Cheap paper plates great for double duty

Dear Readers: DON'T YOU LOVE COMING UP WITH OTHER WAYS TO USE EVERYDAY ITEMS IN THE HOME? FOR INSTANCE, INEXPENSIVE PAPER PLATES (CHEAP, WHITE ONES) HAVE MANY GREAT USES IN THE KITCHEN AND ALL AROUND THE HOUSE. HERE ARE JUST A FEW TO GET YOU THINKING:
UPaper plates make great bug catchers. Grab a cup or bowl, place it over the uninvited insect, then slide the plate underneath the bug for an instant bug trap. (I did this many times when a family of tarantulas invaded our house!)
UThey are great as an instant dish cover in the microwave to keep food splatters contained, or under the dish for easy cleanup if something boils over.
UFor a quick dustpan, cut one in half to scoop up spills or to remove swept-up dust.
Paper plates are not just for eating food on anymore! Heloise
Dear Heloise: When I read your column about sparkly shirts, I wanted to caution your readers about a problem. I am a former certified nursing assistant and worked in an elder-care facility. The sparkles that come off of some of the scrubs that are worn -- especially around the holidays -- can cause eye damage if they happen to fall in a person's eye while caring for him or her. It will scratch the eye before you know it. Sparkles can also be a risk on children's costumes, as children are always rubbing their eyes, as well as cause great problems for someone who wears contacts. There is a lot to consider before choosing to wear a sparkly item. Jane from Arkansas
Jane, a very good piece of eye advice. There are some glitters and sparkles used in makeup that are supposedly safe, but I would still use caution, as you noted, especially if someone wears contacts or has an eye condition. Heloise
Dear Heloise: A while back, you asked for ideas of what to do with old pictures. My daughter came across some old family albums, and a light went on. She transferred these old images onto quilt blocks and sewed me the most priceless quilt as a Christmas gift. Five generations of my family (from both sides) are represented in the quilt. It is really a wonderful work of art.
I have enjoyed your column for many years, and I have learned a great many helpful hints from you and your readers. Nancy Burrell, West Rutland, Vt.
Dear Heloise: My granddaughter is 7 years old. She had a pretty nasty boo-boo on her knee, so we cleaned it up and put a couple of adhesive bandages on it. The next day, she was holding ice on it. I couldn't figure out what she was doing until she informed me that this makes the bandage come off without hurting. I tried it, and it works. I will now let the nurse put bandages on my arm after a shot. A reader, via e-mail
XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate