Try this way of spreading lotion

Dear Heloise: A while back, you asked your readers for ideas for inventions. I replied that I needed a way to put lotion on my back. My sister said she uses a rubber spatula meant for the kitchen, so I got a spatula specifically designated for this use. What a godsend! I wipe it off with a tissue. No more itchy back! — Beverly G., A Devoted Reader

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HINT TO:

Heloise@Heloise.com

LIGHT BULB HINT

Dear Heloise: Occasionally, the glass portion of a light bulb will separate from its metal base that remains screwed into the socket. This can often be difficult to remove. But with the light switched off, you can insert a wine cork and unscrew the base to safely remove it. — Jane, from Vermont

MAKING THE BED

Dear Heloise: I read your hints daily and get a lot of useful ideas! Here’s one of my own:

I put a black permanent marker dot on the side edge of the contour sheets so I know which part of the sheet goes on that side. Then I don’t have to figure out which pocket goes on which corner of the mattress. It’s easier to make the bed this way. — Karen S., The Villages, Florida

Karen, there is also another method. The manufacturer’s label goes at the bottom of the bed, so you can just look for it instead. — Heloise

WASTE NOT, WANT NOT

Dear Heloise: I received a hand-me-down skirt from a friend. It fit perfectly but was way too long. I cut 10 inches off the hem and hemmed it by machine. There was this beautiful piece of fabric left for a belt or a shawl, so I hemmed it, too. — Corinne B., via email

Corinne, I love hints like yours because it shows how clever it is to use what we have and make it better. There are so many things that get thrown out but still have plenty of use left in them. Thanks for your hint! — Heloise

LEFTOVERS GALORE

Dear Heloise: I come from a large Italian family of good cooks. At nearly every family event, we have lots of food and, in fact, often too much food. I always send people home with leftovers because so many of us work at jobs that are in an office. Getting out to some place for lunch is difficult and expensive. The leftovers are never wasted, and we all can have a tasty lunch.

So, for the lady who didn’t like people bringing food to her luncheon or some other kind of gathering, just send all the leftovers home with your friends. Most people appreciate it when all they have to do is heat up a delicious meal. — Rosanna B., Bloomington, Indiana

NO MORE GUESSWORK

Dear Heloise: When I bring a new extension cord home, I immediately write the name on the plug in permanent marker. It saves a lot of guesswork. Also, I mark new appliances, furnaces, etc., with the purchase date. — Tanya, Decatur, Illinois

Tanya, I always mark the date of purchase on my appliances. This way, I know when it was bought and how long it lasted. I was recently surprised to learn that my dryer was bought 24 years ago. Needless to say, I bought the same brand when I had to replace the dryer! — Heloise

BATHROOM COURTESIES

Dear Heloise: For the convenience of guests and family, I always keep the following in my bathrooms: tissue dispensers, extra toilet paper, and something to absorb or cover any unpleasant odors. I sometimes make a cover for the tissue and toilet paper boxes — something that complements the color scheme. — A Reader, via email