Stinging Nettle

I resurrected a blog draft from April of 2019.  The only thing in the draft was a photo of wild growing stinging nettle.  The only thing I can think, is maybe I was sharing what it looked like?

Always do your research before foraging for this weed.  You can also buddy up with someone who is familiar with foraging and learn that way too.

I know I dehydrated some in the past for teas, and did you know that if you blanch them, you can ice bath them and freeze them for eating in future meals?

You do need to have very thick protective gloves on to harvest this medicinal weed.  It's prickly spines will leave a nasty, itchy rash on you if you do not.  Just ask my husband.  He was mowing in shorts one time, and brushed against some growing here on the property.  I had to lather him in chickweed salve. Chickweed is another weed to talk about when it arrives this spring/summer.

I wrote up a post about how I made a tea infusion for hair and nail health.  I don't make the tea infusion as often as I did back then, but it is a nourishing tea with oat straw.  You can do your own research, but the post can be found HERE.

Stinging Nettle  © Feb 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Migraine Relief Possibilities

Resurrecting a blog draft from May 1, 2019.  I don't know how I let so many drafts get buried, but it come in handy for entertainment this winter.

Here is the draft posted, but with an update.

Migraines are not fun.  I've had about two in my lifetime, and they were terribly painful and nauseating.  Youngest Daughter seems to get them too often, so I'm trying to make sure she is hydrated, exercising etc.

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?

Notes from 2024:

I grew feverfew again successfully one year, dehydrated it for tea.  It has been said that it relieves not only a fever but a migraine.  It worked too.  I am now learning it can relieve joint pain (maybe a salve?).

What are you growing for medicinal reasons this coming spring?

Migraine Relief Possibilities © Feb 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

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.

Healthy breakfasts were prepared.  We decided that the next time I make this sweet potato hash, we prefer two eggs per serving.

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

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.

We will purchase a new smoke detector as well.

It is taking me more than one day to wash down all the walls in the hallway (it's wider and longer and part of it has a taller ceiling).  I have gone through several buckets of hot soapy water.  I'm more mindful about swatting any bug/spider on the wall now, or putting my hands on the door trim to take off my muck boots.

It's going to be all worth it, but time consuming over all.  Everything has to be washed first - doors/trims/walls.  I needed to prime everything other than the walls.  It's not an over night job for anyone.  

We have come to a small halt.  My husband is seeing a doctor about his back.  My elbow needs a break (it's still sore from my fall).  

We do need to eat, and have clean linens and laundry, so I'm catching up on that.  I have library books to pick up, that I have ignored, and one that I have not even looked at yet.  Bathrooms need cleaned, rugs washed, and windows cleaned in the kitchen.

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.

On the brighter side of all of this work, is that I have organized all of our painting supplies into one tote (and labeled the tote).  Aside from paint cans themselves, our supplies are all in one organized space (as it should be).

I hope your January of 2024 was successful, happy, memorable, and filled with living life (and not just work).

End of January © Jan 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

Little of This ~ Little of That

Brief post today.  

Busy, busy, busy. . . . 

Here is the next lap afghan on the hook.  My husband is calling it "Coffee and Cream" ha ha!  He said the "buff" color reminds him of his Dad's coffee when we would add cream.  I'm not in a hurry to finish this one.  

Colors:  Buff, (have no idea on the light blue as I have no label for the scrap yarn), Blue, Royal (Red Heart yarn).

Trips to buy supplies typically take away most of the hours we/I need for working on the winter project list.

We are finding it difficult to find supplies we need, and have yet to pick a paint color for the hallway.  We have more to do anyway.

Little of this ~ Little of That © Jan 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart

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.

My husband insisted on getting out to put my books in the little free library for me.  It was pouring down rain and snow (sleet).

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.

I spent one day running errands, and delivered 3 crocheted lap afghans and 3 jar openers to the senior center.  The folks that receive "meals on wheels" are offered a trivia contest, and one person/couple wins each month.  A basket of sorts is donated, and given to the winner(s).  Last year I donated one blanket, and this year I was able to get 3 finished.  It will provide for the trivia winners for 3 months.

I also took two bags of books to the thrift store.  

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 . . .

-laundry
-make a breakfast that will last a few days
-sweep and mop floors

-run dishwasher

-clean bathrooms, wash a rug in one

For the week:

-work on the upstairs flooring 

-continue priming/painting in the hallway (doors/windows)

-whittle away at blog drafts:  I apparently had grand intentions on some things that are not going to happen, ha ha!

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

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.

Colorful Cleaning Cloths ~ What to Make with Scrap Cotton Yarn © Jan 2024 by Kristina at Pioneer Woman at Heart