Dear Readers: Beards are back. Maybe it’s a result of being at home for more than a year, but beards are here! Let’s look at this facial hair phenomenon.
A partner may find a man more attractive with a full beard, or a little stubble. Experts found that bearded men are perceived as more dominant and masculine, more responsible, more mature and more fatherly, too.
Beards can help prevent sunburn, and having a beard can protect the skin underneath from aging. A beard can filter out harmful ultraviolet light. (Sunscreen is necessary, though, on the nose, cheeks and forehead.)
The theory that beards are dirty and germ-ridden? Not so much, as long as the beard is washed in the shower.
Dear Heloise: What do your readers think about the new trend of open shelving, especially popular in kitchens? My thought is, you better be super-organized and matchy-matchy, or your kitchen can look junky! It's not only a bad look, but that can drain the energy out of you in a heartbeat.
— Melissa C. in New York
Dear Heloise: I need your advice regarding showerhead cleaning.
— Jerry P. in California, via email
Jerry P. in California: Happy to help. Minerals from hard water can clog the holes of your showerhead, leading to reduced water pressure. If you can remove the showerhead, cover it in a bowl of hot vinegar. After the vinegar has dissolved the buildup (1-2 hours), use an old toothbrush or toothpick to loosen any remaining debris.
If you can’t remove the showerhead, secure a sturdy plastic bag filled with vinegar over the showerhead with the holes submerged. Leave overnight, then loosen any bits with a toothpick.
Caveat Corner: Your showerhead may have a finish on it that vinegar can damage (remember, vinegar is an acid). Check with the manufacturer.
Vinegar is a workhorse in the home. Safe, cheap, and readily available, I’ve reached for it time and time again. I’ve compiled my favorite vinegar hints, helps and hacks into a handy pamphlet. Would you like to receive one? It’s easy! Visit Heloise.com to order, or send a long, stamped (75 cents), self-addressed envelope together with $5 to: Heloise/Vinegar, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Look for cleaning vinegar in the laundry aisle. Its acid content is higher, for a more powerful clean.
Dear Heloise: I enjoy frozen chicken pot pies, but the 10-ounce size doesn't quite fill me up. While the pie is baking, I cook extra vegetables (carrots, squash, broccoli).
When the pie is done, I break open the top crust and add the extra vegetables plus some Parmesan cheese, and the pie is then the right amount for me.
— Thomas L., Long Beach, Calif.
Heloise’s column appears six days a week at washingtonpost.com/advice. Send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or email it to Heloise@Heloise.com.
2021, King Features Syndicate