Pioneer Woman at Heart

One Flourishing, Frugal and Fun Family!

One family learning to live off the land, cut back on expenses, and to live a simpler and a more self-sufficient lifestyle.

Adopted Motto

"Eat it up,
Wear it out,
Make it do,
Or go without."
~A Pioneer Sampler, by Barbara Greenwood~

Showing posts with label Calendula Everything. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Calendula Everything. Show all posts

Thursday, August 23, 2018

Cool Day ~ Calendula Lotion

We finally had a day where we could turn off the air conditioner.  What a change of temperature, but we are told it'll heat up again this coming weekend.  Such a beautiful day.

I woke up Wednesday with zero, nada, zip of produce to either freeze, dry or can.  Nothing.  I realized, before heading out to weed (again), I had the chance to get my lotion made.



Boom!  Done!  I love this lotion.  I have tried a few lotion recipes, but this is by far my favorite.  

1 cup calendula oil (make ahead)
2 Tbsp. beeswax pastilles

Melt over low heat in a double broiler.   While that is melting, place your heatproof glass mixing bowl in a sink of warm water to keep it warm for when you mix with the blender.

Remove from heat and add essential oils of your choice (10-15 drops), pour into a heat proof glass mixing bowl, slowly add 1 cup of room temperature water using a hand blender.  I specifically have a hand blender for non-food handmade items.  I also have special mixing bowls and measuring cups just for this.  Pour into your clean containers.  I store my extras in the fridge.  It will grow mold if you don't or don't use it timely.  

To make oil:  place dried calendula flowers (I grow my own) into a quart canning jar.  I fill mine about 2/3rds full.  Add a good organic olive oil.  Put a lid on it and place in warm, sunny window for 4 (to 6) weeks.  Strain, and store in a cool dark location.

Thursday, May 10, 2018

Treating Scars ~ Venomous Spider Bite Update

The post you've all been waiting for (maybe). . . 

I have had a nasty scar on my leg, left from a venomous spider, and have been putting homemade calendula cream on it for over a year now.

Did you know that calendula has the properties to help new skin growth?  I just learned this even though I was already using the cream/lotion.  It has helped too.

Warning:  Graphic photos.  If you do not want to see the bite before and after (some of the before) do NOT click to continue reading.

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Calendula Cookies ~ More Peas

The title is correct -  Calendula Cookies.  I added these flower petals to salads last year, and this year I am expanding.  I found several recipes in a book from the library, regarding edible flowers.  Something new to try this year, and new to blog about. 


The cookie recipe uses about 18 flower heads.  I had flowers, and I had a hankering for cookies (when I shouldn't be eating any). 

Friday, April 21, 2017

King-tastrophre #263 ~ Calendula and Shea Butter Lip Balm

King has pulled another "king-tastrophe." He is my least favorite dog and will remain on that list until I get over what he did.  Ugh.

I hurried out the door with Zuri on a leash, and Jesse.  No different than any other day.  I typically take King first, because he does his business rather quick.  Yesterday, I took Zuri first.

I went back to the door and guess what?  That #@*# dog, jumped on the knob and locked me out.  I had no phone, all of the vehicles gone for the day, no keys, entire house was locked up as tight as Fort Knox, and I had one screwdriver and a metal no-trespassing sign to work with.  I debated to get the ladder and climb to check the second story windows, but put the ladder back.  Too risky.  Something just told me don't do it.  I knew exactly which window I'd break if it came down to that though.

Thursday, May 26, 2016

Herbal Eye Compress ~ Random Tidbits ~ The Planting Begins

Over the past weekend, my eyes were super sore.  Not sure why this year, but I have one idea.  Anyway, they were beet red, dry, and I wanted to rip them out (they felt that bad even with allergy eye drops).

I use the last of my dried calendula, poured a cup of boiling water over it, and cooled it.  I used it to make an eye compress.  It is a short relief, but I do feel like it helped.  It was the only dried herb I had that was suggested for eyes.

Saturday, December 5, 2015

Homemade Herbal Lip Balm ~ 2nd Making ~ Uses for a Salad Spinner


Like most of you, my hands, face, and lips are feeling dried up and awful already (cold and wind).  My younger two girls love the homemade lip balm, and we are almost out of homemade hand lotion.  That is now on my to-do list now also.

The last time I made the lip balm I used small plastic, round containers. 

 This time I used lip balm tubes.  I used 10 of them.

Saturday, September 12, 2015

My Herbal Journey ~ Calendula Oil ~ Calendula Salve and Lip Balm


My pot of calendula has been growing wonderfully.  It was recently time to cut and dry them, and make a jar of calendula herbal oil.

Friday, August 14, 2015

Dandelion Vinegar Update and "Mr. Clean"

Remember the dandelion vinegar I made?  


This is a late update on it, but I drained my quart jar, and got about a bit over a pint of the dandelion vinegar.  Sadly, I have to buy all of my greens, and salad mixin's this season, but the vinegar adds a nice flavor.