HELOISE: Multiple plants can go in one pot

Dear Heloise: Preparing for the oncoming winter weather, I found several plants in small pots that would need to be moved inside if they were to last through the cold spell. I repotted several small plants together in a larger pot. They don’t take up quite so much space inside.

G.O., via e-mail

As long as the plants require the same care, water, sunlight, etc., you’re good to go!

Heloise

Dear Heloise: With the semester starting at many colleges, here are some easy ways to make a big difference to the environment:

Bring your own reusable mug when buying coffee. Some places even give a small discount for this.

Carry a reusable water bottle rather than creating more plastic waste.

Use cloth napkins at home. Keep each napkin in a personalized napkin ring, and replace every few days as needed.

Take your lunch in reusable containers rather than plastic bags.

Together we can make a difference!

B.C. in California

Dear Heloise: My mother has a convenient way to serve soup when someone is sick: in the pan. The pan is easier to manage than a tray, and the soup is stable. A spoon and crackers can be placed in the pan as well.

Melissa in California

Dear Heloise: My husband has many tools, and several of them need an air compressor to run. I use the hose with a pistol-type handle to get the air to blow away dust on silk flowers. I also use this method to clean baskets and stuffed animals. Since his compressor is in the garage, I just step outside and blow that dust away. Obviously, you have to get used to the power of the air, but it does a fantastic job of cleaning. Thanks for all of your hints.

Claudia in Ohio

Dear Heloise: After surgery, I spent quite a bit of time in bed. I love to do crossword puzzles, and my mother has clipped the ones from her paper to send me to do in addition to the ones from my paper.

While collecting them, she put them in an old 2-pound candy sampler box.

I used the box as backing while doing the puzzles and put my pens in it for convenience. I later added a writing pad, a roll of stamps, tape and some return-address labels and the like.

I can pick it up easily, use it in the bed or carry it to where I want to be to correspond or just do crosswords.

Jeanette in Florida

Dear Heloise: Often I will return a blouse or skirt to a hanger in my closet after wearing it once for a short period. (I want to wear it one more time before laundering.) I find that a colored paper clip over the coat hanger will help me find it.

Marian from California

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

King Features Syndicate