Heloise

Dear Heloise: I recently installed a combination lock that has a newer and nicer feature. It had a fingerprint sensor that allows you to bypass the buttons and just open the lock with your finger- or thumbprint. It’s even faster and easier to use than my older model. Just something for your readers to consider.

I enjoy your column in the Los Angeles Daily News. — Dan Curran, Canyon Country, California

CLEAN FACE

Dear Heloise: I have read dozens of suggestions in your column from your readers about how to take care of and clean your face. After much experimentation in this area, I came up with a simple solution that has worked wonders on my facial quality.

Every morning, I wash my face with hydrogen peroxide using a facecloth, then dry my face with another cloth. Next, I smear a small application of vaseline all over my face before I apply my makeup. This, amazingly, makes it so much easier to apply all of my makeup, especially the powder base.

By the way, Heloise, I enjoy reading your column published every day in our newspaper. Aloha. — Miss Maui Mary, via email

DIFFICULT-TO-OPEN JARS

Dear Heloise: While trying to open a relish jar that everyone else in my family was unable to open, I had an “aha” moment. I noticed that the lid looked sunken in more than normal.

Using a small screwdriver as a lever and the glass thread on the jar as a fulcrum, I pried around the rim of the lid until I heard a faint whoosh. With the vacuum seal broken, the jar then opened very easily. I then tried this on a couple of other sealed jars with equal success. — T.H., via email

PLASTIC PRODUCE BAGS

Dear Heloise: In response to the hint about wetting one’s fingers to open a plastic produce bag at the grocery — don’t use one! Take a reusable bag. If you don’t want to put produce in a reusable bag, purchase some mesh reusable bags specifically made for produce. And don’t forget to wash your reusable bags! Unless there is a cardboard base, most can be put in the washing machine. — Jeanne McCaffrey, in Ohio

COPPER CLEANER

Dear Readers: To clean copper, pour a little vinegar over the copper and sprinkle salt from the salt shaker over it. Then wipe with a paper towel. Rinse and dry well.

If you haven’t yet gotten yourself a copy of my pamphlet “Heloise’s Fantabulous Vinegar Hints and More,” you can easily order one at www.Heloise.com. It’s chock-full of useful and helpful vinegar hints like the one above. — Heloise

PET PAL

Dear Heloise: My husband of almost 39 years passed away a few months ago after suffering from a short illness. Our cat, Sadie, is depressed and anxious, and misses him as much as I do. — Anon., via email

Readers, to see Sadie 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@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.

(c)2023 by King Features Syndicate Inc.