The lateness habit can get annoying

Dear Readers: Today’s Sound Off is about people who are perpetually late.— Heloise

“Dear Heloise: Why are some people always late for everything? I have a friend who seems to think showing up on time is beyond her capabilities. She’ll say things like, ‘Time is my enemy.’ If we’re meeting for lunch, she is sure to be 20 to 40 minutes late. Several of our mutual friends have stopped inviting her to various functions for this very reason. I only hope this will give others who are never on time a chance to think about how it affects others.”— Charlotte F., Hot Springs, Ark.

FAST FACTS Dear Readers: Here are some hints for repurposing old books: Stack up several volumes to make a side table by a chair. Create a multilayered wall collage with pages from any book. Hollow out the inside of the pages and hide valuables in there, then reshelve. Cut pages into strips and glue to a lampshade for a “novel” look for your lamp. —Heloise

EASY OATMEAL MASK

Dear Heloise: I use a facial mask that is wonderful and all-natural. It works well on nearly everyone I know:

Grind 5 tablespoons of oatmeal in a blender or food processor until it’s a coarse powder. Add 1 tablespoon of honey. Add 2 tablespoons of plain nonfat yogurt.

Add 1 egg yolk, optional. Mix everything together and apply to your face for 30 minutes in order to achieve best results. If you have time, lie down and relax during this treatment. Everything in this mixture is designed to brighten the skin, remove dead skin cells and nourish the skin.—Vanessa K. in Detroit