Archive for the ‘SB Tips’ Category

Getting Free Product Coupons For Commenting And Complaining

Posted: December 17, 2012 in Frugality, Health & Nutrition, Product Reviews, SB Tips
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Sometimes products suck. When things aren’t as good as I expect, or fail, I call the company up, and hold them accountable. When I comment and complain, I get free product coupons to replace the goods with another version. Today I called three businesses, and spoke up.

First I dialed a canned fruit company. They misrepresented their product. On the label there’s tons of cherries. However, when we pulled the lid and scarfed, we uncovered just half of one cherry. Ripoff. I was told they try to squeeze 9 cherries into each can. I gave them my shipping address, and I’m expecting a voucher for a free can of mixed fruit, in light syrup.

I was also disappointed with a Tom’s of Maine deodorant. It was a stick scented like Maine Woodspice. I told customer service I love their stuff, but this batch felt slimy, and didn’t seem to offer any odor protection. The unscented type worked better. Not that it works for the 24 hours it claims. Tom’s actually told me I was spot on, because they have one less ingredient in that type compaired to their other scents. Strange. I’m getting a stick of Lemon Grass sent to my house this week. It’s a great product.

Lastly, I dialed Nature’s Gate. They make a fluoride free toothpaste. I don’t use paste with fluoride. Look into fluoride exposure. I will not be forcibly medicated. Anyways, I recently purchased a tube of anise flavored natural toothpaste. Little did I know anise, (pronounced anus?), tastes like it sounds to me. It’s the worst flavor ever. Anise tastes like licorice, fennel, or dirty boots. I can’t stand it. I guess I should have known what anise tastes like, but if I knew it was like black licorice I wouldn’t have bought it, I would have burned it. At the end if the day, I still look forward to trying another variety of Nature’s Gate toothpaste.

The moral of the story is comment and complain about products you don’t like. You’ll get a replacement for free. Also, educate yourself before buying. I’m not trying to be negative about these quality products, but I wasn’t satisfied. My feedback makes their product and practices better, so why not share? It’s a win win.

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Produced by Cameron McKirdy

Using Alternative Modes Of Transportation – From Hitchhiking To Busing

Posted: December 13, 2012 in Adventures, Comedy and Art, SB Tips
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A few years ago I gave up my Cadillac. It was a waste of money to operate, and I love being active anyways. This blog is about my use of alternative transportation, while surviving on the Oregon Coast.

Riding my mountain bike has been option #1. It’s way cheaper to use than a car. I’ve had to repair my Mongoose several times, but at least I can do some of the work. It’s not like a computerized vehicle, where I have no chance of fixing it. I’ve saved thousands of dollars by not driving, and haven’t had to get a real job. It’s allowed me to do things like run this blog, and avoid the rat race entirely.

I also love walking. I have rain gear and an umbrella, so I don’t have an excuse to not get outside. If course Oregonians don’t actually use umbrellas, but I know how to. The key for me is being comfortable moving around outdoors. I have a variety of shoes for the job, including boots for mud, sandals for the beach, and light running kicks too. Plus, I make sure to have rain gear on hand, or at least an emergency rain poncho just in case. I walk many miles each week. It keeps me loose, and strong.

This summer I also made a point to hitchhike. I walked along Highway 101 for a few hours before someone finally swooped me. The trick is to find a place where drivers can pull off the road, and staying in that open area. The gentleman that picked me up told me about his days thumbing on the road. He told me to bring toilet paper or I’d be sorry. Hitchhiking isn’t a viable option really. You can’t rely on others like that, especially if your in a hurry. But it was fun trying, and I will get around that way again for the hell if it.

I’ve been riding the bus at least once a week too. It’s great because in December you can donate a can of grub to the food bank for a free pass. Most riders have been taking advantage of that offer, unless they already have a monthly bus pass. You meet all sorts of people on the bus. Some want to borrow my phone, while others feel like talking the entire trip while I listen to music. Still, I like riding the bus. It’s a giant carpool, and less damaging to the environment than if everyone drove a car.

I have said cars are for lazy people. I think that’s true, especially if you never use your own power to get around town. We sit so much as it is anyways. I will own a vehicle again, but there’s no hurry. I’m more free without one. Less is more. Good luck getting to your destination over the holidays. Remember there’s more than one way to get there. I have Rollerblades too. Lol. Peace.
– Cameron McKirdy

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Pet First Aid Kit List – Owners Guide To Caring For Animals

Posted: November 27, 2012 in Adventures, Pets/Animals, SB Tips
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Pets love trails. We run, jump, and play in the mud, and our puppy does the same. Here at Survival Bros, we care about our animals, so we take good care of them, and prepare for their survival needs. This is a short list of items to have in a pet first aid kit. Some of these things you may already have on hand. All items can fit in a large Ziploc bag, which we like so everything is easy to see. Any portable waterproof container would be wise. Or you can even make a tactical dog vest, so they can carry their own gear. The point is, make one that works for you and your furry friend too.

  • Blunt tipped scissors to cut away clumped hair, or tangled sticks without poking your pet.
  • Bottle of eye wash solution is a great sterile way to flush any debris from your pets eye.
  • Hydrogen Peroxide works well for cleaning small wounds.
  • Triple antibiotic ointment for dressing wounds after they have been properly cleaned.
  • Sterile nonstick pads are best as adhesive strips don’t really stick to puppy fur (Vet Wrap).
  • Nail trimmers, tweezers, and comb.
  • A leash in case it’s not your animal your treating, you still need to be able to control them if they are able to walk.
  • A big clean towel to dry them off, warm them up, or if needed, stop bleeding by applying pressure.
  • A muzzle that fits your animal is good to have in your kit in case they are scared, or hurt bad enough. You love them, they love you, but in a fear moment while you’re trying to help them, they might bite you. Also consider putting a plastic cone around their head to prevent further injury.
  • Rain coat or poncho with hood.
  • Harnesses are helpful.
  • Also, make sure to have your animal’s tags on them in case they get lost. You can also have a microchip implanted in your pet for security reasons, and tracking. It’s a little 1984, but it could come in handy if a collar breaks.
  • Instant Cold Pack for swelling.
  • Benadryl (diphenhydramine) for insect bites and bee stings.
  • Rectal thermometer.
  • Gloves.
  • Extra pet food and water.

Basic first aid is applicable to animals and humans. Knowing how to properly clean and dress a wound is survival basics. Being able to do it on yourself, someone else, or a pet means you can potentially safe the life of a loved one. In an emergency, remember to keep calm, think rationally, and address one issue at a time. Be extreme out there people, and take your pets outside with you! And please visit Survival Bros again soon. Peace.

List Of 8 Things To Do When The Power Goes Out

Posted: November 26, 2012 in SB Tips
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When the power goes out, it’s important to get a light source, and make sure everyone there is OK. Once your secure, with emergency food, water, and shelter, you can do these things to pass time.

1. Talk with those around you or via phone
2. Play games, cards, board games, etc.
3. Take a hot shower in case warm water runs out
4. Cook more food to store energy in your body, and other containers
5. Work on preps, like checking the power of your batteries, or bottling extra water
6. Read a good book or new magazine
7. Play handheld video games, or DVDs on a laptop
8. Go outside, assuming it’s not dangerous

–Produced by Cameron McKirdy

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Camping at Fort Stevens & Mushroom Hunting By The Beach Again

Posted: November 19, 2012 in Adventures, Comedy and Art, Health & Nutrition, Parks, Product Reviews, SB Tips
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This weekend my buddy Mac and I biked from Astoria to Fort Stevens State Park located along the Oregon Coast. It was dumping rain. Nearly two hours later, we checked into hiker biker camp, and begun another wild Survival Bros adventure.

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Luckily, Mac’s wife Shauna was kind enough to drop our gear off at camp. Riding in with a 50 pound backpacking bag would have been brutal, and unsafe since we had to negotiate the narrow shoulder of the Astoria bridge. Semis were seeing how close they could get to clipping us. Setting up the massive 8 person tent was easy. The only break we got in the weather occurred when we made camp. After our gear was setup, lantern hanged, and sleeping bag unrolled, we tightened up our boots and peddled deeper into the state park.

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Along the path we stopped to identify many mushrooms. The park was exploding with life. Fungi hunting season is far from over. There were huge patches of fresh Amanitas everywhere. One had a bite taken out of it, as we could see teeth marks. Must have been a deer, or a crazy person.

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Over the last few weeks, my pals and I have scoured a good chunk of Fort Stevens. It’s incredible how many types of terrain there are. From Coffenbury Lake, to the dunes near the Pacific Ocean. I finally found King Boletes just south of the jetty, west of the road. I hunted down the biggest King growing under a tree branch, in pine needles. I got video of me cutting it, but the power is out in Astoria now, so I can’t edit the HD footage. Here’s a photo of the big boletes we found. The choice mushroom nuggets are going in an omelette immediately, and spaghetti tonight for dinner.

Due to my phone about to die, and the power being out, I’m uploading this blog now. I will complete the story, and add more pictures and video very soon. Stay safe out there. We are getting blasted with 98 MPH winds right now. Peace.

– Cameron McKirdy

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This is a picture of Seaside, OR taken today! Update: Back to the story. Mac and I spent one night in hiker biker camp. It’s $6 per evening. Fort Stevens actually moved the spot, because where they usually stash the gypsies floods this time of year. When we got into our tent we were soaked. I quickly changed my clothes, then we started making dinner. I busted out a Mountain House lasagna, and boiled the water for it in my Jetboil Zip. After sitting for a good ten minutes in the bag, it was ready to dish out. Mac prepared 8 beef hotdogs on his Coleman stove. The warm grub was much needed. We biked around 15 miles that day.

After mushroom hunting on day one, it poured back at the tent. Luckily the spot we pitched our tent didn’t flood. We didn’t realize how bad of a storm it was until we were in it. Thank God we had shelter. The stoves kept the tent warm for awhile, until we passed out. I was also glad I brought my small windup lantern. It was bright for maybe 25 minutes in between cranks. After that, it cast just enough light to not stumble over our gear and dirty dishes.

On day two in Fort Stevens we ate another Mountain House freeze dried meal for breakfast. I love their blueberry granola with milk. I added freeze dried apples too. We had two more hotdogs each, then set out on our bikes again. This time we went out toward the South Jetty. That’s where we found the King Boletes. I was so amped to find those monster mushrooms. We saw other mushroom pickers out there, and duck hunters too.

We smashed through the brush for a few hours, but the storm kept getting crazier. Mac and I were totally drenched. But the trip was well worth the suffering. We put food on the table, and learned a lot along the way. Foraging is so fun! Supermarkets are for suckers. Our ride swooped us, and we made a clean getaway, and broke camp. You know Survival Bros will be out there again soon. Cheers.

Cameron McKirdy Mushroom Hunting at Fort Stevens State Park

 

MAKING EPIC SPAGHETTI SAUCE WITH BACON – SURVIVAL BROS STYLE

Posted: November 16, 2012 in Adventures, Comedy and Art, Health & Nutrition, SB Tips
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OMG!  We created a legendary sauce with bacon ends and bits, Hot Jimmy Dean sausage, ground beef, fire roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, Newman’s Own organic tomato sauce, and an egg.  I added red pepper flakes, garlic and onion powder, and freshly ground black pepper.  It doesn’t get any better.  Unless you pick up a loaf of soft, buttery, garlic bread, which we did.  There was no room for a salad on my plate.  This was an EXTREME dinner.  In fact, we made enough for a few extra meals.  Thumb up the HD video montage, and please subscribe to Survival Bros on Youtube.  Thanks for watching.  You’re awesome!

– Cameron McKirdy

http://www.youtube.com/user/survivalbros

Raw Juice and Smoothie Photo by Survival Bros

Posted: November 3, 2012 in Health & Nutrition, SB Tips
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Survival Bros has been doing some hardcore juicing. I recently fired up the Jack Lalanne Power Juicer, and extracted raw, fresh juice from the fruit and vegetables pictured below. My new favorite drink is carrot juice, mixed with frozen mangos, and orange juice (top right). I whipped that up in my Ninja blender. I drank so much. I’m making raw juice popsicles soon. I will post a picture. Peace.
– Cameron McKirdy

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GREAT EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS QUOTES FROM SURVIVAL BROS

Posted: October 29, 2012 in Comedy and Art, SB Tips
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“Chance favours the prepared mind.” – Louis Pasteur

“Be prepared.” – Boy Scout Motto

And don’t forget the Boy Scout Law.

A Scout is:

  • Trustworthy,
  • Loyal,
  • Helpful,
  • Friendly,
  • Courteous,
  • Kind,
  • Obedient,
  • Cheerful,
  • Thrifty,
  • Brave,
  • Clean,
  • and Reverent.

“We cannot stop natural disasters, but we can arm ourselves with knowledge; so many lives wouldn’t have to be lost if there was enough disaster preparedness.” – Petra Nemcova

”Prepare your hearts for Death’s cold hand! prepare
Your souls for flight, your bodies for the earth;
Prepare your arms for glorious victory;
Prepare your eyes to meet a holy God!
Prepare, prepare!” – William Blake

“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin

“In fair weather prepare for foul.” – Thomas Fuller

“The only thing that counts is if you know how to prepare your ingredients. Even if with the best and freshest ingredients in the world, if your dish is tasteless or burnt; it’s ruined.” – Martin Yan

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How To Make Dairy-Free Super Smoothies For Optimal Health

Posted: October 28, 2012 in Health & Nutrition, SB Tips
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I made the best superfood smoothie today for my friends and I. I used a base of Silk organic peach mango fruit juice with protein, and dairy-free vanilla almond milk. Then I tossed in a mix of frozen mangos, pineapple, strawberries, and a non-GMO banana. For an extra boost I added maca. It’s a Peruvian root that increases stamina. It’s my favorite supplement. Finally, I put in a scoop and a half of Sunwarrior vanilla rice protein powder!

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I juice or make super smoothies nearly every day. It gives me extra energy to do whatever, from the dishes to writing. Drinks like this are a meal replacement for me. I usually have about 32 ounces, so I’m full. Smoothies are absorbed almost instantly in my body, and they are easy to process, unlike meat. I couldn’t ask for more, but if I was to add another supplement, it would be wheatgrass powder, or Barleans Greens. Time to finish my second glass. I drank the first so fast I thought my brain was going to freeze permanently. Get crazy with your own smoothies. Cheers!
– Cameron McKirdy

Fort Stevens State Park Mushroom Foray in Oregon

Posted: October 27, 2012 in Adventures, Comedy and Art, Health & Nutrition, Parks, SB Tips
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It’s mushroom season!!! My friends and I recently went to Fort Stevens for a talk about wild mushrooms, followed by a hunt around Coffenbury Lake. It’s early yet, so we didn’t find much, but we learned a lot. I hope you get into fungi! I can’t wait to go shroom hunting again this weekend. At the park we found a mushroom called “Pine Spikes.” They are edible, but not very tasty. More soon from Survival Bros! Peace and love.

– Cameron McKirdy

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