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Wooden cutting boards, boric acid in kitchen

By HELOISE Syndicated columnist 2-in-1 hint Dear Heloise: In the Advocate in Louisiana, I saw two recommendations in your column that I’d like to add to: First, wooden cutting boards have been proven to be the safest option for cutting boards. Detailed tests conducted by at least two universities show that wooden boards remain safe and bacteria-free with minimal upkeep. Just wash them in soapy water as you would any dish or pot. An occasional rubdown with common mineral oil is a cheap and easy way to keep them from drying out. Second, boric acid powder is, indeed, a great ...

Dear Annie: Private family time isn’t selfish

Dear Annie: My husband works in the family business alongside his father, his brother-in-law, and sometimes his brother and cousin. He is a generous, hardworking man who would give the shirt off his back for his family. Unfortunately, they seem to take advantage of that generosity. Despite ...

Dear Annie: Always on the gift list, not the guest list

Dear Annie: I was invited to, and attended, both an engagement party and a bridal shower. I spent a bit of money on gifts for both. I wasn't invited to the wedding, which hurt me somewhat, but I understood the couple was trying to keep it small. Now, two years later, I've been invited to ...

Car Talk: My Subaru thinks I’m a child

Dear Car Talk: In January, my husband purchased a Subaru Crosstrek. Since I am not a car person, I did not go along for the car-buying experience. So it was a few days before I got my first ride in the car, and we noticed that the passenger seat airbag warning light was on -- meaning my airbag ...

Dear Annie: Stepdad stepping on my toes

Dear Annie: My mom remarried last year, and her new husband, "Ken," has made himself very at home -- too at home, if you ask me. I'm 26 and still live with my mom while saving up to buy a condo. We've always had a good rhythm: we cook together, watch movies, take walks. But ever since Ken ...