HELPFUL HINTS
DEAR HELOISE: I work in a beauty salon. It is one of the best places to find referrals for workmen, house cleaners, doctors and anything you need. I pass on what I hear, good and bad, knowing we all have opinions. — June W., Hot Springs Village
DEAR HELOISE: What does octane rating mean? Would my car benefit from a higher-octane gasoline?
— Dana B. in Michigan DEAR READER: First, follow the owners manual to find out the best gasoline for your car. According to the Federal Trade Commission (ftc.gov), there is no advantage to using a higher-octane gasoline than what’s recommended for your vehicle, unless you hear “engine knock,” which happens rarely.
Higher-octane gas does not clean your engine, and it won’t make your car run better. Most vehicles use fuel with an octane rating of 87, which is typically the lowest rating. Octane ratings can vary by state.
Luxury and sports cars usually require a higher-octane gas — this will be stated in the paperwork for the vehicle. Higher-octane fuels typically cost more per gallon.
DEAR HELOISE: To be sure I don’t use a toothbrush on my teeth that is for household cleaning, I wrap a rubber band around the handle. — Cindy M., Post Falls, Idaho
DEAR HELOISE: I can’t keep up a diary, but I love the idea of sharing experiences with our children and grandkids. Each January, I pull out the previous year’s calendar, checkbook and bank statements.
I jot down important events that these things remind me of (a rental-car charge might remind me of a trip).
I work month to month, and then I write up a narration of the events of the past year. Thanks to computers, I can keep and share memories.
— Mary F., Erie, Pa.
DEAR HELOISE: My doctor said I’d have to get rid of my houseplants due to my allergies. Why?
— Linda Y. in Chicago DEAR READER: Linda, if you are sensitive to mold — and many people are — you’ll find that mold grows in the soil and on the pots. Some plants also produce pollen, which may aggravate your allergies. Replace the real plants with silk plants, but remember to keep them dusted.
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email