Heloise

Dear Heloise: To solve the problem of getting all the toothpaste out of the tube easily, you can purchase a small plastic device that is available in most drug stores. This device slides over the rear of the tube after you have used about 30% of the toothpaste, and you can easily advance it up the tube as you dispense the paste so that the tube is “always full.” The paste comes out easily until there’s no more paste to dispense. It’s not expensive — maybe $2 to $4 usually for a pack of two. I’ve been using this simple device for years. — Tony S., via email

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Heloise@Heloise.com

DOUBLE-DUTY BINDER CLIPS

Dear Heloise: I read your column in The Times of Northwest Indiana, in Lowell, Indiana. This is a hint for everyone regarding toothpaste tubes. I roll up the end and secure it with a small binder clip. As the roll gets bigger, you might have to use a slightly larger clip to keep it rolled up. I’ve done this for a long time, and it works great! Thank you for all the good tips! — Anne W., via email

SOAKING SOLUTION

Dear Heloise: As a nurse, I’m on my feet all day in the emergency room. I used to complain about how my feet hurt at the end of my shift. Then one of the doctors said that he soaked his feet at home after a long day in a solution that helped him. I asked him what it was and tried it. Wow, what a difference it’s made! For those who use their feet all day, here is a soaking solution that makes a difference after a long shift:

— 1 to 1 1/2 cup of epsonsalts

— 1/2 cup lemon juice (Use real, fresh lemons.)

— 3 teaspoons of baking soda

— 5 thin slices of ginger (optional)

Add this mixture to a tub of warm water where both of your feet can fit at the same time and put your feet in for about 30 minutes. Dry off your feet and let the air circulate around them for a while. I usually do this while I’m on my computer, answering emails or watching TV.

By the way, a million thanks for years of valuable hints! I’ve used a great many of them. — Emily T., in Missoula, Montana

THE FRESHER, THE BETTER

Dear Heloise: I read recently that the later you wait to freeze meats or ingredients, the more you lose their freshness. So, it’s better to freeze food items as early as possible rather than waiting until the “best when used by” or “freeze by” dates. The longer you wait, the less fresh your produce will be when you get ready to use it.

I use a handheld device that packages and wraps your food, which really helps to preserve it a lot longer than freezer bags do. They are not too expensive and really save you time and money. I hope this is helpful! — Patricia Y., via email

THE VEGETABLE BATTLE

Dear Heloise: A couple of years ago, you had a hint in your column about taking a pin out to the garden and gentle scratching a child’s name onto a fruit or vegetable. I tried this with my 4-year-old grandson who refused to touch a vegetable unless he was forced to eat it by his dad.

This hint worked like a charm. His mother told him that garden elves selected a watermelon or squash that was just for him, and he ate it without a complaint. He found out that vegetables really do taste good. — Carmen G., in Uvalde, Texas