HELOISE Popcorn hint is something to smile about

Dear Heloise: After a bag of microwave popcorn is done popping, begin to open the bag as is usually directed (and heeding warning of steam) by pulling only slightly on the corners until the bag is opened a little, but not enough for any fully popped corn to come out. Shake the bag upside down over a wastebasket or a bowl until you think most of the kernels are gone. Dispose of the kernels, and then you have a safe-to-the-tooth batch of fresh, hot popcorn with much less worry about future dental work! Winston's Mom in Youngstown
Dear Heloise: I would like the household-hints booklet that contains the recipe for cleaning silver. I think it is the baking-soda one, but it might be something else.
Thank you for all your helpful hints. Marge Lumpe, San Antonio
You're right -- it's baking soda to the rescue. Baking soda is a great cleaner; it's safe to use around children and pets. It doesn't scratch most surfaces (when applied as a paste). It's inexpensive and found on most pantry shelves. I have compiled lots of ways to use baking soda (as well as for cleaning silver). To order, please send $4 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (83 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5001. For a limited time, anyone who orders a pamphlet will receive a different, additional Heloise pamphlet for free. It has been a long time since I printed this easy silver- tarnish-remover recipe, so here goes: Line the bottom of a pan with aluminum foil. Pour in 2 quarts of boiling water and 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Put the silver on top of the foil. It must be completely submerged in the water. Then watch the tarnish disappear! Be sure to rinse well and buff dry. Note: Don't use this method on antique, heirloom or silver-plated items, as well as hollow-handled flatware. Heloise
Dear Heloise: The best time to prepare your travel bag is when you've just finished a trip and know what you forgot or have used up. So, refill and/or replace your travel bottles, cosmetics, over-the-counter drugs, toothbrush and toothpaste, and basic first-aid items. Take the battery out of your travel clock and place it and the clock in a plastic bag.
When you take out your soiled travel clothes, immediately repack a spare change of underwear and nightclothes. A few minutes taken at the end of a trip makes the preparation faster and less worrisome for the next one. Debby Kraut, Bethesda, Md.
Dear Heloise: I have relatively small hands and through the years have tried all the gadgets created to aid opening jars.
I have found that those rubber bands that come on bunches of fresh broccoli and celery make great grippers.
When I get a new jar, I put a band around the top edge; it doesn't matter if the lid is plastic or metal. I leave the rubber band on until the jar is empty.
It would be great if companies put a rubber grip on their jars, but until they try it, I will keep saving my blue bands. They don't take up nearly as much room as all the other gadgets. Amy R., Erie, Pa.
Amy, love your hint! Are you listening, manufacturers? Heloise
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