and no worries if open flame. ❤
I love your channel Heidi you are so kind to try and help people with ideas tips ,recipes . We all have to start somewhere. Forgoing on a luxury can be the easiest way to get a couple of bucks for a need over a want when you're starting out definitely!
I love your perspective…and your kick back to ignorant people. 🔥
Thankyou once again, Heidi: an excellent video! It sparked a memory for me.... When Y2K was a real threat, l prayed a lot, did some reading and research so l could understand the problem, and went about making the preparations that l could. I was on a very low income, alone with 2 small boys. It was hard, because we were already living frugally...so how was l going to put any extras aside?! But l persisted, and God showed me how to make the little trickle of preparation count. In the end, by New Year's Eve, I had enough provisions for about 6 weeks, and some to share. But we would have to be careful with it. The new millenium ticked over, and the 2 years or so of world preps behind the scenes paid off. The problem had been diverted, and the world's computers ticked over, on the whole, okay. The next Sunday (a day or so after) at church, there was much discussion. Sadly, there were some who poked fun at those who had prepared. The preppers were shamed into withdrawal, or stayed silent because of the way some loudmouths talked. And that was from the pulpit 😳!! And my (l thought) close (and fairly well-off) friend turned to me and said, mid-discussion.. "Oh, we didn't prepare at all. I just didn't know what to do" (she didn't even buy her family a box of baked beans!), "and besides, l knew Bev would be all prepared, so l was just going to come down to her, if it came to it... l knew she'd help us, wouldn't you, Bev?" And she laughed, in an offhand kinda way... Well. Luckily, l was so flabberghasted, l couldn't reply. My jaw dropped, and nothing came out of my mouth. God is indeed Good, 'cos there was plenty going on in my head! After that, God coninued to reveal what sort of person my "friend" was. And that churxh. It was pretty bad, but l was able to pull away later, sadder, but a lot wiser. The church crumbled from within, people scattered, and it was taken over a few years later by another. Crises will bring out the True Nature of folk, and there will always be some surprises!! God is still good, and l am once again making what provision l can for harder times, still on a low income, with God's guidance. I am currently getting over a series of illnesses that have stopped me from working, and my "put-asides" have stood me in very good stead. Funny though... it took me a couple of weeks to realise that this WAS a Rainy Day, and to give myself Permission To Use them! 🤪😂 Love and hugs, Heidi. Praying for you and yours, and your channels. X0❤🫂✝️
Very good video and i started out buying food then long term food. List off make a budget and cut out things to the bone. To do this the following week go through your budget again and cut some more. Envelopes for food then car repairs etc. it does not have to be much for repairs or emergency. Get a 2 nd or 3 rd job and use that to buy long term non pershable food. I bought beans in mylar bags with oxygen asorbers. The SCRIPTURE SAID DESPISE NOT SMALL BEGININGS. a LITTLE here and there it will add up. The wood/ cal burning stove has saved me loads of money in heating. The old stove was just wood stove. I bought a truck load from the Amish saw mill about $15-20 a truck load. The bulk food i buy from the Amish Pantry Bargains. It is a Amish store and Those stores are a LOT AND I MEAN Lot cheaper than english stores. They are very helpful and love sharing their way of life. Some carry canning jars and other items for canning. They are willing to tell how to do canning Amish way. They don't follow the modern Ball method, but the old proven Amish method as was done for years on end. Very good people
Never apologize for who you are and what you’ve been able to do with your life. Bravo for you & wishing you the best!
You're a blessing! Thank you for speaking the truth. Thank you for encouraging us.
Thankyou Heidi.
Appreciate it , things are changing in the citys ,new restrictions . But dealing with it .
Have a good weekend.
We are entertained to death in the citys . I walk down allys and all the back yareds are run down over grown
Or junk yards so sad .
Very wise word you give us .
Love the laundry set up. Thank you for the encouragement.
I feel so grateful to have found your platform, you've taught me so much 🥰
Preparedness was a way of life for me growing up and still is even as i reach my senior years.
Heidi, Thank you again for sharing hour real life experiences of what works, what doesn’t, and/or what works better!
So well spoken!
Garage sales and estate sales - Oh Boy!! I got washtubs on a stand for $2, lanterns and other camping equipment for $3 or so, that those people will wish they had one day soon! Edited to add: I never, ever, buy coffee when out shopping either. My truck has, besides things I might need if there is an EMP and I'm walking home (I hope never!), a small storage bin full of food. I take water with me, and behind the seat and under the back seat are water in 2-liter bottles for hand washing, dog watering (dishes under the seat), in case I'm going somewhere with a dog or three. A ride in the truck shouldn't be just to the vet. They can go in Home Depot, Agway, Tractor Supply and have an adventure.
If you buy a generator it doesn't have to be wired to the house. You can run a number 10-3 fifty foot cord in through a window. Get a piece of plywood 6 inches high and as wide as the windows opening, with a lip on the top and bottom to trap it between the window sash and the sill. Drill a 3/4 hole about an inch from one side, and cut a slot from the side. Now the cord will not get pinched in the window. You can run the generator well away from the house, and get number 12-3 extension cord for the refrigerator, and number 14 or number 16 for the lights and the electronics. If a cord gets warm to the touch while in use, it is too skinny. Use a fatter one. You will have to switch on and off what you have plugged in. Extension cords are expensive but they have more than one use and are portable. No electrician needed. Cut away 3 inches along the bottom corner of the window screen, you can glue it back to the frame later with clear silicone. 😮😮😮
We have found good extension cords at garage sales and no, our gas generator is not wired to our house so we run the cords through a window and the dog door for when we really need to use it but many times we do not bother with it during power outages
Some just want to play the victim card.
Yep
Thank you Heidi for all you share!
For the first time, I'm looking forward to rummage sale season so I can start looking for candles, extra blankets, etc. So far I've looked for pots & such for gardening, without much luck, but now I might have success.
Thank you for sharing how to do things with out the scare tactics. It is a blessing to be able to learn or be encouraged in them without the stress of added fear.
Happy Anniversary coming up!❤
Just think about this....the "progress" that everyone loves so much is actually the downfall of this world. We as people gave up so much for this so-called progress. Everyone just loved it all because of the "convenience" factor. What did that actually produce? Lazy people. People that are now dependent on others for almost every aspect of living. It's truly sad. Third world countries have it better than us.
And I agree...just little things can make a huge difference in a power outage. We still haven't purchased a generator but we will eventually. (I even looked up the one you guys have as I watched your video.) I also like the fact that you brought up learning how to sew. It's so easy and rewarding at the same time. Maybe that's what that 11 yr old daughter could have been doing during the power outage.
Now I need to get to my potatoes that I dehydrated up yesterday. My 50# of potatoes are sprouting bc my cool area in the back closet is no longer cool enough with the warmer termps. Yes...I re-watched your video's on dehydrating potatoes! Love them!!
Have a great Friday and can't wait to see your Monday This-N-That! God Bless!
Funny! I presume NO ONE will Help me out!! I already know that! 😅 Even ones I have Helped them? They convenient Forget and get all Rankled I dare ASK! And that is an important point....
Heidi? Some out there feel Guilty. IF they think You Impose? They lash out with Anger and Hate. Shaming with Rage, because They Don't WANT to! I run into These quite often.
There is another Type that Take. Take and Take for Free. But IF you Stop Being Free? Watch Out!- they will give bad reviews, ban you, block you and spread bad gossip!
They get Triggered when.they feel Pressured TO Do.
You might be stumbling across These.
Let it Pass. That is the best advice I can think of.
Most of us come to SEE what you are sharing, take notes, ask questions, and highly appreciate what you Share!
I never take your videos incorrectly. Most of us don't.
So there is NO REASON, That they need to flip out!! Even If you had spoke firmly, it would be with Love!
❤
Thank you for all you do. I have learned so much from you over the years. God bless and stay safe.
May YAH Bless