Use cell-phone camera to document an accident

Dear Heloise: Many new cellular phones have a camera option on them (that most adults probably do not even use, myself included!). When you have a fender bender, you can always use the phone to take photos of the damage before you move the vehicles involved, perhaps clearing the roadway even before help arrives. Check with your insurance agent to make sure this would be of assistance to him or her. — Martha Chandler, Houston

Hmmm, a photo is worth . . . ? Did you know that it has been said that cell phones are one of the most popular gadgets today? Here at Heloise Central, we have found that cell phones are also great for alarm clocks, message-keepers and phone directories.

Do you have a unique use for your cell phone? Send us your idea, and we will pick some of our favorites to share with other readers. The readers whose suggestions are picked will receive a copy of my book "Heloise Conquers Stinks and Stains." This book is a wealth of information, from answers to frequently asked questions about odors and stains to an A-to-Z list of odor and stain prevention and remedies. To send in a suggestion, e-mail it to: Heloise@Heloise.com (please put "cell phone" in the subject line); fax it to: 1-210-435-6473 (HELOISE); or mail it to: Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: We recently purchased a newer (but still used) economy car for our daughter. Since the driver's seat had a cigarette burn, we bought a pair of inexpensive seat covers and a steering-wheel cover that fit perfectly.

This car didn't cost all that much, but the whole family is having a blast making artistic contributions. — Kim, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: When my husband and I would be starting off on a long trip or getting ready to spend the winter in Florida, I would place a piece of paper in the kitchen. When I used the last of something, I would jot down the item. When we returned, I would take the list to the grocery store, without having to study about what I was out of. — Imogene H. Fortner, Bristol, Tenn.

Dear Heloise: I was assisting my sister-in-law in hanging pictures and found the following helpful:

Use masking tape to measure the back of the item to be hung. Mark (on the tape) where the holes should be. Place the masking tape on the wall where the item should be hung. You will be able to see if the tape is level and at the height you want. After hammering in the nail or the screw, remove the tape from the wall. Now your item is hung at the correct height, and it is even.

This has really helped, especially when an item is heavy and it is hard to hold up while trying to hammer in the nails. — Mary from Statesville, N.C.

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