Question: Do you have a recipe for homemade laundry fabric softener? Dave
Answer: Here is an easy recipe using products you may already have on hand. Into an empty squeeze bottle, combine half a cup of your favourite hair conditioner with one cup of white vinegar and one cup of hot water. Gently stir. Add one quarter cup of homemade liquid fabric softener per wash load.
Question: I was wondering if you have a solution for removing Miracle Gro fertilizer stains that have dripped through pots and baskets onto concrete pavers. Our high-pressure washer doesn’t work. Your help would be greatly appreciated. Thank-you, Walter
Answer: Begin by pouring lemon juice onto the stained areas. Leave for five minutes and scrub with a stiff brush. Iron Out is a commercial product that has also proved successful, but test on an inconspicuous area first.
Question: Can you let me know why my roast beef shrinks so much after cooking and suggest a better way to cook it, so it doesn’t shrink?
Answer: The amount of shrinking depends on the type and cut of the meat. Generally, the leaner the cut, the less the meat will shrink; this is because leaner meats contain less water and fat. On average, a cut of meat will lose 20-25 per cent of its size during cooking. The longer you cook the beef, the more it will shrink. To reduce shrinkage, stew, braise or boil the meat.
Question: I cooked a turkey and used the drippings to make gravy. I poured the liquid from the roaster into a bowl and let it cool, and then I added flour and stirred it until it boiled. The gravy kept separating and would not thicken. Where did I go wrong? Sydney
Answer: There are many ways to successfully make gravy. I separate the fat from the drippings before adding flour or cornstarch. Pour the drippings into a cup or bowl and place it in the fridge. The fat will float to the top and become solid. Remove the solid fat from the liquid. In a pot, add flour or cornstarch to the liquid, and whisk. Heat and stir until the gravy thickens.
Question: How can I remove wax from winter gloves? Wanda
Answer: To remove wax from fabric, I’ve had success using an iron set on low to barely melt the wax. Sandwich the waxy fabric in between paper towels, and dab with the tip of the iron. The melted wax will be absorbed by the paper towel. Change paper towel often, and work slowly.
Inexpensive gifts to show you care
Personalized ornaments: Purchase glass or plastic ornaments then use a permanent marker to decoratively write the name of the recipient on the ornament. Write in pencil first to avoid mistakes. You can even create a collection with the names of every person in the family.
Photo gifts: A delightful gesture to show you put a lot of thought into the present. Take your favourite photo to a store where it can be transferred onto a gift such as a mousepad, mug, blanket or a canvas picture.
Repurposed furniture: Sand and stain or paint a chair, table or bench.
A variety of spices: Add spices to jars and creatively label each. Put the spices in a basket and wrap and decorate.
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. Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website: reena.ca.
info@reena.ca
