Gaze lovingly into the lens

During the years that I conducted an interview show on television, Ilearned that many of my guests were camera-shy. Some of themactually froze and became speechless when the camera was focused onthem. Eventually, I learned to give them this helpful hint beforethe interview commenced: Imagine that the camera is someone you love!Immediately, the guests would relax and gaze into the camera with awarm, enchanted expression. This magical directive works not onlyfor a TV camera, but for a still camera as well. Brides should heedthis advice when having that important bridal portrait taken. Eventhose quick snapshots that a friend or relative is always taking willdevelop into a prettier or more handsome you if you remember toimagine that you are being watched by the eyes of your beloved.

GOURMET TIDBITS: Those hard-cooked eggs that were colored forEaster will make a delightful luncheon dish. Shell the eggs, add awhite sauce or a curry sauce, and serve on hot, buttered toast.Garnish with chopped parsley or blanched almonds or both.

FLORAL FILLIPS: Are those pretty Easter posies beginning todroop? Change the water in the vase and add a tablespoon ofhousehold bleach. This will eliminate bacterial growth and also perkup the flowers.BEAUTY BRIEFS: "If your skin is still suffering from that winteritch, avoid all caffeinated drinks," says Dr. Charles Zuckerman,associate professor of clinical dermatology at NorthwesternUniversity. "Caffeine makes you more aware of the itch." Coffee andtea contain caffeine. Of course you knew that, but did you know thatchocolate also contains caffeine? (Sorry about that!)PEARLS OF WISDOM: "Life is 10 percent what happens to me and 90percent how I react to it," said former football coach Lou Holtz ofNotre Dame.TIMELY TIPS: A brightly colored dustpan should be in everychild's toy box. When cleanup time arrives, your child will enjoyscooping up small toys, crayons and parts of puzzles with the dustpanand returning them to the box.A pair of cotton work gloves can cut the time that you spenddusting and polishing your furniture. Hands covered by the glovescan reach around legs of furniture in a jiffy, can polishhard-to-reach areas and get into carved areas.DEAR DORSEY: You asked for ways to open a stubborn bottle cap.I simply put on my rubber gloves and use my hands. It works everytime. Try it for jars, as well. Love your helpful hints!BETTY SKONIECKI, ChicagoDEAR DORSEY: Here is a floor-saving tip that I use. Whenever Iam painting walls and moving the paint can from place to place, I puta little paint on the bottom of the can and stick the can on a paperplate. This saves the floor from paint drippings.MARIA IBRAGIC, CarbondaleSend your helpful hints or time- or money-saving ideas to DorseyConnors, Box 3600, Chicago 60654. If your letter is used, we willsend you $5. Read Dorsey Connors' column on the Internet atwww.suntimes.com