Hints from Heloise
Adopt, don’t shop
Dear Readers: We talk a lot about adopting a dog or a cat from the shelter and saving his life. But think about this: When you adopt from a shelter, rescue group or city pound, you’re actually saving two lives. You’re bringing home a new furry and funny friend, but by doing that, you’re making room in the shelter so staff can save and rescue another!
Save two lives when you adopt. Use the hashtag #AdoptDontShop to read and learn about adoption and rescue groups near you. — Heloise
Pet pal
Dear Heloise: My dearest friend is Ticker, who just had her 17th birthday. We celebrated with a “cake.” She came from a family who didn’t want her anymore. That was 16 years ago, and I am so happy to have her! — Caroline B., Miamisburg, Ohio
Ticker is such a doll! Readers, would you like to see Ticker and our other Pet Pals? Visit www.Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.” Do you have a furry friend to share? Send a picture, description to Heloise@Heloise.com. — Heloise
Space saver
Dear Readers: Board games and puzzles can take up a lot of storage space; those boxes they come in are big and cumbersome. Here’s a hint to save space:
Grab some 2.5 gallon freezer/storage bags, and insert the game board, puzzle pieces, chips, tokens, etc. Important: save the directions and paper insert for the game. You can cut the name of the game off of the box or just draw it on the bag with a marker.
Then reuse the boxes for other storage, or recycle them. — Heloise
Garden-ful
Dear Heloise: I have a pretty full and robust garden. These are the filler plants I use:
— Hostas. Super easy to grow, and I can split them and they will grow.
— Irises. They flower in late spring, and I can split them too.
— Black-eyed Susan. Grows healthy and strong almost anywhere; again, splitsville to fill out the garden.
— Coral bells. They flower all summer, a pretty pink color. I keep them in the shade to get deeper color.
Easy, cheap ways to fill in flowerbeds. — Mike W. in Illinois
Road trip warrior
Dear Heloise: We are emerging from lockdown and planning a road trip. Here are some hints that save us time:
I pack each child’s outfits on individual hangers. Their shirt, pants, underwear, socks in the pockets — all ready to go. I bring a plastic bag for dirty clothes. I drive in a dress. It’s comfortable, cool and looks nice. I also wear at least a little makeup, because pictures! — Martha W., via email
Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-500.