Receipts good shopping lists
Dear Heloise: We have a large extended family, and everyone comes to visit about two times a year.
That means lots of GROCERIES to buy. Of course, there is always something that I forget or that we run out of.
I keep the receipts in one drawer in the kitchen. This way, I don’t really need to write out a list. I use one of the receipts (they have the items listed) and either cross out what is NOT needed or circle what we need.
This has saved us a lot of frustration, and whoever has the “grocery run” takes the list.
Love your column, and it has helped me deal with spills and other problems that arise. — Riva, Arlington, Va.
Riva, very smart, and a sure way to know what falls into the categories of what I call “DON’T NEED, OR MUST BUY” items.
However, it may not be needed, but chocolate is always on the must-buy list! — Heloise
NO-DRIP MESS
Dear Heloise: I have a lot of houseplants, and it takes me some time to get to them all. Many are in our sunroom, and others are in the den. I use your two-minute plan; I can get a lot of plants watered in that time. Then I might take a break or go for another 120 seconds and water the plants in the kitchen. — Joy L. in Baltimore
Joy, oh it’s a joy to read your joyful hint. I do something similar, but I think of my houseplants as being in “zones” to water. I carry a plastic grocery bag on my arm to put all of the dead leaves in. A small pair of scissors comes along, and I can do 120 seconds of pruning at the same time.
My favorite plant is ivy. It grows almost anywhere and can withstand neglect, but it perks right up when watered. I have two that are very special: A pot or two of ivy my mother (the original Heloise, 1919-1977) had, plus a cutting from one my father (Lt. Col. Marshall H. Cruse, 1920-2006) had that is beautiful. This plant is in a beautiful ceramic purple flower (sort of) wall hanging that belonged to my grandmother, Florence McCullough Cruse of Rosebud, Texas.
So, every morning when I put on my makeup, I look at these plants and smile.
Bring something green into your home, and it will lift your spirits. — Hugs, Heloise
THROW RUG FOR DOGS
Dear Heloise: Our two little dogs have a fenced-in yard to play in. Their doggie door gets a real workout some days. They sit watching out the glass sliding door, and when they see a bird or squirrel, it’s a regular fire drill! They run out at maximum speed and chase the squirrels, which then go up a tree. It seems like it’s really a game. We have a large throw rug next to the door that’s just for them. The rug is washable, so I put it into the washer and dryer occasionally. — Maggie R. in Honolulu