Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
HELPFUL HINTS
DEAR READERS: It’s two weeks until Thanksgiving. Let’s get you and your home prepped for the big day:
■ Decorating is comparatively easy: pumpkins and gourds, mums and raffia strands are hearty, long-lasting and readily available.
■ Make sure all houseplants are healthy. Start now to invigorate blooms. Water and plant food will yield bright blooms and gorgeous greenery.
■ Deep clean now. If you need a pro carpet or hardwood cleaning, schedule it this week. Check in the corners for cobwebs; microfiber towels are good to have on hand. ■ Check your kitchen for staples. Make sure all are fresh and plentiful.
■ Finally, take some time for yourself. Stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.
DEAR HELOISE: For any recipe that lists any alcoholic beverage, I substitute apple juice. Works well every time. — Mrs. P., Ohio
DEAR HELOISE: The best clothes washer that I have purchased is the one where I can set the water level wherever I want it. It saves water and energy because it doesn’t take long to fill or wash a small load. I’ve had my washer for about 15 years, so this isn’t something new for washers.
— Daphne K., via email
DEAR READERS: Have you ever gotten an egg that has a double yolk? That’s considered good luck because they are rare. How do you know if you have a double yolk? Experts use a technique called candling. Used to check on the general overall health of the egg, candling shines a bright light (not a candle) through the bottom of the egg. The candler can see blood in the whites (if any), a cracked shell and other anomalies, such as a double yolk.
You can buy a carton of double-yolked eggs; an internet search is necessary, or a call to your grocer. Double-yolked eggs make a rich and delicious hollandaise sauce.
DEAR HELOISE: If the hotel room refrigerator has a freezer section, I freeze a couple of water bottles instead of using ice cubes. I have icycold water as it melts in the bottle. To reduce the use of “single-use plastics,” I travel with a carbon filter tumbler and refill my bottles, rather than buy a case of disposable bottles that might end up in the landfill in most states.
— Elise in California Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email Heloise@Heloise.com