Heather says: I’ve touched on this before, but I think this is a fun little reminder. Just because something is all natural doesn’t mean it is healthy or even safe. Below is an A – Z listing of perfectly natural things. Arsenic Botulism Crocus (Autumn) Daffodils Elderberry roots Fox Glove Hyacinth Ivy, poison Jimson Weed …
Dear Home-Ec 101, The toilet, in my bathroom is constantly making noise. It sounds like water is always running. Is there any way to turn that off? Signed, For the Love of Pete, Someone Jiggle the Handle Already! Heather says: There are a few things that can go wrong inside the tank of a toilet …
Questions for Home Ec 101 show up in the strangest places. Sometimes I’m minding my own business on Skype and they pop out of nowhere. This conversation has been re-enacted with permission, the name was changed to protect the innocent. MarshaMarshaMarsha: Sometimes I hate living out in the country. One of the of the kids …
Brian says: Let’s face it: we all love any chance to leave our places of work to catch some fresh air and go out for lunch. But in this topsy-turvy economy, people are being more compelled to make and take their own lunches. When it comes to this, there are some rules to follow to …
This post is part of the Home Ec 101 series on emergency preparedness. Heather says: Keep a charcoal grill for emergencies. Sounds simple enough, but what if you’ve never used one? A charcoal grill is for outdoor use only. Got that? Outdoor only. Every time there is a hurricane or ice storm, someone hurts themselves or …
Heather says: Home Economics is a big topic, and it covers a broad range of life skills and life styles. While I tend to write from the female point of view, life skills are gender neutral. Home Ec 101 is a little over three years old, the tone and topic are set and it’s time …
Heather says: One of the best things about summer is my stepdaughter gets to spend more than a quick visit. Aside from all the other positive things, it’s nice to have a willing sous chef. Last week a miscommunication on my part lead to an unexpected, but excellent new salad. In addition to the fried …
Heather says: Frequently I’m asked, “Heather, what cookware do you recommend?” I find it a difficult question to answer. I have my set I’ve used for years to which I’ve slowly been adding a few enameled cast-iron pieces, and of course I have experience with restaurant grade equipment. At this time I don’t have a large …
Dear Home Ec 101, I have a serious problem with the old lady, musty laundry smell. I keep my sleeping bag, electric blanket and my baby blanket in a chest at the foot of my bed. Since these are all seasonal items, they quickly get musty in my chest (which isn’t cedar). I’ve tried potpourri, …
Heather says: I found this a few months ago via Andre Pope. South Carolina’s youngest Certified Senior BBQ Judge, naturally. It’s quite silly, but gives a good overview of the many kinds of BBQ out there. I will admit to never having been brave enough to try it Alabama style and yes, when I’m through, …