Dear Heloise: A while back, you asked your readers for ideas for inventions. I replied that I needed a way to put lotion on my back.

My sister said she uses a rubber spatula meant for the kitchen, so I got a spatula specifically designated for this use. What a godsend. I wipe it off with a tissue. No more itchy back. — Beverly G., A Devoted Reader

LEFTOVERS GALORE

Dear Heloise: I come from a large Italian family of good cooks. At nearly every family event, we have lots of food and, in fact, often too much food.

I always send people home with leftovers because so many of us work at jobs that are in an office.

Getting out to some place for lunch is difficult and expensive. The leftovers are never wasted, and we all can have a tasty lunch.

So, for the lady who didn’t like people bringing food to her luncheon or some other kind of gathering, just send all the leftovers home with your friends. Most people appreciate it when all they have to do is heat up a delicious meal. — Rosanna B., Bloomington, Indiana

WASTE NOT, WANT NOT

Dear Heloise: I received a hand-me-down skirt from a friend. It fit perfectly but was way too long. I cut 10 inches off the hem and hemmed it by machine. There was this beautiful piece of fabric left for a belt or a shawl, so I hemmed it, too. — Corinne B., via email

Corinne, I love hints like yours because it shows how clever it is to use what we have and make it better. There are so many things that get thrown out but still have plenty of use left in them. Thanks for your hint! — Heloise