HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR READERS: Beards are back. Maybe it’s a result of being at home for over a year, but beards are here! Let’s look at this facial hair phenomenon.

Growing a beard can free up time. Experts tabulated that the average clean-shaven man spends the equivalent of almost 140 days of his life shaving!

A partner may find a man more attractive with a full beard, or a little stubble. Again, with those experts doing their research. Bearded men are perceived as more dominant and masculine, more mature and more fatherly, too.

Beards can help prevent sunburn, and having a beard can protect the skin underneath from aging. A beard can filter out harmful ultraviolet light.

The theory that beards are dirty and germ-ridden? Not so much, as long as the beard is washed in the shower.

DEAR HELOISE: What do your readers think about the new trend of open shelving, especially popular in kitchens? My thought is, you better be super-organized and matchymatchy, or your kitchen can look junky! It’s not only a bad look, but that can drain the energy out of you in a heartbeat. — Melissa C. in New York DEAR HELOISE: I need your advice regarding showerhead cleaning.

— Jerry P. in California,

via email DEAR READER: Happy to help. Minerals from hard water can clog the holes of your showerhead, leading to reduced water pressure. If you can remove the showerhead, cover it in a bowl of hot vinegar. After the vinegar has dissolved the buildup (1-2 hours), use an old toothbrush or toothpick to loosen any remaining debris.

If you can’t remove the showerhead, secure a sturdy plastic bag filled with vinegar over the showerhead with the holes submerged. Leave overnight, then loosen any bits with a toothpick.

Caveat Corner: Your showerhead may have a finish on it that vinegar can damage (remember, vinegar is an acid). Check with the manufacturer.

DEAR HELOISE: I enjoy frozen chicken pot pies, but the 10 oz. size doesn’t quite fill me up. While the pie is baking, I cook extra vegetables (carrots, squash, broccoli).

When the pie is done, I break open the top crust and add the extra vegetables plus some parmesan cheese, and the pie is then the right amount for me.