by Prepare Magazine | Apr 5, 2025 | Guest Bloggers, Preparedness planning
It may seem odd that on a preparedness blog we are talking about the Winter Weather Treat of Snow Cream. To be sure, preparedness is our main goal, but making good use of time and resources also applies to living with what life hands you and making the best out of a potentially uncomfortable situation.
When live gives you lemons, make lemonade – when winter gives you an abundance of snow, make snow cream!
As winter weather continues to keep spring at bay, it may seem as if there is nothing to do, especially on those days when new snow drifts keep you inside the house. Here is a fun, old-fashioned and delicious way to beat boredom as well as a unique way to prepare candy.
Making maple snow candy is perhaps most famous from it’s description in the Little House on the Prairie series. Here’s what you’ll need for your own maple snow candy:
- A large cooking container. I used a soup pot but you can use any bowl or pot large enough to pour your syrup into.
- A medium saucepan for melting the syrup in
- Mixing spoon
- Maple syrup, the darker the syrup the more maple flavor the candy will have.
- Of course, the most important ingredient of all, snow!
First, go outside and find a clean patch of snow. The further away from a city you live the easier this will be. Fill your pot up to the very top and leave it just outside your door. This allows you to work quickly once the syrup is heated but also keeps it from getting too frozen as it would if you put it in the freezer.
Next, take your maple syrup and pour it into a medium saucepan. Make sure you cover the bottom of your saucepan with syrup. Place the saucepan onto the stove on medium. Stirring constantly, wait until the syrup bubbles and fluffs up to twice its original size, so that it looks more like honeycomb candy than syrup. It should also lighten to a pale brown taffy color.
Then, go grab your snow container. Working quickly, pour the syrup on top of the snow. You can make patterns and shapes or just simply drizzle it.
Let it set for about 45 seconds to a minute. At this point the boiling hot syrup will be barely warm to the touch and firm enough to pick up and eat.
Enjoy the delicious maple candy, which is as much fun to eat as it is to make.
Kathleen-June G. Horne is a survival enthusiast and amateur outdoors-woman. She graduated from Western Kentucky University in 2015 with a degree in business and has written two books, a historical young adult novel entitled “The Sparrow’s Call” and a Christmas devotional, “24 Days of Devotion“. She was homeschooled until college, and used her free time to learn all she could about all the things people used to know. She runs the blog Miniskirts & Margins which is about fashion, her Southern Baptist faith and the adventures she runs into.
Listen to this podcast to get to know Kathleen-June G. Horne a bit better!
Popular Questions
How can I make snow cream during winter?
To make snow cream, start by gathering fresh, clean snow in a large container. Then, mix in ingredients like milk, sugar, and vanilla extract to create a creamy texture. Stir until well combined and enjoy this delightful winter treat right away, as it’s best served fresh. This simple recipe is a fun way to make the most of snowy days!
What ingredients do I need for making maple snow candy?
For maple snow candy, you will need maple syrup and a clean patch of snow. Heat the syrup in a saucepan until it bubbles and thickens, then quickly pour it over the snow to create candy shapes. Let it set for a minute before enjoying this sweet treat. It's a nostalgic way to enjoy winter while being resourceful!
Is snow cream safe to eat?
Yes, snow cream can be safe to eat as long as you use clean, fresh snow and avoid areas that may be contaminated. Make sure to gather snow away from roads and other potential pollutants. By following these precautions, you can enjoy this winter weather treat without worry. Just remember to consume it shortly after making it for the best taste and texture!
What are some variations of snow cream I can try?
You can experiment with different flavors in your snow cream by adding ingredients like cocoa powder, fruit purees, or flavored extracts. For a richer taste, consider using sweetened condensed milk instead of regular milk. These variations can make your snow cream unique and cater to different taste preferences. Enjoy getting creative with this winter treat!
by Prepare Magazine | Apr 5, 2025 | Blog
At first glance, Canning sounds like one of the scariest ways to preserve food. With freezing, you toss food in freezer bags and store it in your deep freezer. With dehydrating, you stick it in a machine that slowly dries it out. With canning though, you need a canner, canning jars and there’s always the possibility that jars explode. Honestly though, canning isn’t as scary as it sounds. Buy quality glass jars, follow directions to a “T” and you’ll be just fine.
I’d suggest you begin your canning career with simple water-bath canning. Click the image to your left for more about those. Then wait to move to pressure canners after you’ve become more confident with this process.
A fun place to start is by making jelly or jam. Pick your favorite fruit, find a jam or jelly recipe and give it a try. You need some half pint glass jars and tongues that will allow you to grab hot jars out of boiling water. Follow the recipes and directions and you’ll do fine. Any jars that don’t seal properly should go in the fridge and be used right away.
Another great place to start is to with a simple vegetable canning project. Canning green beans is very simple and you can use the beans throughout the year in any dishes you’d use store-bought canned beans. Clean, cut, and blanch your green beans to get them ready for canning. Then follow canning instructions to make sure you cook them long enough and get them to a high enough temperature to kill any bacteria and create a good seal. As with any type of canned good you should store jars that didn’t completely seal in the fridge and use them within the next couple of day.
Another great option is pickles. If you have a bunch of cucumbers growing in the garden, or want to try your hand at some sort of other pickled vegetable (like cauliflower, peppers, or okra for example), give canned pickles a try. The vinegar solution already does a great job preserving the food. Canning ads even more time and allows you to store vegetable that would otherwise go back quickly even longer.
Stay away from canning meats or high acid produce like tomatoes in the beginning of your canning career. Those can be a little trickier to can successfully. Get a few batches of canning under your belt, and invest in some good canning gear (including thermometers and proper canning pots) before giving these types of canned goods a try.
Remember, you don’t have to wait until the summer harvest to can foods. You can can from your freezer in the winter! It warms the house and the heart! Plus, canned foods are preserved even when/if the power goes out.
Enjoy your canning journey!
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Donna Miller is a teacher, author, sought-after speaker and trainer. She has been both a guest and host on internet and broadcast radio talk-shows and in television interviews. She enjoys teaching online and local classes & ladies retreats. Donna is happily married and has three adult children, with one daughter-in-law and one son-in-law. She and her husband (Joseph) are the founders Millers Grain House and YourPreparation Station among other leading entities in the current Preparedness movement.
by Prepare Magazine | Apr 5, 2025 | Preparedness planning
Lighthouse for the Blind – Saint Louis Helps People Survive Earthquakes, Hurricanes, Tornadoes & Other Disasters
By Jeff Dunlap
Lighthouse for the Blind-Saint Louis, a not-for-profit entity also known as LHB Industries, Inc., is one of the nation’s top providers of emergency preparedness kits to help people survive earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, floods, terrorist attacks and building lock-downs.
Unlike many nonprofit entities, the Lighthouse is acting like a for-profit company to advance its charitable social services mission. It is an excellent example of a nonprofit functioning like a for-profit enterprise to advance meaningful social services programs.
LHB’s survival kit brand is Quake Kare. Its products number more than 100 custom- and pre-packed survival kits. But that’s not all.
The 48 legally blind employees at LHB plants in Overland and Berkeley, Missouri, outside St. Louis, also produce medical kits; catheters; aerosol and liquid paints; aerosol and liquid cleaners; adhesives; eco-friendly products; and others for business, consumer, government and military customers nationwide.
The Lighthouse also offers two additional commercial product lines that are sold to consumers and businesses nationwide via retailers and LHB websites.
One is the Tear Mender brand of non-toxic, all-natural adhesive and sealants for repairing clothing, fabrics, footwear, leather, upholstery, vinyl and other items for indoor and outdoor use. The other is RapidFix, a premium line of industrial and consumer bonding products that repair damaged items that include rubber, glass, copper, aluminum, steel and most plastics.
Founded in 1933, LHB is a 501(c)3 organization that helps people who are visually impaired maintain dignity and independence by offering employment, education and support services.
All sales revenues from Quake Kare, RapidFix, Tear Mender and other LHB brands directly support LHB’s 16 different Blind Community Outreach Programs. These “See the Future” programs serve children and adults who are legally blind in Missouri and Southwestern Illinois.
Supporting Nonprofit Mission
John Thompson, LHB president, says, “Many non-profit organizations felt the impact of economic recession a few years ago and government sequestration. We chose to boost our commercial business to offset losses from government and military contracts by evaluating potential acquisitions of established for-profit companies whose operations would be a good fit for us and create revenues to support our non-profit mission. Our acquisitions are helping us achieve that goal.”
LHB has been generating more revenues, sustaining employment and enhancing community services since its February 2014 purchase of the emergency survival kit production company Quake Kare, which was originally based in California until LHB acquired and moved the company to St. Louis.
Then, in June, 2015, LHB acquired all assets of Val-A Chicago, Inc., the family-owned producer of Tear Mender products since 1932.
In August 2017, LHB bought the RapidFix brand of adhesives from Boss Products USA, LLC, of Norton Shores, Michigan. Boss Products USA had begun selling RapidFix products nationally and internationally in 2008.
“Like for-profit businesses that want to be successful, not-for-profit organizations must operate strategically and efficiently to sustain their mission,” Thompson says.
“Our acquisition and integration of Quake Kare, RapidFix and Tear Mender are natural expansions of LHB manufacturing operations because kit and product assembly are our core competencies,” he says.
“We are very proud of our skilled employees in both of our production plants, and we are proud of our mission-specific staff members who develop, sustain and provide our meaningful programs for the blind community in Missouri and Illinois.”
Brian Houser, LHB’s director of sales and marketing, explains, “Quake Kare has been busy since we unloaded a fleet of semi-trucks with Quake Kare inventory in St. Louis in 2014. The same applies since we acquired the Tear Mender and RapidFix assets.
“With Quake Kare, our sales spike whenever an earthquake, serious flood or destructive tornado occurs. Our phone lines ring whenever disaster happens,” Houser says.
“As a not-for-profit organization we do not want to profit from disaster,” Houser asserts. “But Quake Kare survival kit sales do increase during National Preparedness Month and whenever there is a major hurricane, earthquake, tornado, terrorist act or mass shooting,” he says.
“LHB currently employs 48 people who are legally blind in two manufacturing plants in St. Louis County to assemble, pack and ship Quake Kare survival kits and other products to customers nationwide. And every penny of Quake Kare product sales revenue directly supports Lighthouse service programs.”
“We are proud to provide more than 100 different survival kit products and equipment to help people survive virtually any disaster situation,” Houser says.
“We donated 36,000 emergency water pouches to Hurricane Harvey relief efforts,” he adds. “The 36,000 pouches provided life-sustaining amounts of water for 6,000 people for three days after we shipped them to Food Bank Corpus Christi for distribution to relief efforts in the area.”
“Government research shows that many families, schools and businesses are not prepared to deal with disaster, and many don’t have a disaster plan in place,” Houser continues. “In today’s uncertain environment, it is crucial for people to plan for emergencies to help save lives.”
“We advise people in all walks of life to follow these steps for emergency preparedness”:
- Acquire emergency survival kits and supplies for homes, offices and vehicles, including for children and pets.
- Develop emergency preparedness plans based upon different disaster scenarios – and practice them.
- Stay informed about disaster preparedness news and updates by following media reports.
Here’s one example of many Quake Kare products:
Quake Kare’s ER™ Emergency Ready Two Person Tornado/Hurricane Survival Kit contains essential, lifesaving items necessary to sustain two individuals for three days in the event of home evacuation or needs for she
lter-in-place following a devastating tornado or hurricane.
Packaged in a portable, water-resistant six-gallon container, “this kit contains effectiveand reliable survival food, water, lighting, radio/communication, first-aid, sanitation and shelter supplies to help people survive man-made and natural catastrophes,” Houser says.
“Its contents also include a solar/hand-crank powered flashlight, NOAA weather band radio and USB device charger for charging smartphones and other USB devices so disaster victims can stay in touch with loved ones,” he notes.
Transitioning Acquisitions
Establishing Quake Kare kit assembly, manufacturing and shipping operations at LHB required some investment in new equipment.
LHB Vice President of Manufacturing Clint Cruse, says, “We augmented our packaging line and warehouse operations with new equipment to streamline order fulfillment, and engaged a consulting process engineer to assist in retrofitting our headquarters plant to handle ‘just-in-time’ product packaging operations.”
LHB established an assembly line with roller conveyors that enable components of various survival kits to move easily from station to station during assembly. Marked bins hold kit components, and any common elements of these are positioned close together to minimize movement.
Houser says, “More shelves were added to the warehouse to accommodate Quake Kare inventory and we maintain an organized workflow for building kits and handling fulfillment orders.”
“Many of our employees are visually impaired,” Houser continues, “and there has been a learning curve for all involved.”
“We do not believe a person who is visually impaired is a liability, but an asset. With training and adaptive technology—such as magnifiers, CCTVs, JAWS, computer screen reader programs and Zoomtext—a person who is visually impaired can easily become a productive employee.”
New employees learn how to navigate LHB facilities by shadowing a blind veteran employee, and all undergo mobility training before navigating on their own,” Houser says.
In addition, LHB has adapted the assembly plant environment and equipment to ensure worker safety and ease of operational efficiencies. Here are a few of many adaptations:
•Cameras are installed on labeling machines so a legally blind person can see inside the machine to place labels correctly, or see misalignment, damage or other issues;
•Machine-guarding safety rails have been added or upgraded;
•The packaging system was retrofitted and bolts were replaced with hand knobs so employees who are visually impaired can make adjustments without using wrenches;
•An “audio scale” for weighing materials enables employees who are legally blind to hear weight and count information rather than relying on a digital screen;
•A portable closed-circuit TV system enlarges printed material for visually impaired employees so they can better see work instructions.
•Assembly line fixtures have touch-sensitive centerlines and alignment features;
•Windows near ceilings add natural light so workers have better visual acuity. High-intensity lights also are used to show contrast and better visual acuity; and…
• Building aisles and exits are installed with grid plate materials for visually impaired employees to feel with their canes and feet to safely maneuver throughout the plant.
John Thompson points out, “More than 70% of people who are blind in the U.S. are unemployed. When hired for a job, they typically become very devoted employees as they are thankful for the opportunity to work, earn money and to be considered an asset for an organization. Absenteeism and employee turnover are extremely low.
“National Industries for the Blind conducted an analysis of this subject and determined that, for every dollar the federal government spends on supplies and services through an agency such as the Lighthouse, $3.33 is returned to the Federal government via decreased transfer payments such as Medicaid and Social Security, and increased income and FICA taxes, thereby saving taxpayers money while fulfilling an important social service mission.”
For information about Lighthouse for the Blind-Saint Louis and its many useful products, please call 800.542.3697 or 314.423.4333, or see the website http://www.lhbindustries.com.
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Popular Questions
How does the Lighthouse for the Blind help individuals prepare for disasters?
The Lighthouse for the Blind provides essential emergency preparedness kits through its Quake Kare brand, which includes over 100 custom and pre-packed survival kits. These kits are designed to help individuals survive various disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and tornadoes. By offering these products, the Lighthouse not only supports its mission to assist the visually impaired but also educates the community on the importance of being prepared for emergencies.
What types of products does the Lighthouse for the Blind offer for emergency preparedness?
The Lighthouse for the Blind offers a wide range of products, including survival kits, medical kits, and eco-friendly cleaning supplies. Their Quake Kare brand specializes in emergency kits tailored for different disaster scenarios, ensuring that families and businesses are equipped to handle emergencies. Additionally, they produce other commercial products like Tear Mender and RapidFix, which further support their mission and outreach programs.
Why is the Lighthouse for the Blind's approach to disaster preparedness unique?
The Lighthouse for the Blind operates with a business model that combines nonprofit goals with for-profit strategies, allowing them to sustain and expand their services. By acquiring established companies like Quake Kare, they enhance their product offerings while generating revenue to support their outreach programs for the blind community. This innovative approach ensures that they can continue to provide valuable resources and employment opportunities for individuals with visual impairments.
How can individuals benefit from the Lighthouse for the Blind's survival kits?
Individuals can benefit from the Lighthouse for the Blind's survival kits by ensuring they are prepared for unexpected emergencies. These kits contain essential supplies that can sustain families during disasters, such as food, water, and medical items. By purchasing these kits, consumers not only equip themselves for potential crises but also contribute to the Lighthouse's mission of supporting the visually impaired community.
What role does community education play in the Lighthouse for the Blind's mission?
Community education is a vital component of the Lighthouse for the Blind's mission, as it raises awareness about the importance of disaster preparedness. They encourage individuals to develop emergency plans and acquire necessary supplies, which can save lives during crises. By providing resources and guidance, the Lighthouse empowers the community to take proactive steps in safeguarding themselves and their families against potential disasters.
by Prepare Magazine | Apr 5, 2025 | Blog, Preparedness planning
When it comes to gardening accessories, I really am a picky, tight-wad. I repair most of the ones that I have used before buying new and spend very very little on new gadgets from year to year. Mostly because I’ve not found things that work like they say they will or that I cannot create cheaper than purchase. That was until I was able to review The Roo.
Forever. I do mean forEVER since I’ve been gardening I have used the ‘shirt tail’ method of harvesting something at any given moment. As an upright human with opposable thumbs, I figured this was my best shot at gathering my goodies from the garden when I ventured out without a basket, which, was often. Boy, was I wrong on so many accounts!
Enter The Roo – as in Kangaroo. After being given the opportunity to play with this one (yes, the bright pink girly one – don’t worry, it’s not the only color) I’m completely sold on this being the better option for gathering and working in the garden. It’s like the ‘shirt-tails’ method on steroids. You can harvest almost a full bushel without ripping collar or buttonholes! It even surpasses the proverbial harvest basket. 
Here are just a few reasons why:
- The heavy duty, yet soft and pliable canvas material is lightweight but a very substantial blockade from thorns and dirt.
- The straps make for very comfortable and even weight distribution of not only the apron itself but the load you may carry.
- The pockets hold tools, stakes, twin and gloves (I’m a dirt-under-the-nails-gal myself)
- At the price and my limited skill of stitch-witchery, I could NEVER make one (much less design one) that is this effective.
Wearing it:
- Putting it on and wearing it about all day long, I hardly even noticed it was there as I moved throughout the garden. It was not in the least bit cumbersome nor did it inhibit my movement like so many other ‘smock’ type aprons I’d tried to use before.
- It was easy to done all by myself even though there are adjustable straps and hooks.
- The ability to tie it up and USE the actual Roo Feature (the load and drop pocket) was simple while wearing The Roo.
For me, nothing that is merely well-made or pretty passes the test unless it is actually functional. The Roo passed this test with flying colors! The function of its main feature (the easy load and unload pocket) was really what made me take note of how ingenious this is.
The pocket is a simple fold up style that does have a lot of room for carrying fruits and veggies. But the fact that with a slip of a knot, you can easily unload a bushel of beans onto a table or into a wheelbarrow without bending over or lifting up the heavy load actually made me try it over and over.
The distance to unload is not so far that you’ll bruise your produce and the way The Roo becomes like a gentle ‘chute’ or ‘slide’ makes it a controlable exit. It is almost second nature to unload without harming the harvest.
I highly recommend that you connect with Pantry Paratus and pick up The Roo (in a color of your choosing, of course)! I think, like me, you’ll find it comfortable, well-made, easy to use and above all of those features, ingeniously functional.
_________________________________________________________________
Donna Miller is a teacher, author, sought-after speaker and trainer. She has been both a guest and host on internet and broadcast radio talk-shows and in television interviews. She enjoys teaching online and local classes & ladies retreats. Donna is happily married and has three adult children, with one daughter-in-law and one son-in-law. She and her husband (Joseph) are the founders Millers Grain House and YourPreparation Station among other leading entities in the current Preparedness movement.
Popular Questions
What makes The Roo a standout gardening accessory?
The Roo is a unique gardening accessory that enhances the harvesting experience. Its heavy-duty yet soft canvas material protects against thorns and dirt while being lightweight. The design allows for comfortable weight distribution, making it easy to carry a significant load without strain.
How does The Roo improve the harvesting process?
The Roo features an innovative load and drop pocket that simplifies the harvesting process. You can easily unload your produce without bending over, thanks to its gentle chute design. This functionality allows for a controlled and efficient way to transfer your harvest to a table or wheelbarrow.
Can The Roo accommodate various gardening tools?
Yes, The Roo is designed with multiple pockets that can hold essential gardening tools, stakes, and gloves. This feature keeps everything organized and within reach while you work in the garden. The thoughtful design ensures that you have what you need at your fingertips, enhancing your gardening efficiency.
Is The Roo comfortable to wear during long gardening sessions?
Absolutely! The Roo is crafted to be worn comfortably throughout the day, with adjustable straps that allow for a customized fit. Many users find it non-intrusive, enabling them to move freely without feeling weighed down by traditional aprons.
Where can I purchase The Roo for my gardening needs?
You can find The Roo available for purchase through Pantry Paratus, where you can choose from various colors. This gardening accessory is not only functional but also stylish, making it a great addition to your gardening gear. Investing in The Roo will enhance your gardening experience significantly.
by Prepare Magazine | Apr 5, 2025 | Blog, Digital Announcements
Ready or Not, the New Year Begins…
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The list is virtually endless when it comes to what area of life preparedness planning touches. Each month we attempt to focus on a main theme, yet inevitably the theme expands and other areas of necessity come to mind.
PREPARE Magazine is designed to give an overview of preparedness options in multiple areas of our lives. As with any topic, there will always more to be studied, more to be tried, more to be practiced and perhaps even a better way to do something that suits your needs specifically. But the fact of the matter remains; in every area of life if we are oblivious to the need to prepare for a contingency we are doing a disservice to ourselves, our loved ones and our community.
Preparedness living isn’t quite compartmentalized into bunkers or food storage. It is a mindset, a practiced skill of looking at contingencies. And as we all know, a potential contingency can change at any moment, in any area of life.
Just think of the many roles you may have in your own life. You likely wear many hats. You are not merely an employee or entrepreneur, you are not the job you hold, you’re not merely your education, you’re not merely a father, mother, husband, wife, brother, son, sister, or daughter. Each role you have has its responsibilities, it’s joys, its struggles and it’s rewards. And preparedness looks different from each and every angle of each and every role you or I have in this life.
Our goal here at PREPARE Magazine is to help you be encouraged in whatever role you have in life to enjoy the preparedness journey of your own choosing. The authors, designers, founders and support team all want to inspire you to think for yourself and be spurred on to prepare in areas that you feel are important. And yes, we know…there are many.
Here’s to a Happy New Year of Preparedness – Your Way!
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Popular Questions
How can I prepare for the New Year effectively?
To prepare effectively for the New Year, start by assessing your current preparedness levels in various areas of your life. Identify specific roles you play, such as a parent, employee, or community member, and consider what contingencies might arise in each. Create a plan that addresses these potential challenges, ensuring you have the necessary resources and skills to respond. This proactive approach will help you enter the New Year with confidence and readiness.
What are some key areas of life to focus on as the New Year begins?
As the New Year begins, it's essential to focus on areas such as financial preparedness, emergency planning, and personal health. Each of these aspects plays a crucial role in your overall readiness for unforeseen events. Take time to evaluate your current situation in these areas and set specific goals for improvement. This holistic approach will enhance your preparedness journey throughout the year.
Why is a preparedness mindset important as the New Year starts?
A preparedness mindset is vital as the New Year starts because it encourages proactive thinking about potential challenges. By adopting this mindset, you can better anticipate and plan for various contingencies that may arise in your personal and professional life. This approach not only benefits you but also positively impacts your loved ones and community. Embracing this mindset can lead to a more resilient and fulfilling year ahead.
How can I inspire others to be prepared in the New Year?
To inspire others to be prepared in the New Year, share your own preparedness journey and the lessons you've learned along the way. Encourage open discussions about the importance of planning for contingencies and the benefits of being proactive. You can also provide resources, such as articles or workshops, that help others understand the various aspects of preparedness. By leading by example, you can motivate those around you to take their preparedness seriously.
