Apr 24, 2012 3 min read

Dear Heloise: After almost every time I ORDER SOMETHING ONLINE, the company bombards me with promotional emails. That’s OK sometimes, but it is tiresome to wade through lots of emails every day.

My hint: There is usually an option at the bottom of the email to opt out from receiving the emails, or to receive one per week, one per special event, etc. I pick the option that works best for me. One warning, though: It might take 10 days or longer to be removed from the companies’ email lists. — Liz in Colorado

WATER SAVER

Dear Miss Heloise: I’m a 10-year-old girl who loves to read your column in the Ventura County (Calif.) Star. I have a hint for watering your lawn. You should water your lawn early in the morning or late at night, because if you water it in the afternoon, the water will evaporate. You’ll save money that way by watering your lawn and not giving it to the sun. — Vanessa L. in California

So true, Vanessa! Great green hint! Thanks for writing, and please keep reading the column and writing to me!

Living in San Antonio, water conservation is a way of life! Turning the water off while brushing your teeth can save water. Don’t believe it? Put the stopper in the sink and take a look. — Heloise

CHARGE IT!

Dear Heloise: I recently was on a business trip, and when I got to the hotel, I realized I had brought the incorrect phone charger. I was without transportation and asked the front desk for help.

The clerk brought out a crate full of every imaginable charger that guests had left and not claimed. Within seconds, we had found a compatible charger. So, if you forget your charger, the front desk might have one that another guest left at the hotel. — Garland O., via email

How right you are! They seem to have an abundance of “left behind” items like this. Just ask! — Heloise

LETTER OF LAUGHTER

Dear Heloise: I would like to comment about hanging clothes back on the rack at department stores. A few years ago, I was trying on an outfit and left the dressing room to get a second opinion. When I returned to the dressing room, MY clothes were gone!

My sister started searching for my clothes. She found them on the rack next to the cash register with other clothing to be sold! Was I ever so happy to get my clothes back! — Ann, via email

CLEAN FEET

Dear Heloise: My dogs love to play in my fenced-in backyard. This time of year, the grass can turn into a mud pit. I keep a container of unscented baby wipes next to the back door. When they come indoors, their feet get cleaned quickly, without worry of mud all over the house. — Anne Marie, via email

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.