Receipt doubles as store list

Dear Heloise: We have a large extended family, and everyone comes to visit about two times a year.

That means lots of groceries to buy. Of course, there is always something that I forget or that we run out of.

I keep the receipts in one drawer in the kitchen. This way, I don’t really need to write out a list. I use one of the receipts (they have the items listed) and either cross out what is NOT needed or circle what we need.

This has saved us a lot of frustration, and whoever has the “grocery run” takes the list.

Love your column, and it has helped me deal with spills and other problems that arise.

Riva, Arlington, Va.

Riva, very smart, and a sure way to know what falls into the categories of what I call “DON’T NEED, OR MUST BUY” items. However, it may not be needed, but chocolate is always on the must-buy list!

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I have a lot of houseplants, and it takes me some time to get to them all. Many are in our sunroom, and others are in the den. I use your two-minute plan; I can get a lot of plants watered in that time. Then I might take a break or go for another 120 seconds and water the plants in the kitchen.

Joy L. in Baltimore

Joy, oh it’s a joy to read your joyful hint. I do something similar, but I think of my houseplants as being in “zones” to water. I carry a plastic grocery bag on my arm to put all of the dead leaves in. A small pair of scissors comes along, and I can do 120 seconds of pruning at the same time. My favorite plant is ivy. It grows almost anywhere and can withstand neglect, but it perks right up when watered. I have two that are very special: A pot or two of ivy my mother (the original Heloise, 1919-1977) had, plus a cutting from one my father (Lt. Col. Marshall H. Cruse, 1920-2006) had that is beautiful. This plant is in a beautiful ceramic purple flower (sort of) wall hanging that belonged to my grandmother, Florence McCullough Cruse of Rosebud, Texas. So, every morning when I put on my makeup, I look at these plants and smile. Bring something green into your home, and it will lift your spirits.

Hugs, Heloise

Dear Heloise: Our two little dogs have a fenced-in yard to play in. Their doggie door gets a real workout some days. They sit watching out the glass sliding door, and when they see a bird or squirrel, it’s a regular fire drill! They run out at maximum speed and chase the squirrels, which then go up a tree. It seems like it’s really a game. We have a large throw rug next to the door that’s just for them. The rug is washable, so I put it into the washer and dryer occasionally.

Maggie R. in Honolulu

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