Helpful Hints

DEAR HELOISE: When installing new or replacing old horizontal blinds, keep one or two extra slats at the bottom for future replacement. Trying to find a match if you need a new one can be very difficult.

-- John R.,

Hot Springs Village

DEAR READERS: Recently, I spoke to the members of the National Candle Association and got to chat with many folks there. Candles are more popular than ever. However, there are some very important safety hints that you should know and use:

• Make sure to place candles in an appropriate, sturdy position far from anything that will catch fire, such as drapes, or where they can't be knocked over by pets or children.

• Dust candles before lighting (a microfiber cloth is perfect), and you can dampen a towel with water to wipe off some of the grime.

• If the wick starts to smoke or the flame gets too high, put the candle out. Use a candle snuffer rather than blowing out the flame to prevent wax from getting all over the place.

• Candle wicks should be about 1/4 inch. If the wick is too long, it can cause the candle to burn unevenly. Keeping the wick short keeps soot low.

• Lastly, always keep watch on a burning candle. Don't leave it burning someplace where you can't keep an eye on it, and don't go to bed with one still burning.

DEAR HELOISE: As I've moved from apartment to apartment, one thing that moves with me is my dog. My sweet little girl is trained to use a doggy door, and thus I must have one in every apartment I rent. Through the years, I have learned that instead of going through the process of asking my landlord to install a doggy door, I just install my own, which is built into a full door. I store the original full door until it's time to move again. I simply re-install the original and take my door with me to my next place.

-- J. in Waco, Texas

DEAR HELOISE: I pay my bills from my checking account online. However, my car-loan lender sent me a book of payment coupons. To keep track of my payments, I write the confirmation number on the coupon and cut off the lower corner. The next time I open my coupon book, I can quickly turn to the next coupon to use.

-- Carolyn G., via email

DEAR HELOISE: Here's a hint for an easy way to check car brake lights: Push the brake pedal before opening the garage door. If you can see the red lights, then you know you're good to go.

-- Merle C., Salem, Ore.

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 on 09/23/2014

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