QUESTION: Is there a trick to making tasty spaghetti sauce without making it from scratch? Wess, Russell
ANSWER: Yes. Here is the trick: Save about one cup of water from the cooked pasta. Strain the noodles as normal, you will notice that they are sticky (which is fine). Stir in the pasta sauce that you normal use along with pasta water and toss the noodles. This extra step adds flavour to the dish and loosens the noodles. Or if you want to keep the pasta sauce separate; in a pot add pasta water to the sauce and reduce the liquid on the stove.
QUESTION: I don't own a pressure washer. What is the best way for me to regularly clean my driveway? Tyrone, Portage la Prairie
ANSWER: Here are a few methods for effectively cleaning a concrete driveway. Combine water with dish soap. Scrub the driveway and rinse with water. Or 1 cup TSP (trisodium phosphate) to every gallon of water (use proper eyewear and gloves). Let soak for 15 minutes, then spray with hose. Or 50/50 chlorine bleach and water. Scrub with a stiff brush and rinse with water.
QUESTION: I have a red blob of candle wax on my wooden dining room table. How can I easily remove the wax? Mendall, Randolph
ANSWER: Place an ice cube onto the wax. Leave for three to four minutes. Use a credit card to lift the wax.
QUESTION: I have my mother's 80-year-old engagement ring made from platinum, plus eight diamonds. I had a repair done several years ago and now this repair has turned black. Is there anything that can be done to bring my mother's ring back to its beautiful sparkling condition? Blessings, Stella, Winnipeg
ANSWER: I am sure this is a precious heirloom and that's why I recommend you take the ring to a professional jeweler. Begin by questioning the jeweler on whether or not they have experience dealing with such a ring. Only leave the ring in the hands of someone with whom you have complete confidence.
QUESTION: A glob of glue was left on my carpet. How can I remove it? Dolores, Starbuck
ANSWER: You are going to need to remove the glue quickly! Heat the area with a hairdryer to soften the glue. Wipe it away with a rag soaked with vinegar, dish soap and water. If the glue remains, use a solvent to loosen the glue (test on an inconspicuous area first). If nothing removes the glue, you may need to carefully cut away the affected fibres. Some glue, such as a glue stick, glue is easy to remove with plain old water.
Tips of the Week
I make my own fantastic wrinkle cream. Peel and slice one-quarter avocado in a bowl. Add five drops almond or olive oil. Combine and apply to face. Leave for 10 minutes and rinse with warm water. Avocados are rich in anti-oxidants that regenerate the skin. Submitted by Esther
To keep area mats from sliding around, I stick a piece of Velcro to the floor and stick another onto the bottom of the carpet. Submitted by Kyah
When mosquitos bite me, I heat a metal spoon and press it onto the bite; I only do this on myself so I know it isn't too hot for my skin. It takes the itch away. Submitted by Franca
I don't like to use weed killer to rid my lawn of dandelions. I also don't like to dig them out by hand (too lazy). I walk around the yard and pull the head off of each dandelion, that way they don't reseed themselves. Submitted by Danny
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.
I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming. Need a presenter on the topics of effective speaking or the power of words? Check out: Reena.ca
