QUESTION: My eight-year-old granddaughter made me a lovely fall wreath out of dried leaves at her girls club. I would like to know if there is anything I can spray on it to preserve it for another year. It will be kept inside. From a very proud Grandma, Winnipeg.
ANSWER: Keeping the wreath inside is a great start to preserving it. Carefully paint the wreath with an equal mix of water and glycerin. Begin by testing glycerin on a few leaves first to make sure that the leaves don't become discolored. Glycerin is found in the first-aid section of grocery and department stores. Do not over wet the wreath because if a glue gun was used to hold the leaves onto the wreath, water will cause them to fall off. Many people also have great results by spraying wreaths with hairspray.
QUESTION: I am having trouble with white or chalky stains on dark clothes after being in the washing machine. I think it first started when I started to use Woolite liquid laundry detergent for dark clothes so they won't fade. I always turn clothes inside out but would get some markings on the good side. I have tried going back to liquid Purex which I have always used but it still happens sometimes. I had stopped using liquid fabric softener because a lot of clothes labels are now saying not to use softeners on them. Do you think I should go back to using a softener, maybe that helps rinse out the detergent better? My machine is on the old side but I don't think that would be the cause. Any ideas to stop this from happening? Thanks. Elaine, Winnipeg.
ANSWER: It sounds as though you are on the right track experimenting with a variety of products. In your case liquid detergent is definitely a smart choice however in some cases even with the use of liquid detergent white spots or streaks still appear. If possible use hot water and see if that makes a difference. Instead of using fabric softeners, pour one cup of white vinegar in with every load. Doing this softens fabrics and cleans out the hoses of your washing machine. If the challenge is not solved, contact a professional.
QUESTION: My father-in law tells me that I should make pumpkin seeds as a snack for lunches. Can you tell me what to do to make them? Thanks, Sterling, Steinbach.
ANSWER: Pumpkin seeds are a yummy and healthy snack and a great way to utilize pumpkins before composting them. Hollow out a pumpkin, remove and clean about two cups of seeds. Toss seeds in one quarter cup melted butter, half teaspoon garlic salt and one quarter tsp. Worcestershire sauce. Spread onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 250 degrees for about 45 minutes or until lightly browned. Store in an airtight container.
Handy Hints of the Week:
Here is a great way to clean whiteboards, simply wipe them with hand sanitizer. Submitted By: Marian
To help prevent a pot of water from boiling over do one of two things: Smear the inside edge of the pot with cooking oil. Or put a wooden spoon across the top of the water filled pot. The idea behind this is that the spoon actually pops the bubbles as they form. Submitted By: Rick
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