Make a better pot of coffee with these easy brewing hints

Dear Readers: If you love coffee but it has started to taste not so good, take these steps to make it taste better again. First, make certain you keep your coffee stored properly in a sealed bag or container. Then try these brewing hints. Always pour in fresh, clean, cold water. And be sure to measure the correct amount of coffee, which is normally 2 teaspoons per cup. Also select the proper grind for the method that you use for brewing. Keep the coffeepot clean and wash with hot, soapy water often, at least after every third use.

— Heloise

Dear Readers: With all of the holiday gatherings, lipstick will probably be a common stain that you’ll have to deal with. To remove the lipstick, place paper towels under the stained area. Dab just a bit of rubbing alcohol on the stained area and gently rub. Keep blotting until the stain has disappeared. Then launder the napkins as usual.

— Heloise

Dear Heloise: When I read your advice about cockroaches, I had to laugh (though they really aren’t funny). Being born and raised in New Orleans, cockroaches come with the territory — fortunately, not year-round.

My mother was unable to deal with them, so I became the official cockroach killer of the household, and remained so even after I grew up and married. We never used any kind of spray or chemicals, just fast feet and good aim.

I think I hold the world record for dismissing a very large cockroach by slinging a rubber flip-flop across the basement and making a direct hit. I enjoy your column.

— Rose Sanford, via email

Rose, this is certainly a swift way to dispatch of them.

— Heloise

Dear Readers: When bed sheets have become worn, faded or old, don’t throw them out. Instead, wash and reuse them as dust covers for furniture, tablecloths for picnics or for making costumes and tents for your kids.

— Heloise