HELOISE Time- and money-saving hints sent from Texas

Dear Heloise: Here are some of my timesaving and money-saving hints:
UI use the pretty gift bags I receive gifts in to carry my lunch to work. It is so much nicer than a brown paper bag or a plastic grocery sack.
UI do some rubber-stamping, and I collect used dryer sheets and use them to blot the ink off my stamps.
UI use an old phone book to do my crafting on. When the page gets dirty, I just tear it off, and I have a clean, new work space.
UIn the summer, when I don't really need heavy-coverage foundation, I mix a little foundation with moisturizer for a lighter coverage. It also works well if I've gotten a tan and my foundation is a little too light.
UI use old Mardi Gras beads and cut them into smaller pieces to glue onto craft projects. Lolita from Texas
Dear Heloise: I've collected baskets for years. Some of them were quite grungy from neglect and dust. I washed them in warm water and a little furniture soap, swished them vigorously and used an old scrub or toothbrush on them. Then I rinsed the baskets and let them air- or sun-dry, and they're good for a couple of years at least, with a fresh smell to boot! I've yet to throw away a basket -- they seem to last forever. Shermie Schafer, Indianapolis
Baskets are a clutter-saver! I use them to hold everything from hair accessories, books and magazines to some of the "junk" that accumulates on my desk. Heloise
Dear Heloise: May I add to a recent hint regarding making one's home smell nice? When I was a realtor, I suggested the homeowner sprinkle some cinnamon in a disposable pie plate and put it in the oven at a very low temperature -- the smell of baking without the cleanup.
Also, I requested permission to spray some of the owner's best cologne or perfume in the bathrooms during an open house or before a showing. M.J.G., via e-mail
Dear Heloise: I use key labels to decide how long it has been since I have worn something. I date every single item after I have washed it and hung it up. Twice a year, I go through my closets, and if something has not been worn for a full year, out it goes. Jane Hall, via e-mail
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