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Dear Heloise: My husband and I decided to remodel our basement and use it as a hobby/crafts/half-bath/extra TV room, where our teenagers and their friends can enjoy themselves or where we can gather as a family to watch movies. Since my dad had been a builder all his life and knew what to look for and how to do things, we asked him how we should test for dampness. There are kits that you can buy, but he likes an old-fashioned method where we save plastic dry cleaning bags, cut them into 14-inch squares, and tape them to the walls. We taped all around the edges so that air couldn’t get in or out.
After six days, we reached in to test for moisture on the plastic and the wall surface. We found dampness in only one part of the basement and took steps to seal off the wall to avoid any problems. This was 10 years ago, and we still have a dry basement. — Charlotte W., in Delaware
VACATION PLANNING
Dear Heloise: My husband and I used to argue over where we would vacation every year. In fact, it was the only thing that we argued about. We sat down and figured out a system, and it’s since stopped the annual fight. One year, he picks the place we’ll go, and the next year, I pick the place.
I told him that I had three stipulations: First, no camping trips; I refuse to live in a tent. I want a hot shower and a comfy bed. A second no-go was that we wouldn’t keep going to the same place every year. Four years had to pass before we went to a place that we had already been to. The third stipulation was that we wouldn’t complain about the other’s choice; instead, we’d keep an open mind and make an effort to enjoy the place.
We’ve been to many exciting places and made friends all over the world. It was the best decision we’ve ever made. — Paula and Chad G., in Tulsa, Oklahoma
USING STARCH TO APPLY FABRIC
Dear Heloise: I was told that starch could be used to apply fabric to the wall. If so, how’s it done? — Cathy E., in Warwick, Massachusetts
Cathy, yes, and it’s actually easy to do:
— Clean the wall(s) where you want apply the fabric. Make sure that the fabric is lightweight and smooth. Remove all outlets that are covered by a switch plate. This isn’t an ideal project for velvet or other heavy fabrics.
— Wash and iron your fabric panels, leaving a 1- to 2-inch excess on all sides. Temporarily pin or tack panels to the wall at the top. Then coat the wall by using a roller and putting liquid starch in a paint tray. Use a heavy coating of the starch, working in 3-foot sections.
— Smooth out the fabric by using your hand or a squeegee to get rid of bumps and air bubbles. Once the entire panel is on the wall, roll the liquid starch onto the surface of the panel. After the fabric is saturated with starch, trim off the excess. — Heloise
GET UP AND GET ACTIVE!
Dear Heloise: After I retired last year, I went into a sort of slump with a mild depression. It wasn’t anything serious, but I started to gain weight, sleep too much, and watch too much TV. When I went to see my doctor for an annual checkup, I mentioned to her that I was tired all the time and didn’t seem interested in anything. She told me to get to the gym and start exercising. If nothing else, I was to go for a long walk, especially when it was sunny outside.
Believe it or not, I started to feel better. I joined a gym and made myself go three times a week. I set the alarm for 6:30 a.m., got up, and went for a walk on days that I didn’t go to the gym. I lost 20 pounds, toned my body, and met the man whom I would later marry.
I can’t promise that exercise will bring you a spouse, but it can definitely lift your mood. It certainly lifted mine! — Elaine L., in Mesa, Arizona
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DO SOMETHING YOU LOVE
Dear Heloise: I retired and found that I didn’t like it. I enjoy working, and the extra income is nice. I took up painting, which I love and now make a living from. I encourage retired people to do something that they enjoy, rather than doing nothing.
A friend of mine does plumbing for people who can’t afford to hire a plumber. Word of mouth and low fees have kept him very busy. Another friend refinishes antiques and sells them at a flea market. He loves restoring items that would have otherwise gone into the trash.
If you’re retired, keep yourself moving and find something that you love to do to occupy your time. — Sam, in Colorado
STUBBORN LINOLEUM
Dear Heloise: Last night, my son was helping me remove the old, ugly linoleum in my kitchen. It’s been there for about 30 years! Anyway, there were several spots that we had trouble with where the linoleum wouldn’t lift off. How can we get the linoleum up in these stubborn areas? — June Y., in Camden, New Jersey
June, apply ice to these stubborn areas, but be sure to cover them completely. After about 30-40 minutes, check to see if the adhesive that is holding the linoleum is brittle enough to scrape off. If it is, then use a thin blade (like you might find on a putty knife) and scrape it off. This will require some elbow grease. — Heloise
LEFTOVER PIE CRUST
Dear Heloise: I always have way too much pie crust, and I hate throwing it away. What can I do to use up all the dough? — P.F., in Woodbury, Minnesota
P.F., I’ve often made pies and had leftover pie crust dough, so I usually roll it out and brush it lightly with a little melted butter. Then I sprinkle it with some brown sugar, cinnamon, and maybe some finely crushed almonds (optional). After this, I roll it into a long tube shape and slice into 1-inch-thick rolls.
I place these circular chunks on a cookie sheet and bake them for 15 minutes, or until golden brown. You can bake them with the pie or after the pie’s done baking. — Heloise
Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.