Homemade Fajita Seasoning (Dry Mix)

The recipe I use for our dry Fajita seasoning mix, is on my blog HERE.   I store the dry mix in a repurposed jar, and label it.  If you add the dehydrated onion  (especially if you make it yourself), you may want to store the jar in the door of your freezer.  The dehydrated onion can very easily absorb moisture (even in the cupboard), and the mix will become hard.

Note:  We plan to add some home grown, dehydrated oregano to this mix next time it's made.  If we like it, I'll add it to the recipe, and how much we add to the recipe.  I almost feel it should contain some garlic powder too.  I've made notes on the original post.

We use this dry seasoning mixture for chicken tacos too, but you could use dry taco seasoning as well.  We make that ourselves too.

Homemade Fajita Seasoning (Dry Mix)   ©  March 2026 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Welcome March ~ This and That

 Not much to talk about with winter lingering.  Other than the weather, which is back and forth and all over the map lately.  We may actually leave the cold weather this week, and venture into the lower 70's.  However, the spring rains and thunderstorms come with it.  We have had a lot of foggy days lately too.

I have been doing the boring refreshing spring cleaning.  We took a large load to donate (mostly clothing).  We are not even close to being done, but chipping away at getting it done before garden planting season.

In the mix of this cleaning/purging and re-organizing, I now have two photo type projects to complete (but frees up space it was taking, and will put it all to a good use).

On the zero purchasing this year list:

-books (unless it's non-fiction, and absolutely needed), concentration will be on reading what we have (both of us).  I love, love love browsing used book sales, and stores, but no more this year until we have read through our current book stash.

-yarn (this last large load of gifted yarn was overwhelming, and is taking up a LOT of space)

Kitchen work never seems to end, nor give me a break.  Cooking from scratch can do that.  I once told a friend, that I don't even know how people can keep their houses clean, if they work full time too.  I don't regret it, but there are some days where washing all those dishes can really get to me.

It seems that all homemade dry mixes run out at the same time here.  It's been a month of refilling them, like homemade dry taco mix, fajita mix and the like. 

Speaking of "kitchen" chores, we were out running errands and I picked up a free brochure.  It contained a free recipe for soup that we tried, as we had one last butternut squash to cook up.

The soup is very simple, yet delicious.  Great way to use up that small "junk" jar of leftover pastas, or what some people call their "orphan" past a jar (a mix of bits of leftover uncooked pasta from other cooking days).   The only problem was, our freezer was out of spicy Italian sausage, and we could not find it at two stores we went to.  Either way, we used a "hot" sausage and it turned out good. We will keep the recipe, as it's very simple and can be adjusted to a crockpot recipe very easily.

We have gotten some appointments off the calendar and have already set more for later in the year.  The book in the above photo is a "tea" brewing/informational book.  I love to learn new things, but so far there is a lot of information I already know.  I do plan to finish the book to see if there are any "nuggets" to learn.

One fun "bit" so far, is that the teabag itself was invented by accident.  A man sent "samples" of tea in silk bags and the teabag convenience was born.  

I finished another baby blanket, which used up two more skeins of the Aran colorway yarn, and some leftover pink that was also in the mix of gifted yarn.  Basic blanket, but yarn put to good use (donations for a pregnancy center).

We are very behind in spring garden preparation.  Many of the home repairs we started to collect supplies for, have been delayed.  The word "delayed" is such an annoying word (more like frustrating, ha ha!).

I have also "delayed" a writing project, that has a deadline this month.  I really had the ambition, but trying to keep all my "ducks" in a row this spring has been a huge challenge.

Wise words from my current devotional . . .

"Find time to rest and set yourself apart from the busy, busy, busy of this world."  (Just Breathe, Devotions and Prayers for the Overwhelmed Heart, Barbour Publishing, 2024).

Welcome March ~ This and That   ©  March 2026 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Tidbits

Our weather is warming up soon, or so they say anyway.  We are looking forward to sunny days again.

We've obtained asparagus roots, and will expand our existing asparagus patch in the vegetable garden this spring.  We will not be planting anything squash related this year, to give the garden a "clean sweep" from squash bugs.  

We are late, but seeds will be started for a few garden goodies, including a few for the herb garden (that are medicinal herbs).

The next room to clean out, prior to giving it a planned new coat of paint, is a room where my canning supplies are stored.  I may be reducing the numbers in there.  

I still have the supplies to can our favorite "Christmas" jelly, which did not happen.  Not sure if it will yet or not.  

The winter has been a long winter, and not much blog content, here are a few fun freebies we snagged.

Free bookmarks.  I absolutely love this one.  It was the last one at one of the area libraries.  No purchase necessary.

Free stickers (these were sent in the mail to me).  Not sure what I'll use them for, but they'd make fun snail mail or I could slap them on a a cover of a notebook, journal, or gift maybe.  I love the barn sticker.  No purchase necessary.  I do have a few more free stickers we picked up at another event last year.  Stickers seem to be the rage right now.

As winter dwindles, we are looking forward to another garden year, but we are reading forecasted dry weather.  We've seen it all, experienced it all, so we will just have to wait and see.

Tidbits  ©  February 2026 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Donating Baby Blankets and Random Tidbits

 

We went from sub zero straight to a week of up to 64°F, and a sloppy, slushy, muddy mess.  I was very tempted, and almost twice, used the clothesline.    

However, with the warmest weather days brought us rain and thunder storms (yes thunder storms in February).  Add that rain to the already mushy mess, and you have slosh yards.

The house was refreshed with several days of open windows, and we are very thankful for that. Nothing better than fresh air circulating indoors.  

Of course, as it is still our winter season, the weather cooled right back down to the 30's and brought a small but of snow.  We got outside anyway, and did our very first "snow" walking trail.

It's been a mish-mash of a February.  Lots of re-organizing, purging, and home repairs.  It seems like the hardware store shopping list is maintaining it's weekly to-do list.

We have not cleaned out clothing in more than two years, so it's been this month's focus, and boy it takes some time.  I'm trying to squeeze in a few minutes in between everything else.

Winter time can become monotonous, so I've changed up some décor (rotated what I have), but found some new bath linens for a great deal.  A new color is like a breath of fresh air, and it balances the mood.

Most days this month have been ending exhausted, but productive. 

It has been very satisfying to cross off long over due home repairs/updates.  However, in the meantime, there are those repairs that get thrown at us, like the tile soap dish falling off the tile shower wall, after 20 years or more.  Replacing the tub drain that just stopped working after 20 years or more.  You know, the wear and tear projects that sneak up on you.  You know, you can't get these jobs completed with one trip to the hardware store.  It takes numerous, because the clerk gives you the wrong tools, so you have to return and get the right ones.

New recipe tried.  It was a result of "use it up" in the pantry.  I had some green lentils that needed used soon, so we tried Lentil Salad and loved it.  Recipe is online from Cooking Classy, and we did not "roast" the red bell pepper.  It contains cooked and cooled green lentils, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, feta, fresh parsley, fresh cilantro, and a homemade dressing with freshly squeezed lemon juice, olive oil, minced garden grown garlic and mustard. 

Finally, a observation by my husband and I both - many people (friends, family, acquaintances) we know have detached themselves from us.  Not sure if it's a result of 2020, where everyone was nervous to be around anyone, or if people are choosing to be so busy they would rather keep their "circle" small or what.  Relationships are a thing of the past for so many people we know.  The best advice from an acquaintance for this concern/unsettled thinking?  Count your blessings and build from that.  Thankful for the few who want to stay connected.  Life is something to celebrate, not bury ourselves in being so busy we forget to really live our lives.  

Please pray for a friend of mine.  Marilyn.  It may be nothing, but it could be serious.  It is a heart concern, but testing is not for a week or so.

Experienced my very first professional pedicure (a gift to me).  What a treat!  

Current Crochet Charity Updates:  Baby blankets

I have been crocheting this pattern for using some of the 27 skeins of Aran colorway yarn I was gifted.  I am using scrap balls to edge them, to add color, and offer options with donated baby blankets.  It's been a very easy pattern to take "on-the-road" for any traveling. I've used this pattern before, but for headbands for winter.  

I think the baby blankets are turning out very nice for the Mom-to-Be resource facility.  I have more yarn stashed, so I am considering adding more "baby" items to this cause.  It all depends on free time.  It has been my on-the-go project, and works very well with the very easy, one-color pattern.

What is left from the two skeins of yarn it took to crochet the center part of the blanket.  It's the closest I have come to using up project yarn for one "project" and it thrills me.  I do not need more scrap balls of yarn, ha ha!  (amount above is leftover per each skein {2} of yarn in Aran colorway)

A friend who works at the pregnancy facility, and is in charge of assisting those in need, reached out to me, so it's on the hook for now, but I will resume lap afghans for senior centers/assisted facilities/single elderly living alone, after that.

I'm still looking for my pattern for one last committed crochet project in the mean time.

February has been a very cold month, with a splash of a summer teaser.  I think we are all ready to see the weather warm up for good.

Donating Baby Blankets and Random Tidbits  ©  February 2026 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

 

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Spiced Nuts (Recipe)

 

We've been making spiced nuts for the last 18 years.  Crazy, how much time has passed while writing this blog.  

Christmas time brought us recipes that used mixed nuts, and other ingredients, that never got used up (or used at all).  There was a lot going on this past holiday, so I'm slowly using up the unused ingredients. 

I had about a cup of cashews (should have been cashew brittle at Christmas), a bit of walnuts, and I had some mixed nuts (I buy these non-gmo, with zero bad oils, but it contains way too many almonds), we also had some pumpkin seeds, and.....

....we had some of these non-gmo chocolate type candies (healthier option to M & M's in Christmas cookies).  By the way, we bought both to test out for holiday baking.  We did not really like either one, and both are very expensive options.

I tossed all of the nuts and pumpkin seeds into a bowl, and roasted our favorite spiced nuts.  Let it cool completely, and then tossed in the leftover chocolate candies.  It filled two quart jars for snacking.  Most importantly, we found a way to utilize it all, and the small amount of chocolate bits make it a perfect on-the-road, every day, or hiking snack.

Here is how we make it:

Spiced Nuts

1 egg white - whisk this until frothy

(add that egg yolk to your morning breakfast)

Add: 1 tsp. water

1 Tbsp. pure maple syrup

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/4 tsp. ground cumin

1/4 tsp. ground coriander

1 tsp. cayenne pepper (1/2 tsp. for less heat)

1/4 tsp. salt (or more if you'd like)

Toss in 3 cups mixed nuts/seeds and coat well.

Roast at 325°F for 25 minutes, on a rimmed baking dish (I use parchment paper or my stoneware baking dish), and stir at least once while baking.  Cool completely, and store in an airtight container.  Enjoy!

If 3 cups is too much for you, share with a neighbor or friend.  Winter time is hard on many people.

Spiced Nuts (Recipe)  ©  February 2026 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Home Canned Pickled Jalapenos ~ New Recipes Tried

 

Did you can pickled jalapenos last garden season?  Or last year with farmer's market jalapenos?  It was a "new" to us item to add to our pantry, and here is the update regarding the two cornbread recipe trials.  One is actually more like the traditional corn casserole, often served at the winter holidays.

The first recipe we tried, we loved!  If you remember my post, it was a more dense cornbread, but with some home canned pickled jalapenos.  A nice spicy cornbread for soups/stews and chilis. I was incorrect on the source for this specific recipe.  It is online free at Bowl of Delicious.

We adapted organic ingredients, and if you make the recipe with buttermilk, it's even better.  We really liked this recipe.

The next recipe was more of a "corn casserole" type baked dish, very similar to the traditional "corn casserole" one might bake at the holidays for a side dish.  The recipe was from an online source (Farmhouse on the Boone).  I adapted organic ingredients, and used our home grown, and home canned pickled jalapenos.

The results?

The casserole recipe uses less flour, and cornmeal, and ends up a more "spongy" texture and more of a "pudding" type dish vs. a bread type dish.

It was edible, but we did not like it enough to keep the recipe.  The recipe requires a lot more work to make it than the first recipe mentioned first.  Our pick was the first recipe, but you would have to try for yourself.  The second recipe requires a can of whole corn, and a can of creamed corn.  

The winner pick for these two, was the first recipe (by Bowl of Delicious), with adapted organic ingredients, and home canned pickled garden jalapenos.

It was fun trying these recipes, and it's always fun to find a new way to utilize something home grown, and canned.

Home Canned Pickled Jalapenos ~ New Recipes Tried  ©  February 2026 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Warm Up

 We are finally out of the deep freeze, and on the way to a warm up.  The last time I brought in 5 eggs, they were all completely frozen (and cracked, sigh....).

Home repairs are resuming, and supplies purchased. I've already broke out the spackle and putty knife. We had to purchase a tub wrench to remove the tub drain, but it was not too expensive.  Thank goodness for so many YouTube tutorials on repairs and whatnot.

Purging continues with clothing, and other items.  I'm purging the pantry too.  Little by little we are getting organized again, and using up what needs used up.  I found a bag of lemongrass ginger herbal bulk tea, so it's being brewed and enjoyed.  

Errands are much more enjoyable with the warmer weather now.  

Warm Up  ©  February 2026 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Ditch the Doubt ~ Toss it Out! New Recipe Tried and Misc. Tidbits

I have finally sorted the odd assortment of Christmas items from last month's purge, and yes some went into the trash.   If you need permission, ditch the doubt and toss it out!  The rest donated.  Job complete. ✔  

What else can one do when it's -15°F (again), and there isn't even "wind" outside.  It's cold here.  More snow is in the forecast.  

One new recipe that also went into the trash - a millet bar recipe.  I thought it would be "fun" to buy some organic puffed millet and make a really easy recipe, but it tasted horrible.  The small amount of puffed millet cost me $1.33. 

A recipe I will keep!  Oh my goodness it was so good.  By the way, it was a recipe I had, and wanted to try to the last two years.  Literally.  I don't think I have ever roasted acorn squash, because it was always one squash that never grew to size here (have no idea why as we can grow all other squash).

My husband kept telling me how his Mom baked acorn acorn squash, and insinuated that I make it the same way.  I did not.  I tried this recipe, and I prepared the inner mixings the day before (minus the squash), so it can be done that way too.

The recipe is online with Farmhouse on the Boone, called "Stuffed Acorn Squash with Sausage and Apples" but be aware that the website is heavily loaded with ads (recipe states "apples" but you use one apple).  Very annoying ads.  I used my cell phone to obtain the recipe, and even that way can be annoying, but the recipe is worth trying.  Especially if you have apples in your cellar or basement from your fall producing apple trees and/or garden grown garlic.

Who knew?  Sometime last year, a hotel we stayed at gave guests a free newspaper.  We found a free full page puzzle page for our entertainment, but I brought it home for "on the road" reading too.  Who knew it would come in handy for re-potting plants indoors during winter?  We don't get a newspaper here, so I was thankful we still had it "messy" jobs around here.

I can now take homemade hand lotion, and other toiletries that require refilling, on the road (travel or for home).  I have used amber glass jars for a long time, but when it comes to taking something on-the-go, glass is tricky.  These tubes came in two sizes, and the refill hole is a nice enough size to refill as often as needed.

I have a homemade hand lotion recipe that I make, but it leaves my hands "oily" for too long of a time.  I'm now on the hunt for a recipe that is much closer to one that I purchased last year (also homemade with organic ingredients).  It was thick, and it absorbed much better.   Thank goodness for the library and their inter-loan program, in order to access many books for this hunt.

One more fun item to share:

I honestly forgot about, until I came across them again to wash up.  I did not find these in your everyday box store either.  I found them at a store operated by the Amish last year.  They are salt and pepper shakers, with spring top lids to keep them closed off.  I thought they'd be great for outdoor grilling and/or camping.  They were just a few dollars too.

I don't have anymore "new" recipes to try, but I'm sure a few will sneak into the meal plan here and there. Oh, we do have one more recipe to try that uses home canned pickled jalapenos.

Ditch the Doubt ~ Toss it Out~  New Recipe Tried and Misc. Tidbits  ©  February 2026 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

This and That

Most of our days here have been snow covered, and no sunshine.  We are tickled pink, when we do get some sunshine.

Raise your hand if you put on 14 layers of outerwear, then trudged thru mountains and hill-slides of snow and ice to tend your hens, came back inside and removed the layers to realize you forgot to get the mail from the mailbox?  Yep.  My hand is up, ha ha!  I'll chalk it in as exercise.

I know you are probably reading this and thinking, "this blog can't get any more entertaining" ha ha!  Well, it can.

The hubster strikes again.  He wanted to know if we still had some mini tubes of krazy glue to fix something.  I dug around his "catch all" drawer in the kitchen to take a look-see.  

First, the drawer is "his" because he puts anything in there after completing a home repair/job when he is too lazy tired to put it away where it belongs.

Second, my hands came back out of a corner of the drawer, all purple and goopy.  He put a small canister of purple primer in the said drawer, and the lid was not tight.  Hmpf!  It spilled all over, and is not meant for bare hands.  Nor for a kitchen drawer.   What a mess.  I am pretty sure, after a good scolding, he won't do that again (but most likely will).

I've also have more days than I'd like, where it's been super busy "kitchen" days, followed by a mountain of dirty dishes.  Anyone who cooks/bakes from scratch is going to have dirty dishes in a mass form.

The feed store peas are sprouting nicely for the ladies (chickens).

New recipes tried. . .

Lima Bean and Ham Soup.

I used dried beans as the recipe stated.  I went by the recipe online, shared by Just a Pinch Recipes.  Don't skip the bacon in this soup.  We loved it!  Seasoning of course is thyme and oregano from the herb garden.  

The lima beans have left the cupboard I am "baking/cooking" my way out of now.  I do believe this is the very first time to even use dried lima beans.  It's not a regular go-to bean, so it was fun to try this soup.

I adjusted the soup to a crockpot soup.  Tip:  Plan this soup the day after you make bacon for breakfast, and save 4 strips for the soup.  Save your ham bones from the holidays for winter soups like this.

Jalapeno cornbread.  I think this is the second new version to try.  My husband said, "this is the best cornbread ever!" when he devoured it.  It contains honey, and a small bit of brown sugar, but it is all real ingredients.  I'll have an update on this, as we compare it to one more new recipe in the near future.

I used our home canned pickled jalapenos for this recipe.  I love a recipe that not only utilizes something I canned, but also the brine in which it's canned in.

Current larger crochet afghan.  It's about 36 inches by 36 inches right now.   I am going to research a new lap afghan pattern for the next donation blanket, but I may have enough scrap yarns (again) to whip up a scrap yarn lapghan first.

I called about my back ordered yarn, that was due to ship back in December, then gain in late January.  They are saying it's due to ship in March now.  It's cotton yarn, so I hope this is not how it will be locating yarn for a project.

This and That  ©  February 2026 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

 

Happy Homemaker Monday

 We had some delightful, and much needed, beautiful sunshine over the weekend.  We however, had a sick raccoon climb the old chicken coop fence one afternoon.  There was another coyote (daytime) sighting not too far away.

I am joining Sandra at Diary of  Stay at Home Mom.

The Weather . . .

Not out of the negatives just yet.  A brisk -8°F, and snow on the way.

Right now I am . . .

Writing a list, writing this blog post, and sipping hot coffee.

Thinking and pondering . . .

Well, letter writing back-fired on me.  I wrote to an extended family member on my husband's side, thinking it would be a fun snail mail exchange (I really miss the letter writing I did with an Aunt who has passed).  Instead of writing me back, she texted ( a  long text ) back to my husband.  Sigh.  I even bought special writing paper. 

Pondering a list of where, and when, to donate lap afghans, baby blankets etc. to this year.  I have a list with new locations, in addition to the current donation locations.

Pondering - Starting a cooking club at our house once a month.  Hosting a book exchange/swap sometime this year.

How I am feeling . . .

Tired.  Extremely cold weather can zap one's energy.

On the breakfast plate . . .

Breakfast burritos with meat/eggs and veggies.  Coffee. 

On the menu . . .

Chickens are getting sprouted peas for winter nourishment.

. . .for us?

-Lima Bean/Ham soup, and a new type of homemade cornbread

-Stuffed Acorn Squash

-a new sheet pan dinner to utilize the freezer

-leftovers

-possibly a healthy snack, homemade hummus (with veggies)

On the TV this week. . .

-Movies:  Walk the Line, and a few others, Hallmark movies a few times.

Looking around the house . . .

The magazine shuffle has ended!  They are gone, and I found a thinner cookbook underneath the stack of all things.  Not even sure how I obtained the cookbook, but it's what's left to take a look-see at.  

Painting may resume when the temperatures improve, but we are on the fence with when (and who) will do the wall repairs (yes lots of wall repairs thanks to the kids etc) upstairs.  New light fixtures are badly needed, along with new window coverings.

To-do list today . . .

(all week vs. just today)

-pay bills, run errands etc.

-housework (laundry, dust, dishes, floors)

-library returns and pick ups as needed

-try a few new recipes

-make a call, send messages/inquiries

What I am creating . . .

Catching up on granny squares for my crochet book blanket.  Matching them the best I can with scrap yarn on hand. 

Crocheting a current larger afghan, and still waiting on back ordered yarn for another project.

From the camera. . . 

Devotional, prayers, Bible verses . . .

Prayers for two families who lost their long time 17 year old dogs (both different people we know, and both with dachshund dogs).

No personal prayer requests today.

Prayers for the southern states dealing with the weather hardships right now.

Happy Homemaker Monday  ©  February 2026 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

 

What am I reading?

Another yet cold day here.  A bit warmer but still in the negatives.  -6°F, but we may now be in the clear and rise above zero this next week. I'm still crocheting a current blanket for ourselves (odd occurrence, as it's usually for donation).  I do need to check in my back ordered yarn.  It's the very last day of January today, and it was said to be shipped a week ago.  Then again, roads are not in good condition, and the temperatures are cold.  I think a new soup should be tried with more snow on the way (oh joy!).

I am getting caught up with crochet book blanket granny squares.  I'll try and remember take a photo of them.

 

Funny story to share.  One year I was so pumped for a new "thing" to do (a new venture with gusto), I decided to read all of Ernest Hemingway's books in one year.  I had them on my shelf of course (why wouldn't I? Ha ha ha!).

You can see the original post HERE and HERE if you need some winter time entertainment.  

The funny part?  After a few books, I ditched his books and said nope, not reading anymore.  He was either drinking, on the way to the bar, or with women, or both drinking and with women.  I soon disliked his writing, no matter how famous the author became.  I should have picked another author, but it is a funny story to share.  If you read his books, you know what I'm talking about.

Cheers to the blog poster who shared this book!  I love a good book that is not a romance, and just literally a good story overall.

Sigh.  I am embarrassed to admit, that I've had it for a while, but I am finally reading it and I love it so far!  Thank you to whomever it was, but I think it was Far Side of Fifty.

Winter time limits outdoor physical activity for us, but we do have some winter hikes on the agenda (weather permitted).  Do you try to get outside or get moving in the winter?  Do you do daily indoor exercise?  Daily stretching?  Do you weigh yourself weekly, or do you just have it checked at the doctor when you are there? The doctor cleared me for exercise, but I'm still waiting on more information from the doctor's suggestions (to see if they are better, different or more helpful).

Do you do anything intentional for your mental health over winter?  Herbal, uplifting teas, meeting with friends/family, or possibly journaling?  Make travel plans of some fashion?  Visit the library more often?

New word I learned for the month:  Parsimonious.  Overly stingy or frugal, unwilling to spend money/resources.

Ending the month with some thoughts to chew on so to speak.  I did absolutely nothing for a Christmas countdown for 2026.  I can say, that when I did this last year (countdown), it was a lot of fun trying new recipes for the holidays.

What am I reading?  ©  January 2026 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Celery Seed ~ When you have an abundance (whoops) ~ Homemade Celery Salt

Winter weather continues, but slightly better I guess.  However, we continue to have below zero temperatures.  The cold spell has been the longest, below zero, cold spell I ever remember.

 On the downside, more people are getting sick.  My poor husband has to ride in a truck with a co-worker (part of the job), and his co-worker for the day was coughing.  The worker wore a mask, and then took it off and left in on the console of the truck.  My husband had to sanitize the inside of the truck after that.  Praying he does not catch any of those nasty germs.

I've been dealing with sinus issues, and thankful for goldenrod tincture, mullein tea, ginger and peppermint teas and so forth.  I never got any Four Thieves Vinegar (Rosemary Gladstar's recipe) made this past fall, and I do plan on making some next fall.  I think "life" just took over my brain cells for a while.  I am very thankful I had made homemade vapo-rub.

Deep cleaning?  Well, not really.  Mostly regular cleaning this week - running cleaner in the dishwasher, and the washing machine.  You could say I'm cooking/baking my way through a kitchen cupboard too.  I removed my recipe boxes before surgery, and placed them on the counter top to avoid lifting. 

 Apparently, while the recipe boxes were on the counter, groceries were placed in the cupboard, filling the space up.  My oh my.  It is sort of fun to meal plan, in order to free up that cupboard again.  We also had a lot of ingredients, that I only purchase in abundance for holiday cooking, and we did not bake any cookies or treats at all.  So far, I've reduced the all-purpose flour, some pasta, and peas.  I also purchased more organic celery seed, and whoops, we already had enough for this upcoming garden year.

Sigh, it's so hard to believe that this is the last day of January already.  Where did this month go?

 I use organic celery seed often, and especially during garden canning season.  If you watch prices (and use celery seed), you will notice that "ground" celery seed of any kind, is twice the price of whole celery seed (organic or not).

I don't use celery salt too often, but I do use it, so I made celery salt from whole, organic celery seed.  A "first" for me this year (woohoo to another "first time").

4 Tbsp. Ground Organic Celery Seed (grind and measure first)

3 Tbsp. Kosher Salt

Simply mix the following ingredients, and place in a spice grinder, or coffee bean grinder, and grind into a fine mix.

If you have a better mix of the two (different measurements for a better flavored salt), please leave a comment.

I use a smaller coffee grinder that is specifically used for grinding dehydrated or dry whole spices.

I store the celery salt in, either re-purposed spice jars (friends, family or neighbors can save these for you), or new spice jars.

Celery Seed ~ When you have an abundance (whoops) ~ Homemade Celery Salt  ©  January 2026 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Homemade Four Thieves Household Cleaner Spray ~ Homemade Window Cleaner Spray

I said we were getting a "slight" warm up, but it's a smidgen of warmth.  The temperature today is 0°F with a windchill of -11°F.  The wind has settled, but they are saying we may get a teensy bit more snow.

Oh boy!  Why I cannot have magazine subscriptions.  I used to LOVE getting magazines from my Mom, after she read hers.  I haven't had magazines around since Mom passed.  I picked these up at the library book sale for free, but that was a year ago.  The magazines are all Cook's Illustrated magazines.  I have moved them from kitchen table, to end table, to coffee table and back to kitchen table.  Sigh.  The magazine shuffle madness must end!  I am forcing myself to get thru them, and pass them on.  Good grief.  However, it is part of my "take back the organized house" mode I am currently in.

Is there something you "shuffle" around for one reason or another?

On to the cleaners part of the post. . .

 I have been using a homemade cleaning spray for a few years, but for some reason, could not find my original post on it.  I have mixed up another batch this week, and I love this for the counter tops, and especially the stove top.

The "thieves" recipe is online with Mountain Rose Herbs - Thieves Household Cleaner.  I use an amber glass spray bottle for this cleaner.  I do use distilled water for this one.

Before (see the grease on the vents?)

After being cleaned.

It smells great, cleans great, and cuts the grease on the stove top.  I have not used it for anything else in the house.  Mostly bathroom sink counter tops, kitchen counter tops, door knobs, light switches etc.

The other homemade cleaner, that I absolutely love, is the homemade window cleaner.  It's very easy to make and oddly has arrowroot powder in it.

It has not failed me in keeping the windows or mirrors clean.  Love this stuff.  I have no idea which friend shared it with me, but they are blog writers, so here is how to make the window spray . . .

I buy a BPA re-fillable spray bottle for this spray.

Mix the following ingredients in a spray bottle.

1/4 cup white vinegar

3 Tbsp. rubbing alcohol

1 tsp. arrowroot powder

3/4 cup distilled water

I do use distilled water for this cleaner as well.  We have well water, and it's not the best for a cleaner such as this.  I double this for a large spray bottle.  It's great for windows and mirrors.

Homemade Four Thieves Household Cleaner Spray ~ Homemade Window Cleaner Spray  ©  January 2026 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart