Dear Readers:
If your children don’t like to eat breakfast, try these Heloise Hints to make the meal more interesting and fun for them.
Create a breakfast pizza. Bake a whole-wheat crust and top it with cheesy scrambled eggs and bacon bits. Add tiny bits of veggies to make it healthy, too.
Make a breakfast banana split. Fill bowls with peeled and split bananas. Sprinkle dry cereal over them and mix in 1/2 cup of yogurt. Top it with sliced fruit like berries or apples, or even miniature chocolate chips.
— Heloise Dear Readers:
Most of us try to help people in our communities who are less fortunate. Find out what your favorite local charity really needs. Instead of donating money, you might find discount coupons from newspaper inserts or coupons to use online or at stores. Then head for the sales. A donation of $25 cash can buy $80 or more of sale merchandise with coupons and markdowns.
Call other nonprofit organizations in your area. You may find that what you’re donating is appreciated, but not all that helpful. What is needed? I make it a habit to get something extra each time I shop and always cruise by the tables that hold underwear, pajamas and socks.
P.S. When shopping for groceries, try to pick up extra canned foods that are on sale. In just a few weeks, you will have a lot of food to donate.
— Heloise
Q. What items do you have in your home to help make freshly cut flowers last a lot longer? a. sugar and baking soda b. ammonia and water c. vinegar and sugar If you answered c., vinegar and sugar, you are correct. Pour warm water into the vase. Then add 3 tablespoons of sugar and 2 tablespoons of vinegar and mix. Also don’t forget to snip 1/4 to 1/2 inch off the flower stems every couple of days.
— Heloise Dear Readers:
Taking a summer trip? Make a list with contact information and confirmation numbers from hotels, airlines or trains. Enter the list into your cellphone or computer and as a backup, print it out, just in case your battery dies or you don’t have cellphone service.
Many times there are several hotels in just a few miles radius that are in the same chain! Be sure you know exactly which hotel you are going to. Happy travels!
Dear Heloise: Dear Readers: — Heloise
I’m going to be potting plants and planting seeds in my garden this spring. Although I love the results, it takes a toll on my hands. Any hints for making this easier?
— Beverly from Florida
Keep a spray bottle filled with tap water. When you need to wet a sponge to clean a spot, spritz the counter and wipe up with the sponge. You then just need to rinse out the sponge or dishcloth, and you save some precious water. Never leave the faucet running! I live in Texas, where water is a valued resource, so saving a little at a time is the right thing to do.
— Heloise