HELOISE: To find the right bra, try these tips

Dear Ladies: Did you know that most women probably are wearing the wrong bra size? Especially if they have had a baby or gained or lost weight? So grab a tape measure and follow these directions to find out your correct size.

For the band size, measure your rib cage (snugly) just under your bust, then add 5 to this measurement. If it is an odd number, add 1 so you have an even-number band size.

For the cup size, measure the fullest part of your bust with your bra on. If the measurement is 1 inch or more than the band size (before you rounded to an even number), you wear an “A” cup, 2 inches is a “B” cup, 3 inches is a “C” cup and so on.

Size and fit can vary dramatically between manufacturers, so always try on a new bra to be sure it fits well.

We were discussing, “Do you hook your bra in the front or the back?” in my office. Half said front and half said back! What about you? Also, what’s the oldest bra you own, and is there a story behind it? How many are in your lingerie drawer? So, ladies, put in your vote and let us know. (Why do we keep old bras, knowing we probably will not wear some of them again?)

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I have another use for newspaper sleeves. We have a ceiling fan on our patio and cover the blades with the sleeves during the winter months when it isn’t in use. They need just a piece of tape to hold them in place.

Leanne, La Habra, Calif.

Dear Heloise: I use an old hand-crank can opener because it’s easier than trying to get the can in just the right position, etc., on the electric can openers.

When you run it through the dishwasher or wash it by hand, the crank tends to stiffen up, and after several washes, it just stops working. I have found a solution to that problem. I spray with nonstick pan spray every place that turns or opens.

Doing this, I have had the same can opener for eight years now, and it works better than ever.

Sean in Erie, Pa.

Dear Heloise: If you have a candle that’s too small for its candleholder, simply light a pre-used candle, drip some wax into the candleholder, set the small candle in the holder and hold straight for a few seconds, until the wax hardens.

Ed Geisler in Ohio

King Features Syndicate