QUESTION: My mom and dad have one of the new curved shower-curtain rods. They love it for the extra space it gives them in the shower but it has a metal finish and black keeps rubbing off of it on the towels and their hands. Mom has tried wiping it with a product called Gel Gloss that is meant for cleaning tub surrounds. She has also tried vinegar, but the black continues to rubs off. I thought maybe car polish would work. Do you have any other ideas?Bonnie
ANSWER: Your best bet is to purchase a product such as Corro Stop. This is a clear paint designed specifically to cover and seal metal materials.
QUESTION: I used a medication with all kinds of health warnings on it but I didn't get sick. Why? Eleanor
ANSWER: Whether you get sick (experience a toxic effect) from any chemical substance is dependent on the amount (the dose) of chemical you are exposed to. Dose is the amount of a chemical that your body absorbs and processes. The effect can vary depending on the age, weight, and overall health of the person. For example, children are often more affected by chemicals than adults because they are younger and they usually weigh less than adults.
Your best bet is to ask your doctor before taking any medication (vitamins included) and get his/her expert advice.
QUESTION: I have tried numerous times to make gravy and it always ends up lumpy. Can you please tell me how much flour I should use for the best consistency? Lucas
ANSWER: The art of gravy-making can be a challenge. Many people use too much flour, which decreases the flavour. Remember the gravy will continue to thicken after it has been removed from the heat. When cooking time on the meat is almost complete, pour off most of the drippings into a two-cup measuring cup and let the mixture cool. Next add enough chicken broth into the measuring cup to make 2 cups. Add a little less than one-quarter cup of cornstarch or white flour. Whisk in the measuring cup until no lumps remain. Using a double boiler, slowly heat and stir the gravy until thick. If you do not own a double boiler use a pot, stir constantly and set the heat at less than medium. If gravy is too thick, add a bit of water or broth to thin it.
QUESTION: I invited a group of people over for supper last Friday. Most people showed up on time but some people were late. The food was getting cold, and I was becoming more frustrated with every moment. I didn't know whether to serve or to wait. What is the proper etiquette for me as the hostess in this situation? Larry
ANSWER: In Canada, proper etiquette states to avoid being rude to other guests, a hostess should wait no longer than 20 minutes to serve dinner because of a delayed guest.
Fantastic tips of the week:
-- A great way to reuse eggshells is to put them in the bottom of plant pots as a substitute for rocks. Eggshells are much lighter than stones and carry plenty of nutrients for plants.
-- Position crushed eggshells on the ground surface around new plant stems such as peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage -- doing this deters slugs and cutworms.
-- Lastly, instead of throwing out eggshells, lay them in the soil near tomatoes. Calcium is great for tomatoes; the extra calcium helps prevent blossom end rot.
I enjoy your questions and tips, keep them coming! Missed a column? Can't remember a solution? Need a speaker for an upcoming event? Check out my brand new website: reena.ca
