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Dear Heloise: I saw the advice to put window-cleaning spray on your hand to get rings off and immediately Googled if this was a good idea. It is not! It can be very drying to the skin. I’d think that using window-cleaning spray regularly could also be damaging to the skin. — Carol B., via email
Carol, great catch, and thank you for pointing this out! I don’t imagine that people would use a spray of this kind on their skin very often. If they did, not only would it dry out their skin, it could potentially cloud their rings with chemicals that could damage soft stones (such as opals or pearls). It might require constant cleaning afterward. — Heloise
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LIPSTICK REMOVAL
Dear Eloise: To keep lipstick from getting on my teeth, I stick my finger in my mouth as if I’m tasting something, then pull it out. Whatever lipstick that’s on the inside of my lips comes off with my finger. — Carole F., in Jenks, Oklahoma
Carol, we touch so many things during the day that we pick up all kinds of bacteria. You might want to try using a clean facial tissue instead of your finger. — Heloise
INTERESTING CAT FACTS
Dear Readers: Here are some interesting facts about cats:
— Cats cannot taste sweetness. They’re part of a handful of mammals that cannot taste sweetness.
— Does your cat follow you from room to room? Do they demand to be let into the bathroom at private moments? They follow you because they want to protect you and/or they find you amusing. They also want to be reassured that you won’t leave them.
— Cats don’t like the smell of oranges or lemons. A couple of slices around a favorite houseplant might keep them from chewing on leaves.
— A cat who’s hurt or sick will often hide. This is a survival instinct, not a choice. If they’re injured, they could become easy prey and get attacked by a stronger animal. — Heloise
HANDBAG ORGANIZER
Dear Heloise: I store used plastic bags in a hanging handbag organizer. I label each pocket according to size or style. My labels are: small, medium, large, flat, zippered and suit. This makes it easy to find what I need. — Margaret S., in La Mirada, California
TRICK-OR-TREATING RULES
Dear Heloise: In a short time, kids will be out trick-or-treating or attending Halloween parties. Having raised five children, I know how excited they become over this once-a-year event, but it’s always a good idea to remind them of a few rules ahead of time — some for safety and some for politeness:
— Never enter a stranger’s home.
— Face paint is better than a mask because paint won’t slip and cover their eyes.
— Remind them to say, “Thank you,” after candy gets placed in their bag.
— If you can’t take your child trick-or-treating, see if they can go with an older sibling, a grandparent, or a group of children. Going out alone to trick-or-treat is dangerous.
— It might be wise to map out an area they’re allowed to go. In many subdivisions, trick-or-treating is no longer allowed; instead, there might be a party for the youngsters.
While I think this is a wonderful idea, I still miss the children who come by and are so proud of their costumes. They’re all giggles and smiles and so excited. How about your readers? Do they still have the old tradition of children going door-to-door on Halloween in their neighborhoods? — Christine K., in Troy, Michigan