HELOISE: Write down info on your calendar

Dear Heloise: When I put an appointment on my calendar, I always include the name and telephone number of the person, company, doctor, etc. If I have to can- cel or contact the person, the number is right there. Or if my family needs to contact me in case of an emergency, they can look at my calendar and reach me.

Doris, via e-mail

It’s amazing how a simple hint like this can save time and frustration. Thanks for sharing.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: When stirring a gallon of paint, I find that the stir sticks I get are hard to hold on to and don’t always do a thorough job. I tried a large, old wooden spoon and found that it worked very well and was much more comfortable in my hand.

Millie in Connecticut

Dear Heloise: I have noticed that my washcloths always wear out before my towels do. To solve this problem, I have started buying packs of white washcloths to use on an everyday basis. I save the ones that match my towels for when we have company.

Heather in Texas

Great hint. I also buy a dozen cheap washcloths every year or so to wash my face, and use one per day.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I have found that after I hang up my crisp curtains, the top tabs don’t always stay up. I tried to keep them up by spraying starch on them as they hang on the curtain rod. The tabs look great!

Diane in Ohio

Dear Heloise: I found a good way to store my patio cushions. I use the clear, long plastic bags that dry cleaning comes in. My dry cleaner gave them to me for free, but you could offer to buy them. They fit around the cushions perfectly.

Rita Smalley in Springfield, Ill.

Dear Heloise: Whenever I plan a shower (baby, wedding, engagement), I get an address book instead of a normal guest book. Everyone signs the address book upon arriving, and then when my friend opens her presents, I write down what each person got her next to the name and address. When she writes thank-you notes, she doesn’t have to bother with looking up everyone’s addresses, as they are right there!

Ashley in California

Dear Heloise: When parking your car in the garage after a snow, the slush and snow build up on the car and tires, fall to the floor and make a wet, dirty mess. To clean this up quickly, simply scoop a couple of shovelfuls of clean snow on top of the slush. Let it sit for minute, and push it all out the door with a push broom. I used to let the kids do this before school.

Mary H. in Ohio

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