HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: For the family wanting a change from maple syrup on pancakes, try this:

I make a “fruit salad.” I chop up whatever ripe fruit I have available or sometimes add just a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg. Then I bind it together with a can of unsweetened, undrained chunk pineapple or maybe an individual container of yogurt (the flavor is your choice). You can also use fruit cocktail, but fresh fruit is better. Sometimes I add some chopped nuts, coconut or raisins. You can use what you have or what sounds good at the time. This is healthy, yummy and a good way to use up fruit before it goes bad. — Kathy Edwards, Lakewood, Calif.

DEAR HELOISE: I just wanted to sound off about releasing balloons. Some people release balloons and don’t realize that it could kill. I wish people wouldn’t do it. What goes up must come down, and it could land in a pasture where livestock can get to it and accidentally eat it. It can kill them. Why not get butterflies and release them instead? Thanks for letting me get this off my chest.

— Kelly, Beebe

DEAR HELOISE: I had a pair of pink sandals I loved. They were in good condition except for some scuffs on the heel that took off the leather. I hated the idea of getting rid of them, so I got out my pink nail polish and painted over the scuff marks. They look good as new.

— Corrinne Berkland, Universal City, Calif. DEAR READERS: Be aware that some kitchen appliances, such as electric frying pans or roasters, may not heat properly if they are plugged into extension cords. It is better to put them directly into the wall socket. Check your appliance’s instruction booklet or manual for more information.

DEAR READERS: Baking soda is really good for dealing with kitchen countertop stains. First, make a paste of baking soda and water. Scrub the countertop with the paste, rinse well, and then buff dry.

FYI: If you have a buildup of coffee stains in your coffee pot, shake baking soda onto a damp sponge, wipe it on the stained area and let it sit. Repeat and rinse well. Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email