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.
Adopted Motto
"Eat it up,
Wear it out,
Make it do,
Or go without."
~A Pioneer Sampler, by Barbara Greenwood~
Sunday, February 4, 2024
Stinging Nettle
Saturday, February 3, 2024
Migraine Relief Possibilities
I did much research for topical treatments. One we are trying is organic peppermint oil mixed with a carrier oil, rubbed on her temples. I also put it on her chest for her to inhale.
Topical treatment is all I'm researching, because if you've had a migraine, you are so nauseated you cannot drink teas etc.
I read that a lack of magnesium can also bring on a migraine, so we keep almonds and pumpkin seeds on hand to enjoy weekly.
I have known that peppermint, holy basil (Tulsi), and chamomile teas help reduce inflammation of a headache, but I am just now learning that ginger, clove, and feverfew may work as well. Feverfew is on my list to grow this year, as it did not work out last summer. * see note below
The change in weather can also play a part in migraines, sinus pressure etc. I've noticed this myself.
I've also read that topically applying fresh pumpkin pulp cools the head and relieves the headache.
The most recommended that I've read about, is feverfew for a migraine, but I have yet to try that with Youngest. I tried growing it one year and savage raccoons raided my potted plants. I never tried growing it again. Maybe this year?
Have you had any good results with a homemade remedy for migraines, or even headaches?
What are you growing for medicinal reasons this coming spring?
Friday, February 2, 2024
Just the Bits
We hit a high of 53° yesterday, and the chickens were loving it, as well as the full day of sunshine.
The paint brushes/rollers took a break for a few days. February is starting out with some hiccups.
However, I have finished washing down the rest of the hallway walls (all but a small section). I can now proceed to spackle any holes, allow them to dry.
Laundry got caught up. I had some to fold and some to put away. I also caught up on some paperwork. Bathrooms are getting cleaned.
Meals got made and meal prep (lentils cooking for a dinner recipe).
I got another rug washed. I love the ones we bought at the flea market in Amish country. They are the "washable" ones, and more expensive, but boy do they wash up nicely. I have had cheaper ones from the box stores, that did not hold up to washing them in the washing machine.
I had time to look through a library book I've had for over a week now. There is one interesting recipe in this book that would come in handy for someone who is sick (Chicken Noodle in a jar). They say to use a "Gift Jar" but I'm guessing a quart jar with 4 cups of dry egg noodles.
The book also has gift jar recipe for dog and cat treats, and body scrubs.
I made homemade hair detangler (spray). I will be back with a review after I use it for a while. It was super easy to make. I have never brewed marshmallow root, and when I squeezed the cheesecloth, when straining it, the tea has a conditioner type feel to it. I put it in a spray bottle, and it will need to be stored in the refrigerator (has no preservatives in it).
Go figure, just when I start tackling blog drafts, the draft selection function is not working properly. Now it brings up all your posts, and it when you select "drafts" it should only bring up your drafts.
Just the Bits © Feb 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart
Wednesday, January 31, 2024
End of January 2024
January is ending way too quickly, and we (I) figured we'd have the brunt of the home repairs done by the end of February.
Did you know that the hardware stores sell smaller pieces of drywall to patch walls with? About 2 x 2 feet or so? I didn't measure them, but we have successfully cut out the damaged drywall section(s), and doing the repairs ourselves. The cost alone for supplies is over the top.
Over the years the kids all had one or more pets (one had 3 at one time), and the pets ruined two areas of the hallway drywall. I'm really re-thinking if we'll ever have pets after all these repairs now (just because of the cost and time to repair).
More trim was taken down for cleaning, priming and painting. We replaced one door hinge on the door that leads into the garage. I was surprised the cost for the hinge was less than $3.00.
The hallway ceiling has been painted, and one light fixture removed and a new one installed. The second fixture is on order. I absolutely love the new fixture, so we plan to replace one in the master bath with the same one too. Each has a "night light" feature. Talk about being giddy with an upgrade. The actual light is much brighter than our old one.In the process of putting total focus on the hallway renovations/repairs, I am slowing preparing for the master bath repairs/renovations. I'll need to remove all the old ones from the bathroom cabinets and replace them with new. Eventually. I eye-spied them while out for other supplies, and picked them up to be ahead of the game.
Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Little of This ~ Little of That
Colors: Buff, (have no idea on the light blue as I have no label for the scrap yarn), Blue, Royal (Red Heart yarn).
Monday, January 29, 2024
Happy Homemaker Monday
Weekend weather was not too bad on Saturday, but boy it turned nasty on Sunday. Wind, rain, and cold air moved in.
I can't believe January 2024 is already coming to an end. Where in the world did this month go? I know I was/and still am consumed with painting, repairing drywall, and other winter work.
I spent one morning sorting garden seeds, making a plan, and sent out orders. Shipping is free with Baker Creek in the USA, but High Mowing is a whopping $11.95 and Territorial is $8.95! My plan is to save more seeds this season.
Today I am joining Sandra at Diary of a Stay at Home Mom
The weather . . .
High of 37° and low of 31°F, very little possibility of rain (thankful for that after several days of rain).
Right now I am . . .
Writing up this post, brewing more coffee
Thinking and pondering . . .
What color to paint the hallway.
How I am feeling . . .
Tired. More like just can't wait to get this hallway done.
On the breakfast plate . . .
Not sure yet.
On the lunch plate . . .
Smoked pulled pork, baked beans
On the dinner plate . . .
Chicken, side veggie
On the menu . . .
-Healthy Casserole with Beef and Lentils
-Sheet pan pork loin, brussel sprouts and apples
-Leftovers
-Snack, no bake energy bites
-Breakfast: Einkorn Ricotta Pancakes, Sausage patties, Scrambled eggs
What I am wearing . . .
Still in jammies, running late this morning.
On the reading pile . . .
On the TV . . .
Youtube videos on how to repair/replace larger drywall areas.
Movies on either Netflix or Amazon.
Looking around the house . . .
Everything is looking good. Other than I need to wash and clean the kitchen blinds (adding it to the winter project list).
To-do list . . .
-make a breakfast that will last a few days
-sweep and mop floors
For the week:
From the camera . . .
Two ingredient waffle - 2 Tbsp. peanut butter and one egg. Mix and pour into a mini waffle maker. Pretty good, but not low in calories or fat. I just made us one each to try. These would be good for a camping trip with some hiking involved.Devotional, prayers, Bible Verses . . .
Happy Homemaker Monday © Jan 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart
Sunday, January 28, 2024
Colorful Cleaning Cloths ~ What to Make with Scrap Cotton Yarn
What to do with Cotton Yarn Scraps
Do you remember me asking about what to do with my cotton yarn scraps?
Ideas were:
-Facial scrubbies
I made a few for our travel case. These dry quicker, and are great to take when camping or traveling. I do take a crocheted makeup cloth when traveling now.-cup/mug coasters
I made a few random cup coasters. These are great for a warm mug, but not good for anything cold that causes condensation on a cold cup. The condensation will make the cotton wet, and could ruin whatever surface they are on.
-lip balm covers
I made a few many years ago, and the kids put them on their school backpacks. I never sold any.
If you don't crochet, you may find this post boring today.
Other than donate the scraps of yarn, I decided to crochet up some cleaning cloths. These could also be used as washcloths. I used the same pattern I use for the makeup washcloths, but with the cotton scraps leftover from other projects (these are all cotton, not acrylic). It requires more ends to be sewn in, so I will be testing them out with cleaning cloths.
I saved the pattern, placed it in the binder, but I'm terrible and keeping notes. The original pattern says to use an "I" hook, and I can't remember if I used "H" or "I" for the makeup cloths. So......the one above was an "H" hook with cotton yarn. I compared the two, and it appears I did use an "H" hook. Just in case you use the pattern.I did however, adjust the original pattern for a longer cloth, when I made the black makeup washcloths. I added a row. They are about 8 x 10 inches before washing/drying them.
The original pattern states they will be larger if you use the "I" hook.