Question: I want a recipe for homemade salsa? Do I need to cook it before I serve it? — Britany
Answer: Salsa does not necessarily require cooking; however, uncooked salsa has more of a bite. If you choose not to cook salsa, you may want to caramelize the onions before adding them. In a blender, combine four chopped Roma tomatoes, one small onion, three sprigs of cilantro (optional), two jalapeño peppers, two garlic cloves, juice of two limes and a half-teaspoon of salt. Blend until desired texture is reached.
If you choose to cook salsa, allow it to simmer for 15-30 minutes until thickness appeals to you.
Question: I am helping my daughter and son-in-law paint their new house. Before I changed into my paint clothes, I got white paint on my denim skirt. Help! — Tam
Answer: Since the paint is more than six hours old, you will need to take aggressive action. In a ventilated area, soak the stain in methyl hydrate or paint thinner (found at your local hardware store — test on an inconspicuous area first). Leave for 24 hours and scrub. Next, soak the skirt in dish soap and water, rinse and wash as normal.
Question: Do you have any advice for cleaning the face of a wristwatch? I realize that most people have moved to relying solely on their cellphones, but I still like the dazzle of a watch. — Emily
Answer: Clear plastic items such as wristwatches, clocks and windshields deserve proper cleaning. Apply Brasso to a soft cloth and carefully wipe the items.
Question: What is the best way to remove ring around the collar on my husband’s work shirt? — Sharanjeet
Answer: Dirty neck rings on shirts and blouses can be cleaned using shampoo because shampoo is made with surfactants specifically created to clean away body oils. Scrub shirts the way you would your hair, wash as usual.
Question: What is a standard tip for a hairstylist? I always get my hair cut at Walmart and feel awkward about not knowing how much is acceptable. — Brent
Answer: The standard percentage on the total, before taxes, is between 15 and 20 per cent.
Helpful tips
On Sunday evening, I make up smoothie packs for the entire week. I take sealable bags and fill them with the contents of the smoothie for one serving — spinach, berries, yogurt, ground flax, milk or orange juice, etc. In the morning, I pour the contents into the blender. Instant healthy breakfast. — Adeline
A household solution I have found that has never failed to remove odours in all containers, jars, Tupperware, storage containers and even a deep freezer, is to stuff the container with crumpled newspaper, let the paper absorb the odour and remove. Also, to keep butter from sliding around on your butter dish, heat the dish with hot tap water, dry off and then put the butter stick on the dish and then into the refrigerator. It will melt just a little of the butter, which will freeze when put into the fridge. Doesn’t slide around when you are getting butter.
— Cameron
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: reena.ca. Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups; check out her website: reena.ca.
