Satisfaction of Preparedness

Satisfaction of Preparedness

Choices, Emergencies, Family, Food, Preparedness, Small Actions, Sunday Snacks with Sam and Ellie

Satisfaction – Inner Calm – Just Plain Smart

Food-storage-closet-from-Unsplash-by-Annie_SprattNo matter what you call it, or how you feel about it, being prepared feels GREAT! As we discuss in our Sunday Snacks today, prices fluctuating, news that can’t help but put us on edge, supply chain issues still occurring with no real end in sight, and so much more, Sam and Ellie share their philosophies about preparedness!

We’re not talking about long-term storage as much as 3 months, 6 months, or up to a year. For instance, if you’d begun adding to your pantry last fall and through the winter, the savings on those items, if you had to purchase them today, would most certainly help your budget.

We’ve discussed in other posts how to get started. You can visit our blog page for more information. You can also join our email list and receive a pdf with tips and lists to start your 30-day food supply.

If you like to read the transcript of the video below, CLICK HERE.

Key Tips for Why Preparedness Can Be Satisfying

  • No panic.
    When you see a store with empty shelves, especially items that you use regularly, you’ll be prepared. Always purchase a few items to keep in your pantry staples.
  • Less worry.
    Price fluctuations won’t be so worrying, especially if you were smart enough to purchase ahead when prices were less expensive.
  • Calm.
    When you know you can care for yourself and/or your family, the latest headlines won’t feel so frightening.
  • Family action.
    When the family works together to be prepared, there’s a sense of “We’ve got this” rather than fear.
  • Sense of community.
    If you have an elderly or needy neighbor, you may be able to help.Note of caution: do NOT broadcast about your food storage. Just know you can quietly help if you so choose.

In the video, Sam shares how pleasantly surprised she was to learn that her kids are much more aware and knowledgeable about being prepared than she realized. In recent storms, her daughter did an amazing job of taking leadership at their Scout Camp. And her son takes personal responsibility in noticing and noting on the grocery list when they need to add items to their storage. If you think about it in the same way you would plan for a trip, you’ll soon discover that it’s not as difficult as you might have feared.

It’s never too late to start. Add an extra item or two with each shopping trip. Think about items you use every day and figure out ways to add an extra for your pantry storage.

Find ways to add calm and a sense of satisfaction by being prepared.

One other thought: knowing you have a little extra means that you can quietly help a neighbor or family member through tough times. For instance, if a couple of elderly friends are having a tough time, knowing that you have a couple of cans of food that you can share, or even a prepared meal that you can walk over to them, is worth way more than the price of the food.

We’re here to help. Have a specific question? Give us a shout. Send us a message on FB if you like. But get started!

NOTE: If you enjoy our life hacks and simple common-sense approaches to sustainability and everyday life, please spread the word. Visit and like our youtube channel and our Facebook page. Sign up for our newsletter  – the form’s on the HOME page. Share your thoughts with us on youtube or FB. And, please, share us with your friends. Here’s to your peace of mind because you’re prepared!

Between us, we have over 100 years of experience, and Sam’s only 40!
If you enjoy our life hacks and simple common-sense approaches to
sustainability and everyday life, please spread the word.

What’s in YOUR Home Pantry?

What’s in YOUR Home Pantry?

Emergencies, Family, Food, Preparedness, Simple Tips, Small Actions, Sunday Snacks with Sam and Ellie

Food-storage-closet-home-pantry-from-Unsplash-by-Annie_SprattWell, good morning. Good morning. Happy Sunday Snacks with Sam and Ellie. Today, because we’ve been talking about preparedness, we’re here to talk to you about pantries – your home pantry and food storage. One of the things that are near and dear to my stomach is obviously having food on hand, your budget, and being able to make food efficiently. And when I say efficiently, I mean like cost and taste, its taste is very crucial. No savings if nobody eats it.

Let’s Talk Food Storage

No matter the size of your home, there’s room to create a pantry to store food to feed your family in an emergency situation that could include power outages, storms, food shortages at the grocery store, etc.

Ellie lives in an apartment, She uses a couple of shelves on a bookcase, and under her bed storage. Sam has a home where she uses a small closet (actually a bit smaller than the one in the photo) and in her basement.

But there are a number of places where you can find a place to store some food supplies as well as toilet paper, tissues, paper towels, and other items you use frequently around your home. A shelf or two in your laundry room will work. Remember, they can be placed a bit higher because you won’t be reaching for items as frequently. Another spot, under beds. You can take milk crates and stack them to use for storage or place boards on them to give you even more space. A small corner that isn’t useful for anything could have a small shelf for storage. Get creative, look around and see what spot might be perfect for a few items that will add to your sense of preparedness.

To read the transcript while listening to our video, CLICK HERE.

Home-canned-foods-on-home-pantry-shelf-from-Unsplash-by-Aysegul_Yahsi

TIPS:

  • If you haven’t really started a pantry for emergencies, start small.
  • Keep items that you know your family will eat.
  • Purchasing an extra condiment, spice, pasta, flour, sugar, non-fat milk, water, and canned goods for the pantry is a great place to begin. Then when you use your backup, replace it in the pantry.
  • Sam shares a great point – rehydrating your dried beans in boiling water will have them ready to eat faster.
  • Ellie shares her best tip by encouraging you to use Google search for recipes:
    type in a couple of items you have on hand – add the words ‘easy recipe’ – and see what you discover
  • Added later – if power is out, you can use an outdoor grill or Sterno fuel, etc. to heat up water or cook items. Not as convenient, but it will help. Do a search to learn more and be safe.
  • Again, start small. You’ll be surprised how quickly you’ll create a pantry that works for your family.

Metal-Shelves-food-pantry-from-Unsplash-by-Alexander_Van_Steenberge

A small pantry can be of enormous help when you need it!

If you enjoy our life hacks and simple common sense approaches to sustainability and everyday life, please spread the word. Visit and like our youtube channel and our Facebook page. And sign up for our newsletter  – the form’s on the HOME page. Share your thoughts with us on youtube or FB. Here’s to your peace of mind because you’re prepared!