DEAR READERS: Cats are jumpers and naturally curious. This can be a problem. Here are some hints to make your home safer for your cat:
• Secure breakable knickknacks and treasures.
• Houseplants are tricky -- they can be poisonous.
• Keep the lid down on the toilets.
• Lock up chemical cleaners and medicines.
• Unplug electrical cords and wrap them to prevent chewing.
• Close the clothes dryer to keep kitty out -- it's a warm space.
• Keep claws neatly trimmed.
DEAR HELOISE: After surgery, my sheepskin slippers and one pair of special shoes were all my doctor would allow me to wear. In time, both were stinky.
I use a fragrant deodorant soap to shower, so I had several new, unopened bars. I placed a fresh bar in each slipper. Now my shoes have a lovely fragrance.
-- Naomi in Montana
DEAR HELOISE: If you're like me, I first put on my makeup, then the top I'm wearing that day. I put my head in facing the back and then turn the top around, and put my arms in the sleeves. No makeup on my top all day. I do the reverse to remove the garment.
-- Joy C., Ozark, Mo.
DEAR HELOISE: Several weeks after moving into a new apartment, I was stymied by what to hang on a long, narrow wall in the kitchen.
While in the hardware store, I noticed seed packets, with photos so beautiful that they seemed to be painted.
I bought eight of them, got small black frames and Wow! The wall looks spectacular.
-- Shannon B. in Dallas
DEAR HELOISE: On chilly mornings, I toss my sweatshirt in the clothes dryer for a few minutes. This helps me stay warm before I am warmed up. It works for hats, gloves and socks, too.
-- John K. in New York
DEAR READER: If you've a dog with you, toss the dog's sweater in, too, to keep him warm.
DEAR HELOISE: With flu season here, everyone using a gasoline-pump handle needs to consider: You've got over 100 hands with you. Clean your hands to avoid receiving unwanted germs.
-- Dan W., Costa Mesa, Calif.
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
HomeStyle on 01/14/2017