Thursday, May 5, 2005
Dear Heloise: I turn to your column the first thing when I get my paper. I really like it and have used many of your hints -- they inspire me to think of other useful ways of doing things.
Today, I used the hint for getting sealed jars open using a bottle opener. Sooo easy. Thanks to the reader who sent that one in.
Since my parents both grew up in large tenant-farming families, conserving was a way of life. Pressing the old sliver of a bar of soap onto the new one, using old shirts for ironing-board pads, saving mayonnaise jars, using jelly jars for juice glasses, passing on outgrown clothes -- the list is endless of things I learned to do to make the most of what I have. I appreciate my mother for teaching me these things by example.
Several years ago, I bought a clear-plastic shoe holder and put it on the back of my bathroom door to hold nail-care products, shampoo, hair spray, etc. I also use one in my workroom for scissors and other sewing items, extra extension cords, glue, a roll of twine and tape. Evelyn, via e-mail
Evelyn, thanks for the kind words and the helpful hints that you sent in. That's what this column is all about -- the sharing of hints and information. Remember: Reuse, recycle and don't waste. Heloise
Here are some laundry hints from Heloise Central:
UBefore calling a repairman, check your owner's guide, as many times it offers help when your washer or dryer isn't working properly.
UBe sure to wash only full loads. Don't overstuff the washer, but don't waste water, either.
UClean out the dryer's lint screen after EACH load. This will help the dryer dry better, prolong its life and is a safety hint, too.
USort clothing into lights, darks, heavily soiled, etc. Use the correct water-level setting and the proper amount of laundry detergent.
UDon't put items in the dryer until you make sure a stain has been removed. Instead, let the garment air-dry, or use low heat and a longer drying cycle. Heloise
Dear Heloise: I used to write notes to remind myself of things I needed to do. The problem was, I would lose the notes or leave them at work. Now, I use my handy home answering machine to leave myself notes. As soon as I get home, I listen to the messages. Sophie Patterson, via fax
Dear Heloise: I have been told by several people that African violets are an inside plant. Well, I have found out that they do well outside. I set a few on a table on our patio this past summer. They did really well and kept flowers or blooms on them until cool weather. So, I feel that they can be either indoor or outdoor plants if given proper care. A friend in North Carolina
One note: Don't put the violets in direct sunlight, as it could burn the plants and kill them. Violets do need plenty of strong, filtered light. Heloise
XSend a money-saving or timesaving 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