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, January 13, 2013

Frugal and Healthy Soup/Stew



It's the still-needing-a-name-soup/stew.

It turned out more of a stew than a soup.

I did not use any broth or stock either.  

Friday, January 11, 2013

A Peek At My Key Chain Collection


Keep in mind, that I have over 400 of them (the last time I counted)....also, some of these were gifted to me by family when they traveled, others are from my own traveling days.  And of course, some just caught my eye and I bought them. I started this collection when I was a young teenager.

Collections....Pens and Keychains

I can't say I really "collect" antiques, because I use all the antiques I do buy.  Except for my coffee pot collection.  I do use two of them when we go camping, so I am still considering options for the remainder of them (maybe turning them into plant pots).

Here is another pen in my "collection" of pens.  They kids bought me this one year.  It is a bit challenging to write with, and I tend to play with it more than write, but it's definitely different.  

I remember playing the game "Trouble" many times as a child.

P.S. I know a few followers asked to see more of my keychain collection, so I hope to get that posted soon. 

It's pouring down rain this morning, and the weather is to be up to the 60's tomorrow.

Thursday, January 10, 2013

Downsizing Our Vehicles ~ Smaller Paychecks


"Old Faithful" is finally repaired.   She needed a new water pump and heater core, among other small repairs.  

My son's car is at it's end.  His plan is to junk the entire car for cash.  He can put that cash towards a new one when he gets a job and can purchase one.

But in the meantime, he needs a way to get to work.  We are in the boonies, and a bicycle is in no way, an option.

So, he and and plan to share old "Eunice" until he can do that.

As we put our truck "Old Faithful" up for sale, we are sending the van back over for more repairs (again).  It's not been driven for a year now, and still needs a new battery (the plan is to keep the battery from my son's junked car).

Once those repairs are completed, it will be up for sale too.  We both agreed.

The sale of the truck and van, and eventually the Buick my son and will share, will buy us one new vehicle that I can drive, and be used for all the farm hauling - a truck.  

Or, we sell the van and car, and keep the truck for farm hauling - plan B.

Those are the plans anyway.   I still have another 16 year-old in training, and will need a car, but that will have to be put on the "wish" list for now.  

First things first....

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Ordinary Day and Fun Mail

My day was an ordinary day - feed/water animals, can jelly,  housework, laundry etc.  Until the mail arrived.

Carolyn at Krazo Acres surprised me with a jar of home canned Cider Jelly.  Thank you Carolyn!  That was a sweet surprise!

Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Monday, January 7, 2013

Summer List is Growing ~ Yet Another Blogspot Draft

I had to laugh at this draft.  I must of written it in about 2010 as well.  It pays to put things on a "wish" list or "to-do" list, as we now are nearing the completion of painting the cupboards.  We did not need to build the second coop, and never did replace the trash compactor.  The wood barn was cleaned, but the cupboard supports and chicken tractor projects are still un-finished.
 

1. Paint the kitchen cupboards white
2. Cut wood for cupboard supports for two cabinets
3. Do something about the hole that is left from the broken trash compactor
4. Finish cleaning the wood barn
5. Finish the chicken tractor
6. Rebuild the second coop
7. Clean gutters
8.