Unsticking glasses from each other
Dear Readers: If your drinking glasses are stuck together, you can unstick them without breaking them with a coldheat approach. Put ice cubes into the top of the glasses, then place them inside a sink filled with warm to hot water. Keep them in the sink for several minutes, then carefully pull them apart. — Heloise
Ladder safety
Dear Readers: Ladders are so useful, but you must be careful when using them. Read the warning label attached to your ladder for weight and height limits.
Always check the ladder rungs before climbing to be sure that they are study and dry. Keep the ladder on a solid, level surface, not on wet dirt or gravel. And do not overextend your reach. Use both hands to climb.
For extra safety, paint every other rung with bright paint. — Heloise
Reusing grease
Dear Heloise: I recently saw a product that solidifies cooking grease so it can be put into regular trash.
I’ve saved vegetable cans, poured grease into them and stored it in the fridge until I tossed the whole can in the trash. But this product made me rethink that process.
Now when the can is full, I put it in a sink of warm water long enough to loosen the grease. (You may have to run a knife around the edge.) I then dump it from the can directly into the trash. Now I can reuse the same grease can and recycle the rest. — J., in Arkansas
Crawfish quiz
Dear Readers: Are crawdads, mudbugs, crayfish and crawfish all the same? Yes! These are freshwater crustaceans that really look like tiny lobsters with claws and are about 3 to 6 inches long. Crawfish are normally boiled and turn bright-red when cooked. They also are battered and deep-fried, often called “Cajun popcorn.” The dish was created by New Orleans chef Paul Prudhomme. — Heloise
Scratching furniture
Dear Readers: When you bring a new kitty home, it is normal for them to scratch furniture. To prevent it from ruining your sofa or chairs, buy a scratching post for it. To get your kitten used it, sprinkle a bit of catnip over it. — Heloise
Vacuuming tip
Dear Readers: Carpets and rugs need to be cleaned often. To get rid of embedded dirt and debris, vacuum slowly, use overlapping strokes, about seven times. Examine the carpet closely to be sure you have removed all of the dirt. — Heloise