HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR READERS: It’s still chilly in February in most parts of the country, but keep in mind that spring is right around the corner. Let’s get organized and prepped for yard projects and a stunning yard.

1. Have a go at the garage. Take inventory of what you have tool-wise and their condition. Replace or refurbish any worn tools. Invest in a storage system of boxes and shelving, and then use it to keep sports equipment, holiday decorations and auto maintenance stuff organized, labeled and accessible.

2. Prune trees and shrubs. Clean up dead branches and clear out the yard space.

3. Get pencil to paper and plan what plants, trees and shrubs you’d like around, and then get to ordering them. Now, when your yard is bare, dormant and free from foliage, you can see what you have to work with.

4. Interested in adding a trellis or bench? Add it now.

5. Fill bird feeders. Birds need higher-fat foods in the winter — peanut butter, peanuts and thistle seed are all good choices.

Having a beautiful yard takes planning, but if you start early, you’ll be way ahead of the game.

DEAR HELOISE: I save my used dryer sheets to remove the layers of lint in the dryer after a load finishes. It is quick and thorough too.

— Shirley H. in Rochester, Ill.

DEAR READER: Periodically wash the removable lint filter with warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly and air-dry completely. Dryer sheets can contain residues that can build up on the filter.

DEAR HELOISE: Here is another hint to keep feet warm that works great: I use petroleum jelly on my toes before I put on my socks to go outside in freezing weather. I put a light coat all over my toes and feet too, if needed, then I put on my socks. It won’t stain socks, and it will wash out. My toes do not get cold! Extra bonus: baby soft feet!

My husband is a carpenter and has used this trick for years. He uses it on his fingers before putting on gloves too.

— Jan from Ohio

DEAR HELOISE: After washing my shower curtain liner, I hang it back up on the curtain rod. I don’t put it in the dryer.

— Patricia R. in Bellaire, Texas

Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email

Heloise@Heloise.com