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

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.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Laundry Soap Making Day

Today I making another batch of laundry soap.  This time I am making it with Zote, but it's still not turning out the way I'd like it too.  I may have to switch containers and store it in a plastic bucket with a lid. 

The sun is out and the wind is pretty strong, so it's a good laundry day for drying my bedding outside.

My kids are cleaning house for a school break/movie night party.  The rules have always been that if they are doing the inviting, then they do all the cleaning.   They are mixing up a bottle of vinegar/water to wash down the bathroom.

As for me, I have writing to finish.  It's day 23 of the NaNoWriMo and I've been able to keep up despite household chores, kids and hurting myself.  Yep.  I managed to pull a muscle or pinch a nerve or something and my head is throbbing.  I can't lean my head back or to the left either.  It's been pretty painful.   I better take something for it, because I have a school conference tonight. 

Monday, November 22, 2010

Hummus ~ And and another blanket

I made homemade hummus today and I'm having a hard time keeping my 8 year-old out of it.  I like to let the flavors infuse, while allowing it to sit in the fridge for a few hours.  I have to admit, after I tasted it on a cracker, I had a difficult time putting it away too.  We love homemade hummus and it's healthier too.  I use real lemons for the juice and natural tahini in it.


Hummus

2 - 15 oz. cans of garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
4 garlic cloves, minced
2/3 cup of roasted tahini (not raw)
juice of one fresh lemon
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. Add additional water if it is too thick (depending on what size your lemon is).    Place in refrigerator for a few hours before serving.  Add more garlic for a stronger flavor.  Serve with fresh vegetables, pita chips, or reduced fat crackers.

Makes about 3 cups.



And yet I have started another crocheted blanket, using the same colors as the last.  It is an easier pattern and will have a different edge when it's finished.