Natural decor foraging
Love your column. I read it everyday in the Journal Gazette in Fort Wayne, Indiana. With “shrinkflation,” cake mixes are getting lower and lower in net weight. So, what is the solution to using old recipes that call for the net weight of the old boxes?
I had a recipe that called for an 18.5-ounce box, and the box I bought had 15.5 ounces. I added 3 ounces of all-purpose flour and got a very thick and dense end product. Thanks. -—
Medicine caps
The reader struggling to open their medications can request regular caps on medicine, rather than childproof if there aren’t any children near. Special tools are available.
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Compost rules
In California, there are areas with general compost cans, while food waste goes in with green waste (grass, leaves and such) and plastics of any kind are forbidden.
But in a few areas (my home is in one of them), the waste collection service does not have general compost bins. They
Please advise those who collect pinecones, acorns and twigs for indoor decorations to first bake the items in an oven set to a low temperature to kill any bugs that might otherwise enjoy a warm indoor setting! —
Tin can storage
I have always been told never to store open cans and their contents directly in the fridge because some of the can’s coating can get corroded by the food, making it taste bad, especially with highacidic foods like tomatoes. Also, leaving their contents exposed to the air can make it spoil quicker, putting you at risk of food poisoning. Always place food contents into an airtight container or jar. —
Tire pressure
For some reason, some states mandate that auto mechanics use the tire