QUESTION: Spring is finally here! What is the best hummingbird feeder to purchase?
— Marc
Answer: You do not need to spend a lot on a hummingbird feeder; choose one that is cheap and easy to clean. The choice boils down to personal preference. The bottle design often holds more food but the saucer design makes it easier for the birds to perch. To increase your chances of attracting hummingbirds, hang at least three feeders in your yard and locate one of them slightly out of sight of the other two.
Question: How can I open a pop can after the tab has broken in half?
— Stephanie
Answer: Lay a teaspoon face down on the hole. Position the tip of the spoon against the edge of the hole. Carefully push the head of the spoon downward. The tab will drop into the hole and open the can.
Extra tip: Save those pop can tabs! A quick Internet search will inform you of organizations throughout Manitoba that are currently collecting pop tabs as a way of helping to provide wheelchairs to families.
Question: I have arthritis and have difficulty opening pill bottles. Any suggestions as to how I can make this process easier?
— Myra
Answer: There are gadgets available on the market to help with opening pill bottles. When it comes to prescription medication it is wise to ask your pharmacist (when you drop off a prescription) to dispense medicine into an easier to open bottle. Having someone organize pills into labelled containers can reduce a lot of the headache of opening bottles daily.
Question: Our dishwasher is eight years old and does a terrible job cleaning dishes. We are in the market for a new dishwasher; what should we look for to get the best bang for our buck?
— Linda
Answer: Choose a dishwasher within your price range. Some of the less expensive models are just as good as the more expensive and often come with features that many people do not use. Choose a dishwasher with the Energy Star designation, you will end up with a dishwasher that is smarter on water consumption and more energy-efficient. Look for a dishwasher that matches your decor, is quiet and is designed to hold your dishes. When purchasing a dishwasher, it is a good idea to bring some of your bowls and cups to see how they fit. Measure before you buy, especially if you renovated your kitchen and have stone countertops. Select a dishwasher that meets your needs and ask yourself whether you want a cutlery tray on the side, top or door. Are you looking for adjustable racks or is that a feature that you will not use? Lastly, poll friends, family and colleagues; find out what they like about their dishwasher.
Get your barbecue ready
• Inspect your barbecue to make sure no animals made their home inside.
• Clean the outside from top to bottom using wet rags, dish soap and water.
• No one wants to eat food off dirty dishes. Use a scrub brush to tackle the grills.
• Inspect the hoses and connections, they should be secure and in good shape.
• While the barbecue is off, clean your grill with the use of an onion, which is its own disinfectant. Slice an onion in half and use it to rub the grill to clean it.
• Prevent fish from sticking to the grill by placing the fish on slices of lemons.
• Add an ice cube to the top of your burger while grilling to give it that extra-juicy flavor.
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.
Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website: reena.ca. Ask a question or share a tip at reena.ca.
