HINTS FROM Heloise

Hook Hang-up Dear Readers: Here is this week’s SOUND OFF, about public restrooms and door hooks: “It really ticks me off when I go into a public restroom and there’s no hook on the door. Sometimes the hook has been removed because of someone stealing a purse. The hook should be reinstalled in the middle of the door so that no one can reach over and grab a purse. I have to set my purse on the nasty floor — yuck! — then risk someone reaching under the door and grabbing it. — Linda in Tupelo, Miss.” I hear you! I travel a lot and am all too familiar with public restrooms. Yes, there should be a hook in the middle of the door. However, the chances of someone reaching over and grabbing a purse, or reaching under and taking it, are pretty small. If the strap is long enough, you can hang it around your neck. If the purse must go on the floor (yuck is right!), you can put your foot through the strap. Comments, ladies? — Heloise

P.S.: “Hi” to my friends in Tupelo!

FAST FACTS

Dear Readers: Here are other uses for bandanas: * Use as a handkerchief. * Make into a homemade eye mask. * Use as a scarf for your dog. * Fold and tie around your head as a headband. * Use as a baby bib, in a pinch. — Heloise HELOISE’S SPICED COFFEE Dear Heloise: During the winter months, I would like to add something to my coffee to make it special for the holidays. I seem to recall that you had a recipe? — A.C., via email I do, and it’s one you will love! It’s tasty, easy to make and cheap. Heloise’s Spiced Coffee is perfect during the holidays. Mix together: 1 cup instant coffee powder 4 teaspoons dehydrated lemon peel 4 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cloves Once mixed, store in a sealed container. When ready for some, put a heaping teaspoon into a cup and add 6 to 8 ounces of boiling water. Stir and enjoy! I have many other coffee recipes in a pamphlet. To receive a copy, send $3 along with a long, self-addressed, stamped (66 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Coffee and Tea, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Coffee not spiced enough for you? Sprinkle a little nutmeg or allspice into the hot brew. — Heloise

ROLLING IN THE TONGS

Dear Heloise: I thought you might be interested in my use for toilet-paper and papertowel rolls. I use them to hold old-fashioned tongs, the ones that don’t have closures on them. Paper-towel rolls are good for extension cords. Just slide off and back on. Just wanted to share! — Georganna in Stafford, Va.

NO GERMS

Dear Heloise: At restaurants that give out pagers (the device that vibrates when your table is ready), I always request a napkin or wipe to hold it. Some places have told me that others have made the same request. — Carol W., Delray Beach, Fla.

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