Home-Ec Guest Ivy says: Ah, Thanksgiving is tomorrow and we’ll have lots of tasty food to eat. Or will we? I’m not cooking, so it’s bound to be at least somewhat good, but certain foods are just not my cup of tea. What are the worst Thanksgiving foods? My money’s on cranberry mousse, green bean casserole, and …
Dear Home-Ec 101, Could I throw a plastic shower curtain in the washing machine? Mine’s really dirty and needs to be washed, but it’s too cold to take it outside and wash it like I have before. Thanks, Bummed in Buffalo Ivy says: Short answer: yes. I usually use a warm water cycle and I …
Ivy says: I have struggled with the proper way to set the table my entire life. I finally learned what order to put the knife, fork, and spoon in when my dad said to set the table alphabetically. In other words- fork (plate), knife, spoon. Prior to that tip, I’d just slap down the silverware …
Dear Home-Ec 101, What is the best way to clean infant toys? Signed, Stink, Rattle & Roll Ivy says: When cleaning toys that are going to go into a baby’s mouth (which is everything baby gets her hands on), you want to go with cleaning products that are both natural and safe. I have two …
Ivy says: I was going to do two Thanksgiving centerpieces for you guys, but I couldn’t. I still may get my act together and be able to get another centerpiece in for the big day, but I think this one is really cute and it’s easily done with kids. It took about a 45 minutes …
Ivy says: Okay, now that I’ve told you my kitchen disaster story, I want to hear yours! Blog or email me your kitchen disaster story. I’ll pick the best story and the winner will receive a $45 gift certificate to Outback Steakhouse. Everyone who participates will get some Home-Ec 101 link love (provided you blog …
Ivy says: More Americans travel for Thanksgiving than for any other holiday. So here are some handy holiday travel trips! If you’re driving: Plan to take lots of breaks. Kids just can’t sit still as long as adults can. (Well, most adults. I don’t think I’ve seen Heather sit still while awake for more than …
Ivy says: Here’s a craft you can do with your kids to get ready for Thanksgiving. Make place cards for the people who will be at your table come Turkey Day. You can either print some out (I like these) or you can cut the cards out of cardstock and have the kids draw them. …
Ivy says: I remember when I was in college, I didn’t feel like I had time or energy to deal with cleaning, so my house was constantly messy. My mom was constantly on me about making sure my house was clean. I’d get depressed for long stretches of time, and she told me if I’d …
Ivy says: Who would have imagined that I would be so knowledgeable about killing things? We had a couple of commenters wondering how to get rid of various pests, and your Auntie Ivy is at your service. First, commenter Denise wanted to know how to get rid of fire ants. I had a terrible problem …