HELOISE Empty tissue boxes can come in handy

Dear Heloise: My family of five goes through a lot of tissue boxes. I have found a way to put the empty boxes to good use. When empty, I write "trash" with a black marker in large letters. We use these boxes in our car and basement to put trash in. When they are full, we simply throw them away and grab another from my stash. It sure helps to keep the little bits of paper and trash down in our vehicles. Angie H., Dublin
You are recycling, too! Those little boxes come in handy for all kinds of things -- put one by the washer for buttons, and keep one in the bathroom to hold cotton balls. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I have many pairs of black and navy slacks. To easily identify the color, especially in the dark, I hang the navy slacks on colored hangers. It saves me having to run to a room with strong light to identify the difference. Wendylee Raun, via fax
Speaking of clothing identification, here's a letter from Karl S. Long of Columbia, S.C.: "Read this morning about the person who placed rubber bands and safety pins on clothing to denote if it had been previously worn.
"Here's one better: When something is cleaned/washed, put it on a coat hanger with the hook facing in. After the clothing has been worn but might be worn again, simply turn the hanger outward. Then you can tell at a glance what has been worn and what hasn't."
Dear Heloise: As an avid jigsaw-puzzle doer -- I always have one going -- I'm sending this plea and suggestion for others:
I have found it very discouraging to find a piece or pieces missing. I buy most of my puzzles at hospital thrift shops, yard sales or wherever. I also return them to the thrift shop when I'm finished with them. I would like to suggest to please put the pieces in a plastic bag and secure it so that if the box falls or is opened for any reason, the pieces will be intact.
I also write on the back if there are a piece or pieces missing. I make a mark on the box cover related to that particular piece. This also saves time looking for a piece that isn't there. Take a few seconds to tape the box closed. A Puzzle Addict from New Jersey
Dear Heloise: I recently had eye surgery. During my recovery, I found many of the simplest tasks difficult. One of those was finding the "flash" button on my phone in time to answer the other line. After accidentally hanging up on numerous people, I decided to paint the button with a coat of bright fingernail polish.
It worked like a charm. Now, at a moment's notice, I'm able to instantly locate the button without going into a panic. My farsighted husband can even find the button without hunting for his glasses! JoAn, Mankato, Minn.
XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.
King Features Syndicate