Helpful Hints

DEAR READERS: Now that school is well underway, your kids and grandkids are discovering what they like, what their interests are and what they want to learn more about.

What better way to nourish those interests than after-school clubs?

Consider all the options: music (learning to play an instrument or dance classes), art (drawing, painting and sculpture) and, of course, team sports (volleyball, football and T-ball for the littlest kiddos).

Kids learn so much outside of the classroom -- things they need to know: working with other people and resolving conflict through sports; expressing themselves with dance, singing and piano through music class; and letting loose by, yes, making a mess, painting, sculpting and drawing to bring beauty into the world.

Ask at school what programs are offered, and look in your neighborhood for after-school clubs also.

DEAR HELOISE: I have two key rings. One has a clip so I can attach it to a belt loop or bra strap, and has only the keys I need to take with me. The other contains all the stuff that accumulates on a key ring (store tags, shed keys, etc.).

I use a large safety pin to pin enough money in my clothes to assure me that I can get home should my bag or wallet be lost or stolen. I've never needed to use it, but the peace of mind this secret stash provides is priceless.

-- Linda G.,

Orange County, N.Y.

DEAR READERS: Instead of tackling a big cleaning chore once a week, like your twin boys' bathroom (egads!), break the task into small steps. One morning, take a warm sponge and wipe down the countertops. The next day, spray down the mirrors and get rid of those spots. Then tackle the toilet. Then the tub.

Little steps make a project not so overwhelming. Cutting into your cleaning budget can make a difference, too.

DEAR HELOISE: When I write an appointment on the calendar, I always include the phone number with the time, address, name, etc. This way, if I need to cancel, the number is right there.

-- Rosabel M. in Alabama

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

[email protected]

Weekend on 11/02/2017

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