Parade of Homes
Parade of Homes
Melt those marshmellows in the microwave
Question: What is the fastest and easiest way to melt marshmallows without burning them? -Davey
Answer: When heating marshmallows on the stove, grease the bottom of the pot before adding them. You may want to add water to the pot if it won’t compromise your recipe. Marshmallows are less likely to burn if you use a double boiler. Or use your microwave oven. You will need a large microwave-safe bowl because the marshmallows expand when heated. Microwave the marshmallows for 30 seconds and stir. Repeat until melted.
Question: How do you get ballpoint ink marks off the leather seat of a new car? -Courtney
Answer: A few favourites you can try include rubbing alcohol, dish soap, shaving cream, hairspray, WD-40, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser and (worst case scenario) bug spray. Whichever solution you try, always test it on an inconspicuous area first. When you are confident that no discolouration will occur, apply one of the products to the ink mark, wait 15 minutes and wipe.
Question: I lost the recipe and method you recommended for cleaning a crystal chandelier. Thank you, Loretta
Answer: Here is a solution to clean a chandelier without scrubbing or polishing each piece. Begin by covering the floor with newspaper or hang an open umbrella under the chandelier. Into an empty spray bottle combine 1 teaspoon (5 mL) rubbing alcohol, 4 cups (1 L) hot water and 2 tablespoons (30 mL) dishwasher anti-spot agent such as Jet Dry. While the chandelier is off, spray the unit, and let the liquid drip dry onto the umbrella or newspaper you cn later recycle. You can rinse the umbrella in the bathtub.
Feedback from Manitobans
Re: Sharpie Markers Drying Out: I was a trainer for many years and used markers daily. My tip is- when you buy a marker, always store it with the tip down and you won’t have the problem of the marker running dry. -Earl
Re: Keeping Brown Sugar Soft: I read your article about hardened brown sugar. I have used all the suggestions you gave, but found one that works best of all. I put two large marshmallows in with the sugar, and it is always soft. -Marla
Frugal fun: Save the plastic bag from cereal boxes. Use the bag as a substitute for wax paper; it’s great for freezing homemade bread, pies, dough, or seeds.
Place cut-up cereal bag squares between homemade hamburger patties prior to freezing.
Put an empty cereal bag on the bottom of garbage cans to guard against the bins becoming soiled.
Rice Up to the Challenge
Grind up 1 cup of uncooked rice in a coffee grinder to clean the grinder and sharpen its blades.
Leftover water used for rinsing rice makes a good fertilizer for your household plants.
Add a few grains of rice to your saltshaker. Rice absorbs moisture quickly and more efficiently than salt. Therefore, it prevents salt from clumping in the shaker, due to high humidity.
For fluffy and great-tasting rice, add a teaspoon of white distilled vinegar to the boiling water before adding rice. Rice will be easier to spoon and less sticky.
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.
Reena Nerbas is a popular motivational presenter for large and small groups. Check out her website at reena.ca. Please email her your questions, suggestions or tips.
info@reena.ca.