Flower formula

Dear Heloise: You recently wrote in your column about keeping fresh-cut flowers fresh by adding something to the water. I can't find the article. Could you please tell us again what this is? Thanks. -- Betty Rhode, Salem, Ore.

Fresh flowers can add so much to a room. Place flowers in a cool place away from direct sun or any heat source like a television, VCR or stereo equipment.

Before putting them in water, be sure to cut off any foliage that will be under the water. Hold the stems in a bowl of water or under the running faucet in your sink and cut 2 to 3 inches off (at a slant) using a sharp knife or scissors. Then immediately put the flowers in a container of room-temperature water.

Here are some suggestions readers use to keep flowers fresh longer. Many experts say these don't really help, but others swear they do! It's worth a try:

One part regular lemon-lime carbonated drink to 10 parts water

One teaspoon of sugar

Add an aspirin to the water

The water should be changed every other day, and the stems re-cut by 1/4 to 1/2 inch. -- Heloise

ALWAYS-HANDY PEN

Dear Heloise: To save time looking for a pen, I have found that using self-sticking fabric tape helps. I place one side on the pen and the other under the kitchen cupboard near my calendar and phone and also under the desk.

The pen can't be seen, but it is always handy. If I see the pens with the tape on the counter or desk, I am reminded to put them away.

Another tip is to attach clothespins to your wire pantry shelves so your cereal and other bagged food items can be sealed and kept fresh. -- Fan from Grand Rapids, Mich.

PAINTING HINT

Dear Heloise: I have a timesaving hint for you: Whenever I paint, I use sponges for brushes. When I'm done, I put them in a plastic zipper-top freezer bag. This allows me to do a second coat without using another brush, or to just do a touch-up. When the job is finished, just throw the whole thing away! -- Anne Michalko, Churchville, N.Y.