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 Kitchen Tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kitchen Tips. Show all posts

Saturday, February 11, 2023

Homemade Spray Oil ~ Kitchen "events" ~ Costs of Propane vs. Electric Base Board Heat

Many years ago, I bought a bottle from either Pampered Chef or Tupperware, that allowed me to spray oil into pans etc.  However, it clogged up, and never worked even after cleaning.  It was many years ago.  I also believe with that container, you added only oil (vs. a mix of oil and water).



I decided to look into making spray oil myself.  I have been buying organic spray, as it's just the two of us.  I have noticed though, the spray cans hold very little, run out quickly and are costly.  They also create trash.


I purchased amber glass spray bottle online, and made my own. 1 part a good quality olive oil (or oil of your choice) to 5 parts water.  So simple, saves us money.  Also, no added ingredients.  Just shake it up and spray.  Oh, the bottles I bought have a sprayer with a "mist" option (bought on Amazon).

Do you have a tip to save money in the kitchen?  I will be giving an update on using this homemade spray oil, after using it for a few weeks.


Crocheting has been temporarily paused, due to a catastrophic event with my mug of hot tea.  Sigh.  I had to take out the color of yarn I was adding, fasten off, and literally wash the blanket.  I also had to change clothes, and wash my slippers.  Oye, by husband got a hoot out of that as he walked in from work.  

However, he also burned the grilled sandwiches on the stove.  Not his fault either.  We not have a problem with one burner on our stove (over heating).  The burner is fully hot red with the knob on 2.  Not what we needed right now.

If we can't a new panel that controls the knob to the burner, we'll be looking (gulp) for a new stove.  It's the burner I can with as well.  It is not the burner itself, but the controls sent from the knob, that is connected to that specific burner.  Just another "fix-it" to the list (or replace).


Update on using propane heat in the main  part of the downstairs vs. electric baseboard (or wood stove back up).  We turned the new heat source on back on Dec. 23rd, but had no heat in there for that entire month, using camper heaters to work in there (installing flooring and painting).

The last electric bill was high due to using the heaters (will invest in a specific portable heater for future winter projects).  Anyway, the electric bill arrived yesterday, and this time it was $156.00 lower than the previous month.  We are considering adding a smaller propane heater now in the other lower half of the house.  By doing this, it turns off all electric heat downstairs, and will save us even more money.  It is a drier heat (I run cool mist humidifiers), but I have to say, I do NOT miss hauling wood all winter long.

We have the highest electric in the county.  We are unable to switch that source due to location.  I think spring would be a great time to snag a good price on a smaller wall heater as well.  It's on the list now.