Labor Paints and how to combat paint fumes

Q. Hi, Molly! Thank you for such a wonderful column and website. My problem is that my room has just been painted and I hate the smell of paint a lot. It makes me dizzy. What can I do to eliminate the paint odor at the soonest possible time? I miss my bed very much. - Waweng

A. Paint fumes can really be toxic! Place a bowl full of ammonia (actually toxic, too, so don’t inhale!) or vinegar in a corner of your newly painted room and leave it overnight. This should absorb the dizzying fumes. Hang a healthy herb sachet on the doorknobs and cabinet handles. Check out our Cool Product Library on our website for our special herb sachet! Good luck!

* * * Show Me To Your Website

Q. Hi, Molly! I enjoy reading your column in the Philippine STAR every chance I get. It not only informs the readers but it also entertains me as well. I am amazed at your know-how on various topics and matters. I sincerely admire your wit and intelligence. Anyhow, I want to visit your website. I would appreciate it if you give me the address. Thanks for your time and more power! - Baby P. Panlilio

Q. Please send me all your writeups on health tips. Thank you very much. - Ellen, National Conciliation and Mediation Board, Dept. of Labor and Employment

A. Wow! We’ve shared several years’ worth of tips ranging from cooking to cleaning to healthy living, so if you’d like to see more of these, visit us at our website at http://www.whollymollytips.com. Just type in that URL address and enjoy all the cooking, cleaning, decorating and living tips you can find! You can also sign up as a member and get regular updates and an e-letter for the latest tips, recipes and products available on our site. We’re backlogged on some of the sections in the site and haven’t sent out the latest e-letter, but we promise to do so soon!

* * * Entrepreneurship 101

Q. Dear Molly, I am an avid fan of your column, and I guess it’s my turn to ask some questions instead of just being the reader of your column. I am in dire need of answers to my questions. You see I am planning to open up a café. What books can you suggest that teach me how to run a café, and where can I buy them? What are the most preferable types of food in the Philippines today? Can you suggest to me some ways of managing a café? Can you mention some strategies and necessities that would turn one’s café into a successful establishment? What are the eye-catchers that you can suggest? That would be all. Thank you for your time and God bless. - J. Ang, Cagayan de Oro

A. For a café endeavor such as the one you describe, it’s best to come up with a comprehensive business plan that incorporates your business goals and how, when and where you want to achieve them. I suggest you look up entrepreneurial business literature in your local university library, government trade agency, or consumer bookstore for establishing a restaurant. Philippine recipe books will give you an idea of popular café fare, while a trade agency can assist you in obtaining building and operating permits, food and liquor licenses. You can also conduct surveys on the favorite foods of consumers who like to eat out, observe existing establishments on how they operate and how their customers react, and ask around the neighborhood. Good luck!

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