Archive for the ‘Frugality’ Category

By Cameron McKirdy

A friend was generous enough to give me a bag full of fresh Rosemary.  Her plant produced incredible amounts, more than she needed.  My stash has been drying in the dark pantry, on the water heater, ready to be utilized.  The day came, and man did it improve the meal.  

Fresh Rosemary

After plucking it from the stem, Survival Bros tossed several teaspoons in to boil with the potatoes.  It gave them a sweet taste, that was way better than ordinary spuds.  

Boiling Potatoes with Rosemary

Then we cooked chicken with a few pinches of fresh Rosemary on top.  Now I don’t want to cook without it.  It also pairs well with lemon.  Tell me that doesn’t look succulent!Rosemary ChickenI’ve also been trying out shampoo and conditioner harnessing the power of both Rosemary and Mint.  I think this Suave product works really well.  I hope you can get a hold of some of this special herb.  For more on the uses and cultural significance of Rosemary, read all about it on Wikipedia here.  Thanks for visiting the blog.  Make sure to read some of our other posts.  %^).

rosemary suave shampooRosemary in Latin translates to “dew of the sea.”  It is said to improve memory, and has additional medicinal uses.

Produced by Cameron McKirdy

Watch me get as many complementary samples as possible.  SPOILER ALERT: I score a free trial of sausage, cheese, lotion, cologne, ice cream, vitamins, purified water, and even ukulele entertainment.  I also considered using the mall’s power to charge my cell phone.  At a larger shopping center I’m sure you could eat the equivalent of a meal by sampling grub at all the food court’s restaurants.  This was simply a fun exercise of frugality.  Cheers!

free ice cream sampleCam poised to strike the ice cream vendor for freebies

By Cameron McKirdy

Let me start by saying Happy Holidays!  I wish you the best, and hope you give more than you get.  Having said that, my fam was in town for Thanksgiving, and Black Friday shopping/trampling.  Before my Dad and I set out to hike near Mount St. Helens, they invited me into their hotel for a free deluxe continental breakfast.  The feast was on.

The hotel had waffles to make, yogurt, fruit, hash browns, juice, coffee, cereal, eggs, sausage, everything!  I can’t say I’ve ever sneaked into a hotel for a free breakfast (before this), but I would if I was hungry.  However, when I am a legit guest I do take goodies for the road.  Trust me, my pockets get filled with honey packets, peanut butter, whatever.  My brother use to creep into fine hotels in Eugene about twice a month to get his fill before class.  Andrew blogged about it here on Survival Bros.  It’s funny.  But I’m not advising you to steal, just sharing a survival tactic for if you’re about to die and need food energy.

You can see in the HD video above I loaded up on the complementary grub, and took it back to their room.  I scarfed it, and sipped dank coffee.  Then I scoured for other freebies like shampoo, soap, packaged coffee, plus sugars, creamers, straws, napkins, and a new roll of toilet paper.  It’s not much, but it will help me get through another day.  Being a scavenger is key to survival.  Work on that skill just in case.  Please visit here regularly.  I will be blogging about my 10 mile Mt. St. Helens hike soon.  Take care of yourself, and each other.  And question authority!

hotel waffle

Survival Bros Founder Cameron McKirdy suggests you take advantage of free trial memberships at local gyms.  Some fitness centers will give you a week, or up to a month of access at no cost to you.  If you’re homeless, at least you can workout, stay warm, get water, socialize, and take a hot shower.  Now you don’t have an excuse to train, even if you are broke.

cam jumping rope

Cam jumping rope for free


Produced By Cameron McKirdy

On my way to the park for some exercise, I noticed a roadside table bursting with bright dahlias. Next to them was a sign painted “FREE FLOWERS.” What a concept! They could have just left a cash box out there with a price. But nope. It wasn’t too good to be true. It was just someone doing a good deed.

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I got to talk to the retired man tending his garden. He said it’s easier to give them away. Then he doesn’t have to stay out there, or be mad when someone steals the cash. What can you give away today?

PRODUCED BY CAMERON McKIRDY

WARNING – BLOG IS GRAPHIC, AND MAY NOT BE SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN.

Survivalism is hardcore. Man has to eat. My bro Tactical Gypsy took matters into his own hands, and seized an opportunity yesterday, killing a wild rabbit and cooking it on a beach bonfire in Oregon. He’s on the Paleo diet, and needs lots of protein to stay lean and healthy. He popped the furry friend with his Glock 40 upon first sight. One bullet put it down. Roger never knew what hit him.

dead bunny rabbit rogerNext, Tactical Gypsy had to clean the cottontail rabbit with the knife shown above. He also removed the cute little feet. It took about 45 minutes to smoke on the fire with some PBR baste. It’s a hearty meal for at least two. To cut up wood, the survivalist and former Marine battoned wood into small chunks with the Coast Products FX350. He is proud to rock this knife as part of this every day carry or EDC. It’s held up remarkably well, considering the tremendous beating Survival Bros has put on it. Great work demonstrating your ability to be self-sufficient Tactical Gypsy. Thanks for the story and picture. Survival Bros salutes you.

If you would like to share a story, photo, or idea with Cameron McKirdy at Survival Bros, please email thesurvivalbros@gmail.com. You’re awesome.

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By Cameron McKirdy

What’s good friends? I had to give you a quick update on my new Specialized Road bike. It’s a work in progress. I just picked it up from Goodwill, and started modifying it. First, I had the back wheel straightened, brakes adjusted, and new black handlebar grips put on. Next I attached a front light, back rack with pannier bags, a seat pack, and a black Specialized brand bottle holder. Plus, I acquired a bicycle repair kit, complete with mini tire pump, a set of tools, and more. I have a cargo net that can lockdown even more survival gear on top of the rack. Now I’m ready for the zombie apocalypse!

Check out the HD video clip I shot, and let me know how you would modify this ride. I plan on adding a handle bar bag, bell, rear LED lights, toe clips on the pedals, a B.O.B. Yak one-wheeled cargo trailer, and a computer for mileage, etc. I’m not spray painting this one. I like the odd color combo. I want to be highly visible on the road, so I will add 3M reflectors and wear them too. This bike is ideal for taking on long trips, and camping. I love every second riding this emergency preparedness vehicle. It’s fast. Enjoy the pictures.

Specialized Allez Sport 1994

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Update: I put new bags on my Allez. Now I can carry more gear. I will shoot another video when the packs are fully loaded, and I feel like this project is complete.

Produced by Cam McKirdy

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Survival Bros collected calories today. It’s summer. Trees and bushes are exploding. Or as my friend Tactical Gypsy said, “the fruit of the earth is popping off. Time to take advantage.”

Gimmie that free grub. I washed, and froze these organic blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries, then tried a sour green apple. I’ll be juicing, and blending them. I even scouted out a bunch of cherry trees in my hood. Keep your eyes open, and get your local edibles while you can.

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The Cloudberry. Found in Oregon, but considered a delicacy particularly in Norway.

By Cameron McKirdy (1/1)

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Horns are hot in PDX right now! That’s what I heard from a friend, so when I saw a pair at a pawn shop in my hood, I snagged them. This post is about trading for goodies, and trying to hustle at clothing resale shops in Portland, OR.

First, let me tell you about these horns. I wanted them, so I tried to find something I didn’t want, of some value, to swap at the pawn shop. I traded a motorcycle jacket, iPod shuffle, and $20 for the pointy pair. Once acquired, I drove to Portlandia to make a deal. My homie had athletic shorts for me, and desperately wanted a set of horns to accent her fashionable pad. She loved them, mounting them on her wall above the couch. I bet they stay there collecting dust until she can find something better to trade for. That’s her business. I was pumped on the gear I got, and am wearing as I blog now. It was a fun, and solid trade for all.

I also mobbed to a few clothing resale shops where you can buy, sell, and trade. The Red Light Clothing Exchange on Hawthorne Blvd was full of wacky, tacky, junk. Apparently my clothing was too good to accept. They want crap, not new threads. I should have brought in my ripped, and stained stuff instead, and thrown it in the mud before. And I’m not one to judge, but their use of a B.O. air freshener wasn’t appreciated. The lady evaluating my clothing was a snob. She looked it all over quickly, and threw it back at me, saying “these aren’t for us.” That was it. No have a nice day. She walked away. I guess kindness isn’t trendy over there. Next.

Finally, I tried my luck with Buffalo Exchange on W Burnside St. I’ve dealt with them in the past, and sold some Nike Oregon Duck gear for a little. They had better looking women, and clothing there. I perused. They offered me $15 in trade, or $10 and some change cash for three shirts. I took the money and ran. I knew I wouldn’t get offered much at these resale places, but I thought it would be interesting to try. A learning experience for sure. I’m better off donating old clothes, or selling it online, so I don’t have to waste time and $. Nothing sucks more than paying $5 for parking every spot you go to in Portland. You should never have to pay to park. But I’m an idealist.

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Survival Bros hit up Voodoo Donuts – The Magic is in the Hole!!

Produced by Cameron McKirdy

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Another day, another hustle. I picked up this vintage Univega mountain bike at a garage sale I found on Craigslist. I wasn’t planning on going to any sales that day, because I was having my own. But the post said there were 100 bicycles for sale, so I had to peep it. This one caught my eye. It’s black, my fav, and had nice big tires on it. Plus, I was pleased that the rear rack came with. I’ve been wanting a hardtail bike, so I can put side bags full of survival gear on it, and possibly a motor. I think this whip is an excellent candidate for a motorized conversion. Now I’m hunting for the right kit on eBay to make it happen.

The lady at the garage sale had this gem priced at $80. Not happening. I pointed out the busted up seat, and said I’d have to replace it. She didn’t want to budge, but I explained it would help me out, because I don’t have a car. So she caved, and took my two crispy 20’s. I was pumped, and felt fortunate for the come up. I thanked her, checked out the rest of her crap, and bounced back to my sale. A hustlers work is never done.

It’s cool finding old stuff at Goodwill, pawn shops, and estate sales. It gives you the chance to learn about products you didn’t know about. Turns out, this brand was one of the first to develop mountain bikes. Very cool. If you know more about Univega, or have other ideas to improve this, please share. Thanks for visiting Survival Bros.