Get Ready, Here Comes 2009

Ivy says: Here it comes, 2009. And with the new year comes change. We all make resolutions and sometimes we manage to keep them, sometimes we break them within the first month. What are you resolving to do in the new year? My biggest one for myself is to manage my depression and not let …

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Heather’s Household Truths: The Holiday Edition

Heather says: Don’t ever think moving 1300 miles from family can stop them from dropping in unexpectedly. Until last night I lived comfortably with the thought that I’d always have several weeks notice to ensure the house was up to spec. Last night I came home from running errands to discover the in-laws had arrived. …

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Ask the Audience: Undecking the Halls

Heather says: Hey there, Home Eccers, I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. While we put off cleaning up the mess and trying to find homes for the new toys and knick knacks I’d like to know, when do you take down your lights and decorations? I like to wait the full 12 days of …

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Salmon with Rosemary and Lemon

Heather says: This method of baking is fast and simple. If you can fold foil around salmon, you’ve got it in the bag. If you don’t care for rosemary try dill, basil, or cracked black pepper.  As an added bonus, the rosemary makes for a fancy-schmancy picture, eh? Ingredients: Salmon olive oil salt lemon, sliced …

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Classic Fudge

Heather says: I recently found an old recipe for fudge, it wasn’t my own, as I have never truly enjoyed candy making. Thankfully the ingredients were simple and some research into the chemistry of fudge making gave me the tools to pass along this tasty and traditional version. In the near future I’ll post newer …

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The Love Post

Ivy says: Christmas time always makes me think back to times I’ve had with my friends and family and all the love I’ve been shown over the years- not just at Christmas, but during the entire year. So, this year I’m showing some love to my friends and some other people I greatly admire. First, …

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Sweets for the Season 2008: Gingersnaps Recipe

Heather says: This recipe makes cookies that are a nice balance between crispy and chewy. If you like your ’snaps to have a sharp bite add a little crystallized ginger and even a pinch of cayenne. This version is kid friendly, but also makes a nice base for turning up the heat. Ingredients: 3/4 cup …

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Make It In An Evening: Ninja Tutorial

retrochick.JPGIvy says:

Long has the debate raged about whether ninjas or pirates are cooler. I like them both, but sewing a ninja plushie is a whole lot easier than sewing a pirate plushie. Check this coolness out:

Completed ninjaAwesome, eh? This project is good for the beginner sewer, and could even be a good first project.

Time to make project:

As an intermediate sewer, this took me about 2 hours to make, not counting fabric shopping and general messing around.

Skills Emphasized:

These are skills you will use when making this project. It will help you learn:

  • Hand sewing
  • Button sewing
  • Machine sewing
  • Sewing curves
  • Sewing straight lines
  • Extremely simple pattern making
  • Stuffing a plush toy

Materials Needed:

This project is rated inexpensive. My cost of materials, gotten on sale, was $4. Material costs should not exceed $10, provided you have the common sewing supplies like a sewing machine and needles, etc.

  • 1/2 yard of fleece fabric
  • 1 piece of white felt
  • 2 buttons
  • Poly Fill stuffing
  • Thread, in black and white
  • Large piece of paper to make pattern (Newspaper end rolls are great for this)
  • Needle for hand sewing, medium sized
  • Scissors, or rotary cutter and rotary cutting mat
  • Sewing machine

Click the jump for the full tutorial:

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Sweets for the Season 2008: Sugar Cookies and Royal Icing

Heather says: It’s time for the age old Christmas classic, sugar cookies. I will be honest, royal icing is way too sweet for this salt loving gal, but it is indispensable for its gorgeous sheen. If you are not scared of a mess, let the kids get in on the decorating. There are tons of …

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Acetone and Furniture Do Not Mix

Dear Home Ec 101, My daughter spilled finger nail polish remover on her dresser.  What can I do to repair it?  Thanks. Signed, Acetone ACK! Heather says: There are a few options to make the best of the situation. First, we have the “disguise it and pretend it didn’t happen approach.” With this method, you …

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