Dear Heloise: I have found that the simplest way to remove hair bristles from inside of an electric razor is not with the brush that typically comes with the razor. Instead, flip open the blade panel and suck out the contents using a small handheld vacuum cleaner. — Jim R., in Houston

CROSSED LEGS

Dear Heloise: So many pictures of women, even professionals and celebrities, show them standing with one leg crossed over the other. This strikes me as so odd! Why do women do this? — Valerie H., Lolo, Montana

Valerie, I think it’s considered a charming or cute pose by some people, but it also tends to make the thighs appear thinner. — Heloise

TRAVEL HINT

Dear Heloise: I’ve been aware that many people use a hanging shoe bag at home to store items, but I’ve found that it is also valuable when traveling. I have a few health issues (nothing deadly), but I have to carry a few items for them and take pills. Having my “traveling shoe bag” has been a real life-saver.

Thanks for all of your great ideas, and please keep them coming! — Isabel G., in Norman, Oklahoma

NAPKIN TRICK

Dear Heloise: I had my female friends over for a Christmas luncheon this past holiday season. I always like to change up the table to keep it interesting, but this past December holiday, I was stumped.

While shopping at a small store, I noticed they had the cutest pins shaped like snowmen that lit up. I bought 10 of them because they were very cheap. Then, when I got home, I folded the napkins to look like fans and threaded the pin through the folds at the bottom of the napkin to hold it together.

Everyone loved the inexpensive snowmen, and most wore them on their dress or jacket. It was a simple idea and one that anyone can do. — Lois T., Glendale, Arizona

MAGNETIC CLAMPS

Dear Heloise: I glued a magnet to the back of a cabinet that hangs over my workspace in the kitchen. Then I bought plastic bag sealing clamps with magnets on the back. When I want to try out a new recipe, I place the recipe on the cabinet door using these magnetic bag clamps, and it makes it so much easier to read. The recipe is also out of danger from being splattered with ingredients. — Ava D., in Denver

PEELING VEGGIES

Dear Heloise: I read your column in the Corvallis Gazette-Times in Oregon. I always used to leave the skin on vegetables, but after reading about all the chemicals, including organic chemicals that are used on vegetable and fruits, I feel much safer when removing the skin. — Jerry M., in Oregon

Jerry, if you peel your vegetables or fruit, be sure to place the peels in a compost pile, or chop them up very finely and add them to your garden soil. — Heloise

KILLING BUGS

Dear Heloise: To kill off bugs in your garden (and maybe a few snails), mix together 1 can of beer, 5 tablespoons of shampoo, and 1 teaspoon of some commercial fertilizer in a container, then spray your yard with it. It’ll kill bugs and help your garden and grass grow. — William K., in Vermont

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.