Home-Ec Guest Ivy says: With gas prices going sky high, everyone wants to know how to save money on gas. There’s one simple solution, of course: drive less. I’ve seen that advice on myriad message boards, blogs, LJ communities, newspaper websites, etc, etc, etc. Ah, if it were only that simple. Most of us are already driving …
Dear Home Ec 101, I started my dishwasher the other night and went on with my evening. Later I smelled smoke and discovered that my darling daughter’s sippy cup lid was melted to the heating element in the dishwasher. It smelled so bad, you know that burnt plastic smell? Yuck! I pulled the lid off …
Ivy says: It’s been a recurring theme in my life lately- making changes in your life bit by bit instead of making a major change that may not stick. It really does work. I think we all have areas in our lives that we would like to change. Instead of a big sweeping change, work …
Ivy says: Since today is reader appreciation day, I thought an “ask the audience” would be appropriate here. What is your best cleaning tip? This could be anything from your never-fail stain removal method to the easiest way to get the kids to clean up after themselves. My tip ‘o’ the day is about keeping …
Our fabulous commenter Bramble asked: How exactly does one dust the wall? Do you dust the entire wall with a dust cloth? Do you wash it? Ivy says: This, of course, varies depending on how big your walls are and how dirty your walls are. My preferred method is to use a wool duster with …
This has been hard for me to write because I have a small house. My living room, family room, great room, or whatever you want to call it is my office, sewing room, dining room, etc. So the way I spring clean my living room wouldn’t necessarily be the same as yours. For example, I’m …
Ivy says: Picture it: Murfreesboro, Tennessee, 1997(ish). A beautiful young single mom is struggling, trying to make her way in the world and get through college and keep her young son fed and in preschool. Because she is so limited on time, she leans heavily on convenience foods and takeout. Unfortunately, she is also really …
Ivy says: I’ve been thinking lately about the difference between being frugal and being just plain cheap. I don’t mind being called frugal, or even a tightwad, but it rankles me to be called cheap. So, what’s the difference? Here’s a handy guide: A frugal person shops around for the best price on toilet paper …
Ivy says: Over at Money Saving Mom, there’s a very interesting question: This morning I was in Kroger taking advantages of the great sale they have going on now. Somehow there was a mistake with my coupons and I was overcharged by $2. I knew when I paid that something wasn’t right, but did not …
Dear Home Ec 101, I need a strong person to help me resolve to get rid of old shoes, belts, purses and scarves, even though I don’t use any of them. Some of the scarves and bags are really nice ones (if a little bit old lady-ish) inherited from my m-i-l. Some I bought in …