Ask The Helpful Housewife

The Perfect Pantry

Check out today's featured Typepad blog:  The Perfect Pantry 

I've already added the link to the list in the side bar!  Great information, well written and nicely laid out.  Go see it!

Your Questions Answered

I have a few questions that have been sent to me that, even though I've answered them, I haven't been good about posting the question and response here on the site as promise.  I am going to do that all right here and now!

1.  My children just chipped in (the two of them) and for mother's day, they bought me a beautiful, large, Dooney and Burke (is that correct - Burke?) pocketbook.  So you know how long I have had it. It is a mellow yellow with leather trim. Today, I tripped getting up to answer the phone, knocked in the little snack table I was doing bills on and spilled my coffee all over one side of the pocketbook.  It was my husband and I answered in tears and told him what happened.  He made suggestions, I thought of some, I have most cleaning products, but I am afraid to make it worse. For now I took plain, white paper towels, wet them and dabbed, dabbed, dabbed at the stains.  I do not know how it will look when dry - but I know a lot of spotting will still be there. PLEASE - what is the best way to clean it?  Best type pf product, etc.  Help! and Thank you!

Answer:

Before that coffee sets into your bag any more, get it down to the local cleaners and have it professionally drycleaned.  Have them use the same method that you would for a leather coat, etc.  When it comes back, rub in some high quality leather treatment that not only will condition the leather after the cleaning process, but will also help protect it somewhat against future boo-boos.

I hope this helps!

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2.   I have a problem with my dishwasher leaving waterspots  on my glassware. Even jet dry doesn't help. Any suggestions?

Answer:

OK, I had the same problem until my dishwasher died and I had to replace it!  I honestly don't know what to tell you as far as getting rid of them.  I do know what causes them.  You likely have harder water, and it's the mineral deposits left behind after the water evaporates off during the drying cycle.  The only solution would be to install a water softener and run the water line to the softener and then to the dishwasher.  But any reputable plumber would tell you that's a total waste of money and resources, not to mention difficult!  To at least reduce the spots to as minimal as possible, be sure that your screen in the grinder of the dishwasher is clean.  Then run an empty wash/rinse/dry cycle with 1/2 cup of white vinegar poured into the bottom of the dishwasher before starting it.  This will help get rid of any particles that may be contributing to the spots, as well as clean your dishwasher.  It's a good idea to do that every so often anyway, just to keep it working at it's best.  Otherwise, simply skip the drying cycle all together, and as soon as the load is done, dry them by hand.  (I know, defeats the purpose, doesn't it?  BUT, this does save on your electric bill as well as being a good step toward a more eco-friendly lifestyle!)

I hope this helps a little bit....

Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho, It's Off to the Post Office I Go!

They are on their way!  And now that they have been mailed, I can let the cat out of the bag...  you are all receiving aprons in this package!  Because, as I said before:

Hint:  it wasn't created on a computer or by an outside publishing company.  It doesn't even involve paper.

Hint:  it was created out of necessity a couple hundred years ago.

Hint:  you need it, even if you think you don't!

Also inside are a notebook to keep with you for grocery lists, writing down a great recipe when you are at a dinner party, keeping track of kid's clothing sizes, or just plain doodling in the carpool lane.  And some lovely lovely labels to keep your home oh-so-organized...

No actual "issue" this time around.  Sorry!  I figured that since it was the final installment you wouldn't be needing any more educational materials!  But please enjoy the aprons, and be sure to wear them:  they are not for keeping in a drawer somewhere.  Use them.  Seriously.  Save your clothes the wear and tear!