Dear readers: Cupcake batter can be so messy to handle, so here’s my tip for making it so much easier. Use a sauce scoop or an ice cream scoop to scoop the exact amount for each cupcake. This way, the dough will not spill over all the molds. — Heloise
CATS KICKING HOUSE PLANTS?
Dear Readers: To prevent your cats from digging into your precious houseplants, just spread a layer of balls, plastic mesh or cones on the soil. Your cat will not want to walk on these items. — Heloise
PAINT COATINGS
Dear Heloise: Paint cans have occurred to me a couple of times. Rather than using a bread wrapper or plastic wrap, use petroleum jelly to make the can easier to open. When the paint can is fresh and new, use a cotton swab and dab a little petroleum jelly on the rim of the lid and the top of the can. The paint will not stick to the oily surface and it will be very easy to open the can. The same goes for a small glass jar — apply Vaseline to the rim of the jar and the inside edge of the lid.
This also works well on super glue containers. When they are new, use a cotton swab to apply petroleum jelly on the nozzle and inside the cap. Super glue does not stick and the containers last much longer. Keep them in the fridge and they will last even longer! — JE, in California
REMOVING SPOTS FROM TOMATOES
Dear Readers: To remove tomato stains from plastic containers, sprinkle a small amount of baking soda on a damp cloth and rub the stain until it disappears. Rinse thoroughly.
Baking soda is a great tool for cleaning and deodorizing the whole house. My booklet “Hints and Recipes for Heloise Baking Soda” tells you all about it. To order your own copy, go to www.Heloise.com.
You can also obtain this helpful booklet by sending $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Heloise/Baking Soda, PO Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. — Heloise
PET BURNS
Dear Heloise: This is my cat, Abby. She is 17. He is a polydactyl, meaning he has six toes on both front paws. It brings me great comfort in difficult times. — Lori Cannito, The Villages, Florida
Readers, if you want to see Abby and our other pets, go to Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week”.
Do you have a furry friend to share with our readers? Send a photo and a brief description to [email protected]. — Heloise
Send a money- or time-saving tip to Heloise, PO Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to [email protected]. I can’t answer your letter personally, but I will use the best advice I received in my column.
©2023 King Features Syndicate Inc.
— Send a money- or time-saving tip to Heloise, PO Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to [email protected]. I can’t answer your letter personally, but I will use the best advice I received in my column.