The Pioneer Woman Hasn't Had a Day Off in 10 Years
Ree Drummond started her award-winning blog, The Pioneer Woman, back in 2006 to let her friends (and the internet world) in on her unconventional life on the farm—and turned it into a full-fledged business. With an online website, print magazine, television show, merchandise, and now an entire restaurant and shopping destination in Pawhuska, Oklahoma called The Mercantile, Drummond has a lot on her plate—and she knows it.
"If you care about your business, it's 24/7," Drummond told House Beautiful. "You don't leave the office, it's in bed with you, it gets up with you. I wouldn't have it any other way. If you have your own business, expect to stay committed and involved, day in and day out, even when you're on vacation."
Drummond said that she can't remember taking an entire day without dealing with at least some part of her business, whether it's calls or emails, for the last 10 years. She says that's the kind of sacrifice you make when running a business you care so deeply about.
And, of course, when you're passionate about what you do, the work is still work—but you tend to look forward to it more. Which means Drummond spends a serious amount of time in her kitchen. And makes her a key source to go to for uncovering the things you absolutely must have in yours to function at PW's level, even if you're not a food media mogul in the making.
At the very top of her list? It's something you probably don't own—but should: a flat, very sharp-edged spatula.
"It's technically a fish spatula, but I don't use it for fish," Drummond revealed. "It's the best thing ever—you can scrape the bottom of the skillet with it, you can deep-fry things and [use it to] pull it out and strain it. It's my favorite," she said. She's such a fan of this particular spatula that she has eight or nine of them stowed away in her kitchen.
While her array of flat, sharp-edged spatulas might seem like a collection to some, Drummond says that she actually collects vintage Jadeite from Fire King that was made back in the '40s and '50s.
"I went on an Ebay binge when I was in my late 20s and started collecting it," she said—and she actually uses it. "[It] breaks my sister's heart, because it's up in my cabinet with all of my other dinnerware," Drummond laughed. "I have some tucked away, but it's so durable. That's why it's still around."
While Jadeite might be a tad pricey for the average person, Drummond reveals her other kitchen must-haves—all of which are basic and simple, and relatively affordable. In terms of small appliances, she swears by a stand mixer and a food processor. Beyond that, "I need a good knife, a flat whisk, a great wooden spoon, and fine mesh strainers of every size," she said. "And a sharp edge spatula." Of course!
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