Ivy says: My inability to cook is legendary. Want a cake or a pie? I’m good at that- I can bake. But if you want some fried chicken, I am not your girl. That said, I have three kids and I’m on a budget. I have to cook. And in order to save money and …
Ivy says: Yesterday Mr. Ivy made a divine potato soup for lunch. It was thick and creamy and rich and fabulous. And no, you can’t have the recipe, because he won’t even give the recipe to me. But there was cheese and celery and fabulous and win in there, I can tell you that much. …
Dear Home Ec 101, I am perplexed. I have never had a good answer to the question: how should I dispose of cooking grease (that is, grease from hamburger, bacon, etc.)? I’ve used several methods, but it’s all pretty disgusting and probably not environmentally friendly. I’ve poured it off into old glass containers and tossed …
Dear Home Ec 101, I received a duck down comforter as a gift last Christmas. The tag says to have it taken to the dry cleaners, but not only would it be a pain, it wouldn’t be easy on the wallet. Now, I love my comforter. But I’m so terrified to wash it on my …
Ivy says: My latest in bathroom reading has been a book of household hints from 1970. Some of the hints are useful, some of them are truly amusing in their datedness, some of them are perplexing. Something that really struck me was this quote: “There is no point in embroidering or buying a ‘Welcome’ mat …
Ivy says: Even the best budgeters may have trouble making ends meet with this down market. I am continually surprised with fluctuating prices. What is costing me more this week was less expensive last week. If it’s not gas, it’s produce. Or the kids’ school is raising prices on milk. Or something. It’s always something. …
Ivy says: I’m skipping church today for a much better reason than I did several weeks ago. Several weeks ago, the excuse was, no clean underwear. And I didn’t think I could go to church commando. My mom calls that, “ox in the ditch” time. I call that “Home Ec 101 Seal of Disapproval” time. …
Ivy says: It’s been awhile since we had a good, rousing debate about householdy stuff. Now, we all know by now that using fabric softener on things like towels causes them to lose absorbency, but what about everything else? Do you use fabric softener? Or what about dryer sheets? Or maybe just some vinegar in …
Dear Home Ec 101, For a few weeks I’ve occasionally noticed a musty smell. At first I thought it was something in my house, but I couldn’t ever pin it down. I finally realized it was my favorite pair of jeans! I think they sat too long in washer, but I’ve washed them several times …
Dear Home Ec 101, I was hoping you could help me with a cleaning problem I have been having lately. I can’t get my floors clean! No matter if I wash the floor on my hands and knees or if I use a mop, there’s still a dirt residue that will not go away. I …