This and That

 

Homemade eye make up remover.  Two ingredients.  I have already tried it a few times, but will use when needed, and return with results.  The recipe is free online with a source I have used for years for my facial toner, homemade hair detangler, and a few other recipes  - DIY Makeup Remover 

I don't always wear makeup, but on an occasion I do, and so far I am really liking the two ingredient recipe.

Our weather has gone from cold to frigid.  It's only been weather suitable for penguins and polar bears.  This morning? We are experiencing a -17°F windchill.

I'm on the hunt for a heater that sits underneath the water unit in the chicken coop.  We have a few we are looking at, but we have not needed such heating system options for years now.  We don't need it often, and in fact, have not needed one in years now.

Unfortunately, the frigid temperatures are said to continue for about another week and a half (or so).  

We have been getting our walking in, by browsing larger antique stores.  We not only get out of the house, but we are looking for more ways to get walking in.

Winter activities can mean finding things to do like large camper/RV shows.  It gave me exercise time, and we actually enjoying checking out all the options out there right now. 

It got us out of the house and the doctor said walking can be increased now.

I bought a newer "on-the-go" crochet project bag, due to the weather and needing one that was waterproof.  I didn't realize that above the zipper there was velcro.  My yarn was sticking every time, so I bought some sew-on type velcro (no adhesive), and attached a piece to cover the sticky portion.  I did not want to cut it off the bag, so this quick fix works for toting yarn projects around.

Update on the blanket to be gifted.  I ran out of Heather Grey (Red Heart) yarn.  A very common color sold by most Wal-mart stores.  However, I could not find it at any of the stores near us, nor two other stores.  I ended up paying extra and ordered online.  Sigh.  It's getting harder and harder to locate the most common brands of yarn in stores anymore (at least in our area).  A friend mentioned that Ollie stores in nearby areas, carry some yarn, so I will be looking there soon as well.

I got another set of baby booties crocheted for a gift.  Funny story about this set.  My husband suggested, while I had the blue yarn in hand, to make a set for his doctor who was expecting a baby boy soon.  The funny part, is the day of his appointment, the office was giving the doctor a baby shower that very same day.  Perfect timing.  Oh, and I made these with an "G" crochet hook and it looks to be the correct hook, size.

I received the pattern from my Mom's co-worker many, many years ago, but the hook size was never mentioned, and I since then have forgotten what I had used in the past.  I will be making much better notes in that regard.

A few years ago, someone posted about a "beet salad" but never posted a recipe.  We had the opportunity to try a version of a beet salad recently, and boy was it good.  I'll be working on making one for ourselves in the future.

Winter is a rest time in a sense, but we still like to tackle indoor jobs/repairs/updates as we are able to.  I've been doing a lot of list making and note taking lately.  I am running low on mullein and had no idea we were so low on mullein tincture as well.

I'm on the fence with doing the Christmas countdown posts this year.  I won't be preparing the advent gifts this year, and with the lack of holiday gathering invitations, there are zero plans to prepare gifts or new trial recipes.  Two kiddos received homemade seasoned salt, the recipe handwritten on a recipe card, and a bottle of the "Christmas Spice" extract I made a few months back.  We have yet to even try it, so I may be looking to bake or create something to give it a taste.  

I can say that there are several boxes of Christmas items on my kitchen floor, that will eventually be sent to a thrift store, or the trash can.

I don't want to write a super long post today, although I have lacked getting one written, but may possibly be back to share my current book.

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

How I Make Garlic Powder from Dehydrated Home Grown Garlic

 Our weather is all over the map. One day it was sunny and 65°F, the next dreary and rain all day, and then the next?  Cold and snow.  Yep.  That's how it's been.  Now we roll into a a cold snap.

I have had some later than usual work.  I filled the dehydrator with parchment lined paper, and got busy with about 10 heads (or bulbs) of home grown garlic.  I apologize to those who have already read posts about making garlic powder. 

Back in 2020 I hosted an online Pampered Chef party to help out a friend.  Never in my life did I think so many people would order, and I ended up with lots of free items.  Two items were the garlic peeler and slicer.  The above is the "peeler" for the garlic cloves.  You do separate the head of garlic, then place a few cloves inside the tube, and roll it back and forth in with the palm of your hand.  The dried peeling will crack and very easily come off the clove of garlic.

I use disposable latex gloves for this job.  Garlic will make your hands smell for days if you do not.  

The slicer unit top comes off, and you insert the peeled cloves into both sides of the inner compartment.  Place the top back on, and using both hands, twist the top, and the slices come out the bottom onto your pre-lined trays for the dehydrator.

Dehydrate according to the dehydrator instructions.  

I use a coffee grinder, used solely for grinding dehydrated foods, and grind the pieces into powder.  I store it in my pantry and use for all things delicious, and homemade dry mixes.

I have heard that some newer ovens, and some air fryers have options for "dehydrating" foods, if you do now own a dehydrator. 

How I Make Garlic Powder from Dehydrated Home Grown Garlic  ©  January 2026 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart