HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: My husband will help with housework, but he does such a sloppy job. I appreciate the work he does around the house, but I keep reminding him to vacuum slowly. Our new vacuum has better suction than the old one, but still, you miss a lot of pet hair, human hair and skin cells if you don’t take your time. So please let your readers know, vacuuming at a slower pace gets up much more dirt. — Vivian in Wisconsin

DEAR HELOISE: We’re four months into the new year and I’ve already fallen off the path to my goals for this year! How can I get back to the things I swore I’d do? — Chad in Florida

DEAR READER: First let me ask, are your goals realistic, or so over the top that they aren’t attainable? Did you promise to lose 20 pounds or 80 pounds? Did you give yourself timelines, such as, “I’ll get my office organized by (insert a date)”? Remember, a dream without a goal is just a wish.

Are you tracking your progress? You should, and then reward yourself when you reach that goal. If you want to lose weight, reward yourself with a new pair of shoes, not a hot fudge sundae.

Keep at it. Keep working toward your goals. Practice self-discipline, be patient with yourself, and remember that when you stray from your path you only cheat yourself. Good luck.

DEAR HELOISE: While packing boxes I got glue from the tape all over my painted nails. It wouldn’t wash off, so I tried mayonnaise, because awhile back I read in your column that mayonnaise can remove gum from hair. So I figured if it could do that, I would give it a try on my nails. Worked like a charm. — Judy in Iowa

DEAR READERS: New uses for an old wine rack:

▪ Store shampoo, lotions, shaving cream, etc.

▪ Store art supplies.

▪ Store yarn skeins and rolls of ribbon.

▪ Display rolled-up towels in the bathroom.

DEAR HELOISE: Is it OK to freeze ketchup?

— Billie N., Texas DEAR READER: Yes, you can. Ketchup has a long shelf life anyway, although freezing it will extend its expiration date. There really is no noticeable change in the flavor after it is thawed out.

Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email