Save paper and time with reusable fax cover sheet

Dear Heloise: If you use a fax machine often, whether from the office or the home, here’s a way to save paper and time: Make a basic cover sheet and laminate it. Reuse it each time you need a cover sheet by filling in the info with a dry-erase marker, then wipe clean and put away for the next time. Joanne in Washington

This is a green hint, and one that we use here at Heloise Central. Also, depending on whom you are faxing, you might not need a fax cover sheet. Heloise

Dear Readers: Here are a few other uses for corks:

•Plug a bottle of shampoo, etc., when the cap goes missing.

•Glue a bunch together to form a handy board for tacked-up messages.

•Put thumbtacks in one.

•Put a few in a tackle box to attach loose hooks to. Heloise

Dear Heloise: When hanging an arrangement of pictures on a wall, first trace the outline of each frame on newspaper, brown paper or wrapping paper. Cut them out and use straight pins to arrange on the wall until you’re happy with the placement. Hammer the frame hooks into the wall, and tear away the paper before hanging each picture. Amber S., via e-mail

Dear Heloise: I was constantly misplacing my keys. So, I hung a rack with hooks inside a closet that’s close to the front door (you can use whatever door is most used for you and your family) and hung up my keys. Now my family always knows where the keys are. Betty Jean Widner, via e-mail

Dear Heloise: A wrapped bar of soap (scented is especially nice) makes a great pincushion. Inserted pins and needles will be coated with a little soap, which will help them slide more easily into fabric. Christina Smith, Philadelphia

Dear Heloise: I have a favorite hooded jacket with a drawstring that constantly gets pulled into the casing. I solved the problem by sewing a bead on each end of the drawstring. Now the string can’t go anywhere! Deidre J., Ames, Iowa

Dear Heloise: To keep my closet smelling fresh, I mix 3 to 4 teaspoons of powdered spice (my favorite is cinnamon) with a box of baking soda, and put it in plastic margarine tubs with lids. I poke big holes in the lids with an ice pick and place these around my closet. These are also great in a garage, workshop or other storage areas. Flo McCullough, Texas

Sound Off

Dear Heloise: I agree 100 percent with the reader about businesses and restaurants being much too cold. I always keep a sweater in the car. This way, I am always prepared and comfortable.

I also think restaurants put way too much salt in the food. Let people salt their own if they think it is necessary. Marsha, via e-mail

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