Ivy says: I have been using online banking to help me with my budgeting for years now. My bank now offers something called “My Portfolio” where I can see how much money I have been spending in certain categories. I know I could do this in Quicken or MS Money, but I’ve been remiss and …
Heather says: On relaxing less harried mornings, double a batch of pancakes or waffles for quick reheating on busy mornings. Flash freeze by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freezing and then place the pancakes or waffles in freezer bags.* Alternately, if a baking sheet won’t fit in your freezer. Freeze …
Typically, you should be vacuuming your refrigerator coils twice a year with your spring and fall cleaning. Vacuuming the refrigerator coils not only extends the life of your refrigerator, but it helps save electricity because a dusty fridge has to work harder. If you have pets, you should vacuum more often- the more pets, the …
Heather says: It is blueberry season here in South Carolina. Unfortunately, a frost on Easter wiped out most of the crop. Many U-pick farms were not open this year and I had to drive a respectable distance to find a source for this year’s produce. Taking advantage of local produce in season not only favorably …
Dear Home-Ec 101, To save money, I have started incorporating a lot of dried beans into my diet. Unfortunately, I’ve been experiencing lots of, um, gastrointestinal distress. To put it bluntly, my gas is very embarrassing. I don’t want to take beano, are there any other ways to combat this? Thanks, Gina in Gaston Ivy …
Dear Home Ec 101: I live in Georgia and each year we have a bumper crop of Vidalia onions. For part of the year they are super cheap, I would like to take advantage of this. Can I freeze them or will they get watery? ~Fearfully Frugal in Fitzgerald Heather says: Wipe your eyes my …
Heather says: I use my oven to fry bacon. The thick cut bacon our family prefers takes between 12 and 15 minutes at 425°F. Even if I only need a few pieces I fry an entire cookie sheet, rather than waste electricity. The extras I drain, then wrap loosely in a papertowel and store either …
Dear Home-Ec 101, Help! I need a system for bills. I need to get them paid on time and not lose them once they enter my home! Signed, In the dark Ivy says: Paying bills is a pain in the behind, but it’s even worse if you don’t have a good system. For years, there …
Heather says: Tired of plain tuna salad sandwiches for lunch? Try substituting cream cheese for half or all of the mayonnaise. Add crunch with diced celery or pickles. Add more protein for pennies with a diced hard boiled egg. Bored with dill? Try a pinch of basil. Really want to liven it up? Tuna melts …
Heather says:
While it is true that thighs and drumsticks often go on sale, nothing in my opinion beats a whole chicken for the price. However, it is not every day that I’m in the mood for roast chicken or its planned overs.
So, when whole chickens go on sale and I am feeling particularly industrious, I cut them up myself. All you need is a sharp knife and a willingness to get your hands dirty.
Out of respect for the squeamish and vegetarians, all raw poultry pictures will be after the jump.