Lindsey
Insert a plastic straw into the bottom of the strawberry. Push the straw through the berry until it until the stem pops off. Voilà, the berry is ready to eat, with nothing wasted.
Dear Reena: I have wicker furniture that is a light golden colour, but faded by the sun. What can I cover it with, without having to sand off the old colour?
Also, what should I use to clean blackened patio pavers?
Vern
This solution is for stained, not painted, wicker. Brush the wicker with a combination of one-third turpentine and two-thirds linseed oil. Allow furniture to dry for several days. Next apply an oil-based stain colour to the wicker. Finish with two coats of either varnish or lacquer. Don’t use latex as it quickly fades on wicker. Some sanding may be necessary if the colour is loose.
Pavers should be sanded and resealed every two to three years. Clean pavers with a hose or a pressure washer. Use a commercial paving cleaning solution or an oxygen bleach powder and water. Let it sit for 10 minutes and scrub with a stiff brush or a street broom.
Dear Reena: I have a really bad case of dandruff. I’ve tried dandruff shampoo but it doesn’t work. Do you have any advice for me?
Sam
Dandruff is the shedding of the skin on the scalp, and a little dandruff is normal for everyone. If you have an oily scalp, the Mayo Clinic recommends shampooing often to prevent dandruff. Another solution is to clean your hair with a shampoo containing tea tree oil. Use only a few drops and stop using it if your scalp becomes irritated. If you are desperate, visit a dermatologist and get a prescription for medicated shampoo.
Dear Reena: Do you have any advice for treating paper cuts?
Janice
With lots of nerve endings in fingers, it’s no wonder that something so small can hurt so much. Spread a little lip balm onto paper cuts for instant relief.
Preparing Your Pumpkin
• If you plan to carve your pumpkin two or three days before displaying, lightly smear petroleum jelly on the cut edges.
• To lengthen the life of your carved pumpkin, spray with water and wrap in plastic wrap, store in fridge when not in use.
• Create the smell of Halloween spice. On the bottom of the pumpkin lid sprinkle a half teaspoon of each of the following: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and pumpkin spice. Once the pumpkin is lit, it will create a wonderful seasonal scent.
• Get creative! Illuminate your jack-o-lantern with a multicolour, changing battery powered LED bulb.
Reader Tip of the week
To seed pomegranates in a hurry, I score the peel. Twist and open the two halves. Loosen the peel from the flesh. Turn one half upside down onto the palm of my hand and hit the pomegranate with a wooden spoon until all of the seeds are out.
Johnny
Note: Every user assumes all risks of injury or damage resulting from the implementation of any suggestions in this column. Test all products on an inconspicuous area first.
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