Dear Reena: Is it normal for guys to shape their eyebrows? Or should they just let them grow into a mess of hairy cactuses on their face?
Kierra
Untrimmed eyebrows on a guy can be a distraction, which is easily rectified (if the guy is willing, or sleeping 鈥� just kidding). If professional stylists are offering to trim your eyebrows for you, there might be a reason. Professional trimmers are affordable and worth the investment.
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Dear Reena: Can you please tell me how to get lipstick out of a white rabbit-fur hat?
Rick
Get a bottle of waterless hand cleaner (available at hardware stores). The beauty of this product is that it does not require water (which would damage the fur), and it is formulated to cut through grease 鈥� in other words, lipstick. Test the waterless hand cleaner on an inconspicuous area before using it on the visible parts of your hat.
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Dear Reena: What is the best technique to clean dusty old hand-painted Christmas ornaments?
Tanya
Carefully remove any stuck-on debris with a dry, soft microfibre cloth, then dust them lightly with a feather duster. Avoid water or cleaners under any circumstances, or you might risk wiping away the paint and colour.
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Dear Reena: I hate the thought of wasting half an egg by throwing the yolk in the garbage. What can I do with the egg yolk besides throwing it out?
Orlin
Leftover egg yolks can be refrigerated for three to four days. You can also freeze them. To use, thaw in the refrigerator, then beat well. They will keep in the freezer for up to three months. Use egg yolks to add to meatloaf or homemade mayonnaise, custard or pudding.
If you would rather not eat egg yolks, use them in homemade hair conditioners, because of their ability to improve the softness of hair and to reduce the occurrence of frizz.
Many people also use egg-yolk hair conditioners to reduce hair loss. As well, egg yolks contain Vitamin A, which is used in many skincare products, designed to target acne.
To use egg yolks as a mask, simply break up the yolks with a fork and spread over your face and neck (avoid eyes). Leave to dry, then rinse with cool water.
Or feed egg yolks to your outdoor friends: Simply boil them in water and throw them outside for birds, squirrels and chipmunks, or mix yolks with nuts or berries and zap them in the microwave for a few seconds before tossing them out the door.
Super-fast, super-cheap mason-jar gifts
Need to buy a Christmas gift for that special someone?
鈥� Flavoured Garlic Salt: On a piece of foil, combine one whole garlic clove and 1 tsp olive oil. Wrap the aluminum foil into a closed package. Place foil on a baking sheet and bake at 400 F for 35 minutes. Cool and squeeze out the garlic clove. Stir together 1 cup salt with garlic-flavoured oil. Place in an oven-safe dish. Bake at 200 F for 20 minutes. Use a fork to break up salt. Pour into a jar.
鈥� Easy Garlic Butter: In the microwave, melt 1/2 cup butter. Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dry basil, 1 tsp dry oregano and 1/3 cup olive oil. Stir well, and package in a little jar. Store in the fridge. Yields: 3/4 cup. Purchase a freshly baked baguette and put both the butter and bread into a gift bag. Maurice
鈥� Peppermint Candy Body Scrub: In the microwave, melt 1 cup coconut oil (about 25 seconds). Add 10 drops peppermint essential oil. Stir in 2 cups plain white sugar. Mix and pour into a jar. You can also add red food colouring to half, and layer in the jar. Finish with a bow or raffia. Celeste
鈥� Caffeine in a Jar: My boss cannot function without coffee morning, noon and night. Every year, I pack him a little jar of caffeine for the holidays: Fresh coffee beans, packages of flavoured creamers, high-quality chocolates, packages of sugar, a stir spoon and mints. Raylene
Note: Every user assumes all risks of injury or damage resulting from the implementation of any suggestions in this column. Test all products on an inconspicuous area first.
