Dear Reena: I was brave and ordered a glass kitchen table. It will be delivered soon. I am now having second thoughts. Do you have any advice on how to take care of a glass table? We will be using it as our everyday table, not as an occasional dining room table.
Karen
Dear Karen: Glass tables are timeless and often create the illusion of a larger room. But they do require extra attention. Use place mats and coasters whenever possible. Clean with a soft cloth and a 50-50 solution of vinegar and water. For stuck-on grime, use a non-scratching pad and baking soda and vinegar to clean. Buff the surface with a soft, dry cloth or newspaper.
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Dear Reena: How can I repel spiders in my garden? They are so ugly and creepy. I can鈥檛 stand them. They might be poisonous. I dread going to work in the garden just in case I see a spider.
Frank
Dear Frank: Spiders in your garden are a great sign of a healthy area. They eat mosquitoes, aphids and other bugs that may harm your plants. When planting your garden keep in mind that spiders are repelled by the following smells: Citrus, eucalyptus and lavender, curry, peppers, tobacco and pepper.
Did you know? Some people living in the South Pacific use spider鈥檚 silk to weave fishing nets. Spiders are also cooked and said to have a nutty, sticky taste a bit like peanut butter. In areas of Southeast Asia, spiders are fried and sold by street vendors.
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Dear Reena: Guests were arriving at my house and I was busy making my famous 鈥淐hocolate Lasagna鈥� supper. In that moment I wondered if there is one food that encompasses all four food groups. I couldn鈥檛 think of a single answer. Any ideas?
Tarrissa
Dear Tarrissa: Chocolate Lasagna sounds like a yummy supper! Many foods carrying all four food groups come to mind (depending on how they are prepared). First on my list: Pizza, lasagna, soup, casseroles and omelets. Great question.
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Dear Reena: I purchased an older vehicle and when I brought it home, I noticed a wad of gum stuck onto the leather upholstery. How should I remove the gum, without damaging the leather?
Jerrod
Dear Jerrod: Press an ice cube onto the gum. When the gum hardens, peel it off. Clean the leather with saddle soap.
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Feedback from readers
Re: Prevent tearing while cutting onions
This is the only way to prevent tearing eyes: Put the peeled, halved onion in the freezer for about 20 or 30 minutes, depending on the size, remove and immediately chop. I do this all the time and it works every time. It鈥檚 amazing, never any tears. The larger the onion, the longer time in the freezer, but usually not over 30 minutes.
Donna
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Handy hints of the week
鈥� Fluff a flat pillow. Toss the pillow inside the dryer with a couple of tennis balls, on the air setting.
Erin
鈥� Remove pilling balls on fabrics by wiping the areas with a pumice stone (available at dollar and beauty stores).
Mandy
Note: User assume all risks of injury or damage resulting from implementing any suggestions in this column. Test all products on an inconspicuous area first.
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Check Reena鈥檚 website, reena.ca, to send tips and questions, to find missed columns or mislaid solutions, or to engage Reena to speak at an upcoming event.
