Heloise

Dear Heloise: When buying new pillows, they can sometimes be too fluffy, so when sleeping, the neck can stay in an uncomfortable position and even hurt in the morning. So, people do not end up using the pillow, either returning it or giving it away and buying another pillow to try.

I have several pillows that I could not use because of the overstuffed filling. But then, I opened a 4-inch hole at the seam, removed a couple of handfuls of stuffing and sewed the hole closed by hand or by sewing machine. This saved my neck and pocketbook, and now I have several pillows — for myself and guests. — Cathy Delgado, via email

STORING GOOD CHINA

Dear Readers: If you have just inherited old family china or purchased new china, storing it properly is important to prevent chipping or breaking. So, when you first put the china into a cabinet, place a coffee filter, paper towel or paper napkin in between each piece while storing. — Heloise

DRYER LINT BALLS

Dear Heloise: A few weeks ago, a reader sent in a hint regarding storing dryer lint that I read in the Los Angeles Daily News. The hint was about storing dryer lint in a tissue box and then using it to burn the wood in her fireplace. It will work, but dryer lint is highly combustible. Storing it in a tissue box doesn’t protect it from an errant spark or ember.

What I do instead is mix dryer lint with petroleum jelly. Then I roll the mixture into balls, 1 inch in diameter. I soak the lint thoroughly, but I’m still be able to roll it into balls. Store them in a container or even a zip-close bag.

When it’s time to start a fire, put some of these under the kindling with larger pieces of wood on top. Light the balls with a match, and you’ll quickly have your fire.

I’ve started fires with these during my eight years in the military, along with numerous camping trips for 60 years. I carry them in Altoid tins inside emergency kits for my cars and in my camping packs. Is this safe? Yes. Sparks or embers won’t ignite them, only a flame will light them. — John “JR” R. Schlank, Granada Hills, California

PET PAL

Dear Heloise: Here’s our 7-year-old Yorkipoo, Fraiser, under his big turtle pillow with a smaller turtle pillow in front. This is his favorite place to nap. — Marjorie Rodriguez, via email

Readers, to see Fraiser and our other Pet Pals, go to Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.”

Do you have a furry friend to share with our readers? Send a photo and a brief description to Heloise@Heloise.com. — Heloise

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.