Dear Heloise: Recently, you printed two easy and delicious fudge recipes. Both had nuts in the ingredients. For those of us who don't or can't eat nuts, do the proportions of liquid ingredients in the recipes have to be adjusted so that the fudge won't be too loose? -- Linda H., via email
Linda, nothing else in the recipe changes. The proportions of the liquid should stay the same. -- Heloise
Cleaning an oil painting
Dear Heloise: My grandfather was well-known for his western art paintings that showed what life was like when he was a boy. I want to hand off these beautiful works of art to my children, but they need to be cleaned first. My grandfather was a heavy smoker. -- Karen G., Santa Fe, New Mexico
Karen, you can find a product called a painting restorer for cleaning old paintings. Many art supply stores carry it. However, you'll need to wear a mask and gloves when you use this product. Apply it with either a soft brush or very soft fabric, using gentle circular motions before wiping the product off. Follow all the directions on the back of the bottle.
People are also reading... Hudson man identified in fatal crash on Veterans Parkway in Normal Death reported after crash at Veterans Parkway and College Avenue Marco's Pizza closes 3 locations in Central Illinois, including Bloomington Ride the Nine Shooters Lounge owners sell bar, pool hall after 33 years in Bloomington State Farm hostile workplace lawsuit may continue, appellate court rules 2 big winners reported at East Peoria casino 1 person hospitalized after crashing into pond off I-55 near Lexington Tailgate N' Tallboys announces 2025 lineup for Bloomington country music festival McLean County official accused of 'unethical conduct' related to auditor referendum Bloomington man accused of shooting at a couple in a gang-related attack Slick, snowy roads causing crashes in Bloomington-Normal Flick Fact: A Central Illinois connection to the Christmas classic 'Home Alone'? Shelby County coroner's cause of death was drowning; funeral services set Bloomington-Normal breakfast options heating up with Flame At Bloom Bloomington police investigate armed robbery at business on Empire
Other than that, I'd recommend a professional cleaning, but this can get very expensive depending on the size of the painting. -- Heloise
Tap your cards
Dear Heloise: After I went through a problem with someone using my credit card, I asked my bank what they recommended. They told me to always tap my card on the credit card machine rather than inserting it. This way, no one can see the numbers. A person standing behind you could easily use their phone to photograph your card numbers. I now tap my card and have had no more problems with fraud. -- Rodger T., Corpus Christi, Texas
The Grinch
Dear Heloise: Last year, I decided to make some of my special salad oils to give out to friends at Christmas. First, let me say I've won awards for my salad dressings, and my recipes have been published in a couple of magazines. My kids always ask me to make of a batch of one or two of my salad dressings at Christmas.
Well, I made two different types of dressing last year and gave them out to various family and friends. My sister-in-law looked at both bottles, then handed them back to me and said they had a favorite dressing already. This year, I am being a Grinch and won't give them anything. My husband told me to let it go, but I think my sister-in-law was rude. -- Judy S., Sandy, Utah
Judy, yes, she was. A simple "thank you" would have been the classy, kind thing to say. -- Heloise
Social protocol
Dear Heloise: When one is invited to dinner at another's house, one is expected to bring a favor or something. What latitude does the guest have in determining the favor? Can the host request an alcoholic beverage? Is the required favor kept by the host or shared with the dinner participants? -- R.M., via email
R.M., contact the host in advance and ask what they would like you to bring. They are then able to do whatever they wish with the favor. If it's an item that you'd rather be shared during dinner, clarify this and bring a separate trinket to show appreciation for the host. -- Heloise
Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to [email protected].
Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Be the first to know
Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.