Some fonts easier to read than others; larger size helps, too
Dear Heloise: I write and read a lot of emails for work and for personal use. All that reading can strain my eyes.
Some research I read said that Arial, Courier and Verdana are good fonts for reading. I agree! And please use a larger font size (12-14) if it’s appropriate. Senior readers may find the 14-point size easier to read.—Emily R., Syracuse, N.Y.
Emily, I’m with you on this one, and I don’t need glasses to read. Some fonts are difficult to read, and the smaller the size, the harder it is to read it easily.— Heloise
MAINTAINING MANICURES Dear Readers: Maintaining healthy nails can be a challenge in the wintertime, but it’s worth it to keep nails looking good and strong. Here are some hints for maintaining your manicure:
Soaking nails is not really necessary. Yes, the cuticles are getting soft, but the nails are expanding and softening, too. Just clean them with mild soap, a nailbrush and warm water.
If you are using nail polish, use some vinegar or rubbing alcohol to wipe off the nail and remove any oil or product.
Don’t severely cut your cuticles. Gently snip a “snag,” and always push the cuticles back gently.
Do roll a bottle of nail polish in your hands to mix it. You should hear the beads rattle.
—Heloise
SAFETY HINT
Dear Heloise: You’re one of the reasons I get daily delivery of the newspaper—I value your daily input. I’m 85 years young, and I never take a shower or bath without a phone close to me.
One never knows if a mishap might happen, especially if you live alone, like I do.—Felicia W., Newport Beach, Calif.
WARMING DRAWER Dear Readers: The drawer underneath the stove—you may store pots and pans in there. Did you know it may have another purpose?
That drawer can be used, on many models of stoves and ovens, as a warming drawer. You can keep foods warm in there for a multiple-course meal when entertaining. Check your owners manual for more information.—Heloise
CRAFT HINTS
Dear Heloise: I make craft projects, and in doing so, I work with a lot of small beads and buttons, and organization became a problem. I came up with some hints to help.
Baby-food containers work miracles. They each hold one type of bead, and I glue a bead to the top of each lid so I’ll know what I have.
Nut and bolt organizers also help; they have small compartments for different varieties of beads.
A fishing-tackle box is a third organizer option for my small doodads and trimmings.—April M., via email
MASCARA BRUSH
Dear Heloise: When it comes to mascara, the “delivery system”— the wand—is more important than the mascara itself, I think. When I finish a favorite luxury mascara, I wash the brush and let it dry. Then I can use it to apply a drugstore brand—looks great!—Heather G., Columbus, Ohio
Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.