Dear Heloise: I did it

— I created more space in my cabinets! I moved my spices from two double-deck lazy Susans on the second shelf (where I had to tiptoe to reach them or use tongs) and transferred them to magnetic metal racks from an online store on the side of the fridge. A set of four separate shelves costs $20 or $25. These have a magnetic strip on the back that sticks to your fridge, stove, microwave, washer and dryer but not to stainless steel.

The $20 set has one solid piece of metal across the front to hold the spice bottles/cans, and the $25 set has two smaller bars with a space between that allows you to read the names on the smaller jars. Each shelf is about 12 inches wide, can be placed independently of the others, and holds two rows of regular-sized bottles/cans.

I should have ordered six because I needed about two more shelves, but for the difference in price, I ordered another set of four. I’m sure I can fill them up, and they’re so convenient! (I put one of the lazy Susans on a shelf in the laundry room and put smaller laundry- and cleaning-related bottles and boxes on it.)

Adding the spice racks to the fridge enabled me to shift things around in the cabinet and move other things down lower so that I could reach them. And I still have about 2 feet of empty shelf! I always enjoyed your mother’s column and now enjoy yours.

— Gloria Gauntt, via email

GARAGE SALE HINTS

Dear Heloise: Your hint about garage sales did not mention these tips that my wife and I found useful during our sales:

We found that putting out signs with direction arrows on street corners led folks to our cul-de-sac better than advertising did.

Signs need to have large lettering that can be read from a car.

Have tables to display items.

Display clothes on hangers, not in stacks or piles.

— Ben Will, via email

TOOTHBRUSH TIP

Dear Heloise: Another good thing to do with a toothbrush, besides cleaning it with hydrogen peroxide, would be to go to your local dollar store and purchase toothbrush cover tops, then put them in your medicine cabinet! This is another good way to keep unwanted critters from attacking your toothbrush if there’s ever any around. I read your tips in the Courier every day.

— Gerrie, in Findlay, Ohio

MAKING AN EFFORT

Dear Heloise: Why do so many women stop taking care of themselves between the ages of 40-50? Working in a full-service salon, I hear women say almost daily, “Oh, I don’t care what I look like.” They really should! When people take care of themselves, it’s a sign of a happy, healthy person.

Any stylist can advise women on current hairstyles and colors that work for them. We also encourage women to wash their skin with mild soap and use moisturizer daily on their faces, as well as body lotion on their legs and arms. Any woman can look attractive if she makes even a small effort and loves herself enough to try.

— T.F., in Ohio

Send a great hint to Heloise@Heloise.com.