HELOISE Bereavement basket can be put to good use

Dear Heloise: Your recent column in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette relating to gift baskets reminded me of something done by the mission group of women at our church.
When there is a death in a family in our community, they take a bereavement basket to them. It includes:
UPaper towels.
UDishwashing soap.
UDisposable dishcloths/dish towels.
UPaper plates, cups, plastic cutlery.
UToilet tissue.
UPlastic wrap, wax paper and aluminum foil.
UHand soap.
UDisposable leftover containers.
This allows friends to manage visitors and food brought in before, during and after the funeral. Hope someone finds this helpful. Evelyn Brown, Little Rock, Ark.
Evelyn, this is a heartwarming hint that I'm pleased to pass along. These are all items that are needed and can be put to good use. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I have found a way to help myself not forget about and overcook foods.
I have a timer that has a loud, short ring, and I carry it in my pocket when I'm out of the kitchen. I'm sure to hear it loud and clear! D.C., Manchester, N.H.
This hint is helpful for anyone with a busy schedule or lots of distractions! When washing clothes, try using a timer to remind you when the washer is done so you can get them into the dryer quicker for fewer wrinkles. Or try one if you are using sprinklers in the yard and need to move them every half-hour or so. Heloise
Dear Heloise: When I lived in an apartment, I used to stuff my dirty laundry into a dirty pillowcase and take it all to the self-service laundry. Unfortunately, clean clothes often ended up rumpled and wrinkled when they were carried home in the (now clean) pillowcase.
I recently discovered a great solution to the problem of carrying laundry when I saw someone roll in a suitcase on wheels, open it and load her laundry into a machine. When the clothes were done, she was able to load them -- neatly folded -- back into the suitcase and roll them home. The detergent fit neatly into the outside zipper pocket.
A new suitcase on wheels might be a little expensive to get just for this purpose, but many people already have them stored in the attic or basement. They also often show up in garage sales or at thrift stores -- sometimes a little battered, but perfect for this purpose. Barbara Hayler, Springfield, Ill.
Dear Heloise: I recently fell and broke my arm. I had a cast from below my elbow to my hand. Showering was no problem, since I used that plastic wrap that seals to itself. It stuck very well and kept my cast nice and dry. My orthopedic doctor was surprised and said no more bread wrappers and duct tape! Peggy Rateau, Longview, Texas
Dear Heloise: When I have a lipstick tube that I can no longer use, I scrape out what is left in the tube and store it in a small jar with a tight lid. When I have several saved, I blend them, grab my lip brush and use the mixture. I have created some interesting shades and feel good about not wasting so much lipstick. Clarice Amann, via e-mail
XSend a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate