James Burnette, Author at Survivalpunk

Homemade Christmas Gifts: Thoughtful and Practical | episode 298

December 5, 2024December 5, 2024 James Burnette Leave a comment

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Homemade Christmas Gifts: Thoughtful and Practical | episode 298

In an age of commercialization, homemade Christmas gifts are a meaningful way to share the joy of the season. They’re not only budget-friendly but also filled with heart and creativity. This holiday season, consider these DIY gift ideas that bring warmth and practicality to your loved ones.

Home Canned Goods

Canned goods are a delightful gift, especially for foodies. Jams, jellies, and pickled vegetables offer a taste of summer’s bounty during the cold months. Consider canning entire meals like soups or stews, which are perfect for busy winter evenings. For the meat lovers in your circle, homemade jerky is a high-protein treat that’s easy to make and customize with different marinades and spices.

Knitted and Handcrafted Items

There’s nothing more comforting than a hand-knitted scarf, hat, or pair of mittens during winter. If knitting isn’t your forte, explore other crafts like crocheting or sewing. These handmade items aren’t just warm and functional; they’re a testament to the time and effort you’ve put into creating something special.

Candles and Soap

Homemade candles and soaps make for elegant, personalized gifts. Choose scents that reflect the season, like cinnamon, pine, or vanilla. Adding natural ingredients like dried flowers or essential oils elevates these simple gifts into luxurious items your recipients will cherish.

Baked Goods and Sourdough Starter

The smell of fresh bread is a gift in itself! Bake loaves of bread or whip up holiday cookies to spread cheer. For friends who love to bake, gifting a sourdough starter is both practical and creative, enabling them to enjoy fresh bread long after the holidays.

Homemade gifts are more than items—they’re experiences wrapped in thoughtfulness. They remind your loved ones that the best gifts come from the heart.

Unconventional Survival Tips and Tricks | 297

December 4, 2024December 3, 2024 James Burnette Leave a comment

Unconventional Survival Tips and Tricks | 297

When it comes to survival, sometimes thinking outside the box can give you an edge. These unconventional tips and tricks are perfect for preppers looking to expand their skill set with creative and resourceful methods.

Starting a Fire with Your Own Pee

Yes, you read that right—your own urine can help you start a fire. By collecting your pee in a clear plastic bag, you can create a makeshift magnifying lens. The curved liquid acts like a magnifying glass, focusing sunlight onto a small pile of tinder to ignite a flame. This method is great for emergency situations when other fire-starting tools aren’t available.

Dry Canning Butter for Long-Term Use

Butter can be preserved for years with dry canning. Simply heat unsalted butter in a saucepan until it melts, then pour it into sterilized canning jars. Seal the jars while the butter is still hot, allowing a vacuum seal to form. This method ensures you’ll always have a source of fats, even during long-term storage situations.

Making Oil Lamps from Used Jars

Old jars and cooking oil can be transformed into DIY oil lamps. Insert a wick (cotton string works well) into the jar, ensuring it extends above the oil level. Light the wick for an inexpensive and long-lasting source of light. This trick is perfect for emergencies or power outages.

Crisco Candle Hack

A can of Crisco isn’t just for baking—it makes an excellent emergency candle. Insert a cotton wick or piece of string into the center of the can, and light it. A single can, can burn for days, providing both light and warmth.

DIY Fuel Tablets

Stuff empty toilet paper rolls with dryer lint and soak them in melted wax. Once hardened, these DIY fuel tablets are compact, lightweight, and highly effective for starting fires in any weather.

Creativity and adaptability are key in survival. Experiment with these unconventional tips to ensure you’re prepared for anything!

Times Prepping Has Saved the Day | episode 296

December 3, 2024December 3, 2024 James Burnette Leave a comment

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Times Prepping Has Saved the Day | episode 296

Prepping isn’t just about preparing for the end of the world—it’s about everyday readiness for the unexpected. Whether it’s a small inconvenience or a major crisis, being prepared can make all the difference. Here are some real-world examples where prepping saved the day.

Bug Spray in My Bug-Out Bag

Something as simple as bug spray can make or break an outdoor experience. Once, while on an impromptu hike, I found myself surrounded by relentless mosquitoes. Thankfully, my bug-out bag was stocked with a bottle of bug spray. What could’ve been a miserable outing turned into a pleasant adventure. This small preparation reminded me how even the smallest items can be lifesavers.

A Spare Fuel Pump for My Car

Car trouble can strike when you least expect it. I once faced a sudden breakdown in a remote area—my fuel pump had failed. Luckily, I had a spare fuel pump and the tools needed to replace it. A quick roadside repair got me back on the road, saving me time, money, and a tow. This experience emphasized the importance of having spares for critical items.

Food Storage During an Ice Storm

When an ice storm knocked out power for days, my family didn’t have to panic. Thanks to a stash of food storage and MREs, we had plenty to eat without needing refrigeration or cooking. This preparedness allowed us to focus on staying warm and safe instead of scrambling for supplies.

Everyday Preparedness Matters

Prepping isn’t just for doomsday scenarios. It’s about being ready for life’s unpredictable challenges. From bug spray to spare parts to emergency food, every item you prepare can be a lifesaver. Prepping gives you peace of mind, knowing you can handle whatever life throws your way.

Skills vs. Stuff: The Essential Prepper Debate | episode 295

December 2, 2024December 1, 2024 James Burnette Leave a comment

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Skills vs. Stuff: The Essential Prepper Debate | episode 295

When it comes to prepping, the debate of skills versus gear often arises. Having the latest and greatest survival tools is great, but if you don’t know how to use them, they’re just weight in your pack. Developing practical skills is the cornerstone of any solid preparedness plan.

Learn, Read, and Take Notes

Prepping starts with knowledge. There’s a wealth of information out there—books, online courses, and hands-on workshops. Whether it’s wilderness survival, first aid, or home gardening, take the time to read and absorb this knowledge. Don’t stop at just reading; take notes. Write down techniques, tips, and even mistakes to avoid. Your personal prepper notebook could one day become your most valuable resource.

Practice Makes Perfect

Once you’ve absorbed the theory, it’s time to practice. Building a fire isn’t something you can master by watching a single video. Get outside and test your skills with methods like a bow drill or flint and steel. These experiences not only solidify your knowledge but also prepare you for real-world scenarios when stress levels may be high.

Test and Refine Survival Techniques

Survival isn’t just about fire. Try your hand at setting up traps, purifying water, or creating shelter. You’ll quickly discover what works, what doesn’t, and what gear you actually need to invest in. Every skill you master adds to your confidence and reduces your reliance on equipment.

Gear Complements Skills

Gear isn’t unimportant—it’s a helpful tool. But without the skills to use it effectively, it’s of little use. Instead of focusing on accumulating stuff, focus on building abilities. In a true emergency, your knowledge and experience will be your most valuable assets.

Prepping is a journey of continual learning and adaptation. Let your skills lead the way.

Black Friday For Preppers | episode 294

November 29, 2024November 29, 2024 James Burnette Leave a comment

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Black Friday Deals for Preppers and Survivalists

Black Friday is a golden opportunity for preppers to stock up on vital gear and supplies while saving money. If you’ve been waiting to enhance your readiness, this shopping season offers discounts on essentials. Below are key categories to guide your purchases, with detailed suggestions to maximize your preparedness.

Food and Water Supplies

Stock up on long-term food storage like freeze-dried meals or MREs from brands like Mountain House or ReadyWise. Water filtration systems, such as LifeStraw or Berkey filters, are often discounted, as are tools for food preservation like dehydrators and vacuum sealers.

Emergency Tools and Gear

Deals abound on multi-tools and knives from brands like Leatherman or Gerber, essential for versatile use. Flashlights, headlamps, and comprehensive first-aid kits are also worth adding to your preparedness kit during sales.

Power and Energy Solutions

Look for portable solar panels from Goal Zero or Jackery, power banks, and compact gas or solar-powered generators. Don’t forget rechargeable batteries and chargers to keep your devices running during emergencies.

Shelter and Protection

Camping gear, including tents and sleeping bags, can double as survival essentials and often come with steep discounts. Winter clothing, like thermal layers and gloves, and home security tools such as cameras or motion detectors are also valuable investments.

Communication and Navigation

Two-way radios from Baofeng or Midland and emergency radios with solar or crank power keep you informed in a crisis. GPS devices with offline navigation capabilities are excellent for outdoor or grid-down scenarios.

Check the Show Notes for Specific Deals

While podcasting on the go, I can’t mention exact deals here, but I’ve included links in the show notes to help you find discounts on these items. Use this Black Friday to prepare smarter, not harder!