2 Days Until Christmas

Finished this Christmas book and matching book blanket granny square.  It's about the 6th of 16-18 books of a box I bought at an antique store very early in the year.  I'll attach it to the blanket soon.

Two of the kiddos who received the 24 day advent gift bags, have been in touch, and so far have really enjoyed them (and found it fun and love the "useable" theme I tried to adhere to).  One kiddo I have not heard one iota from.  Not even a thank you.  One loved the hand crocheted dust cloth (as it is reusable and saves them money), while one was ecstatic about the tiny sample jam jars we included.

 The Christmas Spice Extract I "brewed" up was ready to strain and bottle.  Just a few lucky ones will be receiving it to try this Christmas season.  I was able to bottle this up early December, but have not tried it yet.

The had-it-on-the-plan, but did not happen.  Yet.

Homemade Seasoned Salt for another quick and easy gift idea. My Mom loved this stuff.  I plan to write the recipe to gift with a jar of this mix, and also write an additional recipe card for a recipe that uses the homemade seasoned salt.  

                     

Remember I made homemade fruit cake this year?  Well, we froze the other loaf, and we will be pulling it from the freezer.  Not many to share it with this year, but we both feel it is the best ever!  According to my Aunt's notes, it is the best, and my cousin said she used brandy over it.  I won't have time this Christmas, nor the energy ha ha! But!  I am adding this to the recipe gift ideas for Christmas of 2026.  Definitely a keeper recipe, but very very unhealthy, ha ha ha!

Crocheted throw and hand crocheted Christmas ornament were shipped and delivered.  

Christmas cards finally made their way out of the house.  First time in several years, but in a limited amount.   I have already started noting ideas for Christmas 2026 (you would too, if your Christmas was spent like ours).  It will be an exciting new year, as we also welcome another new grandbaby.

There may, or may not be "Christmas" cookies this year.  It may happen later, and it may not.  All depends on if there is a need, but right now it will not happen so I can rest and recoup my health.

Merry Christmas!  

2 Days Until Christmas  ©  December 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Spice things up

 I'm working on keeping the monotonous, un-monotonous.  More so leaning on keeping the variety of these winter days interesting and not boring.  Although one who is constantly "busy" would find forced rest time a blessing.  Or not, ha ha!

I am doing well.  I'm not back to reading very much at all, but the "mind" games are a bit refreshing.  Spikes are back on my boots, although we are told Christmas will be in the 50's and rain here this year.  I'm getting a walk in to the mailbox once in a while.  If there is sunshine, it's a win-win.

I've been relying on the health benefits of herbal teas, and have been rotating them for restorative benefits.  Teas are always are soothing addition to the winter days.

I've discovered that we love a peppermint anything hot in the winter once in a while.  Sort of a treat in the day so to speak.  

Homemade peppermint mocha creamer for your coffee!  Yum!  Of course the heavy cream is not fat free, but we plan to try it with half and half (would use goat's milk if we had it, along with the cream that floats to the top).  It lasts for a week in the fridge and it is delicious.

Heat in a saucepan:

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

2 Tbsp. Cocoa 

2 Tbsp. maple syrup

Whip or stir until all ingredients are combined.  Remove from heat and add 1 tsp. homemade vanilla extract and 1 tsp. peppermint extract.  Immersion blender works great for this.

We used all organic ingredients.  I attempted to make my own peppermint extract one year, but it did not have a strong flavor.  If you have tips on making it, please comment below. 

Stir, cool, and store the homemade creamer in the refrigerator up to a week.  

Garden seed catalogs are starting to roll in, and of course I'm taking a look-see.   We definitely will not be planting any squash next garden season, but that will free up space and eliminate those nasty squash bugs for a year.  

I ordered some library books via the inter-loan system.  The books are non-fiction, and will give me a bit of a change with learning something new.  Thankfully, my husband can pick them up for me.

All things "kitchen" are in disarray, but my husband (bless his heart) is doing as much as he can around here.  The refrigerator is going to need a full clean out after this month, ha ha!  

Crockpot Hearty 3 bean soup.  We've had this soup 3 times now, and there are never any leftovers. It is meatless, but it is very good.  I do have home grown garlic for it, so that makes a wonderful flavor.  I have grown turnips and kohlrabi, but we have not grown parsnips yet.  Sprinkling those home grown herbs on the soup, always makes me smile.

Side note:  Oregano oil has been handy for medicinal reasons, but limited to specific ways to use it.  I will be making an oregano tincture next year.

Although I have been taking it easy, and moving slowly to full recovery, I have a few things I will be able to do (with some assistance).  I have printed (yikes!) about 3 new recipes, but for summer garden season too.  

Handiwork is very slow going.  I'll try and get one last "Christmas" post in soon.

Spice things up  ©  December 2025 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart