HELOISE Satin 'tail' helps locate remote

Dear Heloise: To be able to find my remote control, I tied a 1/4-inch satin ribbon with an 8- to 12-inch tail (like a kite) to it. When I can't find my remote, the lost time is about one second. The ribbon tail makes it easy to spot, and it's even possible to put it in a drawer and let the ribbon dangle out.
When the remote disappears into the recliner, the telltale ribbon doesn't sink into the sides. People set their remotes in strange places -- the ribbon is a quick "aha!" Jerry, Houston
Dear Heloise: I enjoy entertaining and find that I can save a lot of time on kitchen cleanup by putting a plastic grocery bag in the sink.
As I cook, I use this bag to dispose of everything that needs to be put in the garbage -- cans, peelings, eggshells, etc. They can all be gathered up and thrown in the garbage at one time. Wanda Manning, Via E-mail
Dear Heloise: I buy my new shower-curtain liners at discount stores. To keep them in good shape, I wrap clear packing tape over the last two holes on each side of the curtain (especially the side that's pulled the most). Then I use a hole punch to punch new holes in the tape.
These cheap shower curtains can withstand a few bleach-and-detergent washings to keep them fresh. When the curtain is "spent," I cut out the magnets and use them for my refrigerator. K. Wilson, Silver Spring, Md.
Dear Heloise: I read the hint about a dust ruffle, and I had to tell you about mine. I take an old fitted sheet, cover the box spring, and with a wash-off sewing pencil, I draw a line high up on the fitted sheet where the dust ruffle should be. I take the sheet off and sew the dust ruffle along that line on the sheet. Then I just place the fitted sheet/dust ruffle on the box spring, and voil & aacute;, it is permanent.
For non-sewers, I think you could use the double-sided fabric tape that comes in strips. Maria Oliver, via e-mail
Dear Heloise: My wife is always chiding me about keeping old rags, especially old towels and dish towels.
Our plumber once called me the "rag man" because when he needed some rags to sop up a leak, I gave him a bagful.
Another practical use I have found for the smaller dish towels is to stuff them inside my ball caps to keep them formed after I wash them. They come out perfectly shaped and ready to wear. The towels also help dry out the caps. Richard Williams, Hedgesville, W.Va.
XSend a great hint to: Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, Fax: (210) HELOISE or E-mail: Heloise@Heloise.com.
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