Family Time at Christmas

I'll be taking several days away from blogging as we enter Christmas week and the New Year to spend time with family and friends. Hubby is coming home from his active duty mobilization at Ft. Knox to spend a week with us for Christmas, which we'll all enjoy.

During this holiday time, take a few minutes to think about your family and preps. How are you ending the year? In better shape than when you started? Here are some items you might want to consider as you head into the new year resolutions:

Where are you in your prepping goals as the year draws to a close?

Where would you like to be this time next year?

How can you get there - what plan can you implement?

Is your prep storage secure from the elements?

Is your prep storage organized? Do you know what you have and where it is? Do you rotate items?

Do you have friends or family members that can go in with you to purchase in bulk at sometimes better pricing / shipping?

What skills do you have?

What skills do you want to acquire?

How can you establish a plan to acquire needed skills?

Have you practiced with any of your prep items?

Is your immediate family on board with prepping?

If yes, do they all know their responsibilities? Their skills? Do they practice?

If no, how can you find ways this coming year to introduce prepping into their lifestyle?


There are many other questions we can ask ourselves about our prepping needs and desires. The important thing is to take the time to ask them. Spend a little time as the year draws to a close to assess where you are and where you want to be. Then make it happen!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

National Association of Free Clinics

I saw this posted over on the APRN Ham Radio blog and thought it was definitely worth sharing.

The National Association of Free Clinics (click on link to search your state) has listings of FREE MEDICAL CLINICS in each state.

Many are seeing rough economic times these days with reduced hours, lay-offs and job losses - this could be a resource you or someone you know might need in the future for medical care.

Chia Seeds - Excellent EFAs

Image courtesy of Natural Remedeez

We've recently discovered this fabulous little seed - Chia Seeds. Yes, these are the very same seeds used for those horrendous Chia Pets that make their way through the stores during this time of year for Christmas presents.

But don't let that discourage you. Keep on reading - you'll be amazed.

Research on these little seeds reveals what a truly wonder seed they are. We've long tried to figure out good ways to have long term storage for Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids. Most things that are high in these oils go rancid quickly or it would be cost prohibitive to store.

Enter Chia Seeds. Here is some info for you:

From Wiki:

It is still widely used in Mexico and South America, with the seeds ground for nutritious drinks and as a food source.

Chia is grown commercially for its seed, a food that is very rich in omega-3 fatty acids, since the seeds yield 25-30% extractable oil, mostly α-linolenic acid (ALA). It also is a source of antioxidants and a variety of amino acids.

Historically, chia seeds served as a staple food of the Nahuatl (Aztec) cultures of Central Mexico. Jesuit chroniclers referred to chia as the third most important crop to the Aztecs behind only corn and beans, and ahead of amaranth. Tribute and taxes to the Aztec priesthood and nobility were often paid in chia seed.

Chia seed may be eaten raw as a dietary fiber and omega-3 supplement. Ground chia seed is sometimes added to pinole, a coarse flour made from toasted maize kernels. Chia seeds soaked in water or fruit juice is also often consumed and is known in Mexico as chia fresca. The soaked seeds are gelatinous in texture and are used in gruels, porridges and puddings. Ground chia seed is used in baked goods including breads, cakes and biscuits. Chia sprouts are used in a similar manner as alfalfa sprouts in salads, sandwiches and other dishes.

Another source for excellent info: BuyChiaSeed.com

Chia seed is high in calcium, 5 times the calcium of milk. 631 mg per 100 grams of seed.

Chia seed is also high in protein, with 18 grams per 100 grams of seed.

The optimum ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 should be 3:1

Chia seed provides that ratio.

Chia seed is hydrophilic. Absorbing up to 14 times (Mix @ 9-10 times) its weight in water. This helps extend energy and endurance.

Chia seed is rich in antioxidant oils.

Chia seed contains chlorogenic acid, and

caffeic acid as well as myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol flavonols. These compounds are both primary and synergistic antioxidants that contribute to the strong antioxidant activity of chia seed.

Chia seed is also low in sodium, only 19 mg per 100 grams.

We buy ours here: Natural Remedeez

from their website:

Chia turns out to be the highest known whole food source of omega-3s. 3 1/2 tablespoons contains as much omega-3 fatty acid as a 32-ounce Atlantic salmon steak. Chia is an excellent source of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, and copper. It has as much magnesium as 10 stalks of broccoli, as much calcium as 2 1/2 cups of milk and as much iron as half a cup of kidney beans.... The Chia seed contain high levels of fiber, and more antioxidants than many berries. it can also help regulate blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease. Chia stabilizes blood sugar levels by reducing blood sugar swings through its ability to slow down the release of carbohydrates and their conversion into sugar. Chia seed is considered to be nature's perfect food.

We've eaten ours by the spoonful, have ground them into smoothies, and I've ground them into a flour and put them in pancakes. We've sprinkled them on top of salads and waffles.

I encourage you to give Chia Seeds a try and add them to your long-term storage preps!