Nana learns to say ‘no’ to cheap toys
Dear Heloise: I’ve stopped caving to my grandchildren when we are in the store. I used to buy them little “cheapie” toys or a snack to pacify them, but no more! Buying cheap toys is a waste of money. If the child needs a diversion at the store, I’ll give her my phone with an educational video playing.— Nana Gina in New York
Good advice from an expert in the field. Cheap toys bought at the spur of the moment or to placate a child usually don’t last very long anyway. Toys that are teeny or made of minute pieces could become a choking hazard.
It is hard to say “No,” but when you do, and keep it up, hopefully the child will “get the message” that you won’t give in!—Heloise COLORFUL ADDITION Dear Heloise: Your advice is great! However, there are lots of us who just do not look good in bland colors. (HELOISE HERE: The reader is referring to a previous column about building a wardrobe with basic colors—navy, black, beige, etc.)
An inexpensive scarf can give any outfit some much-needed color around the face, and at very little expense.—Judy G., via email
You are right! When I travel for work (speeches, etc.), I always tuck several scarves in my carry-on bag. A colorful scarf can change an outfit quicker than you can snap your fingers.—Heloise
CLEAN DOG
WATER BOWL
Dear Heloise: We have two small rescue dogs that we adore. Our house is all on one level. Sometimes, if we are at one end, it’s a long way for them to go to the kitchen to get a drink of water. I keep a water bowl in the den, and one in our bedroom. They get pretty cruddy after a while. I used your hint about cleaning them with vinegar. I fill the bowls with cheap apple-cider vinegar, let them sit overnight, then scrub with a brush. Clean and fresh, and ready for Fred and Ethel.—Jan in Texas
Vinegar is perfect to clean pet bowls. It’s cheap, safe and multiuse. We, too, have several water bowls throughout the house for Chammy.
Heat the vinegar, and it will work to remove that crud in less than a half-hour! Scrub with a brush, and that’s it!— Heloise
FREEZING STORE
Dear Heloise: The grocery stores have their air conditioning on so low that we freeze! Right now, we all are wearing lightweight clothes, and when I go into the store, I buy only what I need and nothing else; I’m too cold to browse!—A Reader, Boardman, Ohio