Hints From Heloise
PRETZEL PULLER
Dear Heloise: When I'm serving a bowl of pretzels, I pull the pretzels out of the bag instead of dumping the bag in the bowl. Lots of salt can settle at the bottom of the bag, and pour out with the pretzels. Pulling avoids this. -Karen W. in Wisconsin
POWDERED DRINK CLEANER
Dear Readers: Alternative use time! The citric acid in powdered lemon- or orange-flavored drink mix can safely clean the toilet. Pour a packet in the bowl, swirl it around with a brush, and let sit overnight. In the morning, brush and flush. (Only the citrus flavors work to clean the toilet.)
Large boxes of baking soda, another one of my favorite cleaning tools, are now in the laundry aisle for even more savings. -- Heloise PRESS HIS HEART Dear Heloise: In these tough days, my son (age 8) was having anxiety. I drew a tiny heart on the inside of his wrist with ballpoint ink. I tell him to press on the heart whenever he feels worried or upset, and that's his connection to me.
It washes off over the course of the day, but he knows I'm only ever a heartbeat away. -- A Mom in Pennsylvania
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ...
Dear Readers: We are hearing a lot about bacteria, viruses and germs. What are the differences? Let's take a look:
-- Bacteria are microscopic, one-celled organisms. Some can cause sickness and disease, but many bacteria are beneficial, such as the bacteria in our gut that help us digest -- Viruses are smaller than bacteria, and they need a host to survive, to feed off of. Viruses attach themselves to good, healthy cells and inject their bad material (a tiny piece of DNA), which then reproduces and spreads.
-- Germ is a blanket term, encompassing bacteria and viruses. Like bacteria, some germs are good, but most should be avoided with proper handwashing, cleaning and socialdistancing. -- Heloise OIL FOIL
Dear Heloise: Rather than pouring olive oil over bread or pasta, I fill a dedicated and labeled spray bottle with the stuff and spray away. This distributes the oil more evenly. -- R.K. in Ohio