HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: We rescued a puppy from the shelter for the holiday and for covid-19. We named him Bunkers. One hint I started early: I rub Bunker’s feet pretty frequently to get him ready for a nail trim. He won’t be as afraid if he’s used to having his feet touched and played with.

— Annabelle R. in Oregon

DEAR READER: Happy that you’ve added Bunkers to your family. Readers, what hints do you have for caring for a furry new member of the family?

DEAR HELOISE: One of the best things we put in our OPINION kitchen is an undersink water heater. We don’t have to wait for water to get hot by letting it run. It saves time and water —and feels good, too. — Betty in Texarkana, Texas DEAR HELOISE: Fresh greens will last longer with proper storage. When I buy celery, I cut off the bottom of the stalks and save the leaves for soups, etc. I separate stalks, rinse well then dry. I wrap them in paper towels, then return to the plastic sleeve.

For parsley, I wash in a bowl of water and drain on towels, allowing time to air dry. Then I remove the stems and roll in dry paper towels and place in a plastic bag. These items will keep well in your refrigerator for weeks.

— Ruth in North Canton,

Ohio

DEAR HELOISE: When I use those disposable wipes for eyeglasses, I look around to see what else I can clean with the barely used wipe.

I have cleaned mirrors, the glass in the picture frame, porcelain statues, anything glass or stainless steel. In the car, I use it on the rearview mirror, mirrors on the visor, windows or even the console.

This feels less wasteful and spiffs up the area at the same time.

— SMT from the Texas Panhandle DEAR HELOISE: I’m loving container gardening now through the winter season, and succulents are my go-to plant. They are pretty easy to care for, but as most people know, cacti are prickly, and they can hurt.

I have a dedicated pair of silicone tongs that I use to transplant the cacti into their new home. No pain to me, and the plant doesn’t get crushed or damaged.

— Kelly T. in Texas DEAR HELOISE: Washing makeup brushes regularly is a great idea to keep them clean and to lessen bacteria, but soaking the brushes in water is a bad idea. Glue can loosen and the brush can separate.

—

HELOISE