Documenting valuables in your home

is a summertime treat. Watermelon is aptly named because it’s more than 90 percent water and surprisingly, it’s a member of the cucumber family. When you are buying, pick the watermelon up — it should feel heavy for its size, which indicates that it’s juicy and fresh.

Store watermelons in a cool area until you slice them. The cut watermelon should be refrigerated. — Heloise

How to remove spots from flatware

Dear readers: Doesn’t it just drive you crazy when you’ve just cleaned your stainless steel flatware and you notice it still looks spotted? Hard water may be the cause of the problem.

To eliminate these spots, lightly dampen a cloth with warm or hot vinegar, which will get rid of hardwater spots. Rub the cloth over the spotty areas, rinse well and dry quickly. When hand-washing flatware, don’t let it air-dry. — Heloise

Getting rid of beach sand

Dear Heloise: After my family and I have a great day at the beach, it’s easy to track that beautiful sand into our car and home. Heloise, help me deal with this. — Sarah from New Jersey

Dear Sarah: Oh yes, that beach sand just seems to worm its way into the carpet, clothes, the car and your home. Take these steps to prevent it from getting there in the first place:

After you and your family members leave the beach, and before getting to the car, have baking soda or baby powder on hand. Sprinkle a healthy amount of it on the top and bottom of everyone’s feet and in between the toes because it will help to get the sand off quickly.

To keep sand from getting on car seats, buy cheap plastic shower curtains and drape them over the seat. This will keep the seats from becoming wet and will contain the sand. — Heloise

Freezing herbs

Dear readers: If you buy a bunch of fresh herbs or have lots growing in your summer garden, you probably can’t use them fast enough. Don’t throw them out. Instead, freeze them, which will keep their flavor and aroma. You will have fresh herbs yearround to liven up many dishes. Here’s what to do:

1. Stem the herbs, and blanch in lightly salted, boiling water for just 5 to 10 seconds. Drain the water.

2. Put the herbs into a bowl of ice water. When cool, drain and pat dry well with a paper towel.

3. Place the herbs into sealed freezer bags and store in the freezer. — Heloise