HELOISE Hint keeps glasses good as new and scratch-free

Dear Heloise: Every day, I notice that my friend lays her glasses, lenses down, on her desk. I have told her not to do this, as it could scratch the lenses, and she says it's OK. Can you offer some info on this? J.B., San Antonio
Well, we took your question to several eyeglass manufacturers, and they all agreed that eyeglasses should not be set down on the lenses, as this could result in scratching.
Instead, they suggested laying the top of open frames down on a surface, so that the frame is the only thing that touches, not the lenses. If you close the frames every time, you should set the glasses down so that the frames are facing up. This should keep your glasses good as new and scratch-free. Heloise
Dear Heloise: Apply a tiny drop of clear nail polish on the backs of buttons where the thread is knotted (especially good for a kid's shirt buttons). This way, they don't come off quickly, even if your child pulls on them often. M.H., via e-mail
Dear Heloise: When my family is over for Christmas, I put the Christmas gifts inside individual totes with a person's name on each one. This makes getting everyone organized to go home a lot easier. Judy Sand, Plymouth, Minn.
The holidays are right around the corner, and to make enjoying them a little easier, I have compiled two pamphlets that are a must for every household. One is filled with favorite holiday hints, and the other has some of my favorite holiday recipes. To receive a copy of both pamphlets, please send $6 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (83 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Holiday, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5001. To make tree-trimming memorable, buy a special ornament each year. As you trim the tree, you are reminded of past years. Happy Holidays! Heloise
Dear Heloise: I am a custom framer with nearly 20 years' experience and a background in fine-art conservation. I would like to offer some additional advice for the reader with the query about the framing of a map:
If the map is old and has any value, he should definitely take it to a professional, who will use acid-free matting and backing, and a UV-filtering glass. The purpose of the mat is twofold: (1) to keep the glass off of the map, and (2) to hold the map in place. If the map is old, it should either be hinged to the backing with an acid-free tape or heat-mounted with acid-free tissue. However, heat might affect the colors, making hinging the preferred choice. Sharon Maclin, Dallas
Dear Heloise: Every time you get a prescription, you also get a patient-information sheet, which includes important warnings about the medication. I never knew what to do with them until now.
When I get a new prescription, I take the information sheet and put it into a three-ring binder. This way, should I have a question, I know right where the info is. Works great! Lydia Bolton, Colorado Springs, Colo.
King Features Syndicate