Dear Heloise: I thought you should know that I just bought a new range with a convection oven (an LG), and the manual specifically cautions not to put foil in the bottom for spills, as it will interfere with the heating and damage the surface. Thank you for all your great advice! — Dick Campbell, Hewitt, Texas

Dick, I’m happy to help! Readers, make sure to check the manual that comes with your appliance and follow the recommendations before using it. — Heloise

PAPER CLIP BOOKMARK

Dear Heloise: I use a paper clip to mark my place while reading. It never falls off or out, and it doesn’t damage the book. — B.B., via email

ALTERNATIVE COFFEE MAKER

Dear Heloise: I read your hint about clean coffeepots making the “best coffee,” and I would like to suggest an alternative. I have been using a one-cup system for some time and find it very useful. I can make my own custom blend using available accessories and store-bought products as well. You should consider this alternative product some time. Thanks for all of your hints over the years! — John D. Mitchell, via email

CINEMATIC DRIVERS

Dear Heloise: I read a hint in a recent column about dangerous driving, and I wanted to add that it annoys me when I watch a movie or a TV show where the driver turns to talk to his passenger. Sometimes this lasts for quite a while, and the driver is not watching the road. Also, many times in the car, they are not wearing seat belts. — C. Leheny, via email

DOG SAFETY

Dear Heloise: We used to have a wonderful border collie named Molly. She was always with us no matter where we were in the house, usually lying right in the middle of things. When Mom got older and was no longer steady on her feet, we became concerned that she might trip over Molly. So, what was there to do? Getting rid of her (the dog, that is) was not an option.

I found a piece of carpet about Molly’s size and placed it under the dining room table. I only had to show her once to go under the table. She was delighted with her soft, new bed. Now when the family was around, she would stick her head and front paws out to be with us, but wouldn’t be in the way. Mom was safe, and our dog was happy. — J.M., via email

YARD SALE HINTS

Dear Heloise: This is in response to the recent letter about yard sales. If you don’t have an assistant or a cashbox, try a fanny pack (turned around to the front, of course!) and keep all of your cash and coins there. Then you can circulate the sale and help out customers.

If you’re selling clothing, prop up a full-length mirror against a tree or in another shady location for people to do a quick try-on. Thanks for all that you do! — Patty, in Virginia

HOLIDAY PHOTO CARDS

Dear Heloise: When the holiday season is over and it’s time to pack up, I’m always in a quandary about what to do with my Christmas photo cards. This year, I decided to save them to my digital frame. I get to enjoy them all year, and there’s no guilt about throwing them away! — Kay Pressley, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

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.