Dear Heloise: My dog is EATING THE GRASS outside. What does that mean? — John W. in Pennsylvania

John, if we think that dogs eat grass because their tummy is upset and they need to vomit, we’ve got another “think” coming. Eating grass MAY cause the dog to throw up due to the blades stimulating the throat, but why do they eat it?

According to the American Kennel Club (www.akc.org), they simply like it; it tastes good. Introducing more veggies into your dog’s diet may help.

And don’t worry: Eating grass isn’t unhealthy for the dog, although too much grass could lead to digestive problems, namely constipation.

Speak to your veterinarian, who should be able to put your mind at ease about this. — Heloise

CONTAINER GARDEN

Dear Readers: Spring is here, but you may not be 100 percent ready to get your hands down and dirty in the yard. What’s the answer? Container gardening!

Whether you choose a collection of terra-cotta pots, a window box or a hanging basket, you can brighten up your front porch, stair steps, patio or lanai with cheerful, gorgeous purples, pinks, yellows, reds, oranges and whites.

Don’t be afraid to mix flowers and filler plants, and make sure your containers are big enough to accommodate growth. — Heloise

WRINKLE RELEASE

Dear Heloise: While on vacation several years ago, I opened the bag that contained our toiletries and hairbrushes, only to find that the bottle of wrinkle release spray that I’d packed had leaked all over everything.

While cleaning up that mess, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the hair in one of the hairbrushes seemed to “melt” right off. So, if you want to keep your hairbrushes clean and new, spray them with wrinkle release spray, and it will make quick work of pulling the hair and lint out of them. — Michelle B., Fort Wayne, Ind.

SAVE FOR LATER

Dear Heloise: As an avid moviegoer, I love theater popcorn. The largest-size tub is the most economical. Since I rarely finish it, I carry a large, plastic resealable bag to take the remainder home. It stays fresh for a couple of days and can be used to make any number of popcorn treats. Best wishes on a great column! — Hubertus W. Zegers, Palm Springs, Calif.

LIP STUCK

Dear Heloise: Just wanting to know if there is a way to get lipstick stains off the lips. — Faye, via email

Faye, the new long-wearing lipsticks sometimes won’t budge! It’s important to keep your lips moisturized during this process. Blot off as much color as possible. Apply a coat of lip balm or petroleum jelly, and gently buff lips with a dry toothbrush or dry washcloth.

Take a break periodically from the long-wearing lipsticks to allow your lips to “rest.” — Heloise

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Dear Heloise: A few days before my husband and I leave for a trip, I collect and keep the long PLASTIC BAGS that cover our newspapers when they’re delivered. When we get to our destination, I put the TV remote control in one bag, and I place the phone receiver in the room in another bag. This is a simple way to try to keep healthy, as the phone and remotes in hotel rooms or on cruise ships are not sanitized between occupants. — Barbara M., Freehold, N.J.

Barbara, a clever idea, but you also can use sanitizing sprays or wipes, which are formulated to kill bacteria. — Heloise

MASTER LIST

Dear Heloise: I keep forgetting certain items when I pack. It might be an evening bag, a pair of shoes to go with an outfit or makeup items. How can I get it all together? — Emily R., Metairie, La.

Emily, try making a master list and keeping it in your suitcase. Forgetting items for a trip can be annoying but avoidable. You also might want to lay out each outfit on a bed and select the jewelry you plan to wear with it, along with underwear and shoes, before packing. — Heloise

FAMILY FEUD

Dear Heloise: We’re having a family reunion soon, and I’m worried about members who don’t get along. At the last reunion, about 10 years ago, there was a verbal fight, and I just don’t want to go through that again. — Beverly H. in Michigan

Beverly, if people are really having problems with each other, sit them on the same side of a table, one or two people apart, so they won’t have to see one another. If they get argumentative, ask them to stop. As usual, no politics or religion. — Heloise

WASHING SILK

Dear Heloise: How do I hand-wash a silk blouse? — Ashley G., Wheatfield, Ind.

Ashley, use a mild detergent and cool water, along with a gentle swishing action. No twisting or wringing out, but instead roll the blouse in a clean towel first, then hang to dry, out of direct sunlight. If you have a spot you’re trying to remove, take it to a professional cleaner and let them handle it. Iron on the “wrong side” of the blouse. — Heloise

CABINET DOORS

Dear Heloise: My cabinet doors have magnetic catches that are very difficult to open. Is there anything I can do to make it easier to open them? — Erin B, Carrizo Springs, Texas

Erin, try putting a piece of clear tape over the magnetic catches. This should decrease the power of the magnets. — Heloise

REPLACEMENT DISHES

Dear Readers: Missing a few dishes from your set? Try mixing in solid-colored plates that coordinate with your dinnerware. — Heloise

EDITOR’S NOTE: Send your great money-saving or timesaving hint to to Heloise at P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, Fax to 1-210-HELOISE, or email to Heloise@Heloise.com. She can’t answer your letter personally butv will use the best hints received in her column.