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 SEND A GREAT HINT TO: Heloise@Heloise.com 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 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

HINTS FROM HELOISE