One day, you’re just going along minding your own business, then you open the mailbox and find a letter from the IRS. Just seeing the words Internal Revenue Service can make your heart pound in your ears. As they’re a government organization that doesn’t knock politely. If they think you owe them, they won’t hesitate […]
The post The IRS Is After You! Here’s What You Need to Do Next appeared first on Ask a Prepper.
Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
While being a proficient carpenter, owning a fleet of tractors, and mastering the art of welding are all fantastic skills on the homestead, none of them will make you a successful homesteader all by themselves. You’ve got to have an arsenal of information covering topics all across the board in order to maintain a sustainable life off the grid.
You don’t have to become a master gardener on the first try, but knowing the basics of planting and cultivating will certainly set you on the path to skills―and possibly passions―that will contribute to a marvelous garden down the line. Start small and let these skills grow.
Today, you’re going to do just that. Start small by taking 10 minutes out of your day to brush up on the most important homesteading skills and decide which one are you going to tackle first.
Want to save this post for later? Click Here to Pin It On Pinterest!
For many, a totally self-sufficient homestead depends on the presence of animals. Horses to ride, chickens to lay eggs, dogs to guard, and pigs to eat―they all contribute to a symbiotic environment off the grid.
You can learn the “what” via some informational animal husbandry videos, “why” by listening to some thoughtful animal husbandry podcasts, and the “how” by signing up to an animal husbandry online course.
Any time you can reduce waste and repurpose products on the homestead is a big win. Composting conquers both of these goals.
A compost area is easy to set up, no matter if you’ve got a lot of land or are working with a small area.
You can go the super easy route and use a hefty trash bin as your compost area or build a semi-sophisticated compost area on your property using some flat palates or plywood like you’ll see here in this composting video.
Start your compost by using a mixture of grass clippings, straw, and other natural material. You can learn more here. Then when you have natural food waste to dispose of, toss it on top. Give it a good stir every couple of weeks. Here's a more detailed guide to making compost.
When everything is decomposed, you can use this compost soil as a fantastic fertilizer for your garden!
When you’re miles away from a pharmacy and decades past doctors who do house calls, you’ve got to be prepared to step in as the on-site healer. Many homesteaders take pride in their ability to grow and concoct homeopathic remedies for minor to moderate conditions.
From herbs and spices in your cupboards to plants you can grow in your garden, study up on some ancient remedies to soothe and stifle any unwelcome ailments.
If a caveman can do it, so can you. As survivalists, building fire is in our blood! Once you get the hang of it, building and starting a fire will feel like second nature.
For the classic backyard bonfire, watch a couple YouTube videos on how to properly arrange your firewood. For emergency situations, you’ll want to know a couple fire-starting hacks like this one involving a cotton ball and Vaseline. Most importantly, equip yourself with a few tools such as a firesteel to help the process, and then practice! It’s always better to practice leisurely than in a desperate situation.
We saved the most important skill for last! Always have a fully stocked first aid kit on hand! These kits take care of the everyday accidents like burns, cuts, and scrapes, and can also help prevent infections. Then begin stocking up on the big-ticket first aid items like medical accessories for sutures, military grade tourniquets, and anything else that will make the difference between life and death on the homestead.
Next, you need to learn how to apply your first aid supplies along with fundamental first aid skills such as CPR and the Heimlich maneuver.
You can go to the local grocery store right now and stock up on store-bought foods that have a long shelf life. These include flour, pasta, and canned goods. However, these goodies alone won’t provide you with a fully balanced diet. You need fruits, vegetables, and proteins that will provide essential vitamins and nutrients. For these, you’re going to need to learn how to can food.
First, you’ll need the proper canning supplies, and then you’ll need a whole lot of time. Canning is a full-day process that involves a lot of love and creativity, so make it fun! You’ll feel super accomplished once you step back and take a look at your fully stocked shelves full of long-lasting yummy goodness.
Zombies or robbers―they both know how to put a damper on a good night's sleep. There are some great ‘how-to’ security hacks out there that will give you and your family peace of mind.
Make sure you have the basics such as a home security alarm system to detect break-ins, waterproof surveillance systems that allow you to monitor large properties, and high-powered motion-sensing lights to start out.
Are you planting the proper crops for your climate? Are you giving your root vegetables enough space to grow? Do you know how to spot and prevent plant diseases?
Before you plant every seed under the sun, take some time to get to know your crops and strategize what you’ll do with them. You can best utilize your space by planting in the ground, in window plants, in hanging pots, and in water. You can also use your plants to create an edible landscape that doubles as a fence, a wall, or the centerpiece of your yard.
Learn what plant grows best where and with which plant to pair the others by checking out (and printing) some plant growing charts.
The first time your power goes out on the homestead will be exciting! This is the moment you’ve been waiting for where you get to apply your newfound skills, including how to cook without electricity.
You’ve got a couple options that require simple prep and low-maintenance set up. You can go with the classic bonfire that creates warmth and a place to cook, the trusty gas stove with changeable propane tanks, or the super-delicious method with a charcoal grill. No one will go hungry on your watch.
Your plants and veggies can serve as a never-ending source of food once you know how to properly save seeds!
You can harvest seeds from cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, blueberries, and even carrots and use them to replant and harvest! Get a thin, sharp knife and a nice pair of pruning shears to make a day out of seed harvesting and storing!
Is bread going to save your life by providing an ultra-significant nutritional component to your diet? No, probably not. But is a carb-tastic day going to boost your mood and strengthen the morale around camp? Absolutely! I mean, who doesn’t love bread?
Learn to grow your own yeast and bake your own bread on the homestead. It’s easier than you may think!
You’ll need an oven to get the job done. Using mud, sticks, and a little technique, you can build your own “Earthen Oven” in just a couple days. You can use this oven for anything bread or dough related, as well as casseroles and roasted veggies.
Embracing natural building techniques not only connects you more deeply with your environment but also allows for the creation of sustainable, energy-efficient homes and structures on your homestead. From cob and straw bale to timber framing and earthbag construction, explore various materials and methods that align with your climate and landscape.
Workshops and community builds are fantastic ways to gain practical experience. Building with natural materials reduces your reliance on industrial products, enhances your living space's thermal performance, and fosters a profound sense of achievement and connection to your homestead.
Harnessing the power of the sun not only reduces your carbon footprint but also ensures your homestead remains operational even when the grid goes down. Start by familiarizing yourself with the components of a solar power system, including solar panels, batteries, inverters, and charge controllers.
Many resources are available to help you design a solar power system tailored to your energy needs. Consider taking a workshop or online course to gain hands-on experience. Remember, the initial investment in solar power pays dividends in energy independence and sustainability.
A dull blade is more dangerous than a sharp one and far less effective. On the homestead, keeping your tools sharp and well-maintained is a skill that pays off daily. From kitchen knives and pruning shears to axes, hoes, and chainsaws, knowing how to sharpen, oil, and properly store your tools extends their life and improves your efficiency.
Learn to use a whetstone, file, or honing rod, and practice regularly. Build a habit of inspecting your tools after each use. It may seem small, but a well-maintained toolset is what separates a functioning homestead from a frustrating one.
Water is the lifeblood of any homestead, crucial for drinking, irrigation, and supporting livestock. Begin by learning the basics of water harvesting techniques such as rainwater collection using barrels or designing a catchment system to capture and store rainwater from your roof.
Understanding how to purify and store water is equally important, ensuring you always have access to clean water while maintaining a sustainable homestead. Experiment with drip irrigation systems to efficiently water your garden, and explore the principles of greywater recycling to make the most of every drop.
As most of us know by now, the ultimate key to creating and maintaining a healthy and fulfilling off-the-grid lifestyle boils down to being prepared. Don’t skip steps, cut corners, or keep putting these skills off. Prepare your foundation now so that no matter what situation you face in the future, you’ll have enough information to help you out!
Your best way to prepare is to have a base knowledge in a variety of homestead skills across the board. For example, take one afternoon to study up on the essentials of potting plants and stocking your shed with essential tools. Now you have a solid foundation to grow your garden as you go.
Putting these skills on your homestead radar is step number one. Let your curiosity grow and some of these skills will inevitably become your passion projects. After all, homesteading isn’t just about living a disciplined life, it’s about living a well rounded, sustainable, and enjoyable life where you are in control of your environment.
Like this post? Don't Forget to Pin It On Pinterest!
You May Also Like:
The post 15 Most Important Homesteading Skills appeared first on Homestead Survival Site.
Who is ready to try something new and delicious? These are great for the holidays and family reunions. Summer is quickly approaching, and it’s the perfect time to try out lots of yummy recipes, particularly some of my favorite desserts! The Best Caramel Oatmeal Carmelitas are my favorite dessert bar! I originally posted this in June 2016! Boy, that seems like a long time ago.
This is genuinely the best Caramel Oatmeal Caramelitas recipe ever! Whether you make them for a get-together or because you want to eat the whole batch yourself, there’ll be no judgment from us! My daughter, Stacie, shared this recipe with the family, and we all loved it! Be ready to hand out the recipe; people who bake will want to make these time and time again.
If you’ve never tried Carmelitas, get ready for a dessert that tastes like pure comfort in every bite. These chewy, gooey bars combine layers of buttery oats, creamy caramel, and melted chocolate — the perfect balance of sweet and salty indulgence.
The original Carmelita recipe dates back to mid-20th-century American home baking, when bar cookies became popular for their ease and versatility. The combination of oats and caramel likely came from the Midwest, where hearty ingredients were pantry staples. Over the years, bakers have tweaked the recipe, adding chocolate chips, nuts, or even sea salt to elevate the flavor.
What makes Carmelitas so special is their texture, a buttery oatmeal crust and crumble hugging a rich, golden layer of caramel and chocolate. They’re easy to make ahead, simple to serve, and loved by everyone from kids to grandparents. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a holiday dessert table, or just a cozy night in, these bars are guaranteed to disappear fast!
Fun fact: “Carmelita” means little caramel in Spanish, and that’s precisely what these treats deliver, bite after sweet, gooey bite. What are Caramel Oatmeal Carmelitas?
To describe Caramel Oatmeal Carmelitas, I want you to close your eyes. Picture a chewy caramel treat that is so tasty and gooey! When you bite into it, you get the full taste of caramel, nuts, and chocolate. Of course, I think these taste best if they’re left in the fridge for a few hours. If you eat them right out of the oven, you’ll need a fork!
Some people call these cookie bars, and I guess they are. Carmelita bars are what I’ve always called them. The word Carmelita is a Hebrew term meaning the garden, orchard, or vineyard of God. Based on how they taste and how they incorporate the ingredients’ flavors, I think it’s a great description.
However, as with any other treat, these Caramel Oatmeal Carmelitas barely make it to the next day! The chewy, gooey deliciousness is something that everyone seems to love.
These Caramel Oatmeal Carmelitas are the ultimate dessert bar, soft, chewy, and packed with rich caramel and chocolate flavor. They’re a reader favorite because they’re easy to make with simple pantry ingredients like oats, brown sugar, butter, and chocolate chips.
The sweet caramel layer melts into the crumbly oat crust, creating that irresistible gooey texture everyone craves. Perfect for potlucks, bake sales, or a weekend treat, Carmelitas are one of those timeless recipes that never go out of style. Once you make them, you’ll understand why these bars are so loved and shared over generations!
Preheat oven to (325°F) = (162°C) degrees, grease a 9-inch by 13-inch pan, and set aside.
Combine the flour, oatmeal, brown sugar, soda, and salt in a medium-sized or large bowl.
Scoop 2/3 of the flour mixture into the pan and flatten it smoothly with your hand or spoon. (Set the other 1/3 of the mixture aside for later).
Melt the butter, drizzle it over the flour mixture, and mix everything thoroughly. Bake this pan for 20 minutes.
After baking, immediately remove the pan from the oven but leave the oven at (325°F) = (162°C) degrees. Next, sprinkle the chocolate chips over this layer.
Soften the caramel jar without the lid for about one minute in your microwave or a hot saucepan of water. Pour the caramel over the chocolate chip layer, then spread it evenly with a spoon.
The next step is to crumble the remaining flour mixture over this layer. Break up any large chunks and spread evenly to cover the caramel layer. This step provides a nice crust topping for the bars.
Bake for another 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and let it cool before cutting into squares. I set mine in the refrigerator to set up so they would be ready to cut sooner.
I’ll tell you that hot cocoa is awesome with Caramel Oatmeal Carmelitas. If you don’t like hot cocoa, then a tall glass of milk may do the trick.
I always need something to drink with my desserts, especially these Carmelitas. If you’re still looking for something to drink with this dessert, get a nice warm cup of coffee; it makes for a great combination every time.
While you can use caramel sauce, as I do, you can also use caramel squares or bits. It’s all a matter of preference. Some of you may find using store-bought caramel sauce easiest, and others may even make their own homemade caramel sauce from something like Kraft caramel pieces.
I’ve always liked these bars with milk chocolate chips, but some of my family members prefer either semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips. Either way, the Carmalita bars will taste awesome.
To add unique flavors to these bars, consider adding some nuts while adding the chocolate chips. When I’ve done that, I usually use pecans due to their great flavor. You can also try walnuts or peanuts if you prefer.
Once you make these Caramel Oatmeal Carmelitas, you don’t want them to go to waste. Storage options are pretty straightforward. I like to store mine in an airtight container. Once in the container, you can keep them at room temperature and store them on the counter. If you like yours a little cold, store them in the refrigerator.
If you choose to freeze the Caramel Oatmeal Caramelitas, you can! Again, please put them in an airtight container. You can store these delicious treats for up to 3 months, although good luck getting them to last that long in your freezer! My husband, kids, and grandkids devour them.
Another post: Best Chocolate Cake Ever
I hope you try this recipe, it’s excellent! If you have never made Caramel Oatmeal Caramelitas, now is the time. This recipe is so delicious and a favorite around here. May God bless this world, Linda.
Copyright Images: Chocolate Oatmeal Caramel Bars AdobeStock_85371666 by By manyakotic
The post Caramel Oatmeal Carmelitas Recipe appeared first on Food Storage Moms.
Most people sleep easy thinking their gear is safe as long as it is unplugged. That their radios, generators, night vision, chargers, and backups will magically survive because they were sitting quietly on a shelf. This is the kind of dangerous comfort that gets people blindsided. An EMP does not care whether your device is […]
The post Will an EMP Destroy Electronics That Are Unplugged? appeared first on Ask a Prepper.