Dear Heloise: I save unclogged spray nozzles to replace the ones that are clogged. Not all spray cans use the same nozzle, so you have to be careful to match them. Be very careful that the nozzle is pointed away from you when you put it back on. Trust me, you’ll only make this mistake only once.

Another way to keep the nozzle clean is when you’re done with the project, turn the can upside down and spray until no more paint comes out.

This wastes a lot of paint, but it works. You can also do this with empty cans if you’re going to save the nozzle. — L., in Aurora, Colorado HAIR AND MAKEUP PROTECTION Dear Heloise: Sometimes I have my makeup on and my hair in place, and I have to pull a shirt or something over my head. My hairdo stays in place, and I never get makeup on clothes because I drop a large silky scarf over my hair and face, then carefully pull the clothing item over it all. My hair always stays in place, and my clothes don’t have makeup smudges. I keep a second scarf in the car for when I’m shopping for clothes. Stores appreciate it.

P.S. You have something nearly every day in your column I can use!

— P. Small, in College Station, Texas REPURPOSING JUNK MAIL Dear Heloise: Here is a hint on how to use the paper from junk mail.

If it only has writing/ printing on one side, I use the other side for scratch paper. It is usually folded to fit inside an envelope, and I cut it in three pieces at the folds. It makes great paper for a notepad. Just staple them together when you have enough pieces. If it has printing on both sides and I can’t use it, I put it in the recycle bin. — Nancy Y., via email SUMMER ABROAD Dear Heloise: Please tell me how I can spend my summer abroad? I would like to soak up the culture of other countries.

— Kelly, in Shawnee, Oklahoma Kelly, a lot depends on where you are going and how long you plan to stay. Some countries only allow a 90-day stay, while others (such as France) allow six months.

Do you want to work while you spend time in another country? If so, you will need to contact the embassy of that country and find out what the requirements are to stay and work there. I wish you the best of luck on your journey abroad! — Heloise THE GREENHOUSE EFFECT Dear Heloise: When I go on a trip that lasts for more than a week, I water my houseplants, place them inside transparent plastic bags (to trap air inside of the bags like a balloon), then twist and seal the top to close them.

Plants stay moist, and they love the humidity.

I often return home to find new buds and shoots! — Master Gardener in Texas PET PAL Dear Heloise: This is Bindi, the miniature schnauzer. Bindi is 17 months old, full of energy, and a little lovebug. I call her my ‘chunk butt’! — Debbie Aguilar, via email Readers, to see Bindi and our other Pet Pals, go to Heloise.com and click on ‘Pet of the Week.’

Do you have a furry friend to share with our readers? Send a photo and a brief description to Heloise@Heloise.com. — Heloise ( Send a money- saving or time- saving hint to Heloise@ Heloise. com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.)

HINTS FROM HELOISE