Question: With the restrictions in place, I can’t purchase the air fresheners I usually buy. What can I do to keep my house smelling fresh? Louisa
Answer: Pour handfuls of fresh coffee grounds inside socks, close with an elastic band and store the socks in a variety of rooms in your home. Coffee is a great odour absorber. Or sprinkle either tea tree oil, lavender, cinnamon, rosewood or orange essentials oils onto cotton balls, and distribute. Or shave a fragrant bar of soap into slivers and store them in a bowl. Light fragrant candles such as soy blueberry or cinnamon (this is only a temporary fix). Always put soy candles in a container as they will spread when they melt. You can also light my absolute favourite; a collection of beeswax candles. Or make your own air freshener with vinegar or water and 15 drops of your favourite essential oil such as cinnamon, orange or grapefruit.
Question: Every time I purchase a set of drinking glasses, they end up looking foggy and dirty. I have tried to scrub off the cloudiness, but after they dry, they are foggy again. Help! Brendan
Answer: I have experienced the same challenge with etched glasses, for years. Recently, I learned the best solution for reducing etching on glasses: purchase better quality glasses, and the challenge will be significantly reduced. It seems that etching happens less, on thicker, higher quality glass. I bought better quality cups, and they don’t etch, at all. If you still encounter etching, heat vinegar and soak the glasses in the hot vinegar and then gently rub the surface with fine 000 sandpaper. You can also soak the glasses in hot water and citric acid (available at your local pharmacy, you may need to order it). Another technique is to hold the glass over the mouth of a steaming kettle and polish it quickly with a paper coffee filter. If the etching remains, the condition is permanent.
Question: How can I prevent sandwich meat from rotting before my family has a chance to eat it? Emily
Answer: Tossing food, is never easy on the budget. Purchase sandwich meat, and section it into portions. Place divided portions into freezer containers. Freeze portions and remove from freezer as needed. To defrost, place the meat on a tea towel inside the fridge to absorb the water as it melts.
Question: How can I quickly coat a large amount of chicken wings with BBQ sauce before I grill them? Charlie
Answer: Oh now, you’re making me hungry! Pour your favourite barbeque sauce into a plastic sealable container. Add uncooked chicken wings. Close the container and shake until all pieces are coated. Grill on medium for 10 minutes per side or until juices run clear.
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.
