Dear Katie, When A Neighbor Borrows

Dear Katie/Katherine, My neighbor is constantly borrowing stuff from me and then she forgets to return it. I really like her and don’t want to hurt her feelings. But how do I get my things back? Signed a Follower of your sweet blog

Dear bloggy friend, lending to friends and neighbors is a generous thing to do.  Life as you know can be very hectic and sometimes things may not be returned promptly only out of chaos and not out of rudeness.

If you’re lending things like a cup of sugar or a couple of eggs I would just consider those gifts to your neighbor and not loans. If you feel as though you’re being taken advantage of, then just say you’re sorry but you do not have what she needs (i.e. sugar, eggs, etc.) to spare at this time.

But, if you’re lending things of value, or things that you need to use yourself, then my favorite way to handle it is through humor. It has worked well for me in this type of situation.

For example, go to your neighbor and ask to” borrow” whatever it is she’s borrowed from you and forgotten to return. Smile and laugh and let her know you realize how busy life is and how it must have slipped her mind. After she provides you with the item invite her to join you for coffee, tea, etc. Thank you for writing :-)

P.S. If you have a friend or neighbor who borrows and returns promptly the same item repeatedly, and if it’s within your means. I suggest buying that item as a gift and presenting it to him/her for his/her birthday or at the holidays. Or maybe just because. All of this within reason of course.

 

Have you entered the Forgotten Holiday Giveaway?

 

 

Dear Katie, Green Bananas

Dear Katie, Is it okay to eat green bananas? Thanks Liam

 

 

 

 

Dear Liam, sure it’s okay. Green bananas have the same nutrients as yellow bananas. They are rich in potassium, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C and fiber too. Green bananas have a bit less sugar because the starch hasn’t broken down yet. Yellow bananas are sweeter because the starch has broken down into sugar. I find green bananas a bit hard to pallet, and they are tougher. But, there’s no reason why you can’t eat them, enjoy. Thank you for your question. Katherine ( aka Katie)

New feature coming on Thursday!

 

welcome Autumn Giveaway

 

 

 

Dear Katie, Garden Party

I love receiving Dear Katie questions, they come in on all topics.

Dear Katie ( Katherine) Can you help  me to decide what to wear to a summer garden party? It’s hot in Arizona. Thanks Ruth

Dear Ruth, Summer in Arizona…hot! I’d say scorching! Thank you for asking. My best suggestion is to think light. Light in color and light in fabric. Try a nice cotton wrap dress, something that’s not tight around the waist. Stay away from dark colors and polyester. Stockings (pantyhose ) are out of the question. You’ll create your own personal sauna with those things.

If you’re a hat person consider a wide brim hat.  Sandals or open toe shoes will be most comfortable. But, if you’ll be walking on grass try a wedge instead of heels so you don’t sink into the ground, or stumble as you walk.

Remember to wear sunscreen. Take a personal fan  (folding or motorized.) Find shade, drink plenty of water and have fun!

Last chance to enter the bonus giveaway. It ends today at 6 pm ( MST) Winner will be announced tomorrow.

  You still have time to enter the Beachy Kean Giveaway too, there are still very low entries 

 

 

 

 

Dear Katie Ice Crystals

Dear Katie I never eat my ice cream fast enough. Well, sometimes I do, ha,ha. Is there a way to keep ice crystals from forming all over it in the freezer? Anita

 

 

Dear Anita, this time of the year I can’t keep the ice cream in our freezer. Our grandchildren make sure of that. But, what a great question. I’ve found that if you just put your ice cream into an airtight container before you freeze it, or cover the ice cream container tightly with plastic wrap before placing it in the freezer ,you can keep the ice crystals from covering your ice cream and leaving that freezer taste. Katie

 

 

Dear Katie and Fourth Of July Winner.

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend. To all in the US I hope you had a wonderful Independence day celebration.

 

 

 

 

 

The winners of the 4th of July giveaway are: Tanya904 of Starry Eyed and Angelina of  Ruby Jean. Congratulations to you both I will be sending you an email with details on claiming your prize. Remember you only have 72 hours to respond.

Dear Katie, why do cucumbers reduce eye puffiness. Thanks, Fredrick

Hello Fredrick! Cucumber slices on the eyes have been a tried and true eye puffiness reducer for a long time. They are a natural astringent. which causes the blood vessels to constrict, add the cool temperature (right out of your veggie crisper) and you’ve got a perfect inflammation reducer. I use this trick too.

Thank you for your question and I hope to hear from you again.

Enter the Orange You Glad Giveaway Today! New July book list posted!