Question: How can I remove a decal on a painted Gyproc wall? It looks like it’s been there a while, and someone tried to remove it previously. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks. D.M.
Answer: Your best chance of success requires heat. Begin by wetting the decal with dish soap and water. Hold a low setting hair dryer, towards the wall, so that the glue softens. Gently pick up one edge and hold the heat under the sticker, slowly peel the sticker. Rubbing alcohol applied under the sticker will also help release the glue. Some damage may occur; work slowly so that the paint stays intact.
Question: Love your column! I would like to know how to keep the dust down when I have a small area to sand on drywall? Thank you. Flo
Answer: Reduce drywall dust during a sanding project by covering up as much furniture, floor and wall as possible with plastic sheets. Secure a drywall sanding attachment to a shop vacuum. The vacuum sucks up much of the dust, which reduces it from spreading around your home. If you do not have access to an industrial vacuum, you might consider dampening the area with a sponge before sanding; however, this requires practice, and the results are not as appealing as dry sanding.
Question: Can you please provide me with a recipe for an easy homemade Caesar salad dressing? Delores
Answer: Into a bowl combine two minced garlic cloves, 5 ml (1 tsp) anchovy paste (optional), 30 ml (two tbsp) lemon juice, 5 ml (one tsp) Dijon mustard, 5 ml (one tsp) Worcestershire sauce, 240 ml (one cup) mayonnaise, 64 g (1/2 cup) grated parmesan cheese, 1.25 ml (1/4 tsp.) each of salt, and pepper. Add more salt to taste. Store in fridge for up to two weeks.
Sticky Situations
Re: Stuck Jar Lid
A colleague passed along this tip, which has rarely failed me. Place a wide rubber band (the kind mail carriers use or the ones that hold veggies such as asparagus in bundles) around the lid, then try to unscrew it. Works almost every time. Brian
Re: Rice Sticking to the Pot
One way to prevent rice from sticking to the pot is to cook it in the microwave. For one cup of rice, add two cups of water. Season and cook in the microwave on HIGH for 15 minutes, or until water is absorbed, with no sticky mess. If you prefer to cook rice on the stove, rinse the rice before you boil it (until the water becomes fairly clear). Add a little oil or butter to the pot. For 210 grams (one uncooked cup) of rice, add 710ml (three cups) of water, simmer for 15 minutes. You’ll get perfect rice every time. Sandra
Tips of the Week
Add a few dashes of white or cider vinegar to the water in which you boil ham. It will draw out some of the salty taste and improve the flavour.
Soak fish in vinegar and water before cooking. You will end up with whiter, less “fishy” tasting fish. Use 30ml (two tbsp) of white vinegar per 946 ml (one quart) of water and allow fish fillets to soak for 20 mins. before cooking.
Add 5 ml (one tsp) white vinegar to pie dough to reduce sugary sweetness and bring out the flavour in desserts such as pecan pie.
If homemade soup is too salty, add 5 ml (one tsp) each white vinegar and sugar and reheat.
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
