Dear Heloise: I recently learned a hint that artists or kids could use while drawing. Cut out a placemat-sized piece of bumpy rubber shelf liner and place it beside your work area. Place colored pencils or crayons on the shelf liner, and your art tools won’t roll off the tabletop no matter what! No more chasing or losing coloring tools under furniture. — P.W., via email

FOOD SAFETY

Dear Heloise: Many food items that are refrigerated or must be refrigerated after opening have an expiration after they’re opened. For example, spaghetti sauce has an expiration date, but if you look at where it tells you to refrigerate after opening, it also tells you to use it within five days after opening.

But I can never remember when I open anything. So, whenever I open a jar or container, I write the date that I opened it on the container. This takes the guesswork out of whether something should be tossed. Also, whenever I freeze anything, I write the date that the food was cooked and the date that I put it in the freezer.

I read your column in the Houston Chronicle. — A.G., in Houston

CRANBERRY SAUCE “SKIN”

Dear Heloise: I make fresh, whole-berry cranberry sauce a lot. As it cools, it can develop a “skin” on its surface. I prevent this by covering the surface of the sauce with plastic wrap while it’s hot and leaving it in place until the sauce cools.

This is the same technique used to prevent skin from forming on hot custards or puddings. I read your column in the Patriot-News. — B.L., in Pennsylvania

THE MOTIVATION TO CLEAN

Dear Heloise: Here are a couple of hints that your readers might find helpful: Sometimes when my house needs a good cleaning, and I really don’t want to get to it, I’ve found that the best thing to get me motivated is to invite company over. It works like a charm.

Also, if company is coming for dinner, I set the table a few days ahead (though not so many days that I will have to dust the dishes). It saves time and sanity at the last minute. — A., via email

ADVICE FOR THE ELDERLY

Dear Heloise: I have some hints that might help elderly readers: My podiatrist recommended Crocs to wear at home for better support. They’ve worked very well for years.

Also, remember the phrase: “If you don’t use it, you lose it”? As I’ve grown older, I’ve learned that this maxim is true. To improve balance, stand on one foot, alternating between your right and left for 10 seconds each. Try three sets daily.

Finally, exercise is a must. This includes walking, running (if capable) and weight lifting. Concentrate on four areas — biceps, triceps, quads and core. Start slowly and increase repetitions as you gain strength. Exercising daily is recommended until it becomes a habit. You will start to see amazing results if you try.

I read your column daily. Thank you! — D., in San Antonio

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.