Home-Ec Guest Ivy says: Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at Heather and I- we balance each other out nearly perfectly. When I’m struggling or overly busy or sick or whatever, Heather’s doing well and picks up my slack. When Heather’s struggling, I’m doing fine. Sometimes we’re both doing fine at the same time, even. It’s pretty rare that …
Ivy says: I cleaned out my fridge yesterday, right on schedule. Some commenters asked for before and after pictures, and I’m glad to oblige! I’ll give you some tips on how I clean out my refrigerator as well. The first thing I do is fill a bucket with lukewarm water and either a cleaning product …
Ivy says: Now that summer is in full swing, and I usually have more time to get things done because now I have helpers who are normally in school. So, I’m doing a project a week to get my house into shape! You can follow along as I do the projects and do them with …
Ivy says: I am slowly recovering from the plague a sinus infection, so this is a catching-up, of sorts. First, we have this link from reader Kathy T– “Test Your Grime IQ.” I’m guessing I’m pretty smart- I missed only one. And I’d like to protest that one, at that. 😉 The next thing on …
Dear Home Ec 101, Ugh. Now that it’s June, the flies have taken over. I can hardly sit outside because when I do, the flies keep biting me and it hurts!! I also have a few flies inside that don’t bite. Why do the flies outside bite and why don’t the inside flies bite? Also, …
Dear Heather and Ivy, What’s all the hoopla about these new-fangled light bulbs? Can I use them in any lamp / fixture that I have? How much do they cost? Will they really save me money? What makes them different than the bulbs I’m using now? Signed, In the dark Ivy says: Ah, CFLs vs. …
Ivy says: For some people when it comes to eating, presentation is everything. I must admit that there are some foods I’ve been hesitant to try because they look so gross. A good example is soft shelled crab. Oh, man, that looks so nasty, but it tastes sooooo good. Another thing is chicken bog. It’s …
Dear Home Ec 101, I was getting my car fixed today, and I managed to get oil on my pants, somehow. What can I use to get my pants clean? Signed, Oily Residude Ivy says: When I used to work at an auto repair shop, I managed to get oil on myself constantly. I learned …
Ivy says: A few things for your consideration this morning. First, frequent commenter Alice and I have been exchanging emails back and forth, and we’re talking about starting a Home Ec Club. While reading my grandma’s diary, I read about a Home Ec club she was involved in that sounded like something really awesome. This …
Ivy says: In case you have been living under a rock, prices are going up and wages are staying the same or going down. I’ve read so many newspaper articles announcing this, that I could use those articles to wallpaper my entire house, and I would still have enough to use for (very, very scratchy) …