HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: How can I stop my dog from begging at the table?

— Jan B. in Kansas DEAR READER: This is a timely question, with Thanksgiving here and Christmas around the corner — lots of big meals and family and folks around. Here are some Heloise hints and hints from the American Kennel Club (AKC. org) to help:

■ Make sure the dog is fed before you and your family eat. ■ Playtime and exercise beforehand helps too, and then the dog should rest in his bed. ■ Although it’s really difficult, ignore the dog. If you give in, you’ve lost the battle, and if you scold the dog, that won’t get you anywhere either.

Remember, “people food” is typically too high in fat, salt and other spices, sugar and calories for dogs to eat. A few small pieces of raw carrot or green bean in the supper dish is an OK treat.

DEAR HELOISE: How can I remove the white film that forms on glasses after they have been washed in the dishwasher? Thank you!

— Nancy in Ohio DEAR READER: Soak the glasses in warmed vinegar, then rub them with a plastic brush or scrubbie. This will help remove hard-water buildup. Vinegar is my handy go-to helper in every room of the house. It is cheap, safe and readily available.

DEAR HELOISE: I bathe my dog in the kitchen sink (he’s 8 pounds), and I was afraid of getting water in his ears. Now I take cotton balls and put one in each ear. This keeps water and soap out, and can prevent an ear infection. — Jayla W., age 12, New York

DEAR READERS: Would you like fresh flowers in your home at Christmastime? Start now by planting some bulbs.

My favorites include amaryllis, hyacinth and narcissus. For amaryllis, plant the bulb in rich, moist potting soil. Leave the top third of the bulb exposed. The blooms will be a variety of colors, either one large or several small ones.

Narcissus and hyacinth can actually be grown without soil. You can use pebbles and water. Hyacinth, with beautiful and fragrant pink, white or blue blooms, grows in a special glass container that holds one bulb.

Narcissi also come in a variety of colors and sizes. Their flowers are small, super-fragrant and star-shaped. The “paperwhite” variety is especially beautiful and popular.