**Two Clever Tips for You**
**Dear Heloise:**
When you receive flowers, try placing them in front of a mirror. This simple trick makes the bouquet appear twice its size. When visiting thrift sales, look out for vases in different sizes. Adding a touch of red to every room can really bring it to life. Alternatively, choose a single color and use it in three spots within each room to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Opting for your favorite soothing color throughout your home can achieve a cohesive and harmonious look. Remember, if it’s a color you love, it’s bound to look fantastic in your space!
I’ve got another tip for you. If you’re struggling to remove rubber gloves, using a damp cloth can make it easier to pull them off. Should your gloves get a hole, repurpose them for dry tasks. To keep your skin hydrated, consider using a lip balm on your knuckles or dry skin areas while wearing work gloves. For an intensive treatment, wear disposable gloves to bed after applying a generous amount of moisturizer to your hands.
Thank you, Heloise, for continuously offering us innovative advice! — T.L.B, Martinsburg, West Virginia
**Coleslaw Dressing from the 60s**
**Dear Heloise:**
I discovered your mother’s Coleslaw Dressing recipe in The Oregonian back in the 60s, thanks to a friend’s recommendation. My friend mentioned she would mix mayonnaise, sugar, and vinegar “until it tasted right.” Fortunately, I found your mother’s recipe, and it was exactly what I was looking for. I’ve been using it for over 50 years now! Here’s the recipe:
– 2 tablespoons vinegar
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
Simply mix these ingredients and dress your salad with it. Any leftovers should be kept in the fridge.
I often make a double batch to have some ready for coleslaw, carrot and raisin salad, and even a fruit salad made with chopped apples, celery, and craisins. I’ve shared this recipe countless times. — Jan Thompson, via email
**Beef Stew Enhancement**
**Dear Heloise:**
Your recent tip about enhancing canned chowder with clams inspired me. One of my go-to quick meals is beef stew. I add a bag of frozen mixed vegetables and some quickly cooked or leftover steak, or even leftover roast beef, to canned beef stew. This method easily doubles the meal’s size. While canned beef stew often has plenty of gravy, it sometimes lacks in substance. — Dee, Spokane Valley, Washington
**Food Storage Tip**
**Dear Heloise:**
I prefer using glass containers over plastic for storing leftovers. I’ve found that the lids from 11- to 12-ounce coffee cans fit perfectly on my 6-ounce Anchor Hocking custard cups once the coffee is gone. There might be other grocery items with compatible lid sizes too. My cappuccino lids also match, so I’ve built up a collection. — Lois, Englewood, Florida
**Pet Pal Feature**
**Dear Heloise:**
Meet Kringle, our 5-year-old Golden Retriever, named so because we got him two days before Christmas! The photo captures his classic begging pose, which he adopts whenever we’re snacking on the couch. He’s the gentlest creature on earth. Your column has been a great help. — Martha Kenne, Dexter, Minnesota
Readers, to see Kringle and our other Pet Pals, visit Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.” If you have a furry friend you’d like to share, send a photo and a brief description to Heloise@Heloise.com. — Heloise
SEND A GREAT HINT TO: Heloise@Heloise.com
© 2024 by King Features Syndicate Inc.