Dear Heloise: Is there anything that can remedy the water in a snow globe when it becomes very clouded and discolored?- Louise O., Staten Island, N.Y.
Don't you just love snow globes? Such a simple thing that makes us smile!
First, does it have a plug? If so, you can carefully empty the water and refill with distilled water using a turkey baster.
Older globes were made using water, but today almost all are manufactured with a synthetic liquid - glycol (i.e., antifreeze). If yours is a new one, leave it to a professional to take care of the globe.
If your snow globe does not have a plug but is sealed, you may need to send it to a skilled restorer to clean.
To store your snow globes, keep them in a temperature-controlled area, away from sunlight. Too much heat and the water will evaporate.
Direct sunlight also can cause the colors to fade. - Heloise
Dear Heloise: When traveling with my daughter and infant grandson, I realized I didn't know how to unlatch those very sophisticated baby-seat straps.
Every grandma needs to know how to get everyone out of a burning car! My hint: Practice before you hit the road. - Frannie P., Fair Oaks, Calif.
Dear Heloise: I think it is unsanitary to have one hand towel in the guest bathroom for everyone to use.
Therefore, in my guest bathroom, in addition to the usual hand towel, there is a roll of paper towels (handily situated) for people to use if they choose. - P.L., Prescott Valley, Ariz.
A good hint, especially when having a party with a lot of people using the restroom. I have some attractive paper "guest towels" (hand towels) that are in a little holder out on the counter.
Also, I hang three to four hand towels on the wall holder or bar so I can just remove one that's too soiled or damp and replace with a fresh one. - Heloise
Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 210-HELOISE or email it to heloise@heloise.com.
