HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR READERS: Here is this week’s sound off, about restaurants and dining utensils:

DEAR HELOISE: Is it rude to eat dinner with a spoon? Restaurants have special salad forks, fish forks, etc. But some don’t even provide spoons unless you request them. In the meantime, my wife is struggling to eat her salad, while I try to get peas to stay on my fork. (My diet doesn’t permit mashed potatoes, so I can’t use them to hold the peas.) - Pete in Livingston, N.J.

DEAR READER: Pete, I don’t think it’s “rude” at all. You’re the paying customer, so why worry? Eating peas and some other foods with a spoon makes sense if it works for you. Just ask for a spoon, smile and enjoy your meal.

DEAR READERS: Other uses for cellphones:

Use as a flashlight when the power goes out.

Take a photo of your parking space to remember where you parked.

Put a shopping list on it.

Take a photo of a recipe in a magazine.

Program your hotel phone number when traveling.

DEAR HELOISE: I have a problem with stinky feet during the summer. Do you have any hints on how to keep my feet and shoes smell-free? - Kevin in Delaware

DEAR READER: Feet have a lot of tiny sweat glands, and when they are shoved inside shoes all day, it is no wonder that they start to smell. To reduce the smell, wash and dry (very important!) your feet daily. Let your shoes “air out” at least a day or two in between wearings. When purchasing shoes, look for ones that breathe, meaning they have mesh areas that allow air in.

Otherwise, spray your feet with an antiperspirant/ deodorant, or sprinkle with one of my favorites - baking soda. You also can sprinkle a little baking soda in your shoes to keep them fresh. Do not do this on shoes made of real leather. Baking soda is helpful in so many ways. Does your laundry have an odor? Add a half cup of baking soda to the rinse cycle to remove.

DEAR HELOISE: I have finally found the best way to cut, slice or dice raw onions without tears. Place the cutting board on your range top, turn on your exhaust fan to high and leave it on until you’ve finished.

• Linda L. in West Virginia Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email [email protected]