DEAR HELOISE: To save water, my wife and I shower one right after the other. She goes in, showers, jumps out, and I go in immediately afterward to keep the water hot. While soaping up, I turn off the water until I need it to rinse. The dishwasher is now run every other day, or even less. There are many others things, but these are the biggest users of our dwindling water supply. My lawn will suffer, our cars will be dirtier, and our lives will be different from now on.
-- Larry in
Garden Grove, Calif.
DEAR READER: Water is a precious resource, and we in Texas understand how serious it is, since many parts of the state are under extreme drought conditions and have been for years. They say this is the worst drought in hundreds of years. Every drop counts! Some folks have even sprayed their yard green since they can't water. Now that's a Heloise hint.
DEAR READERS: If your pet runs away or gets lost, what is the best way to help ensure that it will be reunited with you? First is, of course, a collar with tags. But a microchip is the best defense. A tiny, tiny chip that contains contact info is inserted with a quick injection. Any veterinarian office, shelter or rescue group should have a scanner to read the chip, and then you can be contacted.
DEAR READERS: Looking for a delicious, cold and simple way to make iced tea? It's sun tea! Pick a bright, sunny day. In a glass or clear container, put in the tea bags and cold water. I also added a handful of peppermint candy. Cover and place in direct sunlight. This is solar tea. No energy wasted at all. Thanks, Mother Nature!
DEAR HELOISE: Regarding the removal of cords from an electric blanket: We have a beautiful electric blanket in excellent condition, and we never use it as a heating blanket. If possible, could you repeat your hint on removing the wires?
-- June G., The Villages, Fla.
DEAR READER: Removing the wires is fairly simple. Figure out where the wires end at either the top or bottom of the blanket. In an inconspicuous spot there, snip a tiny slit in the blanket and gently pull out the wire. The heating element may be slightly bigger, so a bigger hole may be necessary. Stitch the blanket closed, and you have a "new" lightweight blanket.
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
HomeStyle on 05/30/2015