Hints From Heloise

Spring cleaning

Dear Heloise: As I've gotten older, I've found spring cleaning to be more difficult. At one time I could sail through my little home and have it over within a weekend. Now, however, I do one room a month. I've also gotten less fussy over my home as far as cleaning goes. I'll clean the windows and baseboards, shampoo area rugs if they need it, wash curtains or blinds, and vacuum all upholstered furniture, then polish all the wood furniture. Since I live alone, my home stays clean 99% of the time, and I have time to do the things I really love doing. -- Elaine

V., Ocala, Fla.

A LITTLE SPARKLE Dear Heloise: I went to a "dressy" afternoon tea recently, and instead of buying a whole new outfit, I took a pretty cream colored cardigan I own, removed the plastic buttons and sewed on some sparkling buttons instead. I had an ivory colored silk flower that I pinned at the neckline and wore it with a navy blue pencil skirt, navy heels, (both of which I already had in my closet) and some sparkling earrings. I got so many compliments on my outfit that afternoon. I think sometimes we just need to reevaluate what we have and figure out how to dress it up with a simple, inexpensive makeover. -Kay S., Rutland, Vt.

ICE DREAM GARDENING Dear Heloise: I love reading your column and have found a number of ideas very useful. Now I have a hint for you.

I buy ice cream cones with the flat bottoms and fill them with potting soil. I take seedlings and plant them in each cone to get them started. When it warms up outside, I plant the seedlings, cone and all, in my garden. The cone provides a little food for the plants, and it makes planting simple and fairly clean. -- Ruby J., Donora, Penn.