Ivy says: Today in the “How to live on less” series, let’s talk about repurposing items. This is a lesson learned from our Depression-era moms and grandmoms. The idea is to take items that have been used for one thing, and turn it into something else. This can be as simple as using a (washed …
Dear Home Ec 101, I lost my job due to downsizing. The economy is so bad that I had a hard time finding a new job, and when I finally did find a new job, it was with less pay and fewer benefits. I’ve run up my credit cards and I owe a fortune. I …
Dear Home Ec 101, Is there a trick to not supergluing the lid onto the superglue tube? They have a tendency to turn into a one-time-use product! Signed, ~Stuck on You Heather says: There actually is a very simple solution for this problem. Coat the threads of the cap with petroleum jelly. Super glue is …
Ivy says: I wish I could remember where I read this tip, so I could properly credit it. If you originally wrote about this on your blog, please let me know so I can link you. Anyway, to stretch your laundry detergent a bit further, when it is nearly empty, add some vinegar, shake up …
Ivy says: I need to preface this by saying I was an assistant manager for an auto repair shop for over 3 years. So I really do know what I’m talking about, I promise. Many lists I have seen on how to save money include changing the oil on your car yourself as a way …
Ivy says: Since I wasn’t cooking Christmas dinner, Christmas Eve dinner, or any other dinner over the Christmas 4 day weekend extravaganza, I didn’t bother to take on my least favorite chore. I mean, I had enough to do, why bother with grocery shopping? I managed to put it off until this morning. I looked …
Dear Home Ec 101, A friend and I were talking earlier today. She is a big fan of doubling casseroles and freezing half for later. I was telling her that I don’t because I usually freeze my meat before cooking it and you can’t refreeze meat. She said that as long as you cook it …
Ivy says: Inspired by this thread on LiveJournal, let me repeat with all the clarity and force I have in my typing fingers: RENT-TO-OWN IS NEVER A GOOD DEAL. I don’t care if your washing machine broke. I don’t care if you don’t have a television. And I especially don’t care if you don’t have …
Heather says: The first time I heard this, I assumed the person was off their rocker, but I tried it years ago. Have you ever noticed that coffee tastes better when your server pours from a height? Try it, but please practice with cold water until you are quite sure you have the method down. …
Heather says: It is time to use ’em or lose ’em. Here are some guidelines, and recipes for using up Thanksgiving leftovers. Substitute turkey in any of the chicken recipes below. Turkey should be frozen or used within 2 – 6 days. Frozen cooked turkey should be used within 2 months and should be cooked …