"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, May 4, 2026

This and That

 I was given a packet of information, as a thank you for my crocheted baby blanket donation (first time to donate to this organization).  I, honestly, did not expect anything in return.  They asked. I had the yarn. I donated.  

Inside the packet of information, was a chocolate bar, which is from an area business that makes it.  


A future fall possibility - "allergy" tincture with a combination of mullein, goldenrod and stinging nettle (all in one vs. individual).  Tinctures are best with fresh herbs, so this will be interesting. It all depends on locating all three plants.  

I'm doing more research on this mixture, as I cannot drink stinging nettle tea daily, all summer long, for seasonal allergies.  Nettle is a "drying" tea, as it also works as a diuretic.

My allergies are bothering my sinus pressure and eyes (itchy, red) this year. It's been years since this has been a problem too.



I started an oil infused with rosemary (I used organic jojoba oil for this one).  It is a "first time" for us to make this.  It's not only good for hair/scalp, but for a brain boost(cognitive) and other uses (according to what I am researching).  We'll find out if a dab on my forehead will spark some alertness when needed.

I have not had a hot minute to look for the fruit cake recipe.  We have been working on outdoor work, while we had a big break from the rain - mowing, digging up trees that the birds planted in flower beds, cleaning up a flower bed, cleaning off patio/porch, etc.  

I did a quick look-see and our wild violet season is about over, with the sporadic weather this year.  I am dehydrating more wild violet leaves for tea and hopefully future salve making.


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

Saturday, May 2, 2026

On the hunt . . .

 Whelp.  The rain and cold is still with us.  Early morning temperature was 33°F.  My rosemary looks fine however.  We may actually see a day with zero rain today.  Crossing fingers.

Not sure if you can really see the below recipe, which came from the cookbook I shared in my last post (scroll back to see).

I guess, because I have never made garlic aioli, I did not realize it is basically fresh mayonnaise with a bit of spice to it.

I'm still looking through several cookbooks, but we remain on the hunt for a good burger sauce for grilling season.  I have obtained one from a restaurant, but I need to figure out how to downsize the recipe for two people. 

There is a funny story regarding looking for this recipe, and one of these days will share it.

I'm also looking for my copy of the fruit cake recipe that was asked for so many months ago.  

Update on finding San Marzano tomato plants this spring.  We found them, and the flats range from $40 up to $63.00.  I really need a greenhouse built here.  I really do.  It's still on my wish list.  I just do not have the space in my house, or outlets for that many plant grow lights.