Question: What is the best technique to clean dusty old hand- painted Christmas ornaments? Tanya, Winnipeg
ANSWER: Carefully remove any stuck-on debris with a dry, soft, microfibre cloth and dust it lightly with a feather duster. Avoid water or cleaners under any circumstances or you will wipe away the paint and colour.
QUESTION: Can you please tell me how to get lipstick out of a white rabbit fur hat? Many thanks. Rick, Red River
ANSWER: Purchase a bottle of waterless hand cleaner, available at hardware stores. The beauty of this product is it does not require water (which would damage the fur) and it is made to cut through grease -- in other words lipstick. Test the waterless hand cleaner on an inconspicuous area first, before using it on the visible parts of your hat.
QUESTION: I hate the thought of wasting half an egg by throwing the yolk in the garbage. What can I do with the egg yolk besides throwing it out? Orolee, Brandon
ANSWER: Leftover egg yolks can be refrigerated for three or four days; you can also freeze them. To use, thaw in refrigerator and then mix well. They will keep in the freezer for up to three months. Use egg yolks to add to meatloaf or homemade mayonnaise, custard or pudding.
If you would rather not eat egg yolks, use them in homemade hair conditioners. Yolks have the ability to improve the softness of hair and to reduce the occurrence of frizz. Many people also use egg yolk hair conditioners to reduce hair loss. Egg yolks contain vitamin A, which is used in many skincare products designed to target acne. To use egg yolks as a mask, simply break up the yolks with a fork and spread over your face and neck (avoid eyes). Leave to dry and then rinse off with cool water.
Or feed egg yolks to your outdoor friends, simply boil them in water and throw them outside for birds, squirrels and chipmunks, or mix yolks with nuts or berries and zap them in the microwave for a few seconds before tossing them out the door.
Mason jar gifts
Forgot to buy a Christmas gift for that special someone? Here's help:
Flavoured garlic salt: On a piece of foil; combine 1 garlic clove and 1 teaspoon olive oil. Wrap the aluminum foil into a closed package. Place foil on a baking sheet and bake at 400 F for 35 mins. Cool and squeeze out the garlic clove. Stir together 1 cup salt with garlic flavoured oil. Place in oven safe dish. Bake at 200 F for 20 minutes. Use a fork to break up salt. Pour into a jar.
Easy garlic butter: In the microwave, melt 1/2 cup butter. Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp. dry basil, 1 tsp. dry oregano and 1/3 cup olive oil. Stir well, package in a little jar. Store in the fridge. Yields: 3/4 cup. Purchase a freshly baked baguette and put both the butter and bread into a gift bag.
-- Maurice
Peppermint candy body scrub: In the microwave melt 1 cup coconut oil (about 25 seconds). Add 10 drops peppermint essential oil. Stir in 2 cups plain white sugar. Mix and pour into a jar. You can also add red food coloring to half and layer in the jar. Finish with a bow or raffia.
--Celeste
Caffeine in a jar: My boss cannot function without coffee; morning, noon and night. Every year I pack him a little jar of caffeine for the holidays that includes fresh coffee beans, packages of flavoured creamers, chocolates, packages of sugar, a stir spoon and mints.
-- Raylene
Note: Every user assumes all risks of injury or damage resulting from the implementation of any suggestions in this column. Test all products on an inconspicuous area first.
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