Teachers see a much different dynamic in their classroom compared to 25 years ago, says Alison Delf-Timmerman, Treherne-based home economics teacher in the Prairie Spirit School Division and board member of Manitoba Association of Home Economists (MAHE).

Province promises long-overdue update of home economics curriculum

Curricula used to teach classes such as family studies and foods and nutrition in 
Manitoba schools has remained unchanged since the late 1980s

Manitoba home economists are applauding a provincial plan to give the home economics curriculum a long-overdue update. The current one is 25 years old, said Alison Delf-Timmerman, a board member of the Manitoba Association of Home Economists, which has been asking the province to freshen up the curriculum. “It definitely needs updating,” she said.“We’re very



artwork quilt

Rugs elevate bygone Prairie symbol

An exhibit of exquisite hooked art rugs by the Heritage Rug Hookers of Saskatoon on six-community tour of Manitoba

An art exhibit of the gone-but-not-forgotten Prairie grain elevator is helping revive a once common craft of Prairie homemakers, too. A collection of 40 hooked rugs, each depicting a grain elevator, is now on display in Carman. The collection — which has been displayed at about 20 galleries in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and, most recently Virden

Reena answers your questions

Dear Reena, Is there a way to remove perfume from clothing? My pedicurist doused my legs with fragrant oil and I am allergic to perfume. It won’t happen again, but in the meantime just washing my cords has not removed the odour. Flora Dear Flora, Soak your pants in either white vinegar (the smell of

Clean as you go

I admit it. I’m kind of a messy cook, but, in my defence, I can prepare food pretty quickly. But with my dark-coloured countertops, flour, sugar and other light-coloured ingredients show up much too well. Fingerprints magically appear on the stainless steel fridge and splatters of food materialize on the walls of the microwave. Everyone


More questions from readers

Dear Reena, We recently purchased some wicker baskets for our home. The problem is that they smell like cow manure! We are not able to keep them in the house. I have left them outside for a few weeks and they still smell. I tried Febreze also with no luck. What do you suggest to

Ideas for that unused attic

Attic or loft spaces are fun rooms to decorate, with their angled ceilings and unique layout. These same attributes, however, can also prove to be challenging when it comes to furniture placement and hanging art. The room in the photograph is a light and airy attic bedroom with a small office area. This would be

Tips and questions

Dear Reena, I just discovered a method for freezing peaches and it is a wonderful time and mess saver. This works the same way as freezing whole tomatoes and it is so easy! Just freeze the whole peach, with skin and all, and when it is time to use it, run it under hot water


From cleaning stippled ceilings to stoneware

Dear Reena, Our daughters are backpacking in Europe and they have asked us how to remove the smell from their microfibre towels. Washing them (likely by hand) is not doing the trick. — Thanks, Guy Guy, The first suggestion for the girls is to leave the towels on a line to dry after each use

Questions for Reena

Dear Reena, I have taken on a new hobby — growing popcorn in my garden! What is the best way to store popcorn so that it stays fresh? — Biannce Hi Biannce, Popcorn is a great treat year round. One of the advantages of growing it in your garden is that you can sample some