FAK in Action

I keep two FAKs (First Aid Kit) in my car. One for me, one for my car. On Tuesday I had the chance to use the kit I had prepared for my car. It is kind of lame, however I was pleased by the fact I had the tools I needed on hand assess the damage. It came down to the fact that I had a slow leak, which meant I had a flat. It made proud that even though this was not a serious problem, I had the tools I needed and that is what preparation is all about.

Used

Well needless to say in tough times many of us will not be getting that new car with that new car smell.

I found this link that covers some basic DIY of checking out a used Car


Updates:

On my Lost Arts Project, I have decided my first endeavor will be to make a paper towel roll flashlight. I know that sound incredibly lame; however, it is so I can get a good hold on how electricity works and maybe work up to solar panels and such eventually. I already understand the basics of closing the circuit and such, but could not hurt to build up from fundamentals.
Also, my friend going to make Renaissance clothing for when we go next year to the Renaissance festival. So, I will get to see how to make clothing from fabric, which I do not know how.

Dare to Prepare v.2

I have been working on my get home pack. I feel it is needed.. even if there is not a natural disaster or anything.. sometimes you just get stranded.
A lot of this is new to me.. so I am just discovering what is important or what is better to use and easier to carry.
I have several items already, (like a compass, some food, water, and some other things)but it is no where near done.
I have measured that I would have to travel between 18-20 miles depending on where I am at during the day.

Currently I keep in my car the following basic items:
First Aid Kit (FAK)
Several Bottles of water.
Socks
Tennis/ Walking shoes
Crackers (I switch them out on a monthly basis)
Along with what I call a FAK for my car- jumper cables, flat fix, and some other items.

I want to get a tool kit and a space blanket for my car.

Most people do not realize that if for some reason you are trapped in your car after dark, it can get cold very fast and it is quite possible to get hypothermia. So a blanket can be a life safer.

As I have posted previously, there are ways to find your way home without a compass.. by using the stars and the sun. If you don't know how to do that.. it is a really good thing to learn. http://ontologicalthinker.blogspot.com/2008/05/no-compass-no-problem.html

Saving is Good.

As everyone tightens its belt to save money here are some easy ways without giving up much to do so.

The first two links are the same article, because I know yahoo links to sometimes expire.
The article talks about how to increase gas mileage, which we all know is good.
They mention combining errands, avoiding left turns, and a bunch of other tips.

http://news.yahoo.com/page/parade/gas

http://www.parade.com/articles/editions/2008/edition_07-06-2008/4Save_On_Gas

The other link talks about how to increase your savings. One tip they mention, that I really like, collecting instead of spending your change.

http://www.parade.com/articles/editions/2008/edition_05-11-2008/8Savings_Strategies

Good luck to all, and take care.

How to Buy a Car.

Buying a car is not an easy task.
You can not just go in there and say "I want a car."
If you do, you are likely going to be ripped off.

I found an article that gives some tips on buying a car, so you may get the best deal on what you want.

http://biz.yahoo.com/cnnm/080702/070208_dont_tell_salesman.html?.&.pf=family-home

Good luck and be well.