Ivy says: I’ve been reminded several times over the past weeks that I have an “unusually old” grandmother. She’s 91 which is pretty old, alright. She was born in 1917, which means the changes she has seen in her lifetime are amazing. She was born into a household with no electricity or indoor plumbing. By … Read more
Heather says: If you are one of our American Home Eccers, you would have to live under a rock to not know that today is Election Day. This has been an incredibly long and often bitter race. All but the squabbling should end with the closing of the polls (much to my relief). I do … Read more
Ivy says: My inability to cook is legendary. Want a cake or a pie? I’m good at that- I can bake. But if you want some fried chicken, I am not your girl. That said, I have three kids and I’m on a budget. I have to cook. And in order to save money and … Read more
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. … Read more
Ivy says: The past year has been one of vast changes for me. Some have been beyond my control, like the death of my grandma. Others I have initiated, like my weight loss/exercise program. All of it reminds me of how people approach a pool that’s somewhat cold. Now, I like to swim in water … Read more
Heather says: Yesterday I monitored the news as the House of Representatives voted down an economic bailout package. Wall St.’s reaction was swift and concerning, but the reactions I saw through various social media platforms ran the gamut from logical and relevant to, “The sky is falling! The sky is falling and a piece of … Read more
Ivy says: Seriously, if one more person calls my house and just says “Where’s (someone that lives in my house)?”, I am going to scream. Or, “Is (whoever) there?” which is not exactly impolite, but it just drives me nuts. I’d like to say, “Yes.” and nothing else. I am HUUUUUGE on phone manners. I … Read more
Ivy says: This steps out of the Home Ec category a bit, but I thought it was important enough to put here. And, it does have to do with personal finances, so there is that. Recently a dear friend of mine emailed me about watching her mom work two jobs to help finance her adult … Read more
Ivy says: Hi. My name is Ivy Hogan and I am using anti-depressants. That might not sound like a shocking revelation- after all, I’ve read several posts in recent weeks decrying how many doctors overprescribe anti-depressants, and how, surely, all these people who are on anti-depressants don’t really need them. I, myself, fought being put … Read more
Ivy says: I’m back up on my soapbox, Home Eccers! Someone stop me! Or not, since my rants are (hopefully) your entertainment. Today’s issue: the “It’s not my fault” syndrome. Oh, Home Eccers. How this one bugs me to death. My 14 year old is going to kill me for posting about this, but he’s … Read more