HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: I was reading in bed and burning down the last of a small candle that was sputtering out. I was drowsy and thought I’d let the candle burn itself out. So I went to sleep.

I woke up when I heard a whoosh of air and saw my lampshade engulfed in flames,which were licking the bottom of my drapes! I don’t remember how I put the fire out. I have never again left a candle to burn itself out.

  • Karen M. in Indiana

DEAR READER: Yikes! Thank you for writing to remind my readers that candles are wonderful for ambience and aroma, but they must be used correctly.

Our friends at the National Candle Association say not to burn candles near anything that may catch fire. Please take notice of drapes, lampshades, bedding, books, a stack of magazines, etc. To be safe, put out the candle when there is 2 inches of wax left, or half an inch if it is in a container.

DEAR HELOISE: As a mother of four sons and grandmother of four, I put copies of photos of the grandkids on their Christmas presents. The kids have a blast looking for their pictures. I use funny ones, or ones from when they were babies or much younger than they are now. It’s great for kids who can’t read.

  • Janice N. in Florida

DEAR HELOISE: I was laid off and had to redo my resume. It had been years since I had looked for a job. I started from the bottom (first job to last job). If sending out many applications and resumes, make a large resume that lists everything, from work to hobbies, etc., but never send this out. It is nice to look at this and choose which information is best-suited for each of the jobs you are applying for. You can cut and paste to make the perfect resume.

  • A Reader, via email

DEAR HELOISE: When a screw falls out of your eyeglasses, grab the wire tie from a bread bag. Strip off the paper so only the wire remains, and thread it through the hole. This will hold until you have time for a more permanent solution.

  • Aaron K. in Indiana

DEAR HELOISE: I save my plastic cleaning-wipe containers and store my produce bags in them. It’s very convenient, and the area under my sink is much more organized. - Samantha K., via email Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio,Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email Heloise@Heloise.com

Style, Pages 34 on 12/03/2013

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