Pioneer Woman at Heart

We were told we'd get beaucoup amounts of snow, but we didn't.  Roads were very bad yesterday, so it was more of a stay-in-pj's kind of day.   Woke up to 17°F (wind chill makes it feel like 5°F). I put 15 more rows on the baby blanket and got another order for cup coasters (thankfully those are already made).  I sold all the bookmarks, so I have zero in stock right now.  That'll be restocked once this baby blanket is done. I brewed nettle hair rinse.   Today I need to make homemade "lysol" wipes with tea tree oil.  I am down to the last one. School is delayed today, but for some reason neither one of us got the phone call.   What's the cheapest, yet most useful tool available on Amazon to make zucchini noodles?  There are so many options and I don't want to buy something so big I have to make a new place to store another appliance.  I would love to hear your recommendations.

I've had this recipe on my "to-do" list for many months now.  First I had to infuse the oil.  The recipe is in this book, and so is the recipe for the Four Thieves Vinegar.  I have more recipes yet to try this year, so stay tuned for more updates as I get around to making them. Winter has been harsh this year, and dry skin is an issue.  I even resorted to putting my calendula lotion on my face, it's been that harsh of a winter. Step one - let the first ingredients cool and turn into a creamy mixture. Step 2: Add next ingredients with a blender.  I have a hand blender I use specifically for lotions/creams. Recipe states it lasts up to a year, but I know it will be gone quickly.  It can be used for face or body. I will continue to make my calendula cream too.  It's great for super dry winter skin like hands and feet. I had a rather less hectic day in the kitchen, with only needing to make banana bread, and dinner prep.  Hub...

Although our carrot harvest was zero this season, we still had carrot tops.  You know our family motto? Waste nothing.  Not that there was much to waste either. I used some of the tops to make homemade mouthwash. Boil 3 cups of water, and add a half cup of chopped organic carrot tops.  Simmer on the stove top for about 20 minutes.  Steep for an additional 30 minutes then strain.  Store in the refrigerator.  Simply gargle each day in place of your store brand mouth wash.  Carrot tops have antiseptic qualities. We stole off on a motorcycle ride the other night, and delivered meals.  I just happened to get a call the night I made salmon romanoff, from one of the girls.  Of course she asked, "what's for dinner?"  and "can you bring me some?"  Luckily, I was already delivery a meal with pie to my Dad, so we packed up another meal for her.  She later texted me "OMG that was heaven" ha ha ha!  Kids!   ...

When ever I read something new about a weed I harvest, I give it a try if I can.  The season for cleavers are over for us, but I wanted to share this. I made a tea with cleavers . I just made sort of an infusion in a pint canning jar, strained it and put it in the fridge.    Dip your washcloth into the tea and rinse your face with the tea solution at room temperature (or cold).  Cleavers at as a skin tightener, so in reality, reduces wrinkles and lifts up the skin naturally. Some people may have a bad reaction to this facial wash, so try a small area at first.  If you use fresh cleavers in you tea (not recommended for this), you have greater chance a having a skin reaction. I used this tea for 2 straight weeks and feel and see a difference.  I also used it cold on my face, and it felt great in the heat of summer.

I'm posting this today to give you an update on everything have tired over the last year and a half, regarding hair and nail growth (and strength). I have had very good results with all of my hair health recipes.  Over the last year I found the following for hair growth, shine, strength, and overall healthy hair.  First, let me say, a year ago a lot of my hair fell out due to sickness combined with the pharmaceutical drugs and x-rays (and chemicals) used by doctors. I am so happy to say, that more than a year later, my hair is stronger, growing, and I have had more new hair growth.  I have been consistent, and it took a long time, but worth it.  It could be another full year before it's fully restored, but I'm so glad I tried all of the following (most are linked to older blog posts for more details):

After trying to convince our youngest daughter to go back to bed, she was on the bus to school, only to text and asked to be picked up.  She slept the entire day yesterday, and I whipped up a batch of homemade ginger-ale for her.   And speaking of whipping up a recipe.  I made the homemade make up remover wipes - water, jojoba oil, vitamin E oil, and virgin coconut oil.  The recipe is in this book: I will be back with an update, after the girls give them a whirl.   I sure hope they work.  Buying "organic" ones from the store is robbing my wallet. Update:  11/7/2017 - these wipes starting growing mold on them yesterday.  So saddened, as these really worked, and I had hoped to cut down my costs for the girls.  I can't add an essential oil, as they are used over your eyes, and I can't put them in the fridge either.  They were tossed out.   The kale is growing like wild fire.  I am super happy too.  ...