Ivy says: When I worked as a professional maid, sometimes the boss would come into a house we had just cleaned and would do what she called “the white glove test.” She’d wear a white pair of gloves and check areas we were supposed to have cleaned, and if so much as a smudge appeared …
Ivy says: Imagine my surprise when, after I posted this post about pet hair on the furniture, a representative from the Furminator contacted me and asked me if I’d like one to review and one to give away! Why yes, yes I would. The Fed Ex man (who, incidentally, is not as cute as Mr. …
Ivy says: Now, not the REAL spousal abuse. That’s a very serious subject, that I’m not intending to poke fun of. But “Taking your spouse WAY out of their comfort zone” was too long for the subject line. So, a couple of weeks ago I was at the bank and from across the room, I …
Ivy says: I’m back up on my soapbox, Home Eccers! Someone stop me! Or not, since my rants are (hopefully) your entertainment. Today’s issue: the “It’s not my fault” syndrome. Oh, Home Eccers. How this one bugs me to death. My 14 year old is going to kill me for posting about this, but he’s …
Dear Home Ec 101, My cats seem to drop enough fur to make a few new cats on my furniture every day. It’s ridiculous. How can I both prevent this and keep my furniture fur-free? Thanks, Fuzz Butt Ivy says: There are several things you can do to help keep the pet hair at bay. …
Ivy says: Oh, Home Eccers. Heather’s on the road for the next couple of weeks, and today I’m so sick that Mr. Ivy actually stayed home to take care of me. But the posting must go on, so here’s a little guide to keeping illness from making the rounds in your house. I wish I …
Dear Home Ec 101, I live in an apartment, and my kitchen is open to the living room like in most apartments. The house always has a remnant cooking smell even when I keep all the doors and windows open. My carpet, couch and everything smell. It is a little embarrassing when i have company. …
Ivy says: It’s Wednesday, y’all. Let’s play a game and forget it’s the middle of the week. Tell me, what are your favorite and least favorite household chores? Sure, I’ll go first. My least favorite list could go on forever, so I’ll cut it down to two. I hate, and I mean really, really haaaaate …
Dear Home Ec 101, I accidentally spilled some candle wax on my favorite pair of jeans. What should I do to get it out? Signed, Waxy Buildup Ivy says: This is actually a fairly simple fix. First, scrape off any excess with a butter knife. Then all you need to do is take a warm iron …
Ivy says: I remember reading Amy Dacyzyn’s book The Tightwad Gazette many years ago. Amy herself had said people were tee heeing at her about what would happen when her kids turned into teenagers and started wanting name brand clothing and such. I tee heed myself, since my mom was never one to care much …