DEAR HELOISE: If you're given flowers, set them in front of a mirror. The bouquet will look twice as large. While at thrift sale, seek vases of various sizes. Every room should have some red color because it brings the room to life. You can also pick one color to use in three places in each room; it creates an inviting and welcoming scene. Using your favorite soothing color throughout the home makes for a harmonious look. Remember, if you like it, it will look great in your space!
I also have another hint. If you have trouble removing rubber gloves, grab a wet rag to tug them off easier. If the gloves should develop a leak, transition them to be used for dry projects. To keep your skin moisturized, designate a lip balm tube that you can rub onto your knuckles/dry skin while you wear work gloves. You can also wear disposable gloves to bed after liberally lubricating your cracked hands.
Thanks, Heloise, for always helping us in a new way!
-- T.L.B,
Martinsburg, W.V.
DEAR HELOISE: I found your mother's Coleslaw Dressing recipe in The Oregonian in the '60s, after asking a friend what Coleslaw Dressing recipe she used. My friend told me that she just mixed mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar until it tasted right. Luckily, I came upon your mother's recipe, and it tasted just right to me. I have used your mother's Coleslaw Dressing recipe for over 50 years.
Coleslaw Dressing
2 tablespoons vinegar
¼ cup sugar
½ cup mayonnaise
Mix and moisten shredded cabbage with dressing. Keep unused portions in the refrigerator.
I usually make a double batch to keep on hand for coleslaw, carrot and raisin salad as well as a fruit salad of chopped apples, celery and craisins. I have shared the recipe many times.
-- Jan Thompson, via email
DEAR HELOISE: I like storing leftovers in glass containers rather than plastic. I have discovered that for small amounts of leftovers, the covers on the 11- to 12-ounce coffee cans snap on perfectly to my Anchor Hocking 6-ounce custard cups after the coffee has been used up. There are probably other grocery items that have the same size lids that would work as well. My cappuccino also has the same size lid, so I now have a supply.
-- Lois,
Englewood, Fla.
DEAR HELOISE: I usually make my own salad dressing with oil, vinegar and pressed garlic. But after a party with too much leftover dip, I added a spoonful of it to my dressing, which made for a yummy, creamy variation of my dressing.
-- L.M., in West Virginia
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