What to do with scratched CDs? Place them under candleholders to catch dripping wax, or slip them under cans in the bathroom to catch rust stains. That hint comes from Heloise, who has updated her classic All-New Hints from Heloise (Perigee, $13.95) to reflect new technology and new products. Another H from H: Program your cell phone's speed dial with "home," "husband," "wife" or "parents," so if you lose it, the finder can locate you.
New book, new room
You can take longer than a weekend to create a new room with the suggestions in Trading Spaces: 48-Hour Makeovers (Meredith, $19.95). The book visits 14 projects from the room makeover show, offering lots of specifics, how-tos, ideas and questions and answers. You probably won't want your room to look exactly like one of these, but the analysis, the guidance on choosing themes and colors, the details and the do-it-yourself suggestions will help you achieve the look you want, even if you take your time and wait for the paint to dry.
Help for those on the move
Are you moving this spring? Take these tips from Pat Simpson, host of HGTV's Before and After and Room to Improve, reported in the May issue of Home magazine: Change the locks on entry doors of your new home; you never know who has duplicate keys. Test smoke alarms, change the code and password on the security system, and buy new fire extinguishers. Mayflower Transit adds these tips: Before you move, claim your utility deposit if you're entitled to one; renters, reclaim security or pet deposits from your landlord. We'll add this: Remember to leave behind the garage-door remote.
Portable planting
Spring's here - time to be outdoors and smell the confederate jasmine. This standing window box ($99) with foam box planter ($39.99), both from Target, will brighten a deck, entry, porch or lanai.
