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Wondering how to clean tomato-based stains? Need to stop your cat from clawing the couch? Just ask me! My team of experts is more than happy to track down the answers to your tough questions. To get in touch with me, simply fill out the Ask Julia form. Be sure to check back each month to see if we selected your question.

HELP BRING YOUTH TO YOUR LOOK AT WORK

Dear Julia,

I need advice for appearing younger at work. I want to appear professional in dress and manner to achieve my goal of working until I reach 67. Lots of women are in this same situation. Help us!

Lee

Dear Lee,

As we age, we bring added wisdom and experience to our jobs. But let’s face facts: Looking younger and healthier makes us all feel better. Author Brenda Kinsel recommends purging your closet of items that don’t have the three elements of CSF — colour, style and fit. Get rid of items that are "out-of-date, dowdy, old, don’t fit or aren’t flattering." Review fashion magazines for styles that inspire you. And be sure to add a few fashionable pieces to your wardrobe each season. How about scheduling a consultation with a fashion consultant? Some department stores offer this as a free service. How about your eyeglasses? Are they up to date? Visit a retail eyeglass store and ask for assistance.

Best of luck!

Julia

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MINIMIZE THE APPEARANCE OF PORES

Dear Julia,

I feel that my pores are more visible than most people’s pores. Every time I look in the mirror, they look larger! Is there any way I can minimize their appearance?

Jill

Dear Jill,

Some people do have larger pores than others. Genetics may be to blame. People with oily, thicker skin tend to have larger-looking, more noticeable pores. This can be hereditary. Another cause of large pores is sun damage. Sun damage can cause your skin to thicken, which causes a rim of cells to collect around individual pores.

To minimize the appearance of your pores, try Olay® Definity® Pore Redefining Scrub. It penetrates deep into the surface to reveal skin that's highly defined — beautifully clean and more luminous. Olay Definity Pore Redefining Scrub is ideal for skin with visible pores, oiliness, dullness or unevenness. Its deep lathering formula thoroughly cleanses away dirt and makeup to minimize pore appearance, instantly redefining skin. For best results, use it with Olay Definity Moisturizers.

Best,
Julia

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HELP CLEAN YOUR BATHROOM QUICKLY AND EFFICIENTLY

Dear Julia,

It takes so many tools to clean my bathroom: mops, scrub brushes, pails and gloves. Do you have any products that can help simplify this? Thanks in advance.

D

Dear D,

For tough bathroom-cleaning jobs, try Mr. Clean® Multi-Surfaces Liquid With Febreze® Freshness. It cuts grease to remove grime and leaves the light, fresh scent of Febreze. Use it to clean dirt from linoleum as well as to clean tile floors, toilets and bathtubs, and to help eliminate odours in the air. Discover the quick clean and great scent you get with this all-purpose cleaner.

Julia

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HELP LOWER YOUR CHOLESTEROL

Dear Julia,

Can high levels of stress affect your cholesterol level? What can I do to lower my cholesterol?

Holly

Dear Holly,

There is no evidence that stress can affect your cholesterol levels. If your cholesterol is high, try eating a low-fat, high-fibre diet and exercising.

To help increase the fibre in your diet, consider switching to whole-grain foods when possible, such as whole-grain breads and pasta. Be sure to eat lots of fruits and vegetables, too. Beans and lentils are also a source of soluble fibre. And for another quick fibre-boosting idea, keep high-fibre snacks on hand, such as carrots, peppers, raw nuts, trail mix, flavourful seeds or dried fruit. Also, be sure to check with your physician if you have concerns.

Julia

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TEACH GIVING THE EASY WAY

Dear Julia,

I’d like to help teach my kids about sharing our blessings with others. But with school, soccer games, birthday parties and more, it’s just so hard to find time. Do you have some easy ideas that can help convey this important lesson?

Eric

Dear Eric,

Sounds like you are a busy parent! Though it might be hectic, be sure to appreciate this truly joyful time of life. That is a great first step for promoting generosity and giving! So for some easy ideas:

• Visit a nursing home. You might know someone in a nursing home or someone who does not get around. Consider calling to schedule a visit. If not, contact a senior centre in your area and volunteer with your kids to help out at an event.

• Volunteer at a walk. Many organizations host charity walks and runs. Find an event in your area and volunteer to hand out bottles of water with the kids. They’ll love being involved.

Julia

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CUT CAT-LITTER ODOURS

Dear Julia,

I’m so excited because I have a ton of company coming. It's my family that I haven’t seen for years. I want to make sure everyone feels welcome. I have a cat, and luckily none of the kids are allergic, but I’m worried about the cat-litter smells. I want to ensure my home smells fresh and inviting. What should I do?

Millicent

Dear Millicent,

Good for you! I like your attitude. It is truly a privilege and a pleasure to host family and friends, and that’s a great way to look at it.

For pet-litter challenges, there are some indications that feeding your pet a high-quality pet food can help reduce the overtones of unpleasant odour. So, start with ensuring that your cat has premium nutrition. Use the Eukanuba® Product Recommender to find the right product selection for your cat. If you are worried, think about cleaning out the cat litter daily while you have guests in the house. Also, let me recommend the Febreze Air Effects® Pet Odour Eliminator, as it is safe to use around cats and dogs. Just keep a bottle in the area near the litter box and follow package directions.

Have fun!

Julia

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