Dear Heloise: When I open a new box of facial tissue, I put a couple handfuls of marbles in the bottom so that when I go to grab one tissue, the whole box doesn’t come with it. A heavy weight on the bottom keeps the box on my nightstand.

I enjoy your column. — Jan W., Castleton, Vermont

EMERGENCY INFORMATION

Dear Heloise: I am a recent widow. My son needs to know my doctor’s name and phone number, along with a list of my medications. I have all this listed on colorful art paper and taped it to my bathroom mirror. — Patty B., in Texas

Patty, information like that is often the key to survival. Minutes pass when help is needed, but people get frightened, confused and don’t know who to call or what information will be needed in an emergency.

Some people post their doctor’s name and phone number with a list of medications they’re taking on the refrigerator door. It’s good to show someone close to you, whom you trust, where that information is stored.

This also applies to a will and a living will. If you have burial specifications, the best thing to do is tell your children and friends what you would like done. Are you an organ donor, do you wish to be cremated or buried, or is there anything you want interred with your remains? You’ll need to let close friends/family know, because if you put it in your will, that will won’t be read until after the funeral. — Heloise

BUTTON, BUTTON

Dear Heloise: I bought a beautiful white blouse while I was visiting England last month. One of the most attractive parts of the blouse are the buttons, which are stunning. Sadly, I can’t find any like them here in the states, so I’m worried that if I lose one or two buttons, the blouse will look very different. How can I secure the buttons to the blouse so that they don’t come off? — Pippa C., Allendale, Michigan

Pippa, use some unwaxed dental floss. Just add a couple of loops of unwaxed dental floss, along with the thread already used to keep the buttons in place, and it should keep your buttons safe where they are for a long time.

By the way, did you know you can use dental floss to tie up vines and other trailing plants? It can also be used to lace up a chicken or turkey for baking or used to cut layer cakes. — Heloise