Keep a stockpile of household necessities
Dear Heloise:
If this year has taught me anything, toilet paper, wipes, bathroom cleaner and facial tissue are all important to keep on hand.
Brian B., via email
Brian, it’s so important to keep a wellstocked pantry and linen closet. Some stores may be limiting quantities of these items.
Heloise
Dear Heloise: A standard pillowcase makes a good cover for a large standing mixer. I got one to match my kitchen decor.
Mrs. G., via email
Dear Heloise: Laundry experts agree that ladies should wear a bra two to three times before laundering it, but not on consecutive days.
Since I don’t like putting unwashed clothing back into my dresser drawers, I devised a way to keep track of how often a bra has been worn so I know when to launder it.
I have two S-hooks hanging from the rod in my closet. After a bra is worn once, it goes on the first hook.
HELOISE
After the second time, it goes on the second hook. One more wearing, and washed it gets!
At times, I have three or four bras hanging on the S-hooks ready to be worn.
P. A., via email
Dear Heloise: This isn’t my original idea, and I’m not sure where I heard it, but I have re-purposed a hand soap dispenser to use it as a toothpaste dispenser.
I find it to be very convenient and better than a tube.
I used a little water to begin with for the right consistency to be able to dispense. It’s a winner.
Dear Heloise: I’d advise folks to make sure their house numbers are visible from the street. The numbers, whether attached to the house or painted on the curb, can fade, chip, fall off, be covered in snow or dirt, not good. They must be legible. There are companies out there that will paint numbers on your curb, or check with a neighborhood kid. Make sure all paint jobs correspond with your homeowner’s association’s rules and regulations.
James W. in Massachusetts
Dear Readers: When a recipe calls for veggies to be chopped, diced or minced, do you know the difference? Let’s take a look:
Chop, Large, rough, uneven pieces Dice, More uniform, “prettier” pieces, to sprinkle on top of dish, perhaps
Mince, Small, fine pieces — flavors are more easily released from minced foods, like garlic!