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~

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

Self Care Day ~ Donation Drop Off Day

I finally got up to the "Big City" and got a hair cut and hair treatment.  Next self care day may be a manicure.  Just depends on outdoor work progress.  

I also filled the cab of the truck with boxes, which were donated to a re-sale store that helps area businesses, and is run by a church.  The crafting supplies I don't use anymore were donated to a business that helps patients with recovery of addiction/mental health issues.  I also donated them an adult Halloween costume.  They were asking for them and I had (of course I did, ha ha!) a prairie woman dress with apron and bonnet).

Another friend is stopping by to pick up two camping meal cookbooks I don't use anymore.  Feels great to get the house cleaned out, but we still have a few things to deal with in the living room.

I have another stack to deliver soon too.  One pile is hand crocheted lap afghans and a wind chime, that will be donated to a home where my husband's sister lived for years (assisted living).  The other is a stack of serving trays to another family member on my husband's side.


My hand crocheted hair clips are nicely displayed and sold at the hair station at the salon where Daughter E works.  The display was only around $14.00 too.  I forgot to take a photo of it to show you all.  I'll be selling ear warmers there as well.  I just need to take inventory on colors I have made.

I found a future fall craft show, and they said they would be "in touch" but no one has contacted me.  It may be a year of no craft show sadly.

Monday, October 3, 2022

Sweet Chili Sauce update and camping

 I forgot to mention, I baked a sheet pan chicken dinner with brussel sprouts and carrots when Daughter E visited.  We cracked open a jar of the sweet chili sauce I canned this year, and it was very good.  In fact, we enjoyed it on the veggies as well. 


We took our first, and possibly the last, camping trip this year.  We met up with friends and had the best time ever.

It's back to reality and garden/house work.


Friday, September 30, 2022

This and That

 


I had overly ripe bananas, so banana bread was baked with some mini chocolate chips in it.  Good thing I did too, as Daughter E stopped out and was hungry.


I created a watermelon ornament for a future craft show, and decided to make lemon and orange slices too.  I am also wondering how many to make?




I created this key hair clip per a special request.  She is a real estate agent, and I think it turned out super cute.

We are starting to get very cool nights now.  I'm so far behind in putting the garden to bed for the winter.  I feel like we are being slammed with all sorts of things that need fixed, repaired, lack of supplies in stores, expensive parts.....stress at my husband's work....sigh....

On another note, I am still filling boxes to move the living room items to other rooms.  In the process I am filling boxes for donations as well.

Thursday, September 29, 2022

Green Onion/Parsley Pesto ~ Bell Peppers

 




I made 2 batches of green onion pesto, and froze it for winter.  I took advantage of the herb garden before winter weather takes over it.



I also froze, what may be the last, of the bell peppers in the vegetable garden.  I most likely will be pulling those plants soon.

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

This and That

 I'm still freezing jalapenos.  I got one tray done yesterday, but got very side tracked.  I had our handy man here working on the camper water heater, Daughter K was coming over to pick up some things, and I spent most of the day emptying out our breakfast bar (in the living room). 

I was thankful Daughter K came over with her boyfriend.  They took a few things off my hands that we did not need/use.  

The Florida weather situation, has our weather wacky.  Yesterday we had a sudden rain storm, that came with hail.  Praying for all in Florida right now, as we have family in FL, and in GA.

I think I am the only one I've talked to, that has refrained from turning on the heat.  It's definitely been chilly at night.

I feel like this is the time of year where so much needs to be done, but I think it's because we have to do the repairs as well.  I still have a still of "stock it up" to check off in all the midst of everything else.

In clearing the living room (where everything from the kitchen ended up for that project), I found two boxes that had stuff from my computer area.  Sigh...how in the world did I have that much "stuff" in that area? It's on the to-do list.

I am not sure if I will freeze pie crust crumbles this year.  We don't eat a pie ourselves, and have way less get togethers.  Not sure I will need them.  I may cut the recipe in half and do a portion.  I'm just not sure yet.

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

New Cookbook and chit chat

 

A new to me (used) cookbook, because I clearly only know how to cook for an army.  Hope it helps teach me to small batch cook.  I am so used to cooking largely, that we get way too many leftovers.

Tomato plants and stakes are all out and stored.  I have more to yank in other areas, but wanted to get some more work done in the living room.

I emptied and moved a bookshelf out of the living room, to another room for now.  That job took some time. 

I had to make a breakfast as well, which ended up being French toast, sausage patties and scrambled eggs.  We should be good for a few days.  I had to pre-set the coffee, and pack my husband's meals and fruit.  He's still getting up very early.

I found out our local school is taking donations for a fundraiser.  I have boxes of stuff that can go (rummage donations), and I have someone coming to pick up 3 serving trays I no longer use.  So happy to get more out, but more furniture needs moved.  


Remember the pickled carrots I grated and pickled?  We added them to tacos last week and they were very good on them.  We also grilled burgers last night and put the carrots on that (husband's idea).


Monday, September 26, 2022

This and That

 It's been a bit rough at our homestead.  My husband has not been sleeping well.  The plant is shut down, and calls keep coming in.  Thank you for all your prayers for these two young men.  If I remember correctly, one brother was 32 and the other 34.  Both had children, both married, and the wife to the younger brother is pregnant and due in May of next year.  Now I am not sleeping well either, as my husband will be working there until retirement.


It's been raining, and more rain, wind and cold weather today.  We joked about me going out to work in the garden, but both retracted quickly when I reminded him of my boots getting stuck in the mud.  Putting the garden to bed has once again been halted.


Not enough jalapenos for cowboy candy and not enough of a mix of the other hot peppers for jelly.  Hm.  I know I will freeze some and some will be included in the menu this week.