HELOISE 'Nutty' solution helps fix scratch marks

Dear Heloise: While vacuuming, I hit my wood furniture and left scratch marks. I am devastated, as the furniture is only a few months old. Is there anything I can use to cover the scratches? At this time I don't really have the money to call in a professional. Thanks for any help you can give me. D.E., Anniston, Ala.
This is really a "nutty" solution, in that you use the "meat" of a pecan or walnut to get rid of the marks. Just break the meat in half and, going with the grain, rub over the scratches. Use a clean, soft cloth to buff the area. It might take a time or two, but this should help. Heloise
Dear Heloise: When we travel by car, we take our cooler with food and drinks. Instead of taking cumbersome ice packs, we carry small frozen bottles of water. They take up less space and can be refrozen or consumed when melted.
They are also handy when taking our walks through the park. As the ice melts, we drink the cool water. Helen Rhodes, Union, N.J.
We also had a hint from Karrie of Colorado, who said they do the same thing when fishing. They put the frozen bottles in the cooler, and when ready for a cool drink, just take one out and enjoy! Heloise
Dear Heloise: Whenever I purchase a box of steel-wool pads, I immediately take a pair of scissors and cut each pad in half.
After years of having to throw away rusted, unused and smelly pads, I finally decided that this would be much more economical.
And now, a box of pads lasts me indefinitely. Trey Hensley from Florida
Dear Heloise: In many homes and for a number of years, I have used my pantry to store all of my everyday dishes and glassware, using the floor for large items, steamers, pressure cookers, etc. The extensive use of cup hooks neatens up the pantry and ensures that I (or a visitor) do not have to hunt through the food cabinets for a specific cup or glass. Barbara Overal, Via E-mail
Great hint! One of my assistants has a large pantry, and she put plastic bins under the bottom shelf. They are handy for pet food, paper towels, paper plates and cups, foil, plastic wrap and freezer bags. Keeps them organized and easy to find when needed. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I have found a great use for empty contact-lens saline-solution bottles. You can mix any insect-killer solution and put it into the bottle. The narrow opening allows for precision spraying inside the house along baseboards and inside cabinets. This has worked great to kill ants and leaves no excess solution. Selena Merriman, Republic, Mo.
Sounds OK, but please be sure to label this bottle -- or throw it out after use. You don't want a mishap. Heloise
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