Slow down for a while
Dear Readers: HAPPY HOLIDAYS, one and all! I hope you are with friends or family, taking some time to reconnect. Most of us lead busy, busy lives, and the holiday season seems to up the pace by triple! Slow down for a few seconds, take a deep breath and calm your inner voice that’s telling you to “hurry, hurry, hurry.”
If the house is not perfect, the meal is just so-so, and you can’t get it all done, then guess what? No one is going to arrest you! — Hugs, Heloise
RETURN-ADDRESS
Dear Heloise: Here’s another hint for using labels for envelopes: Place a return-address label on your suitcase on the hard plastic near the handle for identification. This can be a backup identification for tags, which often get ripped off or lost. — Mark Z., Omaha, Neb.
Good hint, but put some clear tape over the label to help secure it. Checked luggage takes a beating! Also, if checking luggage, especially this time of year, snap a photo with your camera or cellphone. A lot of “black rolling bags” look alike! — Heloise
SOUP SUBSTITUTION
Dear Heloise: I wanted to make some broccoli-cheese soup. I accidentally picked up heavy whipping cream instead of half-and-half cream. Can I use this in my soup? — Kate S., via email
Yes, you can. It will make a thicker soup, and the texture will be very creamy. You can try cutting the heavy cream by a third with water, to use as the liquid called for. The fat content will be lessened, too. Cooking is all about last-minute changes and substitutions. I have a great pamphlet called Heloise’s Seasonings, Sauces and Substitutes that’s packed with hints! To order one, go online to www.Heloise.com, or send $3 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (71 cents) envelope to: Heloise/SSS, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Instead of the usual soup bowl, buy some round bread, then scoop out the center and add the soup before serving! — Heloise
TRAVEL COSMETICS BAG
Dear Readers: Here is another hint for using a cosmetics bag. — Heloise
“I made a travel cosmetics bag from a quilted cloth purse when it became too worn to use. The barrel-shaped purse with a top zipper worked great. I simply cut off the handles. It holds many toiletries and packs easily in suitcases.” — A.S. in Pennsylvania
CLIPPING AND WALKING
Dear Heloise: Any greenery that hangs out over the sidewalk is fair game for my clippers, which fit nicely in my fanny pack that I wear when I’m walking my dog. I have a garden with lots of “new-to-me” plants. — A Reader, Brea, Calif.
Dear Reader: Not sure if the greenery really is “fair game,” although most sidewalks are public, but the greenery hanging over might not be yours for the taking. Why not just ask the homeowner? Most would be glad to let you snip a little cutting. — Heloise
HOLIDAY FIRE SAFETY HINTS
The holidays are filled with parties, decorations, candles and greenery. During this festive time, pay close attention to fire safety. Take these steps to protect your family:
Establish a fire emergency plan, so family members know what to do.
Never leave candles burning-unattended-in any room in the house.
Do not put candles in greenery arrangements or on the tree; they can easily catch fire.
Arrange candles in areas away from traffic flow or where they might be tipped over.
Do not burn wrapping paper or evergreens in the fireplace. They can ignite rapidly and burn furiously.
Inspect the fire in the fireplace to make sure it’s completely out-before you go to bed.
Test Christmas lights and wiring. If cords are frayed, discard. Plug in strings to see if they are all working. Replace lights that are not. Don’t overload sockets or extension cords.
Never leave food cooking or baking in the kitchen without checking or watching it.