My 1st Self Reliance Expo

Last week I finally made it to my first Self Reliance Expo! I can’t wait to show you all my cool finds; it was a miracle I made it out of there without going broke! I found some great gift ideas for pretty much everyone I know – they love getting survival crap from me ;)

First off, I found some amazing friends! That’s always the best find anywhere! You may already know them, because they are rockstars in the blogging world of preparedness. I feel like I’ve known them forever so it was really exciting to actually meet them in person!

Pictured above from left to right (yes, I make everyone take pictures with me):

• Me ;) –  Prepared-Housewives
• Todd – runs the Prepper Website & Ed That Matters
• Megan – blogs at My Food Storage Cookbook

I really had no clue what to expect, so I just wandered around being obnoxious with my camera and asking too many questions! Anyways, there were lots of cool survival stuff, and if you’ve never been to one, hopefully this will give you an idea of what you can expect.

There’s actually some great classes and awesome deals happening right now, so be sure to check them out below!

What I Found at the Self Reliance Expo:

Doom and Bloom

Dr. Bones and Nurse Amy couldn’t have been nicer! They were super popular, for good reason, so I had to wait my turn before I could tell them what a fan I was!

I’m sure most of you have heard of them, but if not, they have pretty much everything you need to survive a medical or dental emergency  – not just supplies but knowledge too! You can find them on their website – DoomandBloom.net

Dr. Bones was busy teaching a class, but Nurse Amy still found a way to get him into our picture ;)

They recently came out with a Survival Game to help families prepare while having fun at the same time. In the afternoon they even held a tournament for anyone that wanted to put their survival skills to the test!

The global SuperFlu has come and gone, and you have survived. The wilderness is ravaged by raiders; there are resources to be found, but you have to overcome challenges to get them. You can use them to gain an edge in an encounter, but need to have a certain amount to win the game. Your mission is to scout settlements that may serve as a safe haven for your survival group. Are you prepared to make the journey? Can you succeed even if everything else fails? Easy to learn and fun for the whole family! – Doom and Bloom Survival Game

P.R.E.P. (Personal Readiness Education Programs)

Charley is the chief instructor for the Personal Readiness Education Programs and really knows his stuff. He is also the author of The Survival Group Handbook: How to Plan, Organize and Lead People for Short or Long Term Survival.

In the few minutes we were there he taught us how to make a paracord bracelet, handcuffs, and even let us play with his knife – which was probably the coolest knife ever – it was a knife within a knife!

Here’s a short video I took of Charley explaining to us on how to make paracord handcuffs. Sorry, it was super loud at the expo, but hopefully you can get the gist! It’s also my 1st time uploading a youtube video, I’m a total newbie!

He’s teaching some classes in College Station on November 8th 2014, so if you’re in the area (or even if you’re not) get yourself to them. He’s an excellent teacher and does a wonderful job explaining things in simple terms.

Here is a list of the classes he’s teaching:

• Bug-Out Bag Concepts: A Skill Based Approach
• Defensive Methodology for the Home/ Exterior Contermeasures and Cummunity Intel Gathering
• Water Purification: A Critical Skill for Survival

Go HERE to REGISTER & Learn More!
When: November 8th
Cost: $125 for the entire day (8 hours)
Where: America’s Country Store in College Station, TX (4675 FM 2154)

LPC Survival

Since visiting LPC Survival, I now have a wish list of things I want – like this massive pack of reusable caning lids, my very own Berkey water system, and this adorable collapsable rocket stove (hopefully I didn’t offend it by calling it adorable)!

They guys behind LPC Survival are truly there because they care! They definitely put their customers first and were swamped all day answering questions and demonstrating how to use all their survival gadgets.

If you haven’t entered yet, LPC Survival is giving away one of their Berkey’s in our latest giveaway – ENTER HERE to WIN!

Food Insurance (Daily Bread)

I have never been a huge fan of pre-packaged food storage meals, but wow, this was really good! I think I grabbed a sample every time I walked by!

In fact, I liked it so much it made me rethink my food storage plan! I’m considering adding a 6 month supply of the just add water meals, so when I’m too lazy to cook from scratch (which I’m guessing will be often, especially in a survival situation), all I have to do is heat some water up and dinner is served!

If you want to see for yourself, Jay offered to ship a FREE SAMPLE straight to your door (I just got mine!). All you have to do is call Jay or shoot him an email on where you want it sent!

JAY WATTS (contact for a FREE Sample)
Call: 801-898-9226
E-Mail: jwatts@dailybread.com

And if you’re too impatient and want to order some now, you can use this code to get extra discounts – 09UZXBREP (Valid until the end of September)

Texas Preparedness Group

Have you ever considered joining a Preparedness Group? If you’re in Texas you’ll want to take a look at the Texas Preparedness Group!  It’s a great place to share knowledge and build friendships with people who have similar interests + it’s FREE!

• A place to find and SHARE information to PREPARE for a life Emergency
• A place for active individuals to find a Mutual Assistance Group to join.
• A place for existing Groups to find other Groups for Mutual Group Support.
• A place for existing Groups to find and recruit new members.
• A place for individuals and families to establish their own Groups and seek members of like mind.
• A place for existing Groups and individuals to find training within Groups.
• A place for existing Groups and individuals to provide training for other Groups.

And here’s Waldo, one of the studs that helps run it ;)

Texas Ready

Lucinda & Kurt are the owners of Texas Ready and they know what it takes to have a successful garden in Texas – which is NO small feat! Believe me, I’ve been trying.

They offer Seed Banks that are regionally configured to your area! There is a Northern Bank (ideally suited for USDA Growing Zones 3-6) or a Southern Bank (Zones 7-12). If you are unsure which growing zone you are in, click here to view the USDA Growing Zone Chart. 

Each of the banks comes in 5 different sizes and is filled with over 80 varieties of non-hybrid, non-GMO, open-pollinated heirloom seed.

Check out TEXAS READY to learn more about their seeds and what it takes to have a successful garden anywhere, even in places like Texas!

Homestead General Store

Megan was excited to check out the new All American Sun Oven, which is slightly larger than their older models. She is a pro at cooking in it and you can see how she uses it to cook on her blog – My Food Storage Cookbook.

The Homestead General Store has pretty much all the basics you need when setting up your own homestead. Have fun shopping & exploring!

National Slingshots

I had no idea you could shoot an arrow using a slingshot and not only that, but you can hunt with it too (you’ll also want the folding wrist brace)! People have used these to shoot deer and even bears with it. Definitely getting one of these for my hubby, he’ll love it!

They also make 3 piece arrows so everything can fit into a small bag or purse. Anyways, I think I just found a new addition to each of our BOB’s!

Top Brass Military & Tactical

For all your security needs – Top Brass has it all!

• Tactical Clothing & Gear
• Weapons & Accessories
• Knives & Tools
• Bags & Packs
• Law Enforcement & Field Equipment

BIBO Survival Trailer

You can bug in or bug out with this trailer! It comes equipped with everything you need for 2 users for 30 days!

• Food
• Shelter
• Stainless Cooking
• Fuel Storage
• Water Filtration
• Security
• Solar / Wind Electric
• Tools
• Stove / Grill / Heater
• Medical / Dental
• Sanitation / Shower
• 3 Way Refrigeration
• Coms / Navs
• Sleeping / Seating

They thought of everything with this bad boy, your can learn more about it at BIBO Survival Trailers!

Damsel in Defense

Damsels in Defense is equipping & empowering women everywhere with multiple ways to protect themselves. They have everything from pepper spray to stun guns, and even emergency kits for broken nails and dead car batteries!

Damsel in Defense is about equipping women with the tools to not only keep them safe but also to give them the confidence to know that they have a way out if they ever feel threatened. Whether you are at home or traveling, running or celebrating downtown with the girls, Damsel in Defense has the products and fact-based education that can and does save lives.

Pistolero Handgun Training

Speaking of defense, I ran into the sweetest man ever who teaches people how to use their handguns properly! I seriously wanted to stick him in my pocket and take him home with me, but then my kids would probably abuse him and he might sue me or something ;)

Ross Asher, “Pistolero”, is a practicing attorney, Texas Concealed Carry Instructor, former United States Army Infantry Officer, and has personally carried a concealed handgun for over fifteen years on a daily basis.

Pistolero is dedicated to the rights of law abiding citizens to keep and bear arms as recognized in the Constitutions of both the United States and the State of Texas.

Too many times I think women may get a gun, maybe take a CHL course, and then put it away to never be seen again – partly, because they never truly feel comfortable using it. It can be intimidating going to the range or practicing with it when you don’t have someone there to help you.

Well, that is were Ross comes in. He will meet you at the range, or even at your kitchen table to make sure you feel totally comfortable before ever pulling the trigger. Some of the things he helps people learn are:

• Basic Markmanship Training and Familiarization
• Advanced / Defensive Markmanship Training
• In-Home / In-Office Defense Training and Planning
• Texas Concealed Handgun License Training
• Weapons Maintenance / Cleaning Training
• Urban Disaster / Civil Unrest Preparedness

He helps train individuals, families, church groups, women’s groups, or anyone that wants to learn!

He is very passionate about what he does and is definitely not in it to get rich; he doesn’t charge hardly anything for the amount of time he spends with his clients. Anyways, if you are ready to finally feel comfortable using or carrying a gun, or even learning some advanced skills, he’s the man to call!

Ross Asher #713-898-8669 or learn more on his website – Pistolero Handgun Training

Atlas Survival Shelters

Last, but not least, I finally got to have my first tour of an actual bomb shelter /survival bunker / underground home / hunting cabin – or whatever you want to call it! And for only $35K – $90K it can be yours!

Atlas Survival Shelters are a second home that just happen to be an underground NBC survival shelter. In case of a catastrophic event ever happens your family will have a comfortable and secure home to retreat to that will hold up to a year’s supply of food and water per person. Since your shelter is buried up to 20′ underground you will have the maximum protection needed from Nuclear Fallout, civil unrest, looters, Pandemic Outbreak, etc. All of our shelters are built to be self-sufficient and remain “off the grid”.

Have you ever attended a Self Reliance Expo?

I would love to know if you found anything great I need to know about. I’m always looking for more ways to spend money I don’t have ;)

And before we left, we had to finish off the expo with a selfie…