Fix up front yard
Dear Readers: With summer in full swing and many of us spending time outdoors, now is the perfect time to FIX UP THE FRONT YARD and give your home curb appeal. This is especially important if you are planning on selling your home. Here are some simple, cheap and easy hints. Remember, first impressions do count:
n Clean all visible hardware (and repaint if needed). Take a look at the old, tired mailbox. Will a coat of paint fix it, or do you need a new one?
n Install solar lights leading to the front door. They are not very costly. Plus, it looks lovely and inviting at night.
n Trim trees and landscaping. Make sure there are no tree branches hanging low over walkways. No one wants to duck a low-hanging branch.
n Clean the front door and apply a new coat of paint.
— Heloise
PET PAL
Dear Readers: Brenda C. sent in a picture, via email, of her cute, curly-haired dog, Phoebe Jo, sitting in the front seat of the car with her pink sweater on. Brenda says that Phoebe Jo is always ready to get on the road. To see Phoebe Jo’s picture, go to my website, www.Heloise.com, and click on “Pets.” — Heloise
MUDDY BOOTS
Dear Heloise: My husband works a construction job and is often stepping in mud. He takes our leftover grocery bags and sticks them in his truck. When his boots are muddy, he slips a plastic bag over them before getting into his truck. This way, his truck is protected and stays clean. — P.T. in Texas
PENCIL ERASERS
Dear Heloise: I hate it when the erasers on my pencils stop working while the pencil is still good. I solved the problem with sandpaper. Take a piece of sandpaper and gently rub the pencil eraser. It will renew the eraser, and you won’t have to get a new pencil. — A Reader, via email