Heather and Ivy say: Go ahead and laugh, our inner twelve year olds are having a ball with today’s topic. All better? Of course, you could always become a vegetarian and save even more, theoretically. Ivy just spent $40 just on fruit the other day. Yum. Fruit. Anyway, here are some ways to stretch your …
Dear Home Ec 101, Here’s my dilemma –now that school is nearly out, it’s like a “Click and Clack” theoretical dilemma, but a month ago, it was the hot topic in the house. I know other people have wondered, too. So here it is. I didn’t really buy enough standard school attire outfits at the …
Dear Home Ec 101, The store had a fantastic sale on both drumsticks and chicken thighs. Now, I have a lot of chicken, but I need to make sure it’s not boring. Suggestions? Signed, Hen Pecked Heather says: The great thing about chicken is its mild flavor. With its fairly neutral taste, you can use …
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 …
Heather says: I just got in a few hours ago from Ivy and I’s first public appearance. We spoke at CREATE South and had a wonderful time. I would like to give Andre Pope the Home Ec 101 Seal of Approval for his BBQ and chicken bog. I will be spending this evening with my …
Heather says: While I am concentrating on food in this particular essay, the general sentiment can be applied to life in general. Secondly there are no special needs in my household, with the exception of an intolerance to red dye #40. If you are dealing with special needs, whether physical or psychological, I advise you …
Ivy says: Picture it: Murfreesboro, Tennessee, 1997(ish). A beautiful young single mom is struggling, trying to make her way in the world and get through college and keep her young son fed and in preschool. Because she is so limited on time, she leans heavily on convenience foods and takeout. Unfortunately, she is also really …
Ivy says: I’ve been thinking lately about the difference between being frugal and being just plain cheap. I don’t mind being called frugal, or even a tightwad, but it rankles me to be called cheap. So, what’s the difference? Here’s a handy guide: A frugal person shops around for the best price on toilet paper …
Dear Home-Ec 101, I use way too many paper towels and kitchen wipes. Part of the problem is that it drives me crazy to have to wash all the kitchen towels separately! Do I have to wash them separately, or can I wash them with everything else? Signed, Bounty-ful Ivy says: The paper towel and …