Hints From Heloise
UNSHRINK A SWEATER
Dear Heloise: Can you tell me how to unshrink a sweater? My brother gave me a beautiful Norwegian sweater from one of his Navy trips. It was washed without my knowledge, and now it feels like I'm wearing a child's sweater.
Of course, I'm heartsick! Perhaps there is a remedy. -- Miriam S., Reading, Pennsylvania
Miriam, try the following:
1. Fill a sink with lukewarm water and a capful of your hair conditioner.
2. Add the sweater and let it soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
3. Leave the sweater in the sink but drain the water out. Carefully squeeze the remaining water from the sweater. Do NOT rinse the sweater in clean water or wring it out. This is a very important part, so be careful.
4. Place the sweater on a clean towel and, as gently as you can, start stretching the sweater to its original size while the sweater is still wet. This might take some time. Keep it flat until the sweater is completely dry. -- Heloise
BLACKHEADS
Dear Heloise: My husband works in an autorepair garage, and the air has a certain amount of oil in it. He has developed blackheads that seem nearly impossible to remove without squeezing, which causes a great deal of discomfort for my husband. Any hints to remove them? -- Grace P., Nutley, N.J.
Grace, here is a hint that works without squeezing. Mix 1 1/2 tablespoons of unflavored gelatin with 2 tablespoons of whole milk and warm over medium heat. After this mixture has cooled but is still slightly warm to the touch, apply to the skin with a paint brush, making certain the blackheads are well covered. Let it dry, which can take anywhere from 30 to 50 minutes. Peel off, and when you do, you should peel off the blackheads. -- Heloise PEDICURE
Dear Heloise: I pay a handsome sum to get my toenails done once a month, but my pedicures never seem to last very long. The polish comes off too easily. What can I do to protect my pedicures? -- Emma T., Goose Creek, S.C.
Emma, you might want to try a metallic nail polish. They have minerals in their formula that help them stick to the toenail a little longer. Be sure to use a base coat, followed by two thin coats of polish. Make sure your nail polish is dry before applying the top coat. You also might want to wear closed-toe shoes whenever possible rather than open-toe shoes. Save the open-toe shoes or strappy sandals for evening and the beach. -- Heloise
LIVER SPOTS Dear Heloise: I have liver spots on the back of my hands, and it really
ages my overall appearance. What can I do to make these spots less noticeable? -- Julie L., Cheboygan, Michigan
Julie, first rub half a lemon over the spots to help lighten their appearance. Next use a vitamin C cream to soften your skin. You might want to use creams designed to fade liver spots. If you do, apply before bedtime and wear cotton gloves to bed. If you are still bothered by your liver spots, you can always use makeup to hide them. -- Heloise