Heather says: Food prices fluctuate all the time. How can the average American (sorry Canada and Europe, I don’t have a frame of reference for you) estimate what they will be spending on food from month to month? The USDA publishes a monthly food price index based on four spending levels: Thrifty, Low-Cost, Moderate, and … Read more
Heather says: Let’s kick this off by making the FTC and other officials happy. I was sent a Bissell® Steam and Sweep Hard Floor unit for the purposes of review. Bissell has also provided a second unit which will be given away by random drawing to a reader of Home-Ec101.com at the end of this post. … Read more
Dear Home Ec 101, What exactly does thread count mean? If I’m buying sheets is it true that I should buy the highest thread count I can? Signed, Threadhead Heather says: This is the non-technical explanation. I could start throwing around words like warp and weft, but there’s no need just to get the general … Read more
Dear Home Ec 101, I am a 25 years old mother. My daughter just started her terrible twos and I need some me time. A great way for me to relax is to curl up on the sofa once she is asleep, light some candles and put my iPod on. It helps me relax. But … Read more
Dear Home Ec 101, Lately I’ve noticed a greasy ring around the top of my machine, a Whirlpool Ultimate Care II which is a top loader. I know my clothes are *clean* but the washing machine grosses me out. I have tried scrubbing with vinegar, but it came back. Onto problem #2, which is connected. … Read more
Heather says: Some of you may have noticed that there has been a change in the formula of your Automatic Dishwashing Detergent, others may have just picked up a new box as usual, without paying much attention. Sixteen states including: Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, … Read more
Dear Home Ec 101, I’m moving to Virginia in about a month, and in my visits I discovered a wonderful little farm nearby that sells free-range, organic chickens. But, the only way to buy them is whole and frozen. Generally, that’s wonderful! I love cooking with whole chicken. But, there are only going to be … Read more
Dear Home-Ec 101, I’m completely lost when it comes to freezing food. I know this is a great way to have meals on hand, but once it’s in the freezer I don’t know what to do with it. Just last night I made too much enchilada filling. So I made an extra pan, covered it in foil … Read more
Heather says: I may be the last to know about online audio book rentals through the library. It’s a parenting sin to admit this, but I hate, loathe, despise, and dread taking my children to the library. Well, not my stepdaughter, but in this scenario she doesn’t count, being above the age of reason and … Read more
I’m still on the road, hanging out in Minnesota. The lovely Louise Baker offered to guest post and I gratefully accepted. Enjoy! It’s important to know when you’re moving into a new rental home or apartment, your landlord carries insurance only on his building. It’s up to you to insure anything inside by purchasing renters … Read more