"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.

Monday, December 3, 2018

Happy Homemaker Monday

Today I'm joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom.  While selling crafts at the recent craft show, I was asked what I did for a living.  Proudly, I told her I stayed home.  She complimented me on that, and for a very supportive husband. It was a high of 58° and sunny most of the afternoon, so we hooked up with two friends and took off on a motorcycle ride.  What a blessing that was.  My to-do list is for the week.  If you have any cute ideas for spring crocheted items people would want to buy I'd love to hear your ideas.  There is a chance for craft show then. I'm thinking of making some flower cup coasters, but I'm stumped on other items.  Maybe some embroidered kitchen towels?  Embroidered bread basket clothes?  Bookmarks?


On the breakfast plate . . .
Eggs and toast, coffee


The weather . . .
High of 40°, snow later


Looking around the house . . .

It's a mess today


On my reading pile . . .
Nothing.  Too busy


On my TV . . .
Regular TV.  Netflix would not work


On the menu . . .
Have no idea


On my to-do list . . .
-dishes, lots of dishes
-take trash out
-make a breakfast scramble
-tidy up the kitchen
-laundry
-crochet for another upcoming show
-decorate the trees
-start a fire, it's getting cold here again
-put the ear warmers back in my motorcycle helmet
-water plants
-vacuum
-wipe more woodwork down
-put tomato stakes away
-haul wood to the porch
-clean the fridge out
-strain an infused oil
-check library status
-start attaching price tags to crafted items
-place an order for Christmas
-clean bathrooms



Something I learned . . .
Oregano can be used to treat the common cold.  According to Mother Earth News (article is online), you can brew tea with oregano, because it contains carvacol, which inhibits bacteria growth.  Who knew?  I didn't.  I knew of using oil of oregano in tea, but did not not to make tea with actual oregano.


What I am creating . . .

Lots of stuff.  I need to write a list of what needs restocked for the next craft show.  I have about 11 camper ornaments ready to assemble.


A recipe I want to try . . .
Brandied nuts


From the camera . . .
Sunday morning sunrise.


On my prayer list . . .
My family, a friend who lost a pet, a friend who lost an Aunt

Sunday, December 2, 2018

Chicken Noodle Soup ~ Craft Show

Friday morning Youngest woke up feeling the crud.  I felt it in my throat too, so teas were brewed, essential oils dug out, and so forth.  I pulled out all the stops for the both of us - rubbed tea tree oil/oil carrier on our feet, rubbed oils on my chest, ran the diffuser, sprayed down everything with anti-ill spray, and even had my first cup of slippery elm bark tea to sooth a small case of laryngitis.  Just the thought of all the germs brewing this time of year in a doctor's office had me motivated to mix up new tea brews for our throats.





I spent the day finishing up touches to the pig ornaments, made 4 more wine cork keychains, a few pairs of earring/necklace sets and more necklaces.  I worked on the lapghan (photo coming soon) after I took care of the hens, fetched firewood, and got the mail.


In the midst of all of that, I made some homemade chicken (no I didn't go to the coop for the chicken...not yet) noodle soup with homemade noodles, carrots I put in the freezer, celery cubes I froze, herbs from the garden, and bone broth.  I knew Youngest would really appreciate it in her condition, and I as well.  It sure was a blessing to have all the ingredients in the pantry, freezer, etc.  My special ingredient is tying some organic peppercorns in cheesecloth, and putting that in the soup until I add the noodles.  It aides in reviving energy, boosts the immune system, and other good stuff.

Oldest daughter came out for a visit and of course I fed her.  She is dealing with the struggles of adulting.  She is always looking for homemade cookies, but this time got a banana muffin.



I also stamped some brown paper bags for customers on Saturday.  My ink is running out, but it did the job.  

About 4pm, just as it started getting dark and while taking Jesse out, 3 very large deer (one a buck) came out of the woods behind our place, and ran across the road.  Jesse went nuts, and at the same time one of the eagles flew over the house.  Jesse does not like anything that flies and went ba-zerk!  It was truly like "Wild Kingdom" for a few moments.

Saturday morning I scrambled about and packed up the car for the 1st craft event.  It ran from 11am to 4pm, and Hubby and Youngest helped me set up, watch the tables, and tear down. 

We also woke up to rain and much colder weather.  Rain poured down all day, with evening thunderstorms and an evening high of 48°.  The weather has been very strange.



We sold every single camper ornament, and a lot of other items.  I came home last night and watched the football game and started on more camper ornaments.  I sold some pig ornaments too - we are in corn country, so lots of farmers.  We did not sell one snowflake or tree necklace/earring sets though.  I haven't checked the inventory, but we sold a lot of my dish scrubbies and knitted dishcloths.  We were very busy for a small town event, and thrilled at what we sold.  I even sold some soap saver bags and a set of pot holders.  

Today it's warm out, but a bit wet.  The high is said to reach up to 58°F.  Sunny too.  I mentioned to Hubby over coffee that we should clean the coop, but he has other ideas, ha ha!