Heloise

Dear Heloise: I, too, live in Tucson, Arizona, and follow the same ritual for rinsing recyclables in dishwater as J.B. I also put some items in the dishwasher when there is room. Most loads always have a spot or two where a dish or cup may not fit, but a recyclable might.

I enjoy your column in the Arizona Daily Star. — Valerie Golembiewski, in Tucson, Arizona

A GEM OF WISDOM

Dear Heloise: Sometimes the best way to win an argument is to say, “You are right.” The shorter version is: “Yes, dear.” — Chuck N., in San Antonio

THE MIGHTY TOMATO

Dear Heloise: I’ve been reading about various foods to avoid, and tomatoes have come up a few times. I thought tomatoes were supposed to be good for you. — Bridget, in Scottsdale, Arizona

Bridget, if you have acid reflux or some other condition that your doctor tells you is aggravated by tomatoes, then it’s probably best to avoid them. However, tomatoes are a good source of vitamin C, potassium, folate and vitamin K.

They are also a major source of the antioxidant lycopene, which is believed to reduce the likelihood of cancer and heart disease. Most tomatoes are about 95% water, with the remaining 5% being fiber and carbohydrates. — Heloise

FROZEN DOGS

Dear Heloise: I used to freeze hot dogs in the entire package, but they were difficult to separate when I only needed one or two. Now I remove them from the package, lay them one by one on a cookie sheet, and freeze them. While they’re still frozen, I place them in a freezer bag, and when I am ready, they come right out and don’t stick together. — B.R., Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

NAPKINS AND PUMICE POWER

Dear Heloise: I read your column in the Statesman Journal, and I’d like to share these hints with your readers:

We use cotton napkins instead of paper napkins. After washing them, I spread them out flat to dry, even stacking them because they dry quickly. Once folded, they pass as ironed napkins.

Also, if all else fails when getting out a grease spot, I vigorously rub hand cleaner with pumice into the spot. It contains a degreaser. — Cindy, in Oregon

Cindy, pumice is made from volcanic ash; it has a rough and grainy texture! — Heloise

DID YOU HEAR THAT?

Dear Heloise: I would love it if cellphone users wouldn’t talk on their phones while they are in a public bathroom stall. Ugh. Surely the sound of flushing can be heard on the other end! — Ann, via email

(DON’T) TAKE A STAB AT IT

Dear Heloise: Why can’t people use their utensils (fork, knife and spoon) properly when they eat? There is no need to hold your utensils in your fists and stab or slash away at your food. — Luisa, in Texas

SWEET LINEN SMELL

Dear Heloise: I love it when my linens smell nice, but I’m allergic to most fabric softeners and perfumes. I found that if I place scented votive candles at the back of each shelf in my linen closet, my towels and sheets take on a beautiful scent that lasts for several days when I use my linens. — Dawn, in Michigan

Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.