HELPFUL HINTS

— DEAR READERS: The column about hints from older family members inspired a mountain of mail, and here are some of the best:

Susan writes: “One hint that has stuck with me through the years was to lay my clothes out the night before; that way, I am not rushed or wasting time in the morning.” Elner notes: “My grandmother gave me this advice: Lear nto prepare three things really well. I chose bacon, deviled eggs and whipped cream. To this day, I laugh and think about the times I have quickly stretched a meal by adding deviled eggs, or made a wonderful dessert pop by adding real whipped cream.”

Pauline says: “A hint from my aunt: Always dry the bathroom sink and faucet after use. This is especially helpful in hard-water areas. And the last one to take a shower should use a squeegee and a towel to dry.”

Delta comments: “My grandmother told me to always keep an iron skillet on hand. You can use it to cook with, and to keep a wayward husband in line.”

Another Susan says: “Our grandma taught us to wash the silverware and glasses first, since these were the items that people put into their mouths. You then wash the dishes, followed by the pots and pans.”

DEAR HELOISE: My dad, Roger P. in New Brunswick, Canada, came up with a space-saving idea when hanging clothes on the line. He hangs one sock and attaches the other sock to the bottom of it with a clothespin.

  • Shary J., via e-mail

DEAR READER: Love this hint.

DEAR READERS: Summer is the perfect time to clean out your closet by removing clothing that has grown too tight, too big or has finally worn out. For kids and parents, getting your closet under control for summer can make it easier to find play clothes.

If you are going to donate items, please be sure they are clean. One hint to help: Do not over stuff the washer or dryer. Overloading can lead to dingy and wrinkled clothes. When using a spray type stain remover, always turn the stained item inside out, and spray the stain from the wrong side.

Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or e-mail

[email protected]

HomeStyle, Pages 32 on 06/23/2012

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