Hints From Heloise

UGLY WATER RING in FLOWER VASE

Dear Readers: When you see a crusty, calcium-type ring inside the vase, it most likely has been caused by using tap water that contains minerals. But you can remove this unattractive ring. Here's how to do it:

Warm enough full-strength household vinegar to cover the deposits and then pour into the vase. Cover the top of the vase with your hand and shake the vase. Allow the vinegar to soak in the vase overnight.

The next day, pour out the mixture and rub the inside with a nonabrasive scrubbing pad to be certain that everything is dissolved. Then wash and rinse for the final clean.

Vinegar is a utilitarian product good for countless household jobs, including cleaning, deodorizing and cooking. Check out my six-page pamphlet full of vinegar uses to learn more. Get the pamphlet by visiting www.Heloise.com or by sending $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (75 cents) envelope to: Heloise/ Vinegar, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. FYI: At bath time, add 1 cup of apple cider vinegar to a tub filled with water. Your skin will feel good, and cleaning the tub will be easier. -- Heloise MOUTH ON FIRE? Dear Readers: If you have accidentally bitten into a food that's super hot, such as curry or a jalapeno, and your tongue feels as if it's burning, do not go for a glass of water. The water will spread the heat around. Instead, try to soothe that burning tongue and mouth with a bite of ice cream, yogurt or a cucumber. If these are not available, try a piece of chocolate, bread or a sip of alcohol. -- Heloise

BAKING A HOLIDAY HAM?

Dear Readers: After you put away the leftover ham, don't toss out the broth. Instead, do this: Pour the broth into an icecube tray, cover with plastic wrap and then freeze. Store the frozen broth cubes in a freezersafe zip-top bag. Then you can use them to add flavor to vegetables, casseroles, eggs and other dishes. -- Heloise