DEAR HELOISE: Back-to-school time is here, and with my busy family, we are in need of organization.
I decided that a good place to start for us was the mudroom. Before, it was a cluttered mess, with three kids and a husband dropping books, bags and boots back there.
Here is how I got everyone's stuff together:
• Hanging hooks gets book bags and backpacks off the floor. Also, hooks are a good spot for seldom-used raincoats and umbrellas, hooded sweatshirts and winter coats. I hang some hooks lower for my young kids so they can reach them.
• Cleaning off the benches and donating old shoes and coats that don't fit is a good way to make new space.
• Each member of the family gets a basket that hangs over a tray, so icky items can drip-dry.
When we are organized, the household runs more smoothly.
-- Jamie T. in Oklahoma
DEAR READERS: Below are places to avoid wearing "jangly" jewelry, i.e., bracelets:
• Church.
• A wedding.
• A memorial service.
• The classroom.
If you want to make a statement with your jewelry, bold earrings or ring would be a better choice.
DEAR HELOISE: My weight-loss efforts had hit a plateau for a long time, but I finally had success with the hints below, and I thought I would share them with your readers; I drink water in place of other beverages. It is filling, and there is no sugar or calories to worry about.
• I use vinaigrette dressing instead of creamy dressings on my salad.
• Adding one hour of exercise weekly to my present workout schedule burns extra calories.
• I eat one serving of fish (not fried or breaded) five times a week.
I hope this helps others.
-- Gloria P., via email
DEAR READERS: Cosmetic counters in the department store have disposable mascara wands for sample applications. When you are there, ask if you can take one.
The brushes are wonderful for cleaning lots of tight spaces such as around the faucets on the sink, the keyboard on your computer and the feeding holes on bird feeders.
DEAR HELOISE: Just a reminder for your readers: Leave the door open on your front-loading washer to air it out, but then close it. I've found my cat napping in there.
-- Julie M. in Oregon
DEAR HELOISE: I've found that pointed-toe heels and flats look prettier, lengthen my leg and appear, to me, more expensive.
I know they're not for everyone, but I always look for pointed-toe shoes when I'm shoe shopping.
-- Maevis 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
HomeStyle on 08/19/2017