Connect the dots on spots
Dear Heloise:
I recently read in your column the problem Vickie (a reader) was having with towels that came out of the wash looking as if someone had spilled bleach on them. Well, I’ve had the same problem, too.
Let me tell you what I found out. I went right back to the boutique from which I purchased my towels, taking the ruined samples with me, and the employees were not a bit surprised at what I had to show them.
They said it happens all the time, and what I should have done is to wash the towels in cold water before I used them to set the dye. I really wish there had been a big warning label on the towels telling me to do so.
— Sylvia, via email
Sylvia, I am so sorry you had this problem. It does seem to be a common one today, according to my readers. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do at home to “set” the dye on fabrics. Washing in cold water does “reduce” or prevent colour bleeding, but will not set the dye.
You might want to check for other causes, too, just to be on the safe side. Sometimes the bleach dispenser doesn’t empty all the way from a previous load. Or if you are using powder detergent, make sure it dissolves fully in the water before adding your towels or garments in. Don’t sprinkle powder detergent on wet fabrics, as it might cause spots.
Readers, input? Have you had the same problem? Let me know, and I’ll share.
— Heloise
Send a great hint to: Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, Fax: 1-210-HELOISE, Email: Heloise@heloise.com PLASTIC PINCHER Dear Heloise: To easily open the plastic bags in the produce department without having to lick my finger (yuck), I walk over to where there is water sitting around the edge of the produce bins, get a little on my finger, then open the bags.
— Jill from Folsom, Calif.
You also can just rub the bag between your hands, and the opening
will come apart. Dear Heloise: I have the ability to download applications to my phone and tablet computer. There are always new apps that I am interested in trying. I have found that most apps have a “light” version or small sample of the app that is free. You don’t get the full app, but you get a smaller version to try. If you like it, you can buy the full version. If you don’t like it, no problem — no money wasted.
— Janice, via email
— Heloise ON-THE-GO SUPPORT Dear Readers: If you have a bad back, travelling can be hard. Here is a helpful hint. Bring a small tote bag with a cushion in it. It will be more comfortable to sit on during long drives or plane rides. The tote makes the cushion easier to carry, and you don’t need to take it out of the bag. Use it, then just grab it and go.
— Heloise
ARIES (March 21 to April 19) You’ll enjoy the company of others today, especially in group situations. However, be careful you don’t agree to something or volunteer for anything that you might later regret. (“What was I thinking?”)
TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) People in authority definitely notice you today. This is a good thing. What is questionable, however, is that you might be tempted to promise more than you can deliver. Caution.
GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You’ve got big ideas about traveling somewhere or perhaps furthering your education. These big ideas might even include something related to publishing, the media, medicine and the law. (Exciting.)
CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Don’t give away the farm today. You might be tempted to be overly generous to others. Generosity is one thing; idiot compassion is another. (Oops.)
LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22) This is a marvelous day to schmooze and enjoy the company of others. Dealings with partners and close friends will be fun and upbeat. (But you might go overboard.)
VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22) Be mindful of deadlines that you agree to at work. Don’t lock yourself into something that is tough to meet later. Be generously realistic.
LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22) definitely easy to go overboard in many ways today (including gambling). Enjoy sports, playful activities with children, fun flirtations and parties. Caution about overdrinking and overeating. SCORPIO
(Oct. 23 to Nov. 21) This is definitely a feel-good day. Enjoy family discussions and entertaining at home. Don’t promise more than you can deliver to a family member.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21) You feel optimistic and raring to go today. You believe in yourself. Your ability to sell, teach, write, promote and market anything is hot. (Keep your feet on the ground.)
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19) This is an excellent day for business and commerce. One tiny caveat: Things might look better than they are. Hmmmm.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18) This is a swashbuckling day for Aquarians. You feel bigger than life. Enjoy schmoozing with people you care about.
PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20) Many of you will be more in touch with your spiritual side today. You feel compassion for those who are in need, and you also feel more in touch with your own soft heart (which, in turn, helps you to be in touch with the softness of others). YOU BORN TODAY You have a distinctive, classy style. Although you trust conventional ways that are tried-and-true, you are surprisingly experimental and unconventional at times. Many of you study history because you like tradition. You also place a high value on family. In the year ahead, a change might occur, perhaps something as significant as around 2003. Birthdate of: Loretta Lynn, singer; Adrien Brody, actor; Anthony Michael Hall, actor.