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

MANGOS

Dear Heloise: I get a rash around my mouth after eating fresh mangos. 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

Barbara, I discovered that mangos were related to poison ivy after I ate one. The oil from the peel got on the fruit, and just like you, I broke out in a rash. They are a tasty treat and full of vitamin C, but for me, they’re also off limits. — Heloise

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