Turn old newspapers into logs for fireplace

Dear Heloise: A few years ago, I clipped out your column on how to reuse newspapers to make fireplace logs. This year, I am finally going to try it, but my question is how wet should the newspapers be — should I dampen them or saturate them in a tub of water? Jan R., via e-mail

This money-saving hint for making your own fireplace logs is easy to do. So, here are the steps for everyone to use:

•Get a big bundle of old newspapers. Use empty cans that can be opened at both ends, and remove the labels. Tuna and cat-food cans work well because they are short and make a nice, thin metal band.

•Don’t use glossy inserts or color comics of the papers.

•Grab an inch or so of newspapers and stack them together, alternating the folds. Roll the stack tightly, then slide a can over it and to the middle of the roll.

•Take the banded newspaper rolls outside and use a hose to SOAK them with water. Let the logs dry completely; this will take time. The papers will compress.

•Burn the “log” with can on just like you would a regular log. After it finishes and the ashes are cool, use tongs to remove the can (it may still be hot). Heloise

Dear Heloise: I take transfer letters and paint my initial on my luggage, on the side and on the top where the handle is located. People cannot mistake my luggage for theirs if it is the same kind. Gayle, Hastings, Neb.

Dear Heloise: I read in your column in the (San Angelo, Texas) Standard-Times about the frustration people have when trying to use a small amount left on a gift card.

When you try to use the card with a small balance, the register tries to put the entire amount on the card and therefore declines the transaction.

Instead, I tell the cashier the amount on the card, the cashier will enter that, then the register will deduct only the available amount from the card and then show me a balance due. Traci Asebedo, San Angelo, Texas

Dear Heloise: I was tired of paying for plastic chip clips that break. My solution was to visit the stationery department and purchase some of those heavy black binder clips. They work great for chips, bread and any other bag item you have. I keep a box in my kitchen drawer. Dawn, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: A hair dryer will remove a bumper sticker with no mess. My husband’s car used to sport a bumper sticker I didn’t like. So, I plugged in the dryer and heated the sticker long enough to warm the glue and, starting with a corner, peeled it right off, leaving no residue. Patience is the key. June Kilpatrick, Haymarket, Va.

SBlt Send 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