Dear Heloise: Irene from Beaverton, Oregon, wrote that she used sticky notes on her bathroom mirror to remember appointments. I understand her dilemma. I used to do this, too, but then I took it one step further.

Several years ago, I put a calendar on the wall right next to my mirror and put all my appointments and events on it. As she pointed out, you notice it every time you look in the mirror. Some places still give out free calendars at the end of the year, or I will go to a local dollar store and get one in the size that I like. I remember my appointments, and the mirror is easier to clean with nothing on it. — Lorrie M., via email

FOOD LABELING

Dear Heloise: My hubby is a cardiac patient, and I help him by preparing healthy meals. I weigh each ingredient in a recipe and calculate the protein, calories, carbs, potassium, sodium and phosphorus for each item. When I finish, I weigh the final product and calculate the nutritional values per ounce.

Because it is very time-consuming, I cook in batches and label the containers with the name and date it was prepared. I post it on a list on the fridge and also in a notebook. Extra containers go in the freezer until they’re needed. If a container is overlooked and found at a later date, it is easy for him to find the nutritional values inside the notebook. — Judy P., in Boerne, Texas

Judy, I admire the excellent care you give your husband. He is fortunate to have such a devoted caregiver. — Heloise

BABY POWDER CONCERN

Dear Heloise: I recently read your uses for baby powder. I think it should come with some cautions. — Barbara, via email

Barbara, the jury is still out on this matter. Personally, I would move in the direction of caution. Read the labels very carefully and remember that there is always corn starch available as a substitute.

Above all, rely on scientific research, not urban gossip. Yes, science occasionally makes mistakes, but at least it is specifically based on finding out the facts. — Heloise

GROCERY SHOPPING SAFETY

Dear Heloise: After having my wallet stolen out of my purse at a grocery store, I came up with the best solution for me. I lock my purse in the trunk of the car and put my credit card in my pocket to go shopping. There are no worries about securing my purse in the store because it’s safely locked away in the car. — Beverly C., in Tyler, Texas

Beverly, just make sure that your card does not slip out of your pocket. But I like the fact that your safety method also leaves your hands free while you shop and keeps items from falling out of your purse when you bend over to store an item on the bottom of your cart. — Heloise

REDUCING SPAM CALLS

Dear Heloise: This is the reply I use that has reduced the amount of telemarketer calls I receive. When they ask for me by my name, I first ask, “Who is calling?” They usually tell me the name of their business, then go into their spiel of sales garbage. I immediately state that I am a tenant and not a homeowner. They always tell me they are sorry and hang up.

I have gone from three or four calls a day to about one or two a week. The ones who continue to ask if I have a home to sell, I, again, tell them that I am a renter and do not own any homes. This cuts their calls really short.

I read your column in the Orange County Register. — Joe V., in Orange County, California