ORGANIZE APPAREL BUTTONS WITH LABEL, CARD TRICK
Also: When to change your furnace filter
Q Many of the jackets and suits that I buy are sold with an extra button. Apart from storing the button in the jacket pocket, do you have any suggestions as to how to organize apparel buttons without losing them?
A One option is to sew the extra button onto the inside label of the garment. Some people tape the extra button onto the blank side of a business card. Label the business card with which garment the button matches. Then the business card is put inside of a book-style business card holder that they have specifically set apart for spare garment buttons.
Q Do you think it’s necessary to change a furnace filter more than once each year?
A Changing a furnace filter only once a year increases the odds of reducing the life of your furnace. It is good practice to change the filter every one to three months, and more often if you hold it up to the light and can’t see through it. Some things to consider: Do you have pets? If so, change the filter more often. Also, what kind of filters are you using ? It is recommended that homeowners change standard fibreglass filters monthly.
Q Can you please give me a simple recipe for homemade garlic butter?
A For the easiest garlic butter recipe, stir together 1 cup (250 mL) softened butter with 1 tbsp (15 mL) garlic powder. But for garlic butter with a kick, try the following: Into a bowl, stir together 1 cup (250 mL) softened butter, 1 tbsp (15 mL) minced garlic, 1 tsp (5 mL) garlic salt, 1/4 cup (60 mL) grated Parmesan cheese, 1 tsp (5 mL) Italian seasoning salt, 1/4 tsp (1 mL) black pepper and 1/2 tsp (2.5 mL) paprika. Spread on bread before toasting. Store remainder in a sealed container in the fridge.
GIVE THESE HINTS A TRY
This tip came from a woman that I was chatting with in a waiting room. Her six-year-old daughter’s sneakers looked brand new and so I asked her what her secret is. She washes more than her car at the local wand-type car wash, taking along filthy sneakers, boots, and the mat outside her front door. Sounds like a quick and easy solution after hiking muddy trails. I’ll definitely try it this summer! Submitted by: Jan
I usually clean our stainlesssteel sinks with a sprinkle of dishwasher powder on a damp cloth, but instead I decided to try non-gel toothpaste — and it does an even better job. Any cheap toothpaste should work. Happy Spring! Submitted by: Jan
If you accidentally seal an envelope and need to open it, stick it in the freezer for an hour and it will open. Submitted by: Ruth
The simplest way to raise indentations in a carpet is to place a very damp colourfast face cloth, folded many times, over the spot overnight and voila! Saves rubbing anything foreign into the carpet. Submitted by: Allan