Dear Answer Angel Ellen: I was enthralled with the Olympic ice skating competition. I couldn’t get enough of it! The performance of women’s free style gold medalist Alysa Liu was — of course — spellbinding!

But it raised a few style/trend questions. She is 20 years old and I am a little more than twice as old as she is so I hope I am not sounding judgmental, but just asking: What is up with her front teeth? And her striped hair?

-- Grace V.

Dear Grace: Many readers sent similar questions to me — puzzled like you when they saw her smile up close on TV for the first time after her stunning performance. At first I thought she was wearing braces — as did many readers — but she actually was showing her “smiley” piercing, aka a frenulum piercing. It's called smiley because you only see it when a person smiles.

Before Liu’s reveal I had no clue that piercing the frenulum was “a thing.” In fact, who knew what a frenulum is in the first place? (It is a thin piece of skin that connects the upper lip to the gums.) Even more intriguing (and majorly brave) is she did the piercing herself about two years ago, she said, with the help of her sister who lifted up and held her lip for the process. It was totally painless, Liu told NBC Philadelphia: “You don’t feel it at all.” Conveniently, Liu already owned a DIY piercing needle.

The “halo” striped hairstyle is gaining popularity but I’ve watched a few online videos and it is a process that I don’t recommend trying at home. Liu says she plans to add a new stripe every year, so…stay tuned.

Dear Answer Angel Ellen: No matter what I use, my windows always seem to look dirty — not even borderline clean. Do you or your readers have any suggestions for a method that actually works?

--Denise S.

Dear Denise: I too have this problem, but here’s a suggestion that is worth a try from reader Cathy S. She says it is a “game changer.” She recommends Ettore brand squeegees. She ordered the 18-inch model (amazon.com, $14.73). She writes, “It worked better than any squeegee I ever used! The secret seems to be that the blades are square (and replaceable). I was so impressed I ordered a smaller one too, the 12-inch. Eternally grateful as I gaze out my sparkling windows!”

Angelic Readers

Diane M. says, ”I have more advice for your reader disappointed that her handmade gift – which took many, many hours – got a ho-hum response from the recipient. I too do many crafts and when a friend admired some handmade framed needlework in my house, I gifted it to her. Months later, I was very surprised to receive from her a huge, bulky crocheted throw, made with thick, super-bulky yarn in a color that clashes with everything in my house. Apparently, a thank you for all I sent her. Even though she knows I crochet. And quilt. She said it would keep me warm in the winter as I sat and read. I could cover myself with it. As if all my quilts wouldn't be able to do that. Of course, I thanked her and said it took her a lot of work. I plan to give it to a shelter. My advice: If you know people do the same crafts as you do, don't give them something that they can easily do for themselves.”

Reader Rant

From Tom W.: “I planned a special dinner at a small Michelin star restaurant to propose to my girlfriend at dessert time. But, during our lovely meal, in walked four very casually dressed men -- two of them wearing baseball caps that they never took off. Their loud bro chatter and their casual dress spoiled the mood and the 'specialness' of my romantic plans, which I put off for another time. Please tell your readers that baseball caps and loud blah blah that everyone can hear is not appropriate at any restaurant but especially not special ones like this.”

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