HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: Just a reminder: With tick season in full swing, check your pet thoroughly. I’ve found a tick on my dog’s lip, and once on an eyelid.

— Lucille in Barrington, N.H.

DEAR READER: Tick season runs through September. The deer tick is the biggest problem when it comes to ticks — they can transmit Lyme disease.

Make sure your pets are on flea and tick preventive medication, and talk with your veterinarian about other safety precautions.

DEAR HELOISE: For cleaning your birdbath, buy a dollar toilet bowl brush. Then you don’t have to get your hands dirty, and the bowl stays clean.

— Chris, via email

DEAR HELOISE: I’ve noticed over the years a few trends in pet names. Years ago, the trend was to name your pet after its physical characteristics. Then the vibe was to name your pal a traditional “people” name. I know both a Brian and a Susan of the fourlegged variety!

What’s the new trend up and coming?

— A Reader in Pittsburgh DEAR READERS: Any ideas?

DEAR HELOISE: When my kids were growing up, I called leftover night “Choice Night” so it seemed like a treat, not a rerun.

— Pat S., via email

DEAR HELOISE: I love the dollar store, and have these hints:

1. Purchase brightly colored hair bands to wrap phone, electronic and appliance cords.

2. For bring-a-dish events, purchase a plastic shoebox. It is sturdy, has a lid, and you don’t have to worry about getting your container back.

— Kimberly C., Indiana DEAR READER: Lots of bargains to be had!

DEAR HELOISE: Most recipes call for creaming butter, then adding sugar and creaming together. The butter adheres to the bowl. I suggest you put the sugar into the bowl first, then add butter and cream together. No problem of having to have to scrape the bowl. — B. Doherty, Spring Lake, N.J.

DEAR HELOISE: I put a cutting board inside a cookie sheet to cut a watermelon. No mess. — Mary H. in Houston