Dear Heloise: M.W. in California said she straps her cross-body purse into a shopping cart so that no one could steal it without taking the cart.

I was shopping not long ago. There were a few grocery items in my cart. The only things of mine in the cart were a number of clothing shopping bags. I walked a little way away to look into the dairy section. The cart was still in sight if I turned this way.

But despite the help of three store employees, I never saw the cart again. If someone would do this for a few shopping bags, I wouldn’t want M.W. or anyone following her suggestion to make this mistake and become a “cross body.” — Bill W., via email

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Heloise@Heloise.com

COFFEE GROUNDS

Dear Heloise: I love redbud trees and had one planted in my yard in 2023. The lady at the nursery told me about your trick to mix coffee grounds in with the roots to stimulate growth. Well, I started collecting the grounds, and when I had a freezer bag full, I planted my redbud tree.

You wouldn’t believe how well it’s taken off! My slow-growing tree is full and tall now. This coffee trick really works. So many neighbors ask what I used, and I tell them coffee grounds as recommended by Heloise.

Thanks for all the terrific hints you have provided over the years. — Monica B., in San Antonio

FOR YOUR SAFETY

Dear Heloise: Joan D. wrote in to say that she had taken a self-defense class and how it had come in handy when she needed it. I took a self-defense class years ago, and it was a lifesaver. A man tried to kidnap me at a do-it-yourself car wash when I was the only person around. He was later found and arrested for kidnapping a woman, rape, and attempted murder.

I realized how close I came to being one of his rape victims or possibly getting killed. I urge everyone to learn at least a few basic steps to defend themselves. You never know what a stranger has in mind, so it’s better off safe than sorry.

The police usually know where defense classes are being held, so just call and ask. Take a friend with you when you go. — An Avid Reader, in New York

COFFEEPOT CLEANING

Dear Heloise: I worked in a restaurant for a few years in the ’70s, and we would put crushed ice, lemon wedges and salt in our coffeepots, then swish and shake them. Sometimes we would let them sit for a bit. This got rid of any lingering sticky remains of the day’s coffee. The glass pots went through the dishwasher after this treatment. I still use this method 50 years later!

I also still pick up tips from your column. — Linda, in Madison, Wisconsin

RUST STAINS

Dear Heloise: I have a time-honored method to remove rust stains from fabric/clothing. My grandmother used to use to take about six or seven stalks of rhubarb and cut them up into 1-inch pieces. She boiled them in about 1 cup of water until the rhubarb was very soft. She would drain the liquid from the water and rhubarb, then pour it over the rusted area and let it stand for about 15-20 minutes.

Afterward, launder as you would any item that needs to be washed. It worked for her and probably anyone who has rust stains. — Colleen L., Gulf Port, Mississippi