Hints From Heloise: Handout magnets can become photo keepsakes

DEAR HELOISE: When I get an advertisement from lawyers, doctors or businesses on magnets, I don’t throw them away – I use them. I take a picture of a family member or pet that’s about the same size. I paste it over the advertisement, then put it on my refrigerator. My family loves my collection, and I even send them to friends.

Earl Harmon, Port St. Lucie, Fla.

Dear Heloise: Regarding placing a tarp over your car to easily remove snow: It may work on some cars, but it likely will destroy the luster on most. Snow is heavy, and on top of a tarp it can scratch your car. The more often you do this, the more scratches will accumulate.

To those wives whose husbands think they are too manly to read your articles: I’m a 55-year-old man who fishes, works on cars, operates heavy equipment and fixes almost anything. I not only learn something occasionally, but I enjoy reading your column. Thanks.

Dave in Dayton, Ohio

DEAR EARL AND DAVE: Thank you both for writing and reminding folks that this column is NOT just about baking, sewing and housework. It’s about life, and how to fix things, prevent and solve problems and take care of yourself.

It’s amazing to me that there are still new hints to learn! Here are some Heloise do’s and don’ts:

Don’t put your cellphone in a microwave to dry it – yes, people have done this!

Don’t use ammonia for a pet-urine stain – it smells like urine! It will attract the animal back to that spot.

Don’t put fine crystal wineglasses in the dishwasher. It can scratch them.

Do recycle and reuse. Yes, newspapers are still good for the bottom of a birdcage, garbage can and to clean windows.

I’m still here testing, calling experts and researching hints for you. I’m the gal you can trust.

Thank you for continuing to read Hints From Heloise, and I hope I’ll be here for you for a long time.

DEAR HELOISE: I take a lot of vitamins that come packed with cotton. I save the cotton to use with nail-polish remover.

Debbi in Florida

This story was originally published January 9, 2015 at 4:00 PM with the headline "Hints From Heloise: Handout magnets can become photo keepsakes."