Question: As gardening season approaches, I am thinking ahead to previous challenges. The problem is that my garden cucumbers always taste bitter. Do you have any solutions to get rid of the bitter flavour? Thanks, Meg
Answer: This old trick works on bitter garden and store-bought cucumbers. Cut the end off the cucumber. Use the detached piece to rub the exposed cucumber end. The cucumber releases a white foam. Repeat the process at the other end of the cucumber. Peel and cut as usual, and no more bitter taste. Another option is to select a different type of cucumber seed or produce.
Extra cucumber tip: Make a refreshing summer facial spa mask. Blend together in a food processor one peeled and chopped cucumber, half a cup plain yogurt and one tablespoon milk powder. Smooth this mixture over your face to cleanse and close skin pores. Leave for 10 minutes and rinse with cool water.
Question: I wear rubber gloves for doing dishes. I buy them at the dollar store. Over the years I have accumulated dozens of gloves for the right hand and thrown away dozens of gloves for the left hand. I’m left-handed and find it’s that hand that gets the pokes and holes from knives and other sharp items during dishwashing. I’ve tried to think of how I can repair the small hole in the rubber glove, to no avail. Thanks, Bethany
Answer: Although there is no effective way to fix torn rubber gloves, if you always wear out one rubber glove, start saving all the good gloves and by turning half of them inside out you will gain a few extra pairs, or cut good fingertips off one pair of torn rubber gloves and put them into torn glove fingertips to reinforce them.
Also, consider alternative uses for rubber gloves.
Cut them into circles — they make great non-slip grips for everything such as a stuck jar lid.
Cut the fingers off a torn rubber glove and slip them over your mop and broom handles — that way when you lean them against the wall, they don’t slide or create marks on the wall.
Cover chair feet with the finger of rubber gloves to protect floors.
Cut off the index finger piece from the torn rubber glove to create an ideal sheath for your finger to sort through a stack of papers.
Cornstarch is a star
Sparkling windows: Clean windows as normal, then put cornstarch in a pail with water (enough to soak a cloth), wipe the windows and dry with a clean cloth. It really works — I’ve tried it myself.
Avoid athlete’s foot: Sprinkle cornstarch on feet and in your shoes to absorb moisture, deodorize and reduce friction.
Water-free dog bath: Sprinkle cornstarch onto fur and rub vigorously. Brush your dog. The cornstarch will absorb dirt and oils from your dog’s fur. This works on human hair as well.
Grease remover: Sprinkle cornstarch onto fabric and leave for a few hours. Wash with heavy-duty detergent and water. Make sure grease spot is gone before transferring fabric to the dryer.
Body powder: Put a couple of drops of perfume into a sealable bag with two cups cornstarch. Shake and apply to face or body.
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.
Have a great suggestion or tip? Please send an email at: info@reena.ca. Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website: reena.ca.
