HELPFUL HINTS

LITTLE ROCK — DEAR HELOISE: I use my mother’s set of dishes, and I love having them as a reminder of her in somethingshe chose more than 45 years ago. The plates have many black marks on them from knives used through the years. I don’t know how (orif it is even possible) to remove those marks. Do you have any suggestions?

• Judy R., via e-mail

DEAR READER: If the “black marks” have cut through the thick glaze, you might not be able to remove them. Try a nonabrasive cleanser or a paste of baking soda and water. Use a sponge to apply the paste to the marks, and scrub until they disappear.

DEAR HELOISE: If your shirt sleeve’s cuff is large enough around when buttoned so that your hand will pass through it, then leave it buttoned. This causes less wear and tear on the buttons.

• Everett S., Middletown, Ohio

DEAR READER: A shirt sleeve can be harder to button once on. Just be sure not to “stress” the thread used to sew on the button. Also, other readers have written about buttoning almost the entire shirt before pulling it over their heads.

DEAR HELOISE: I was at the doctor’s office, and when I got to the area where you pay for your visit, I needed a pen to sign my receipt. I noticed that they had a bunch of pens that looked like flowers standing up in a cup that was filled with raw pinto beans. I thought this was a cute idea that I could try at home.

• A Reader in Texas

DEAR HELOISE: Once I passed the three-quartersof-a-century mark, I began to find myself making trips back into the house to get what I had intended to take with me. Now, I lay my keys on the items I am taking with me, and I cannot leave the house without remembering my keys as well. Sure saves a lot of time and steps.

• Don B., Denton, Texas

DEAR HELOISE: The elastic bands that come on broccoli, asparagus, etc., I always save. The most valuable use I have found is to stretch one around a jar lid that refuses to budge. That is all it takes to give you a real grip, and the lid comes off like magic.

• Mary L., Callicoon Center, N.Y. Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or e-mail [email protected]