When preparing precooked chicken

Dear Heloise: I love precooked whole chickens from the grocery store as much as anyone, but I dislike the fat in them.

So, I do this: When I buy one, I remove the chicken pieces from it while it’s still hot/warm and put them into a container spread out flat.

I then put a paper towel on top of it, repeating the layers and pressing down on each one.

You will end up with less fat and still have a delicious chicken.

Remove the paper towels and refrigerate. — Cary S., via email

Cary, when I buy a precooked chicken, I usually take it out of the plastic container, and using paper towels, I press the towels all over the chicken to remove as much oil and fat as I can. I like to buy whole chickens rather than parts. — Heloise

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NEW BLUE JEANS

Dear Heloise: I just bought three pairs of jeans, two black and one dark blue.

How do I keep them from fading after they’ve been washed several times? — Carrie R., in New London, Connecticut

Carrie, here is what I do to keep my jeans looking new and nice:

— Always turn your jeans inside out before washing them.

Never use starch on your jeans. (And yes, some folks do.)

— Use a mild detergent and cold water. Only launder your jeans when they are dirty and spot-clean when you can rather than washing the entire jean.

— According to Levi’s, never place your washed jeans in a dryer. Hang them up to dry on a shower curtain rod or a clothesline. — Heloise

BEFORE YOU DIG

Dear Heloise: I loved your column reminding people to check where their underground lines are before they dig up soil to place plants, mailboxes or trees.

Please share with your readers that dialing 811 anywhere in the United States will allow for utility services to locate underground lines for free prior to your digging.

Laws vary by state regarding specific times in advance, but you can visit 811BeforeYouDig.com to see your state’s requirements. Their motto is: “Every dig. Every time.” — Louis P., via email

Louis, I called the 811 number and spoke to a young lady who said they would like it if people called about 48 hours before they plan to dig a hole in their yard.

Someone will come out to locate their gas and water lines. — Heloise

CHIGGER BITES

Dear Heloise: We were getting lots of chigger bites when working in the yard and flower beds, so we started spraying our feet and legs with mosquito repellant.

But I don’t like using chemicals, so I started giving my feet and legs (below my knees) a thin layer of petroleum jelly before going out in the yard.

It seems to work.

I wonder if it also discourages ticks. — Ken A., in Oregon/Wisconsin

Ken, for itching from chigger bites, try oil of lavender or oil of basil. Over-the-counter antihistamines will also help.

Avoid scratching, clean the bites with tepid water and mild soap, and wash all clothing in hot water if you have been in chigger-infested areas. You should shower ASAP as well!

To repel chiggers, try diluting water and essential oils such as citronella, tea tree oil, eucalyptus, or lemongrass. — Heloise

A SHINY SURFACE

Dear Heloise: I saw the tip regarding using cut-up tissue paper to blot oil off your face. An easier solution is using end papers, which can be bought at a beauty supply! — Patricia B., via email