HELPFUL HINTS
DEAR HELOISE: For everyone who thinks baby wipes are flushable, they are not. My daughter experienced a plumbing problem, and her serviceman said it was due to baby wipes. — A.A., Staten Island, N.Y. DEAR A.A.: You are right. They may be “flushable,” but they muck up plumbing down the line. Don’t take a chance; a repair bill can be expensive.
DEAR HELOISE: It’s spring, the perfect time to have a party for kids and grandkids, and it’s pretty easy because I plan ahead.
First, food. I get any information on kids’ allergies, if necessary. Pizza is cheap, I can add whatever toppings each child wants, and I can cut the slices narrow, so everybody gets to taste all the toppings.
A fruit tray is a healthy, colorful and fun alternative to candy and potato chips.
I like to keep decorating simple: I pick two basic colors for balloons and streamers. I tend to avoid licensed characters, like superheroes and princesses, because that adds to the price of these items.
Kids love pinatas, and it helps them work off energy. These hints help me make a fun afternoon for a birthday party or any social gathering.
— Robin M., Utah
DEAR HELOISE: I look forward to reading your column every morning. I have an old dog who has balance problems. When she drinks out of her water bowl, she either tips it over or steps in it.
I bought a dishpan, turned it upside down and cut a hole in it (my husband used a drill to make the starter hole for me, and then I used his tin snips to cut it) so that the water bowl fits. The bowl is at the right height for the dog.
— Janice W., Ohio DEAR JANICE: Talk to your veterinarian about what may be causing the issues.
DEAR HELOISE: My friend didn’t like how her homemade soaps get mushy after leaving them in a soap dish. I put my soaps on a dry sponge. This soaks up most of the water, and you won’t have a mushy bar of soap.
— Calie J.F., Huntington Beach, Calif.
DEAR HELOISE: After years of emptying the water from my dehumidifier down the sink, I decided I would use it for watering plants and washing clothes. I am saving at least 2 gallons a day.
— Ellen S. in Pennsylvania