HINTS FROM HELOISE] Happy New Year!
Dear Readers: Tomorrow is New Year’s Day. This federal holiday cel-celebrates the beginning of each newew year. After watching college foot-otball and finishing up those holidayay leftovers, what’s your plan for thehe year? Set some goals: big goals, small goals, quickie goals, long-term goals ... what’s best for the family, and what’s best for you!
Whatever your goals are, write them down and then go after them! Happy New Year, everybody! -- Heloise
ORGANIZATION NATION
Dear Heloise: I keep a diary on my nightstand, and at the end of each day, I write down every single thing I accomplished that day, regardless of how insignificant it may seem. At the week’s end, I realize I’ve done a lot! -- Kathy E. in Ohio
Kathy, my mother, the OG Heloise (19191977) would agree: No task done is insignificant. And this is a great way to kick off the new year -- a resolution to be more productive! Here’s a Heloise virtual hug! -- Heloise
EASY CLEAN THE DRAIN
Dear Heloise: I pack the drain in my kitchen sink with baking soda, add a couple generous pours (about 2 cups) of hot white vinegar over the baking soda, and then cover the drain with a cloth for 30 minutes. Then I rinse with hot water. -- Ginny R. in Indiana
Ginny, these two love to work together, and they play nice; all those bubbles and pops! Baking soda is a workhorse in the home. Nontoxic, safe, cheap and readily available, I keep boxes on hand.
I’ve compiled a collection of my favorite baking soda hints, hacks, recipes and helps into a handy pamphlet. Would you like to receivereceiv one? It’s easy. Visit www.heloise.loiscom to order, or send a long, stampedsta (70 cents) envelope along withw $5 to: Heloise/baking Soda, P. O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Look for large boxes of baking soda in the laundry aisle for even more savings. -- Heloise
SOCK SOLUTION Dear Heloise: My husband works outside in the freezing weather, and of course keeping his toes warm is a concern.
I buy him knee-high stockings from the lady’s department, and he layers them under his socks. A secret way to keep feet insulated! We don’t tell the guys; they’d razz him for it! -- Janie R. in North Dakota
CLEANING V. DISINFECTING Dear Readers: In this age of COVID, our new normal, let’s look at the difference between cleaning and disinfecting, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov):
-- Cleaning with water and detergent removes dirt and germs. The risk of spreading infection is lowered.
-- Disinfecting with a household disinfectant kills germs on the surface. Disinfecting after cleaning can help lower the risk of spreading germs. -- Heloise CLEAN FAN
Dear Heloise: I slide a dedicated pillowcase over each blade of my ceiling fan and then pull it off. The dust slides into the case and not onto the floor. -- Mary T. in Maine
DID YOU KNOW?
Dear Readers: A reversible coat will usually have the tag sewn inside a pocket. -- Heloise (c)2020 by King Features Syndicate Inc.