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Dear Heloise: If you don’t own a paper shredder, here’s a second solution: For a large amount of paper with personal information on it, you can place it in a dish pan and fill the pan with water and a cup of bleach. The ink will mostly dissolve, and the paper will become mushy. Then you can just put it in the trash. I enjoy your column in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. -- Bill B., in Benton, Arkansas
A FULL FREEZER
Dear Heloise: My husband’s an appliance repairman, and he always tells me to keep the freezer full or as full as possible. Empty air doesn’t hold the cold as well as food items do. If the freezer’s low on food items, I usually fill empty milk jugs with water and freeze them until I can shop again for frozen foods. -- Jennifer S., in Tampa, Florida
PREPPING FOR THE COLD
Dear Heloise: Right around this time of year, my husband and I make a checklist of things that we need to do before the cold weather hits, which is as soon as September for us. This includes tasks such as washing all the windows -- inside and outside -- as well as the screens. We mulch the garden, stock up on firewood for our two fireplaces, stock up on canned goods in case we can’t get to the store, and fill our large freezer with various meats and poultry.
I wash all the blankets, call in a company to steam clean the carpets, and get our handyman to check out the furnace and fireplaces. We place fresh batteries in the smoke detectors and make sure that we have flashlights and a portable radio. If we’re hit with a nasty snowstorm (and we usually have one or more of these come winter), we’ll be OK.
My husband bought a generator and a medical emergency kit this summer as well. It’s better to be prepared than not. -- Deanna T., in North Dakota
A SIMPLE FACIAL MASK
Dear Heloise: You once printed a recipe for a facial mask that tightens the skin and makes the skin look fabulous. I tried it before for a big party, and everyone said I looked like I had just gotten back from a vacation. I know it had powdered milk, but I don’t remember what else was in the mixture. Would you reprint this “recipe” for me and others who want their skin to look good after spending the summer in the sun? -- MaryAnn P., in Newport, Rhode Island
MaryAnn, yes, of course I’ll reprint this time-honored facial that my mother used all the time. Here it is:
-- 1 egg white
-- 1 teaspoon of powdered milk
-- 1/2 teaspoon of olive or coconut oil
Vigorously stir the ingredients together until everything is mixed well. Using an artist’s 1-inch-wide brush, apply this mixture all over your face and neck, and allow it to remain on your skin for 20-30 minutes. You might want to do this when you have time to lay down and relax. Afterward, wash off with warm water. (The easiest way to wash it off is in the shower.)
Readers, do any of you have a facial you routinely use that is made from items found in your kitchen? Let us know at Heloise@Heloise.com. -- Heloise
Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.