Ivy says: Southern Beale brings us the news that Peg Bracken, author of the “I Hate To Cook Book”, has passed away: I was surprised and saddened to read Peg Bracken’s obituary in yesterday’s New York Times. Peg Bracken wrote the “I Hate To Cook Book,” a huge bestseller that became a staple in the …
Dear Home Ec 101: My dishwasher just isn’t doing as great a job anymore. I haven’t changed anything: same soap, I scrape the plates, I still use a rinsing agent. What could be going on? Signed, My Dishwasher is a Dud Heather says: Did you know your dishwasher requires regular maintenance to provide consistently clean …
Ivy says: I have several great posts to point out to you guys today! Check it: You know you want some cheap date ideas! Go on over to the Frugal Law Student to check them out. Kacie at Sense To Save has a great post on keeping your heating bill down to a semi-reasonable level. …
Heather says: Our governor has asked South Carolinians to conserve water as nearly every county has been upgraded to severe drought conditions. I know, at least in our household that conservation is more likely to be practiced if it isn’t painful. For our part we’ll be: Taking bootcamp style showers and the boys will bathe …
Heather says: I was folding laundry the other morning and had a realization. In the course of a month I can typically escape at least once to buy a book or have lunch by myself. Yet, I can never seem to find time or money to buy myself decent underwear. In truth they are just …
Dear Home-Ec 101 Goddesses, Help! I have a fancy party Saturday night, and this is the first time I’ll have been all duded up in years. I bought makeup today. Can you give me a crash course in applying eyeshadow? Signed, I Ain’t Girly Ivy says: Let me just warn you ahead of time that …
Heather says: Mesh bags, such as those onions are sold in, make great pot scrubbers. Be sure to snip off any metal fasteners before using them on your good pots.
How to Roast Vegetables Roasting vegetables is a simple way to bring out the flavor. I like to mix it up and use vegetables such as: turnips, carrots, parsnips, zucchini, and yellow squash. For extra flavor, I’ll slice an onion into wedges and add a garlic clove or two. Preheat the oven to 425°F, …
Dear Home Ec 101:My husband and I both grew up in homes where the father worked, and the mother largely stayed home and attended to all of the household duties. We both work and sometimes have a hard time agreeing on who should be doing which chores, how often, and how well. I tend to …
Heather says: Once a week I try to serve a completely kid friendly meal. One of their favorite side dishes is absurdly simple and is still healthier than hitting the golden arches. Ranch Potato Wedges 4 medium potatoes 2 tsp olive oil 1* – 2 TBSP ranch seasoning *We like ours lightly seasoned. Preheat the …