Dear Heloise: If you’re given flowers, set them in front of a mirror. The bouquet will look twice as large. While at thrift sale, seek vases of various sizes. Every room should have some red color because it brings the room to life. You can also pick one color to use in three places in each room; it creates an inviting and welcoming scene. Using your favorite soothing color throughout the home makes for a harmonious look. Remember, if you like it, it will look great in your space!

I also have another hint. If you have trouble removing rubber gloves, grab a wet rag to tug them off easier. If the gloves should develop a leak, transition them to be used for dry projects. To keep your skin moistruized, designate a lip balm tube that you can rub onto your knuckles/dry skin while you wear work gloves. You can also wear disposable gloves to bed after liberally lubricating your cracked hands.

Thanks, Heloise, for always helping us in a new way! — T.L.B, Martinsburg, West Virginia

COLESLAW DRESSING FROM THE 60s

Dear Heloise: I found your mother’s Coleslaw Dressing recipe in The Oregonian in the 60s, after asking a friend what Coleslaw Dressing recipe she used. My friend told me that she just mixed mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar until it tasted right. Luckily, I came upon your mother’s recipe, and it tasted just right to me. I have used your mother’s Coleslaw Dressing recipe for over 50 years! Here it is:

2 tablespoons vinegar

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup mayonnaise

Mix and moisten salad with dressing. Keep unused portions in the refrigerator.

I usually make a double batch to keep on hand for coleslaw, carrot and raisin salad as well as a fruit salad of chopped apples, celery and craisins. I have shared the recipe many times. — Jan Thompson, via email

BEEF STEW

Dear Heloise: A recent hint about adding clams to canned chowder is similar to one of my favorite quick, easy meals — beef stew. I like to cook up a bag of frozen mixed vegetables and add it to canned beef stew. I also add quickly cooked or leftover steak, or leftover roast beef. You can double the size of the meal this way. I find that canned beef stew has plenty of gravy, but not so much “stuff.” — Dee, Spokane Valley, Washington

FOOD STORAGE

Dear Heloise: I like storing leftovers in glass containers rather than plastic. I have discovered that for small amounts of leftovers, the covers on the 11- to 12-ounce coffee cans snap on perfectly to my Anchor Hocking 6-ounce custard cups after the coffee has been used up. There are probably other grocery items that have the same size lids that would work as well. My cappuccino also has the same size lid, so I now have a supply. — Lois, Englewood, Florida

PET PAL

Dear Heloise: This is Kringle, our 5-year-old Golden Retriever. His name is Kringle because we got him two days before Christmas!

This picture features his classic begging pose that he pulls when we are on the couch munching on something. This doggie is the gentlest thing on earth! Thanks for your helpful column. — Martha Kenne, Dexter, Minnesota

Readers, to see Kringle 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

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