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~

Friday, September 4, 2015

Operation "Garden" ~ Flower Seeds ~ Salsa Chicken

Last week, I told the kids it was "Operation Extreme Clean" and to not expect anything but cleaning the house.  This weekend?

"Operation Garden" if the weather cooperates.

I have officially started the gutting of the garden. The girls won't like me, but it needs to be worked on.  The barns may be next, so it's time to pull it all out.
 
It was very humid, and when I took my camera lens off yesterday, it immediately fogged up.  I have only gotten two hours out there, and much to do.  I only got 1/4 of the distance down the carrot row, beet row and green bean row.  I found many beets yet, and even carrots.  The carrots are no bigger than three inches in length (most are 2 inches or less), so I'm pulling them all out.  It will feed us a few meals, but won't be enough to freeze this year.  Some of the tops will go to Milo, our pet rabbit.


This is what all of the vegetable gardens look like.  Full of grass, thistle and various weeds.  Today the grass pulled easily, so I could find the dead plants to pull (or other surprises).  I am going to need to move my pea fence too, so that will determine where I plant my garlic next.  I can't move it to the south, because my asparagus is there.  I may move it completely to the new plot we are going to put in. 

 Lots and lots of weeds in those gardens.  Rain was due at 11am, so I stopped, but at noon, rain never arrived.  I should have worked another hour or two.

Thursday, September 3, 2015

Tidbits ~ Egg Dip

I spent part of my day cleaning out the refrigerator.   It was hot and humid, and a good day for laundry too.   I had to do some sewing, so I got that done as well.  

Although I felt better, I woke up at 3am with a killer sort throat.  I guess I'll be drinking hot ginger tea today.  I ran out of chamomile, but have fresh organic ginger on hand. 

The rain fell yesterday, so I may run out and start gutting the garden.  I got a text from Hubby to "stay out of the garden" but it needs started.  The girls can help this weekend, and get it done faster.

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Comfrey Poultice ~ Tidbits

This was my first time to actually use comfrey for anything.  You could call this a "pile to file" recipe too.  The first time I planted it (live plant vs. seed), it died.  This year I planted organic/non-gmo seeds and was successful.  This year however, I am making comfrey poultices to put in my freezer.


First, I grind the leaves in my food processor (worked better than my blender) with a touch of water.  Most recipes I found said to add flour to make the "paste."  I also read that chia seeds works well too.

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

365 Day Recipe Challenge? Collard Frittata ~ Frog in the House


I think I have enough new recipes to challenge myself into trying a new one every day.  For a year. Sigh....

Guess what I found?  More recipes.  


I pulled my favorite crock pot cookbook off the cookbook stand to clean, and found a few recipes held together with a clothespin.  Top one looks like it may be good too.  Well, I guess meal planning won't be so difficult this fall.

As for that collard frittata recipe?

Sunday, August 30, 2015

Wine Journal ~ Journal Junkie

This journal junkie has yet another journal to share.  I had to blow the dust off of this one.  I had so much trouble removing wine labels that I put this journal away for years.

I was talking to my sister-in-law, and found out she has one, and has these nifty label removers.  I went in search for some, and gave them a whirl.

Saturday, August 29, 2015

Friday, August 28, 2015

Extreme Clean ~ Stocking Up

Who knew what could be lurking in my desk drawer?  Ha ha!  Remember these?  Go ahead.  I dare you to clean out one drawer today, ha ha!

Cleaning has been prosperous.