Dear Reena: Many of the jackets and suits that I buy are sold with an extra button. Apart from storing the button in the jacket pocket, do you have any suggestions as to how to organize apparel buttons without losing them?
Mandy
One option is to sew the extra button onto the inside label of the garment. Some people tape the extra button onto the blank side of a business card. Label the business card with which garment the button matches. Then the business card is put inside a book-style business-card holder that they have specifically set apart for spare garment buttons.
Dear Reena: Do you think it鈥檚 necessary to change a furnace filter more than once each year?
Mike
Changing a furnace filter only once a year increases the odds of reducing the life of your furnace. It is good practice to change the filter every one to three months, and more often if you hold it up to the light and can鈥檛 see through it.
Some things to consider: Do you have pets? If so, change the filter more often. Also, what kind of filters are you using? It is recommended that homeowners change standard fibreglass filters monthly.
Dear Reena: Can you give me a聽simple recipe for homemade garlic butter?
Gwen
For the easiest garlic butter recipe, stir together 1 cup softened butter with 1 Tbsp garlic powder.
For Garlic Butter with a Kick, try the following recipe: In a bowl, stir together 1 cup softened butter, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, 1 tsp garlic salt, one quarter- cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1聽tsp Italian seasoning salt, 1脷4 tsp black pepper and 1脷2 tsp paprika.
Spread on bread before toasting. Store remainder in a sealed container in the fridge.
Give These Hints a Try
鈥� This tip came from a woman with whom I was chatting in a waiting room. Her six-year-old daughter鈥檚 sneakers looked brand new, so I asked her what her secret is. She washes more than her car at the local wand-type car wash, taking along filthy sneakers, boots, and the mat outside her front door. Sounds like a quick and easy solution after hiking muddy trails. I鈥檒l definitely try it this summer.
Jan
鈥� The simplest way to raise indentations in a carpet is to place a very damp colourfast facecloth, folded many times, over the spot overnight. This will save you rubbing anything foreign into the carpet.
Allan
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.
Ask a question or share a tip at reena.ca.
