Dear Heloise: Two years ago, I decided to pack away my Christmas decorations with a little more care than I did in the past. We have some very small metal figurines that were a gift from my son when he was in Germany. I took a small piece of tissue paper and wrapped up each figure, then placed them in an empty paper towel roll and taped each end closed. I saved the cardboard rolls that my wrapping paper came on and wrapped my lights on each roll. No more working out the knots next year!

Things like holiday dishes, bowls, and salt and pepper shakers were emptied and wrapped in bubble packing material for storage until next year. Outdoor figurines were wrapped in large garbage bags and stored in the garage or in large plastic bins. Tree decorations were placed in sandwich bags or larger plastic bags and stored in plastic bins.

I recently learned that several of my holiday ornaments are considered very valuable — not only due to their age and place of origin, but because of the excellent state of preservation they’re in. This year, however, I singled out some rather special ornaments to give to my children to place on their trees. Hopefully, they will pass them onto their children one day. — Sophia E., Meriden, Connecticut

Sophia, with Christmas decor getting more expensive each year, I think it’s a great idea to take care of the ornaments we have and, one day, pass them on to others. Some of my readers tell me that their Christmas trees hold many memories because they got their decorations from so many different places. Some of their tree decorations were made by their children or grandchildren. — Heloise

IMPERFECTIONS

Dear Heloise: Years ago, I used to work as a professional model, and even models would get the occasional pimple. We used to take a cotton swab and dip it in a freshly cut lemon, then dab it onto the pimple. Some of the women I knew would use tea tree oil.

If we had an assignment to be photographed, we would use moisturizer all over our face except on the blemish. We’d use a cotton swab to gently dab the blemish with tea tree oil and allow it to dry. Then we would apply concealer in a thin layer.

Next came the foundation and, afterward, a light dusting of powder over the pimple. When we weren’t modeling, we usually didn’t wear makeup. Just a little moisturizer was enough for us. — G.T.L., in California

GETTING MORE MILAGE FROM MAKEUP

Dear Heloise: Turn almost-empty liquid makeup bottles with secured caps upside down in a makeup bag, and you’ll be surprised at how much of the liquid you will still be available to use!

I enjoy reading your hints in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier. — Laura S., via email

Laura, I do this same thing with my foundation and hand cream tubes. I like to get out as much as I can. Why waste what we must pay for? — Heloise

A WINTER REMINDER

Dear Readers: On these chilly winter days and nights, please remember to take in your plants and pets. Yes, animals do feel the cold. — Heloise

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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.