Dear Heloise: Here’s a tip: To keep disinfecting wipes nice and saturated, store the container upside down inside of another plastic container!

— M. Smith, The Villages, Florida

HOSPITAL DELIVERIES

Dear Heloise: If you have flowers sent to a person in a hospital or nursing home, please check to see that they were delivered to their room. Sometimes things happen, and flowers get lost in the building. If the person is not alert, check with a family member.

— Carolyn McDonough, via email

“BEANLESS” CHILI

Dear Heloise: Reading the hint from Michele about getting her children to eat onions reminded me of how I tried to get my children to eat chili when they were young. They refused to eat it because they didn’t “like” beans. So, I started making my chili when they were not around, and I simply put the can of undrained kidney beans in my blender. Presto, no more visible beans!

They thought I was making beanless chili, and they liked it and ate it with no complaints. They were young adults before they learned what I had done.

— Mary Carter, Miamisburg, Ohio

DESIGNATED FAMILY DAY

Dear Heloise: My husband and I have three very young children, and we waited about eight years after we got married to start our family. Our kids are important to us, so we wanted to develop a bond with them while raising them.

We decided that Sunday was our “family day.” We have breakfast together and go to a movie, art museum, or some other type of attraction afterward. They are allowed to bring friends along if they want, but we try to do things just as a family. I see too many kids on their own so much of the time; I know it can’t be helped in some situations, but I’m glad that we made the decision to start this weekly “family day” years ago.

My husband and I want our children to know that we are there for them and that this is their home. It must be paying off because the two oldest are straight A students (the youngest starts school next year); they are into sports and have never been in trouble so far.

I’m not an expert on child care or raising children, but in most cases, a little common sense and love go a long way. Both my husband and I work, but no matter how busy we get during the week, Sunday is our family day.

— L.D., in Pennsylvania

LEFTOVER SOUP

Dear Heloise: I always had trouble getting my family to eat leftovers. Since I refuse to waste food, I found a great way to reuse leftovers by making soup from items in the refrigerator.

I start with 2 cans of tomatoes, which I always have on hand. I add water, but the amount varies depending on how many people will be home for dinner and how many leftovers I have. Next, I add 1-2 bouillon cubes, diced meats, and frozen vegetables or leftover ones; then I heat it up.

Before serving, I sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and serve some warm, fresh bread as a side. It’s a much healthier dinner than takeout. For one thing, it has less salt and fat.

— M.F., in Nevada

Send a great hint to Heloise@Heloise.com.