Dear Heloise: Thanks to the reader who marks food products for which she has replacements so that she doesn’t overbuy! Our pantry is in the basement, and I don’t often make a trip down there to check what we have. Then I end up with three bottles of canola oil, so it’s a good idea! Here’s mine:

I keep all my measuring cups and spoons in a basket on a bottom shelf. I just take out the basket, and they are all there whenever I cook or bake. No digging for the missing 1/3 cup or 1/2 teaspoon for me!

— Mary W., Marquette, Michigan

FLOSSING

Dear Heloise: Regarding toothbrushing, I wanted to add my two cents about gums:

For years, I was told to floss, but I tried a number of times and stopped because it made my gums bleed. Nobody ever mentioned that flossing would correct this, and I didn’t think to ask them!

After a lot of problems as a mature adult in my 30s or so, I somehow found out how flossing actually worked. But even then, nobody (meaning dental people) really advised me to put floss into both sides of the spaces between my teeth. For a long time, I just went up and down the middle! Luckily, at 85, I still have my teeth, and they are in pretty good shape!

I love your column in the Whittier Daily News.

— Betty I., in California

A RASH FROM MANGOeS

Dear Heloise: I get a rash around my mouth after eating fresh mangoes. The allergist I consulted said that it’s the peel, not the fruit, and that mangoes are related to poison ivy. Only the peel has the offending substance.

— Barbara, A Loyal Reader

PLUMP LIPS

Dear Heloise: I always wanted plumper lips than I have. What I didn’t want were lip injections (I hate needles), and I refuse to get surgery or implants. A pharmacist suggested that I try cinnamon oil to achieve fuller lips. Apparently, it increases the flow of blood to the lips and gives them a rosey hue. The only possible downside that I can see is if you’re allergic to cinnamon oil. Do a small patch test on your bottom lip and wait 24 hours.

— Charlie Anne M., Henderson, Tennessee

THREE THINGS TO REMEMBER

Dear Heloise: Many years ago, before I left home to take a good job in another state, my mother and I sat down and had a serious talk. She said there were three things I should never buy if they were of a cheap quality:

The first was a bra or a foundation garment. If it’s well-made, it’ll not only last for longer, it will flatter your figure.

Buy decent shoes that support your feet and take care of them. Nice shoes can ruin your overall look if they aren’t clean and polished. Even if I only had two pairs, it was better to buy a good pair rather than several poorly constructed ones.

Buy a basic black dress that you could dress up or down.

This advice has always served me well over my lifetime. I was 22 when we had our chat, and I am now 72.

— Leann P., Aberdeen, Washington

Send a great hint to Heloise@Heloise.com.