DEAR HELOISE: Jane, in Virginia, mentioned that all the colors are the same with furniture: gray, white and beige! A very simple and inexpensive way to get pops of color is with throw pillows, colored glass jars, and artwork. Lots of stores offer these items at great prices instead of your having to pay for a sofa or chair in a limited color or print. Plus, the color themes can be changed this way.

— Kathy N., in Montgomery, Texas

DEAR HELOISE: I’ve discovered a great use for cotton swabs. I use them to clean the very narrow rubber crevices on our refrigerator door. It works great in one sweep with a little vinegar or water.

Also, I use them to clean small moving parts in my single-brew coffee maker.

— A reader, via email

DEAR HELOISE: We got a new puppy, and she’s so cute! But we want her to be friendly and not timid or afraid. So, we are socializing her a little bit every day. We take her out to meet other dogs and people at the park. Not for too long — maybe an hour at most.

— Brittany B., in Texas

Brittany, this is a great way to introduce your pup to socialization! Kudos to you.

— Heloise

DEAR HELOISE: With the sun out and more people getting active outdoors, can you give us the 411 on sunscreen?

— David E. in Kentucky

David, I’d be happy to do so! Not using sunscreen can potentially damage your skin and lead to wrinkling, sagging and worse. Be sure to apply a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or higher about 15 minutes before you go outside.

How much to apply? The average-sized person needs about an ounce (a shot glass size) of sunscreen. Cover your face (avoid your eyes) and body. Don’t forget your ears, your neck, the backs of your hands, and the tops of your feet.

Other sun-safety suggestions? Stay indoors during peak hours (10 a.m.-2 p.m.), wear lip balm and cover exposed skin as much as possible. A floppy hat is not a bad idea either.

— Heloise

DEAR HELOISE: My wife said that women routinely are given high car-repair estimates, which are saddled with unnecessary repairs, and they have been upsold unknowingly.

My hint is to always get a written estimate before any work is done and make sure that it is signed by you and the shop. If you have any questions, show the estimate to a knowledgeable friend, or get a second estimate at another shop.

— Dave, in Waco, Texas