Ivy says: My mom always told me it’s more important to give than receive. I dunno, when I was a kid receiving seemed a lot better than giving, but as I get older, I realize just what an excellent thing giving really is. If you go to church, it’s easy to tithe and trust that …
Dear Home Ec 101, How can I make my husband help around the house? Signed, Nags Head, NC Heather says: I moved out quite young and lived with an interesting variety of roommates until I married. Different people have different standards of cleanliness and tolerance. If you are the Felix of your relationship, odds are …
Ivy says: Last night Mr. Ivy was in a car accident. Don’t worry, dear readers, he wasn’t hurt and our car wasn’t hurt very badly either. He was stopped at a stoplight and a gentleman driving a trailer with big lawnmowers on it turned left right behind him and clipped the back end of Mr. …
Heather says: This classic pairs well with sandwiches and meals that call Spring and Summer to mind. In its most basic form, the recipe here, it’s low cost and low effort. There are many variations on this recipe, feel free to share yours in the comments. Ingredients: 2 cups coarsely shredded carrot 1/2 cup raisins …
Ivy says: Here’s something I struggle with that I bet our fabulous readers have ideas about! I get invited to go out a lot with my various local friends. The problem? I can’t really afford to go out as much as I’m invited out. I know I’m lucky to have that many friends that want …
It’s Retro Saturday where we post a blast from the Home Ec 101 past. Dear Home Ec 101, I have cave crickets in my house. These things are nasty. Luckily, the cats make sure they are quickly turned into cave cricket carcasses. I’m wondering, though, if this indicates a problem of some kind with the …
Heather says: My family enjoys this simple dish, it goes well with most standard chicken recipes. Oddly enough, my kids who are not overly fond of peas do not mind their presence. Get the printable shopping list. Ingredients 1 TBSP butter 1 small onion diced 1 cup uncooked long grain rice 2 cups chicken stock …
Heather says: Trent at The Simple Dollar has a simply fantastic post on the frugal mindset and where it can lead. In his example he begins with making his own laundry detergent and through many steps and compounded interest by end of the story there are thousands in the savings account. His point is valid …
Ivy says: With gas prices going sky high, everyone wants to know how to save money on gas. There’s one simple solution, of course: drive less. I’ve seen that advice on myriad message boards, blogs, LJ communities, newspaper websites, etc, etc, etc. Ah, if it were only that simple. Most of us are already driving …
Dear Home Ec 101, My husband and I recently moved into a new home….one in which the previous owner clearly had never heard of cleaning the shower. I tried using “Kaboom” on the tiles and glass doors, but it seemed to have no effect. The scum on the doors is truly gross. We have relatively …