Question: Can you please suggest an effective way to clean bathroom grout? Best, Lu
Answer: Purchase a handy little piece of pumice stone. Pour some dish soap onto the pumice stone and wet it, then lightly scrub the grout; looks wonderful. Next spray isopropyl alcohol onto the grout to prevent mildew from growing and discolouring the grout (keep away from small children). Another option is to make a paste of borax and water, scrub grout with an old toothbrush.
Question: My driveway always looks messy because the gravel shifts and moves onto the grass. What can I do to make my driveway look properly manicured? Keith
Answer: Consider the look of a resin driveway where a base layer is placed on the driveway, and then a layer of resin is applied, with the gravel and stones simply laid over the resin, so that they stick to it. Once the resin has dried, any loose stones and gravel can be swept away and cleared, the driveway will be easy to maintain, and looks great.
Question: I read in your column about the person asking about separating eggs for meringue. I baked ameringue pie last week, and it was a flop. The crust was wet and tasted like crystalized sugar, it was not edible. Where did I go wrong? Linda
Answer: I’ve been in your shoes before, and so I can say with confidence that the pie was underbaked. Therefore, too much liquid remained in the meringue, which caused the foam to collapse and the excess liquid to seep out. Make sure that the meringue is completely baked, it should look smooth, shiny, partially brown, and crisp.
Honing Halloween
If you plan to carve your pumpkin two or three days before Halloween, lightly smear petroleum jelly on the cut edges.
To lengthen the life of your carved pumpkin, spray with water and wrap in plastic wrap, store in fridge when not in use.
Create the smell of Halloween spice. On the bottom of the pumpkin lid sprinkle a half-teaspoon of each of the following: cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice. Once the pumpkin is lit, it will create a wonderful seasonal scent.
Get creative! Illuminate your jack-o-lantern with a multicolour, changing battery-powered LED bulb.
Spooky seeds
Pumpkin seeds are necessary at this time of year. Hollow out a pumpkin, remove and clean about two cups of seeds. Toss seeds in one quarter cup melted butter, half a teaspoon of garlic salt and one quarter teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Spread onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 250 F for about 45 minutes or until lightly browned. Store in an airtight container. — Jaclyn
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 to reenanerbas@outlook.com
