DEAR HELOISE: Here's an electronic hint that I think the younger generation could benefit from and the older generation should get better at. I've learned to video chat with my children, and while it's a great way to talk to them when they live out of state, it's also a handy tool for "on the spot" teaching.
My daughter had a laundry-setting question, and after showing me her settings with her computer, I was able to guide her through the proper procedures needed to wash the garments in question.
Another time, she wanted to make Spanish rice, and browning the rice correctly is the key. Because of video chatting, I was able to be in her kitchen and help her with the process.
If I can't be with her, this is the next best thing!
-- Lila G. in Wisconsin
DEAR HELOISE: Many hotels offer a package of pre-moistened makeup-remover sheets among the toiletries in each room. Since I bring my own makeup remover, I use the sheets to clean and refresh my feet at night after a day in flip-flops or sandals. It cleans and moisturizes, and allows me to save the few washcloths provided for showering the next morning.
-- Marla E., Ohio
DEAR HELOISE: I'm a great repurposer of many containers that food and products come in. Recently, my son purchased a plastic container filled with sugar-free powdered-drink packets.
Once empty, the label is easy to remove and the lid snapped shut rather nicely. There's so much potential for this nice little container that I have begun to save them instead of recycling.
Do you have any other suggestions for these now that the holidays are almost upon us? Any hints would be greatly appreciated!
-- Darla, via email
DEAR READER: I'm familiar with these containers, and you're right -- they're too good not to repurpose. Consider decorating one and turning it into a small piggy bank. Or fill with candy, a nice letter, other kinds of "drinking" packets or even small office/desk items and give as gifts.
DEAR HELOISE: My business card is loosely attached to the inside cover of books I loan. I always get my books back. If I decide to recycle a book, I simply cut my card from the cover.
-- Diana in New Mexico
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
Heloise@Heloise.com
MovieStyle on 09/23/2016