QUESTION: I read every one of your articles and I have learned so much. Here is a problem that I have not seen addressed.
I have purchased flower and plant markers from a garden store in Winnipeg. They are made of etched zinc. I also purchased their carbon pencil. When a plant passes on and I want to reuse the marker, I cannot erase the carbon writing to rewrite another plant name. Can you help me? I have tried WD40, rubbing alcohol and diesel fuel. None of this works.
Sometimes, I rub too hard and the marker becomes so shiny that writing will not adhere to this surface. I really do not want to throw them out and purchase another 50 markers. Thank you for any response. Gail (Gimli)
ANSWER: I am assuming that you have tried to erase the writing with an eraser. Next, spray the area with mosquito repellent. Leave for one minute and gently scrub. Or wipe marker with Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. If that does not do the trick, you may want to consider applying sticker labels to the plant markers.
Extra Tidbit: For anyone looking to purchase plant markers here is an alternative idea: Write the plant names in permanent ink on discarded venetian blinds (vinyl) cut to length for plant markers. These can be picked up at self-help stores for next to nothing.
QUESTION: How can you tell if waterless cleaner is actually killing germs? Would you ever recommend making waterless hand-cleaner? Norman (Grunthal)
ANSWER: The FDA states that in order for a waterless hand-cleaner to effectively kill germs, it must contain at least 60-per-cent alcohol. If the bottle does not indicate the alcohol content of the cleaner you can make your own 'Peppermint Hand Sanitizer' by combining: half-cup Aloe Vera gel, three-quarter cup rubbing alcohol and half-teaspoon peppermint essential oil. Mix and store in a spray bottle.
QUESTION: How would I go about stiffening the rim of a paper braid floppy hat? Thanks. Betty (Winnipeg)
ANSWER: It's possible to stiffen your hat by steaming it thoroughly and allowing the hat to cool; this is due to the nature of the stiffening agent used in hat making. The stiffener will soften when hot but re-bonds and hardens when cooled. Worst case scenario; spray the hat with starch and let dry.
QUESTION: My son is a sports fanatic and often ventures off on long road trips with his team. They make very few pit-stops along the way. Do you have an idea of what I can put water in that would be large and keep him hydrated for those long drives? Thermoses never seem like they are large enough. Brenday (Pinawa)
ANSWER: Here is a suggestion that will hydrate him for hours. Thoroughly wash an empty one-gallon milk jug. Fill the jug half-full with ice and water. Refrigerate the jug until he is ready to leave; this will last him a long time. Or fill the jug almost to the top with water and freeze until he is ready to leave. As the ice melts, he drinks.
QUESTION: I used to shop in a store that bagged my groceries but the store has now made revisions and no longer bags my food so I am stuck doing it myself. Can you give me ideas on the best way to bag groceries? Gelma (Winnipeg)
ANSWER: Open and stand your reusable shopping bags along the counter. As the cashier sends groceries your way, decide whether the items are freezable, fridgeable or pantry items. Have a separate bag for breads and meats. Keeping cold items together helps maintain the temperature of the food. Classifying items makes unloading a snap. Stand boxes up to make bags easier to carry.
Toxic items, such as cleaners, should be loaded separately just in case they spill. Always make sure to pack eggs on the bottom of the bag. Just kidding of course -- chips and eggs belong on the top of bags since they are fragile.
Wonderful Feedback from Caring Manitoban:
Dear Reena,
Ever since I bought my set of your three books at the Home Show a couple years ago, they have a prominent place next to my recipe books. Today I mixed a batch taco seasoning. I'm so glad your recipe was in Saturday's WFP.
Awhile back, I noticed a reader's query about honey that had hardened. A local honey producer recommended to me that we should cream our honey to keep it from going hard. It doesn't matter if the honey is still liquid or if it needs to be warmed, creaming works well. I just let the softened honey whirl in a stand mixer for 10-15 minutes, and then pour it into my plastic tubs again. Keep up the good work! Pat (Steinbach)
Berry Good Tips of the Week:
-- After bringing fresh berries home from the store, wash them in one part white or balsamic vinegar and 10 parts water. Drain and eat. The vinegar kills mould spores and the fruit lasts longer. Balsamic vinegar is a great option for strawberries because it actually enhances the flavour! Margret
-- If you do not want to run the risk of mouldy fruit, opt to purchase frozen berries. They are fresh and great for smoothies and shakes.
Reena Nerbas is the author of the national bestselling Household Solutions series. Her website is www.householdsolutions.org You can contact her at Box 429, Blumenort, Man., ROA 0C0.
