Home-Ec 101: Skills for Everyday Living

I have been a fan of Home Ec 101 for years.  Home-Ec 101 is a site dedicated to teaching a broad range of life skills to adults in a conversational and entertaining manner.  While I learned nearly everything I could ever need or want to know about keeping house from my own mother and grandmother, I still found it helpful to read Home Ec 101 and I have learned many tips and tricks from Heather and Ivy that I might never have known about before.  When I read regularly, I also find that it helps to keep me just a little more organized.  I find motivation there.  I *wish* I was a true modern retro housewife.  I strive to be close to that someday.  That's what originally appealed to me about Home Ec 101, the simple retro graphics on the page, they drew me in and the content kept me there.  Aside from being about to find anything and everything you ever wanted to know about about the domestic arts, I appreciate the light-hearted humor found there. 

When I received the opportunity to possibly review Heather Solo's new book, Home-Ec 101: Skills for Everyday Living through the One2One Network, I jumped on it.  Unfortunately I did not get selected to review the entire book, but they were kind enough to give me a sneak peek! 

I was able to read through chapter 20, which is titled "Meal Planning: Not Just for the Control Freaks."  They must be a little bit psychic over at One2One Network when they decided to send me that particular chapter, because oh boy, is that ever something I struggle with.  The chapter starts out talking about the 5:30 stare.  Yeah.  I know you know what I'm talking about.  When you realize it's 5:30 and you poke around in your kitchen opening cabinets and the fridge and/or freezer and just hoping that something jumps out at you and you're able to pull a full meal together in as little time as possible.  In my case, I usually have two little ones right behind me asking me what's for dinner and if they can have a snack (and the dog is usually right behind them, because hey, food!).

This chapter of Home-Ec 101: Skills for Everyday Living covers everything you might possibly need to know about forming the habit of meal planning.   It's informative, packed with tips and tricks, suggestions, recipes, as well as simple, down to earth ideas for weekly menus, and of course, the wit and humor that made me a fan of Home-Ec 101 in the first place.  I *love* that Heather writes like she is speaking directly to you.  She is in your kitchen, chatting you up and offering you guidance with this chapter, and I imagine the rest of the book is the same. I can't wait to get my hands on a copy. 

The perfect manual for college grads, newlyweds, all the way to the more seasoned homemakers, this book has something to offer everyone.  From the simplest how to's (ever meet a 20 year old who can't pre-heat an oven?) to how to be a fabulous host at your housewarming party, Heather offers practical, relevant advice for all ages. 



*I was provided with a digital copy of Chapter Twenty of Home-Ec 101: Skills for Everyday Living.  I received no other compensation, however I may be entered to win prizes from the One2One Network for posting this review.