HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: When I reheat foods in the microwave, especially pizza and pasta, it helps to place a damp paper towel over the foods. This adds moisture and helps to not dry out the food.

— Sheila R., Hot Springs DEAR READERS: Read on for another hint: “The top surface of the dryer can get dusty and full of lint quickly. When the paper-towel roll is down to one towel, I swipe it, still on the roll, over the dryer to pick up the lint.”

— Susan H., Manchester, N.H. What are your favorite uses for this cleaning staple? Do you buy a specific brand, or whatever’s on sale? When you use a paper towel to dry your hands, do you lay it flat to dry for reuse later? Chime in!

DEAR HELOISE: Our family received gift cards for the holiday, but we can’t use all of them. We decided to donate them to charity.

They can be sold, but it’s for less than face value. However, it’s still some extra cash. — The “Smith” family,

via email DEAR READER: Hint from Heloise: Call the number on the card to be sure it’s valid, and note the expiration date.

DEAR HELOISE: The New Year’s celebrations are almost here. I urge your readers to be safe if using fireworks. Make sure it’s legal to set off fireworks in your city. Don’t use fireworks close to dry grass, dead trees or anything that is a fire hazard.

Also, supervise children when using sparklers, and always have water nearby.

— Scott, via email DEAR READER: I was burned by a sparkler as a very young child. Somehow it dropped down the back of my top! We children were running, and someone tripped. I was slightly burned and I remember it to this day.

DEAR HELOISE: I’ve discovered a wonderful part-time job: substitute teaching!

The district has an automated system to call for jobs, but I get to know the office staff and the principal personally. It’s better for the kids to have the same substitutes on campus as much as possible.

I’ve met terrific people, earned a few dollars and learned probably more than the kids! I encourage your readers to check out their school district’s website to learn about being a substitute teacher!

— Mary H., Hammond, Ind.