Dear Heloise: Since I like to recycle and reuse items, I thought I’d send you a hint for used spice bottles when they become empty. I buy the kind with the perforated holes so that the contents can be shaken out. Here are some uses for them:

1. Fill one with dusting powder. It makes less of a mess than a powder puff.

2. Store leftover glitter to use for various crafts.

3. Fill one with sugar and cinnamon, mix it together and use it on buttered toast.

4. Store toothpicks in one.

5. Put embroidery thread inside one and thread it through the holes. This prevents tangling.

6. I also store a little flour in one to sprinkle on meats before frying.

7. I store sewing needles in another, and that way, they don’t get lost! — A Reader, via email

Send a great hint to:

Heloise

P.O. Box 795001

San Antonio, TX 78279-5001

Fax: 1-210-HELOISE

Email: Heloise@Heloise.com

SPAGHETTI LIGHTER

Dear Heloise: I ran out of matches, but wanted to light a candle on my coffee table. I looked around the house and saw spaghetti in my pantry. I decided to try lighting one end to see if it would catch fire, and it did. I was able to light my tall candles that had burnt down.

Who knew spaghetti could be so useful?! — Christine T., Goshen, New York

TABLECLOTH

STORAGE

Dear Heloise: We have a large extended family, and they all seem to come here for holidays. I have several white tablecloths in different sizes, which can get confusing. I decided to take a safety pin and a piece of paper, and I recorded the size of the tablecloth and the table on which it belongs. Then I pinned it to each tablecloth. It’s saved me time and trouble. — Marilynn W., Peoria, Illinois