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, February 25, 2015

The Freeze ~ Homemade Shaving Cream

Temperatures plummeted (again).  Apparently, we are breaking all sorts of records for February.  Good thing I cleaned the coop when it was up in the 20's.  Even so, they didn't want to leave the barn.  Every bit of grass is covered by ice, snow, iced and snow again.

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

Crocheted Scrap Yarn Rug

When I said I would make the next yarn rug with all my leftover scraps, I really meant it.  I dug through all my totes and used up what I had.  If it didn't have enough yarn on the ball to go across one time, it was rolled up and put into a bag with even smaller scraps of yarn (to use for other projects).

Monday, February 23, 2015

Updates

I am really enjoying the new way I have organized my sunglasses (and a pair of safety glasses, which was not on this when I photographed it):

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Typewriter Tidbits

While the snow came down yesterday, I put my crocheting down to log in some writing hours.

I managed to send off my contest entry, revise one short article, and brain storm for three or four more new ones.

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Sunshine to Snow

Although we had frigid temps here, the sun shined brightly all day long.  That is always a huge bonus.


However, the white stuff returned.  I just want to dial up Mother Nature and put in my order.  If it was that easy, right?

At least the animals can go about their business and not freeze their paws.

Friday, February 20, 2015

Home Canned Potatoes ~ On the Wild Side


We were to get a low of an actual temperature of -15°F last night, but it we may have hit -17.  We were told the wind chill could be as cold as -23°F last night.  

Okay, okay.  I retract on saying I wanted this month to slow down so I can meet goals.  It can speed right back up and pass on by.  I'm so ready to get out of "dodge" right now.

Almost every school closed today, so I actually slept in this morning.  I decided to make blueberry pancakes for breakfast. 

Yesterday I had to open my bill paying folder.

Thursday, February 19, 2015

The most random yet....Homemade Slaw Dressing ~ Homemade Celery Salt


I revamped the family favorite broccoli salad yesterday.  The original recipe calls for Marzetti Slaw Dressing.  

I looked up the ingredients in the slaw dressing and the first ingredient is soybean oil (many salad dressings contain this).  It also contains "corn-cider vinegar."

INGREDIENTS: SOYBEAN OIL, SUGAR, CORN-CIDER VINEGAR, WATER, EGG YOLK, SALT, MUSTARD SEED, XANTHAN GUM, ROSEMARY EXTRACT.
Contains Egg.
- See more at: http://www.marzetti.com/products/product/3/208/marzetti-original-slaw-dressing#sthash.VJ9fSV9Z.dpuf
INGREDIENTS: SOYBEAN OIL, SUGAR, CORN-CIDER VINEGAR, WATER, EGG YOLK, SALT, MUSTARD SEED, XANTHAN GUM, ROSEMARY EXTRACT.
Contains Egg.
- See more at: http://www.marzetti.com/products/product/3/208/marzetti-original-slaw-dressing#sthash.VJ9fSV9Z.dpuf



We already use an organic/non-gmo safflower mayo, so that part was easy.  Making it ourselves, also cuts our cost.  I used