How to Clean Microsuede Furniture

Dear Home Ec 101, I have tan microsuede dining room chairs and, with four children, you can imagine what they look like.  I’ve looked, but there isn’t a cleaning recommendation tag on them.  What is the best way to clean them? Signed, Dingy Diner Heather says: Oh I can imagine. I’ve given up on salvaging the …

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How to Choose Freezer Friendly Recipes

Dear Home Ec 101: My totally awesome, yet annoyingly prepared sister-in-law has just begun her 7th month of her first pregnancy and is in major nesting mode.  She emailed me last week looking for recipes that she can make now, freeze, and just reheat after the baby comes or as she puts it, ‘I won’t …

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Couch Cleaning Questions

Dear Home Ec 101, I have tile floors and a couch, this sounds normal enough, but the couch slips and slides all over the tile and drives me crazy. How do I stop the couch from sliding? And the cushions, don’t get me started on the cushions, why won’t they stay on my couch? While …

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How to Cook with Dried Beans

dried black eyed peas, kidney beans, split peas, and pinto beans on a black background

Dear Home Ec 101, I thought if anyone might have the answer to my questions about how to cook with dried beans, it would be you – I need a “definitive” guide to dealing with dried beans. So far, my Internet and even cookbook searches always yield really varied results.  Should I add salt? Vinegar? …

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Vinegar as a Dishwasher Rinse Aid

Dear Home Ec 101, Can white vinegar be used as a natural dishwasher rinse aid?  It seems that I remember reading that somewhere. White vinegar seems as though it would be more environmentally friendly and less expensive than the commercial dishwasher rinse aid products. Is there any harm in using white vinegar as a rinse …

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Join the Sunday Confessional 9/26/2010

Heather says: One would think I must be a highly organized person and one would be slightly off-base. Once my short-term memory starts to go, I’m going to be in big trouble. I have a hook near a door for my car keys, this usually works. Except when I forget to hang them. My wallet? …

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Site Admin and Retro Saturday 9/25/2010

Heather says: What could I possibly have to announce this week? Well the shirts will be in! (I’m nervous and excited and nervous) Watch the navigation bar for a new tab labelled Shop. I kept this order very small, as I’m a little bit of a chicken. If I run out of your size, just …

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