Now Here's A Tip: Better to be a butterfly

By JoAnn Derson

• It's better to be a butterfly. Did you know, the more social you are, the better your health, researchers say.

• Plastic grocery bags always come in handy. Try storing them in empty tissue boxes for the car or bathroom, or use an empty 12-pack soda box for more under your kitchen sink or in the garage.

• "For foot cramps at bedtime, eat a banana in the evening. I think it is the potassium in the bananas, but it has had a good effect for me. And it can't hurt to get another serving of fruit per day, right?" -- L.I. in Missouri

• "Another great use for baby powder (or corn starch): If you have a deck of cards that are stuck together, simply place them in a baggie and add a tablespoon of powder. Seal and shake, getting the dust in between the cards. When you remove the cards, shuffle them over a kitchen towel and they will be like brand new." -- R.D. in Texas

• You can fill a mop bucket with a dustpan? Yes! Use the large end of the dustpan as a funnel from the faucet over the side of the sink, where your mop bucket is waiting to catch the waterfall. The handle acts as a spout.

• You can substitute black bean puree for flour when making brownies, and it tastes so good! It's an even swap. Just make sure you rinse the canned beans well to remove added sodium, and run them through a food processor to puree.

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