Preventing hand mixers from splashing
DEAR HELOISE: After reading your recent column in the Ventura County Star, I have an easy hint for the lady whose hand mixer “splashed” the kitchen. Take a piece of plastic wrap, foil or waxed paper and poke the beaters through it before connecting them to your mixer. Then, secure the paper around the outside of the bowl. Any splashes will stay inside.
I learned this when making whipped cream, and it works great. I also keep a variety of plastic and cloth “hats” that were so popular many years ago to cover bowls. One of those that is the size of your favorite mixing bowl, with beater holes poked into it, works great. It just needs to be rinsed off and can be used over and over again.
— Nancy Lukunich, via email
DEAR READERS: When you are organizing for your road trip, fill a plastic tote bag with a roll of paper towels, plastic baggies, a microfiber cloth, stain removal items, a large towel and anything else that you may need for accidents or spills in your vehicle.
— Heloise DEAR HELOISE: After having dented the framework around the garage door a few times, it finally dawned on me to measure the space between the door, mark it and put a long strip of blue masking tape on the floor in the center.
I now align the car using the insignia, front and center, and I’m confident when I drive the van into the garage. I have walkaround room and no dings in the framework.
Wish I’d have thought about doing that a few years ago. It would have certainly saved me a lot of money! Love your column.
— Barbara Hoch, via email DEAR READERS: Be aware that paint will not adhere to dirty surfaces. Instead, it may even peel or blister. So, clean and dry the surfaces thoroughly before you to start to apply the paint.
— Heloise DEAR HELOISE: I have an answer about soggy cereal for breakfast if you like your cereal crunchy, but it gets too soggy by the time you eat it. One of my younger sisters told me to put the milk into the bowl first and then add only a small handful of cereal at a time. Finish eating that small amount, then add more the same way. You will have crunchy cereal for every bite. I do this each time I eat Cheerios or any flaky cereal. Success!
— Natalie, in Ohio DEAR HELOISE: If you don’t have any vinegar on hand, soapy water will work just fine for ants on your countertops. I use about cup dish soap to 1⁄2 cup water. It kills the ants and is safe.