Dear Home Ec 101, I’m not always great about making sure my towels get dried the same day they are washed. This leads to them smelling like mildew. Will the smell go away? Can I do anything to make it go away? Or did I just ruin all my towels? Signed, Mildewed in Minneapolis Heather … Read more
Dear Home-Ec 101, I love, love, love my sweaters! I anxiously await the autumn weather so I can wear them again. When I dry them in the dryer (even without heat) they get beat up and often the seam (especially where a turtle-neck is attached) will begin to unravel and fray. I have attempted hanging … Read more
Heather says: Last night all four of my burners were full. There was gumbo and etouffee, collard greens and oil to fry beignets, but I forgot the plain rice. My stepfather commented something along the lines of just microwave it. I must have given him a funny look in between turning beignets. I figured what … Read more
Heather says: Just yesterday, I was checking out some of my usual suspects on the blogging circuit when I stumbled upon a post at Musings of a Housewife. Jo-Lynne was lamenting only having bolar roasts left from her bulk beef purchase. I had never heard of a bolar roast so I did some internet sleuthing. … Read more
Heather says: Quick Apple Dip 1 TBSP creamy peanut butter 2 TBSP vanilla yogurt Stir and serve with sliced apples. Feel free to jazz it up and sprinkle on all kinds of evil delicious, just don’t try to pretend it’s healthy. Ideas include: granola, chocolate chips, coconut It doesn’t take kids too long to realize … Read more
Heather says: If you have a recliner or Lazy-Boy style couch, there is a chance that it has two or three pieces bolted to a frame. If your kid catches a stomach virus or your pet has an accident, this can be incredibly helpful. Turn the couch so the back is resting on the floor and … Read more
Heather says: Did you know the package directions for oatmeal (rolled oats) used to include directions for soaking? Eventually these directions were removed as it’s not critical if your goal is to have hot, edible cereal and many consumers are only interested in convenience. Soaked oats give an entirely different character to your morning breakfast … Read more
Heather says: Remember last week’s Put Your Crap Away? It’s about as close to a magic pill as a person can find. If you work outside the home, it won’t be as intensive a process. Get ready to go a few minutes early. Then just before you leave, take a walk through the main living area. … Read more
Heather says: Builders and contractors don’t always use common sense when planning the layout of a home’s heating and cooling duct work. Sometimes the grille, or vent cover, is right in the middle of a wall. Even though I frequently run the soft brush attachment over the grille and occasionally spray it off with the … Read more
Heather says: We learn these tricks the hard way so you don’t have to. When given a gift card* immediately put it in a safe place. Don’t assume you’ll get to use it in the near future. This way when the magical I-get-to-leave-the-house-and-enjoy-my-gift-card-in-peace day actually arrives, you don’t have to spend half the day looking … Read more