Ivy says: One might call me frugal; one might even call me cheap, especially when it comes to certain things. For example, I’ve needed new underwear for the longest time. It took Mr. Ivy begging me to spend some money and buy some underwear to get me to buy any. And even then, I bought …
Dear Home Ec 101, My husband loves it when I make mac & cheese from scratch, but so far I’ve yet to find a recipe that I like. It always just seems bland. The thing is, I don’t think it was the recipes, I think maybe it’s the cheese I’m using. I get a large …
Ivy says: When I first started sewing, my mom gave me her ancient (okay, 1970s, which is about the same age as I am and I totally feel justified in calling ancient) sewing machine and bought herself a new, fabulous machine. Although it’s pretty old, it’s solid, and is a total workhorse. It has served …
Ivy says: Let me tell you, Home Eccers…I love you all equally, but some are a little more “equal” than others. 😉 One of those Home Eccers I love a little more equally is the fabulous Jay of Triple Venti. He writes in today to give us this important piece of information: I thought this …
Dear Home Ec 101, I have a wee problem, and you’re the only people I could think of to ask for advice. We just moved into a new house; we’re renting, but the place didn’t come with appliances. Given the fact that we’re currently getting by with a shelfless mini-fridge, an electric kettle and a …
Heather says: We are swimming in apple cider at my house. While almost everyone I know enjoys hot cider simmered with cinnamon, my children were rather unimpressed. I refuse to drink the entire gallon solo. Rather than letting it go to waste I began experimenting. Monday morning we tried apple cinnamon oatmeal, substituting 1/2 of …
Dear Home Ec 101, I am perplexed. I have never had a good answer to the question: how should I dispose of cooking grease (that is, grease from hamburger, bacon, etc.)? I’ve used several methods, but it’s all pretty disgusting and probably not environmentally friendly. I’ve poured it off into old glass containers and tossed …
Dear Home Ec 101, I received a duck down comforter as a gift last Christmas. The tag says to have it taken to the dry cleaners, but not only would it be a pain, it wouldn’t be easy on the wallet. Now, I love my comforter. But I’m so terrified to wash it on my …
Ivy says: Even the best budgeters may have trouble making ends meet with this down market. I am continually surprised with fluctuating prices. What is costing me more this week was less expensive last week. If it’s not gas, it’s produce. Or the kids’ school is raising prices on milk. Or something. It’s always something. …
Dear Home Ec 101, Would you post about how you cook cabbage? That’s something I never cook… is it cheap and healthy? Thanks! Signed, Cravin’ the Cruciferous Heather says: Yes, cabbage when purchased in season, is both cheap and healthy. It is a great source of both vitamin C and fiber. Here in North America …