Ask Andrea

2006-08-09T13:07:00.000-07:00

Allison asks Andrea how to get gum out of clothes.....

I have this stuff called Goo Gone. It gets everything out. I've never tried it on gum dried into clothing but I bet it works. Look for Goo Gone at Walmart, Meijer and just about anywhere. It's good stuff!

I also did a little Google searching and found that some people recommend Lava Soap - apply it to the gum, rub in a circular motion and then rinse. Or, have you tried putting Ice on it and trying to freeze it off? I've heard that works too.

Let us know what works!

Good luck!!

2006-07-16T19:12:00.000-07:00

So what do I think about the 6 week body makeover - as seen on TV thingie? I suppose it could work but I really doubt it.

Eating right & exercising more is the best way to a fabulous, model like body.

Just look at me......NOT!

2006-07-06T19:42:00.000-07:00

Ask Andrea wants to ask you, my devoted readers, a question....

Don't you wish you had to explain every day that you're not anorexic like movie stars do?

Just wondering.....

2006-05-05T10:48:00.000-07:00

The TapeEar asked Andrea how to change the information under About Me on her blog.

TapeEar, when you sign in to your blog and you go to your Dashboard (it's the first screen you hit after you sign in) look on the right hand column. It will say EDIT PROFILE.

Click on Edit Profile and you can go in there and change stuff.

Hope this is what you needed, TapeEar.

Keep those questions comin',
Andrea

2006-05-02T19:03:00.000-07:00

Kellie wants to know what kind of flowers to put out on her screened in porch this summer.

Kellie, Ask Andrea has the answer!!

You want petunias! They bloom like crazy, don't require a ton of maintenance, come in a million different colors, thrive in shade or sun and give all season blooms.

Plant some petunias in pots or hanging pots and they will spill out over the edge of the pot. Just be sure to pick off the dead blooms. If you want a bushier plant, then pinch back the stems from time to time.

Another option for you is the impatien. I plant these every year by my sidewalk and they get as big as a bush. They are awesome. They prefer more shade than sun but require ZERO maintenance except a good drink of water each night. You can't go wrong with an impatien. They would do great on your screened porch - just enough sun to make them happy but enough shade to help them grow.

Oh but Ask Andrea has more!! The ever popular Vinca. It's a little spikey (grows taller rather than bushier) and again is completely maintenance free. They come in a bunch of colors, mostly pinks and purples. No yellows.

One last suggestion is a good one - and gives you a little more color variety. It's the DAHLIA. It's a happy flower, kind of a cross between a mum, daisy and peony. They get big blooms that keep coming all summer long. They are available in yellows, pinks, purples, orange. They are a great flower for a pot - not hanging. These will require a bit more maintenance - you'll need to deadhead them...meaning when one of the blooms dies off, pop it's little dead head off the stem. More will come but it take a while sometimes for them to re-bloom. I usually plant several of these and hope they bloom in stages. They would do really well on your porch.

I hope these suggestions have helped but if you need more, just let me know. We can always go check out flowers at lunch some time. I LOVE flowers!!!!!

Andrea

2006-04-22T20:56:00.000-07:00

Kellie says she ordered something for someone in our family ..... she wondered if I would deliver it for her. I say...hey why not go up with me sometime! Everyone would love to see Kellie again, right?

If not, sure I'll deliver it!!

2006-04-05T19:30:00.000-07:00

Enn2sp (what does that mean)?

You need to load a pic to your new blog?

First you you click the Add Image icon which is by the spell check in your toolbar. Then you click the browse button and go to the file where you have your picture loaded.
You need to make sure your picture isn't huge...if it is, you'll need to resize it so it's smaller.

Once you pick the picture from the file, click ok. Then back on the blogger screen, select whether you want the picture in the center, left or right side of your posting. Also pick whether you want it to be small, medium or large sized. I usually do medium.

When you've done all that, click UPLOAD PICTURE.

The screen will move and there will be an animated thing that shows you it's loading. When it stops click the done button. Your picure will appear in the box where you were typing.

Hope this helps!!
Andrea

2006-03-28T20:24:00.000-08:00

Boneman asks why a girl would be offended when told ..."you look corn-fed"

Bo....no girl wants to have her appearance in any way compared to that of a bovine. When I think corn fed - I don't instantly think, "dang I look good!" I mean, I know you're personality and I know you did actually mean it as a compliment.

Here are some alternative choice compliments.

Memorize these and use these in the future and you'll never get in trouble!!

"My Julie, you look great, You must be working out or something? Whatever it is, keep it up it looks great on you!"

Or

"Kim, those are really cute jeans....they make you look like a supermodel!"

Or

"Janet, wow your waist looks so trim, your body is like a perfect figure 8. What's your secret?"

Or simply just say.....

"Michelle, I can't believe how great you look!"

2006-03-25T18:59:00.000-08:00

This may be the first time in history that Ask Andrea has "apply to real life in a serious way, take it to heart" advice!! Stand back folks this is a first!

Allison, it's really sad news to hear about Roberta. I know she wasn't always nice to you and when she wasn't nice - she was really mean. I have a hard time forgiving her for what she did to you and sometimes to your mom too. However I also remember laughing around Grammy's table with your dad and Roberta and I know there were probably plenty of times she was nice to you too. I do care about her as a person and I know how caring and forgiving you are. So I think I've come up with a decent solution for you.

You should touch base with her. Do it over the phone. Do you know if she can speak to you on the phone? If so this is what I'd do.

Don't go see her in person - it might be harder for you to emotionally untie yourself & you may feel obligated to go visit regularly even if you go only one time.

Tell her you are thinking of her and wanted her to know you care about her. Knowing what we know about lung cancer - and now combined with a stroke & brain tumors, she may have 6-8 months left with us. I would probably think of this as the last verbal conversation I was going to have with her - and that's intentional which I'll explain later.

Make your conversation positive. Say what you need to say to her so you know you won't feel guilty later. Maybe even delicately "thank" her for all she did for you. If you need to, write stuff down that you want to mention before you call. This is for you as much as it's for her so don't let her take you where she doesn't need to go and where you don't need to go. If she can't speak over the phone....then go see her but plan on this being the only time. If she's in Indy and you don't really want to make the trip - send her a nice letter. You don't need to make an excuse for why you aren't there in person. Just say what you would have said over the phone in the letter. I think she'd really appreciate that. The letter could be the solution if she can speak or can't speak. That'll be up to you.

If she can speak, surely she will keep from pulling her old tricks knowing what she's going through. I think she'll appreciate that you made contact with her - that you were sweet to her and that you care about her. I don't think this will be the case, but if she doesn't appreciate you reaching out to her by phone or letter - then she doesn't deserve a face to face visit.

After this contact, I would make a point to send her a cute card, something funny, an inspiring book, etc. every couple of weeks or once a month - only if you feel like you need to - however you don't need feel obligated to go beyond your call or letter. If you decide to continue, make all future communications non-verbal and not face to face.

That's probably how I would handle it. I think it's a good way for you to live a guilt free life, let her know you care about her, and at the same time, feel no further obligation.

What do you think?

Love you Alli-Gal!!

2006-03-18T17:43:00.000-08:00

SHooks Asked Andrea to review the

PASTA EXPRESS!

http://www.pastaexpress.tv/

It's the "as seen on TV" invention that lets you cook pasta on your countertop!

As you all know, if it's on TV and it's for sale - my beloved husband wants it. So, of course, he's seen the commercial for the Pasta Express and he's in love with it.

My brother was quick to point out that you don't really need the "Pasta Express" you probably already have some plastic container in your cabinet that you could pour piping hot water into and top it with a lid. It would do the same trick. BUT, you don't get the fancy dancy straining lid and your container probably isn't shaped perfectly for pasta.

So my opinion is for $19.99 - I'd probably buy it. I think it's pretty cool. Looks handy. You can cook other things in it. Saves me from washing that big ol stock pot of mine. I'm obsessed with Italians anyway.......and it comes with that cute little straining lid.

Ask Andrea says

GET ONE!!!!

2005-12-21T20:37:00.000-08:00

"Me" asked Andrea to recommend socks.

Ask Andrea loves Gold Toe socks - look for them in Target! Also, Ask Andrea loves Hanes for Her Slouch Socks in the winter - they're a little thicker and keep your tootsies real warm!!

Good luck sock shopping!!

2005-12-21T20:26:00.000-08:00

Ask Andrea is doing her part to promote the "little gem" of the citrus family!

Everyone needs a good kumquat recipe!

This sounds yummy!!

Kumquat Oatmeal Cookies
2/3 cups margarine
2/3 cups brown sugar
2 large eggs
1-1/2 cups oatmeal
2/3 cup white chocolate chips
2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
2/3 cup chopped kumquats (pureed)

Beat margarine and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs to the mixture and mix well. Combine oatmeal, flour, baking soda and salt. Mixing well. Add chopped kumquats and chocolate chips. Drop by large teaspoon onto ungreased cookie sheets.

Bake 10-15 minutes at 375 degrees or until golden brown.
Makes 2-1/2 dozen.

2005-12-08T07:47:00.000-08:00

S-Hooks wants to know if there's anyway she can eliminate the annoying drip from her 96 load, 300 oz. big bottle of Wisk.

Ask Andrea must confess - at times, she's had the same problem with her big, Sam's Club size bottle of Tide.

Here's how Ask Andrea solved her problem. The air vent screw on cap needs to be adjusted. If you have the "vent-er" cap open all the way close it each time after you use the pumper below. If that doesn't work - which it might not - then put a shelf above your washer where the bottle can hang over and leave the lid open to your washer so the drips go where they should go - into your washing machine. No more waste. No more mess.

Life is good again!!

2005-12-05T10:36:00.000-08:00

Olive-12 wants to know if Ask Andrea can recommend a good bra.

Olive, I have the answer for you!!!

The best bra in the whole world (and believe me, I've tried them all) is the Bali - Style 3820. You can order them through AVON or they carry them at Kohls. I've seen them at Sears too but Sears puts their own brand name on them - they aren't called Bali 3820 there. Once you know what it looks like you could find it at Sears under their brand name. OR....you can just email your friendly neighborhood AVON lady and she can order one for you.

The best feature of the 3820 is it offers double support without any wires! They are comfy and all my friends are now addicted to the 3820 - including Aunt Jan!!!

Good luck - bra shopping sucks until you try the beloved 3820!

2005-11-23T20:12:00.000-08:00

Oh those aching feet.....

Dear Allison, sorry for the delay in responding to your question. Just got back from sunny Florida and the week is sure flying by!

I have just the answer you need. TAKE A VACATION!! There's nothing like a little time off your feet and who can't use a little rest and relaxation - calluses or no calluses? If that's not possible right now, then you do have some other, less fun but certainly effective, options.

To alleviate some of your discomfort, According to www.foot.com, you need to redistribute the weight on your foot - stearing pressure away from your calluses. You can do that by using an orthotic. Probably could start by trying a Dr Scholls gel insert.

Then try some foot scrubs and soaks. Avon has a nice set and it's cinnamon scented - so you're feet will smell all Christmasy! Check it out, it's called FootWorks Cinnamon Treats and it's around $8.00 for the set. Looks like it might help you too.

Your last option is to figure out a way to boss everyone around in your department and pawn all your work off on them so they have to stand all day! Hey....finally a solution I can get behind!!

Good luck!
Andrea

2005-11-04T22:10:00.000-08:00

Allison Asks Andrea: Ryan and I are looking for someplace in southern Indiana to go take some good photos. Having seen some of your pictures recently, I thought maybe you would have some good ideas.

Allison, Ask Andrea has the answers!! Seymour, Indiana has a few really cool historic covered bridges and round barns. It's kind of their claim to fame (along with John Mellencamp of course). I've been down in that area and have roamed around the countryside of Jackson County. I'd say the barns and bridges are the biggest attraction there. Here's a site to check out: http://www.jacksoncountyin.com/bridges.htm

There's also the Scenic Ohio River Route along the southern border of Indiana and Kentucky. It's around 300 miles round trip and goes from around Evansville (I think over to Louisville, Kentucky). You wind through St. Meinrad, Indiana . There's an awesome church there with lots of stained glass made in Germany. I found a website that will give you some good info: http://www.byways.org/browse/byways/2453/

This scenic tour also includes Wyandotte Caves which would have some great photo ops for you and Madison, Indiana where there are some really old homes. I've heard Aurora, Indiana is beautiful and right on the river but I've never been there. I found a website by the University of Southern Indiana that also offers some good info on the area: http://www.usi.edu/hsi/resources/IHP.asp

Also the Hoosier National Forest has a good website with lots of information on things to do around their area too: http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/hoosier/rec_front_page.htm

Hope you find what your looking for and if not, let me know I'll do some digging to find what you need.

2005-11-04T22:03:00.000-08:00

S-Hooks Asks Andrea: I want to take a sewing class. Are there any places in my home town that offer them, and how much do they cost?

Hi S-Hooks! Yes there are classes available in your home town. Hobby Lobby has a Beginning Adult Sewing Class starting this Tuesday, November 8th. Check out the following link for more information: http://www.hobbylobby.com/site3/classes/classes.cfm

Looks like there are 3 classes in this series, Nov. 8th, 10th and 15th and are held twice a day: 9:30-12:30 and 5:00-8:00. The cost is not indicated on the site but there is a number there to call for more information.

2005-11-03T14:51:00.000-08:00

My first question! Ask Andrea is so excited!

The reader asked: I have to break up with my boyfriend because I found out he's been sleeping around. I want him to remember me but I don't know how to break up because I'm sort of shy.

Ask Andrea's Response:

Dear Reader,

Let me start by saying - don't put up with his crap. Bravo for not taking it and for taking the steps to move on. There are plenty of fish in the sea regardless of how cute this one is or how much fun he might be. Move on.

Here's the good news! Breaking up ain't so hard to do?

We, at Ask Andrea, have the solution!

First, prolong the break up. Yes I said prolong the break up.....long enough to follow your boyfriend and his new flame. (Remember there's a fine line between lurking and stalking and Ask Andrea would never want someone to cross that legal line).

Watch for an established pattern in the relationship - a favorite spot, restaurant etc. Once you've established this repeated location, say a restaurant, make plans for dinner when you know the boyfriend/new flame will be there.

Invite your best friend, your parents and his parents to meet you and the boyfreind for dinner at that location. Of course, you don't let him know these plans have been made. Ask the parents and friend to keep it quiet so boyfriend doesn't find out - because afterall, you want to make a special announcement. Giggle and act excited!

Show up at the restaurant with best friend, moms and dads in tow. Waltz up to the table and act shocked, but don't cry. Most likely the mothers and fathers will take it from there and you probably won't need to actually say the words "I don't want to see you anymore" especially after you so cleverly flash the menacing, "I got ya" grin.

Your best friend will already be there to back you up and provide comfort.

He won't forget it and you don't have to do the ugly work of saying those harsh words. No matter what....you win!

Good luck!!
Ask Andrea

2005-11-03T07:35:00.000-08:00

Welcome one, Welcome all to ........

ASK ANDREA!

This blog is dedictated to providing useless and useful advice for all those burning questions in your mind.

I will respond to your questions and post advice even when no one has asked for it.

To post your question or ask for advice, click on the comment link below this posting. Enter your question there and then hit PUBLISH.

Let the posting begin!