Cool beans: Keep feet warm!

DEAR HELOISE >> I have found a great way to warm my feet when I get into bed that I find preferable to wearing socks or using a hot water bottle. I put dried beans in a long, unworn tube sock and then tie it off. (I use pinto beans.) I microwave the sock of beans until they are warm and place them under the sheets near my feet. I can easily push them away when my feet are warm enough, which I sometimes do before I fall asleep, and other times, I do it later in the night. I have been using the same sock and beans for the past couple of years and haven’t seen a need to replace it, yet.

A heated tube sock of beans also feels great on the shoulders to help relax the muscles. I also use one or two to warm my hands while I sit and watch TV. Sometimes, I put one on my chest, too. That, with a blanket, helps me to get warm quickly. Without it/them, it can take hours for me to warm up. After years of often feeling cold, I have found this method to be a lifesaver. Thank you.

— Lisa Griessler

DEAR HELOISE >> I read your column about various uses for a potato masher, and it reminded me of the things I use my pastry blender for. When I make peanut butter cookies, I use my pastry blender to make the crisscrosses on top of the cookies. It rolls from side to side and is much quicker and easier to use than a fork. I enjoy reading all of your household hints.

— Pat Almquist, Marshall, Texas

DEAR HELOISE >> A helpful hint I would like to pass along: To prevent mold from growing on bricks of cheese, do not touch them with your fingers when cutting or grating. Use the wrapper or plastic wrap where you hold on to the cheese. This hint, passed along from my neighbor, has saved me both money and frustration.

— Jo-Ann Donaghy,

Irvine

DEAR READERS >> When you are cleaning artificial flowers (plastic, not silk), mix three parts water with one part vinegar in a spray bottle and spray the artificial flowers. Wipe with a clean cloth. They will look good.

Vinegar is such an indispensable and safe household product, which can be used for cleaning, deodorizing and cooking, as you have discovered. To learn more, check out my pamphlet full of ways to use vinegar. Get a copy by visiting heloise.com or by sending $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (78 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Vinegar, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. FYI: To kill unwanted grass between sidewalks or steppingstones, spray on, or pour atop, full-strength vinegar.

DEARREADERS >> Do you have a furry friend to share with our readers? Send a photo and a brief description to Heloise@ Heloise.com.

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