Now Here's a Tip
By JOANN DERSON

+ "Use rubbing alcohol to erase permanent markers from countertops. Rubbing alcohol will dissolve the marker back to a liquid state, so you can wipe it off. Test all surfaces in an inconspicuous area first." - B.D. in Virginia

+ "If you start planning your vacation early, you can get a great deal. Look for early-bird specials on vacation condos. We got a super deal on a condo in Florida for the spring." - Vacation Deal in Missouri

+ "Need to mix that ground meat for meatloaf or meatballs? Slip each hand into a plastic baggie, quart size or larger works best. Then you can mush away without messing up your hands." - R.K. in North Carolina

+ Keep leftover rice or pasta moist by covering it with a damp (not wet) paper towel when microwaving.

+ "To clean prints off of wallpaper, wad up a slice of white bread. Use it to rub the smudges right off. It works and does not harm the wallpaper at all. I was so freaked out that a slice of bread would do that!" - I.M.D. in Oregon

+ Need some extra cash? Most of us have an ever-growing collection of movies on DVD or even VHS that are unlikely to see the light of the TV screen in our homes. Sell them on eBay or at a garage sale.

Send your tips to Now Here's a Tip, c/o King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL32853-6475 or e-mail JoAnn at letters.kfws@hearstsc.com.

(c) 2007 King Features Synd., Inc.