DEAR HELOISE: My friends often call to announce that they are popping over in 10 minutes. What are the biggest areas to focus on so they'll be in at least a somewhat-ordered apartment? I don't have time for a deep cleaning, I'm just going for the illusion of tidiness and sanitation.
-- Julie B., Indiana
DEAR READER: First, step into your doorway/foyer area and look at your living space the way your guests would. What sticks out? Clothes strewn about? Dirty dishes, newspapers, magazines? Pick up these biggies and stow them in a trash bag or bin temporarily, and toss them in a closet or room where no one will go.
Next stop? Bathroom. Remove spots from the mirror, wipe out the sink with a vinegar/water mixture and swish a brush in the toilet bowl with your usual cleaner.
Run the vacuum or sweep the big areas to eliminate dust bunnies.
Then relax and enjoy the evening.
DEAR HELOISE: We have always loved Heloise's Friendship Tea. It makes a wonderful gift for neighbors or as a hostess gift. I've been unable to find the orange-flavored breakfast drink mix as well as powdered tea in the grocery stores around me. Can you help?
-- Phyllis in
Thousand Oaks, Calif.
DEAR READER: Heloise Central checked and found that there are online retailers that sell both products. For readers who want the recipe, you will need:
21/2 cups powdered orange-flavored breakfast drink mix
13/4 cups powdered instant tea (unsweetened)
2 to 21/2 cups sugar
1 package lemonade mix (makes 2 quarts)
11/2 teaspoons ground cloves
11/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Mix together all the ingredients and store in sealed jars. Use 1 to 2 rounded teaspoons in 6 to 8 ounces of water (hot or cold). Make a sugar-free version with diet powdered orange drink and sugar-free lemonade, but then only 1 teaspoon of mix would be added to 6 to 8 ounces of water because it's so concentrated.
DEAR HELOISE: When someone is trying to lose weight, he or she complains about losing it first in the face. I've just discovered why: It's from chewing all those leafy and raw, hard-as-a-rock vegetables -- it exercises the face!
-- Carolyn M., via email
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
Heloise@Heloise.com
Weekend on 09/29/2016