Hints From Heloise

NONSTICK PANS Dear Heloise: I have nonstick cookware and didn't want it all scratched up. So, besides using only wooden or plastic cooking utensils, I store them with a sheet of paper towel or a paper plate between the pans. This way I can stack the pans and not have the nonstick coating scratched off. Pots and pans are expensive. Why ruin them when you can keep them in good shape for years? -- Brenda P., Springfield, Illinois

LEFT BEHIND Dear Heloise: I found out that if you take too many condiments, service workers at restaurants just toss them out. Now, if I have any extra condiments (salt and pepper), I take them home, store them in a plastic container with a lid and use them when we go on picnics or have barbeques. -- Lana J., Fulton, Ohio

BIRD BATH Dear Heloise: I love to watch the birds as they splash around in the birdbath in my garden. Unfortunately, they get the water rather dirty, and I need to scrub out the bird bath. I found a brush used for washing dishes with a handle that holds a soapy gel is the ideal cleaning tool for things like that, and it's not expensive. Now my feathered friends can bathe all they want in a clean birdbath. -- Janet W., Cody, Wyoming

LITTLE PICASSOS Dear Heloise: My kids love to help me make dinner and bake. Instead of aprons, I place a man's shirt over them. I cut the sleeves short on an old shirt and it works much better than an apron. When we decorate cookies for special occasions, such as Christmas, my little artists get icing on the shirts but not on their clothing. I just throw the shirts in the wash and they come out as good as new. -- Lettie R. in New Hampshire