There are plenty of crown jewel purchases in a thoughtful prepping strategy. Things like a whisper-quiet generator, solar panel array, high-end water filtration system, and tons of tactical gear are something to be proud of. Unfortunately, even the most extensive pile of gear won’t guarantee survival without the skills to use it or the ability […]
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Power outages are becoming more and more common, especially in rural areas. Where I live, the power goes out many times per year, either temporarily or for an extended amount of time. Most rural homesteaders live far away from neighbors or town, which can make self-reliance that much more critical.
Making a lights out box is a great way to prepare in case you find yourself in the middle of the night with no power. It lowers the chance of tripping in the dark and keeps panic to a minimum, especially if you have kids, pets, or elderly family members.
Here's how to make one.
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For those who have never heard the term “lights out box,” it essentially is a box of supplies that is easy to find in the dark. It is the first thing that you will look for in the event of a power outage. A lights out box often is stored near your emergency supplies or in a pantry that is easy to access in the dark.
If your home is large or has multiple floors, consider making a second, smaller lights out box for upstairs bedrooms. That way, you or your family won’t have to navigate stairs or long hallways in the dark just to find a flashlight.
It's important to note that a lights out box is not a full emergency kit. Lights out boxes are often used when the power goes out that is more of an inconvenience. Keeping a flashlight next to your bed is always a good idea and will make finding a lights out box that much easier when you need it.
There are a few key components to making a lights out box. Search your home and property to reuse supplies to create a lights out box of your own.
Even though we call it a lights out box, yours doesn't necessarily need to be a box at all. You can use any kind of sturdy container that offers protection from water, heat, and sunlight.
A heavy-duty plastic tote would work as well as a recycled metal container. Using a cardboard box for your lights out box will suffice if stored well, but ideally, you'll want a box that offers a bit more waterproof qualities than cardboard.
If the box will be stored far from where you sleep, using one with wheels or sturdy handles makes it easier to grab quickly. Label the outside with bold letters and a simple symbol (like a flashlight) so it’s immediately recognizable.
Many of us who have experienced power outages on the homestead have been surprised at just how dark a basement or closet can be without a light source. It is important to make sure that your lights out box is easy to find in the dead of night without power. If you keep a flashlight by your bed, consider using reflective tape on the box that will catch the light of the flashlight.
Other options include painting the sides of the box with glow-in-the-dark paint. When using glow in the dark paint, though, be aware that the box should receive natural sunlight during the day in order to properly glow at night. A lights out box with glow in the dark paint stored inside a closet will not be easy to find.
Stick-on battery-powered tap lights mounted near the storage spot are another cheap solution. These LED puck lights can stay on standby for months and can help you spot the box even if your flashlight isn’t within reach.
Many people get confused about what should go into a lights out box. Remember, this is the first thing you'll look for in a power outage, and the contents should include those supplies and items that will help get you started in an emergency.
Again, while we hope you always have a small flashlight in a nightstand next to your bed, the lights out box should contain light sources for the rest of the family. This includes larger flashlights, candles, headlamps, lanterns, and glow sticks. These items are the first things that you'll reach for when needing to illuminate the home to check on everyone.
Candles and flashlights will do you no good if you don't have a way to power those light sources. Pack lighters, matches, flint and steel, and plenty of batteries in your lights out box. Solar chargers are also a good way to use natural light but will probably not be ready for immediate use.
Include at least one hand-crank flashlight or radio combo. These never need batteries or charging and are ideal backups if your batteries are dead or missing.
Kids are notorious for finding batteries to use for their latest electronic toy, so make sure to keep the batteries somewhat hidden in the bottom of the box to discourage kids from taking them.
While these items aren't always needed in a lights out box, they are nice to have in the event of an emergency. Add a crank radio to your lights out box to help connect you to radio and weather alerts that could be important. Other extra items to add include a battery tester to make sure the batteries in your lights out box are charged and fully functional.
A power inverter can also be a helpful tool to use your car's battery as a source of energy. Pack an extension cord with the power inverter or to use with a generator as well. Adding an extra cell phone charger could also be very helpful in an emergency.
Any liquid or fuel should not be included inside the lights out box. These liquids can spill, freeze, or leak, which could ruin everything inside. Consider storing important fuel for oil lamps or propane for lanterns next to the box instead. If you start with a waterproof lights out box, any exterior liquid or contaminants should not be able to ruin the contents.
Remember that your lights out box should be a small box that is easy to find in the darkest situation. It should only include those things that you will need to locate the rest of your emergency supplies. Refrain from packing your lights out box with extra items that will just make it harder to find the light sources within. Most homesteaders store their lights out box next to their stockpile to make it easy to locate while also safe from liquids.
Keeping a small flashlight next to your bed or in strategic places around the home will help you locate a lights out box when needed. Consider storing the box out of the reach of children so that you can guarantee that what you packed inside will be ready for you in an emergency.
Do a check twice a year. Spring and fall work well. Replace used items, test electronics, and refresh batteries as needed. Tape a laminated checklist inside the lid so you can easily see what should be in the box without unpacking everything.
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The post How to Make a Lights Out Box appeared first on Urban Survival Site.
Did you grow up making this Old English cheese ball over the holidays? My family has made this recipe for years. Indeed, I’m sure your family will love this appetizer as much as mine! Over the past few weeks, I’ve been focused on writing posts outlining some fun foods to enjoy with friends and family, especially during this fun holiday season.
Cheese balls have been on my mind as I contemplate what I should fix for holiday meals. This recipe calls for cream cheese with Old English cheese spread, green onions, Worcestershire Sauce, and garlic powder. It’s super easy to make, and can be done in 30 minutes or less.
If you love appetizers, this special cheese ball is for you! You can take it to your next holiday get-together or New Year’s Day party! But remember, you don’t need a special occasion to gather and enjoy quality food. Bring on the football games, right? I enjoy parties where the hostess or host has a table full of finger foods, and this cheese ball is considered just that!
If you grew up attending holiday parties, church gatherings, or family potlucks, chances are you’ve seen an Old English Cheese Ball sitting proudly in the center of the table. This retro appetizer has been around for decades, and it continues to be a crowd favorite thanks to its creamy texture, nostalgic flavor, and simple ingredient list. Whether you’re preparing snacks for Thanksgiving, Christmas, game night, or a weekend get-together, this cheese ball delivers every single time.
In this post, you’ll learn how to make an Old English Cheese Ball, the ingredients that give it that familiar vintage taste, plus serving ideas, variations, and make-ahead tips. This recipe is quick, affordable, and perfect for anyone who wants an easy appetizer with maximum flavor.
The Old English Cheese Ball is a rich, creamy blend of Kraft Old English cheese spread, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and simple spices, shaped into a round ball and rolled in chopped pecans. It’s the kind of appetizer that has stood the test of time—partly because it tastes fantastic, and partly because it sparks memories of holiday tables and family gatherings.
Gather the ingredients. As you can see, most items are probably in your pantry or refrigerator. I love the convenience of the Old English Cheese Spread in the resealable jars!
Next, soften the cream cheese. This makes it easier to work with when blending the other ingredients.
In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, garlic powder, the 2- to 5-ounce glass jar(s) of Old English Classic Cheddar Cheese Spread, the green onions, and the Worcestershire Sauce.
Mix thoroughly. Mound the mixture into a ball, place it in a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm. When you’re ready to remove it from the fridge, take off the plastic wrap and roll the cheese ball in finely chopped Craisins, pecans, and bacon bits or green onions. Depending on the taste you are going for, choose the topping you would like the cheese ball rolled in.
I store mine in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap or in a Tupperware-type container for 2-3 weeks. The storage time will depend on how fresh the ingredients are when you make the cheese ball.
A reader mentioned that she made several cheese balls for a wedding and froze them. She indicated all went well when she took them out of the freezer. Isn’t this awesome to know?
Here’s the deal: some people may argue that since it’s a cheese “spread,” it may not even have cheese. Well, yes, it does. I thought you might be interested in the ingredients posted on the back of the jar. So here they are: cheddar cheese, milk, cheese culture, salt (enzymes), water, sodium phosphate, sorbic acid as a preservative, etc.
I love this cheese ball recipe as is! The taste is out of this world!
If you want to make any variations, the most straightforward change would be rolling the cheese ball in the topping your family would love. I have suggested Craisins, chopped pecans, or any other desired nut, as well as finely chopped bacon bits or green onions.
Some may like the taste of added dried parsley flakes or fresh parsley, freshly squeezed lemon juice, a dash of paprika, garlic salt, mayonnaise, or a Kraft Roka Blue Cheese Spread jar. This recipe is so great because you can tailor it to your family’s liking! Go ahead and try what works for you!
This Old English Cheese Ball is truly timeless, a creamy, savory, nostalgic appetizer that brings people together. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or want a simple snack that feels special, this recipe deserves a permanent place in your recipe box.
I hope you try making my Old English Cheese Ball. This is one of my favorite recipes! I love to serve this homemade cheese ball at Thanksgiving dinner, Christmas brunch, Easter lunch, or any other friend or family get-together. It’s an excellent addition to any meal!
I love the delicious flavor of combining cream cheese, green onions, Old English Sharp Cheese Spread, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and various savory toppings. It is a tasty spread on crackers, veggies, or sandwiches.
Having easy dinner-party appetizers to share when we gather is the best, in my opinion! You can call them finger foods, and I remember back in the 1970s, we called just about every appetizer a finger food! Life is good when we teach our kids and grandkids how to cook from scratch. May God bless this world, Linda
The post Old English Cheese Ball: A Classic Appetizer appeared first on Food Storage Moms.
Thanksgiving is one of those rare moments in the year when we collectively slow down, gather around beautifully decorated tables, and genuinely reflect on the blessings in our lives. Today, I want to pause and share a heartfelt message: Happy Thanksgiving to my friends and family. You are the heart of my world, the source of so much joy, and the reason this season feels extra meaningful.
This picture is the kitchen table I had in Southern Utah. I gave it to one of my daughters when I moved up north. The interesting thing is, we don’t have a kitchen table in this new house. I loved decorating that table for the holidays. I miss doing that. Life has changed here; we had to let go of my family table. It went to a good home, I promise.
As the year comes to a close, Thanksgiving offers a beautiful reminder to acknowledge the people who enrich our lives. My friends and family are at the top of that list. From everyday conversations to the big celebrations we share, each memory is a reminder of how blessed I am to have you in my life. Gratitude isn’t just a feeling; it’s a practice, and today it’s stronger than ever.
No holiday meal or seasonal tradition would mean the same without the people who make them special. Friends bring laughter, support, and connection. Family brings comfort, history, and unconditional love. Whether we see each other every day or catch up when life allows, the bond we share is something I hold deeply in my heart. This Thanksgiving, I celebrate not just the holiday, but you.
Some years, we gather at the same table. Other years, miles may keep us apart. But distance never diminishes the love, the memories, or the gratitude I feel for each of you. Whether we’re sending messages, sharing photos, or reminiscing over the phone, I’m thankful for the many ways we stay connected. Your presence in my life, near or far, is a gift I never take for granted.
From favorite family recipes to the sound of laughter in the kitchen, Thanksgiving traditions create moments we carry year after year. I cherish the stories told around the table, the smell of dinner cooking, and the simple joy of spending time together. These traditions remind me that the best parts of Thanksgiving aren’t the dishes on the table, but the people around them.
So today, from the bottom of my heart: Happy Thanksgiving to my friends and family. Thank you for the love you show, the support you offer, and the moments of joy you bring into my life. I’m grateful for every one of you, and I hope your Thanksgiving is filled with warmth, peace, and the comfort of being surrounded by those you love.
As we move into the rest of the holiday season, may your home be filled with peace, your hearts be full of gratitude, and your days be rich with memories worth keeping. Here’s to good food, good company, and a season full of blessings.
As the year winds down and the holiday season draws near, many of us feel inspired to pause, reflect, and appreciate the blessings, both big and small, that have shaped our lives. Taking time to recognize the good around us is more than a seasonal tradition; it’s a grounding practice that helps us stay connected to what truly matters. Here are some of the most meaningful things to be thankful for this year, whether you’re celebrating privately, sharing with loved ones, or gathering around the Thanksgiving table.
One of life’s greatest gifts is simply waking up each day with the ability to breathe, move, and experience the world. Whether you’ve enjoyed good health this year or overcome challenges, there’s a deep sense of gratitude in acknowledging how far you’ve come.
Family shapes our roots, our memories, and our sense of belonging. Even if circumstances kept you apart this year, the bond of family remains a powerful source of love and strength. From holiday gatherings to simple phone calls, family is worth celebrating every day.
Friends are the family we choose. They lift us when days feel heavy, celebrate our wins, and share life’s everyday moments. This year, cherish the friends who showed up, checked in, made you laugh, or reminded you that you’re not alone. When I started blogging, I had no idea all the special friendships I would make. I feel blessed. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Whether it’s a cozy apartment, a busy household, or a quiet space of your own, having a place to rest and feel safe is one of the greatest blessings. Home is not just a location, it’s a feeling of comfort, peace, and belonging.
Warm meals, running water, a soft blanket, a favorite chair, a good book, these simple comforts often go unnoticed. Yet they are daily reminders of stability, security, and abundance.
Every year brings lessons that stretch us, strengthen us, and help us become more resilient. Be thankful for the challenges you overcame, the new skills you learned, the goals you reached, and even the setbacks that shaped you.
The changing seasons, colorful sunsets, crisp fall air, and quiet early mornings all offer moments of peace and reflection. Nature invites us to breathe deeper and appreciate the world around us.
Whether from strangers or loved ones, kindness has a way of brightening even the hardest days. A helpful neighbor, a thoughtful message, a warm smile, these gestures remind us that goodness still surrounds us.
For many, faith provides guidance, comfort, and hope. Inner strength, often discovered in challenging seasons, is worth acknowledging and appreciating. Gratitude for spiritual growth and emotional resilience is powerful and grounding.
No matter what this year held, each day brought fresh hope and new beginnings. Waking up with the opportunity to try again, love more, show kindness, and build something meaningful is one of the greatest blessings of all.
Early this year, we lost our little five-year-old Shih Tzu named Izzy. We had the blessing of loving her for those five years and struggled when we lost her to lymphoma. Mark and I debated whether it was time to move on without another furry friend around the house. As we contemplated what that might feel like, I spent some time online checking out fun dogs that might be available. One posting caught my attention, and I called the family offering an 18-month-old small Shih Tzu for sale.
We decided to visit the family and check out what the pictures showed: a cute little dog named Stella. She came running up to us, jumped into our laps as we sat on the couch, and gave each of us a loving hug! We immediately fell in love and brought her home. She has been the most caring and devoted of our Shih Tzus, and we can’t picture ever doing without her. Cherish those little pets that can be a chore at times; they help make us who we are.
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In a world that moves fast, gratitude helps us slow down and see the beauty in what we already have. Whether your list is ten things or a hundred, taking time to appreciate your blessings can bring comfort, joy, and renewed perspective. As we step into a new season, may gratitude guide your heart and fill your days with peace and purpose. May God bless this world, Linda
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