Dear Home-Ec 101, Everyone acts like dried beans are the end all. How do I get the beans in the bag to work like the beans in the can? I’ve soaked them overnight and they still aren’t like what I get out of a can. Am I legume challenged? Signed, Baffled Bostonian Heather says: …
Heather says: The next time you visit the grocery store explore the produce department. Somewhere in the vicinity you may find a shopping cart, bin, or shelf marked damaged or reduced for quick sale. This is a goldmine for frugal shoppers. Crisp and fresh produce is a necessity for salads, but cooked vegetables needn’t be …
Heather says: Here’s the Home-Ec101.com way of keeping things green. With rare exception, buying something new* is about the least green thing you can do. Please keep this in mind before you purchase the newest and greatest earth saving gadget. New items take energy to produce and transport. The items they replace consume energy or …
Heather says: Long time commenter Angela asked: This might be a silly question, but, do you stick to a budget also when doing these list? Besides the pantry staples, do you try to get everything else under a curtain amount? The menu and coordinating grocery lists I post on Home Ec 101 are written for …
Heather says: The children and I were very lucky this trip, most of our meals have been provided. This has been a very enjoyable experience, but tomorrow we return to reality and cooking. Typically the change of scenery is about all the splurge that fits our budget. To keep costs in line with our vacation …
Ivy says: I used to work with a guy that had a pretty serious drug problem. We had no idea, he had been working for us for a few years when one day he called in to work Luckily, my boss believed in the guy and helped him through his problems, making sure he went …
Dear Home Ec 101, When nothing goes wrong, our budget we have set works perfectly. But it seems like the littlest thing happens- we have to buy a new tire, we have to replace our refrigerator, whatever- and our budget is blown and we’re back to our old spendthrift ways. We do budget for emergencies, …
Heather says: Not all of these tips are suitable for every person, but they are a springboard to help readers find inspiration to tackle life in frugal ways. Every day we have a choice to “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.” General cleaning: Plain white vinegar, water, and elbow …
Dear Home Ec 101, I was given a whole bunch of glass canning jars and I was wondering if I could use them to freeze things like homemade stock? I don’t own a pressure canner, but don’t want these to go to waste. Signed, You Really Frost My Glass Heather says: Some canning jars are …
Heather says: We all have months where there is more month than paycheck. Here are five tips to help stretch a budget to reach the end of the month. Not all of these tips are feasible long term, but they can be a lifesaver in a pinch. Shop your pantry before the grocery store. Try …