HELOISE Homemade votives should be for decoration only

Dear Heloise: I searched and searched for two clear votive cups to go in the sconces over my bed, but no luck anywhere. Knowing my husband is very good with his hands, I purchased two clear wineglasses with 14-karat gold around the top edge from a local liquidator store and had my husband cut the stem from the glass. They turned out beautifully, and the fit was perfect.
I removed the rubber tips from the old votive cups and put them on the new ends of the stems. I put a candle to match my decor in each "new" votive. Use caution when cutting the stem from the glass, and wear gloves to prevent an accident. Mrs. James Martin, Elizabethtown, Ky.
This sounds lovely, as long as the sconces and candles are for decoration only. It probably wouldn't be a good or safe idea to light the candles in the homemade cups. Heloise
Dear Heloise: Here is something that saved me an embarrassing day after arriving at work: When I discovered a small tear on the front of my white shirt, I ended up putting a piece of clear tape on it, applied from inside. Looked better than a sewing job! N.G., via fax
Dear Readers: Here are a couple of questions on storing hot leftovers, like soups, stews, etc., that will be handy for every household. What is the best type of container to use, and how long should you leave the leftovers in the refrigerator?
When storing leftovers, don't use deep containers, as it takes a long time for the leftovers to cool. Use shallow containers so that they cool quickly.
Leftovers shouldn't be kept for more than a couple of days. Also, remember this -- if in doubt, throw it out! Food poisoning can make your day miserable, so don't take any chances. Heloise
Dear Heloise: Those little renewal cards from magazines make very good bookmarks, and they're free. So, I make it a habit to put one in every book I buy -- no need for dog-eared pages. Lee, via e-mail
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