My daughter and I spend a lot of time at our favorite place – the library. About a month ago we were perusing the aisles, and I happened upon The Prairie Girl's Guide to Life: How to Sew a Sampler Quilt and 49 Other Pioneer Projects for the Modern Girl by Jennifer Worick. Little did I know that this book was also featured by the editor in Country Living magazine and that it was pretty popular. I'm never in the know (mommy sigh).
Subtitled "How to Sew a Sampler Quilt and 49 Other Pioneer Projects for the Modern Girl", I instantly wanted to accomplish everything between its pages from the braided rug to the natural insect repellent. I decided to begin with the furniture oil, since I already had the ingredients in my kitchen cabinets. Just like a true pioneer gal, right?
Furniture Oil
Spray bottle (preferably glass)
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup lemon juice
clean cloths
First, sterilize your spray bottle by cleaning it with soap and water and then dipping it into a hot water bath. Pour the olive oil and lemon juice into the bottle. Shake gently before each use. Spray onto a clean cloth until slightly damp and polish furniture using circular motions. Store in a cool, dark place when not in use.
Kelly Buddenhagen won't deceive you – she doesn't regularly polish her furniture but will lick her finger and wipe off the smudges before company comes (okay, I clean, promise). Visit her at The Barefoot Mama for more on living well inside and out.
Furniture Oil from page 137-8 of The Prairie Girl's Guide to Life, Jennifer Worick, 2007
Cover photo from Barnes and Noble.

Hey there! I'm so glad you are enjoying the book. I've got a follow-up on gift-giving in Fall 09. Meanwhile, feel free to check out my blog at jenniferworick.blogspot.com or my website at jenniferworick.com!