Animal drive
Dear Readers: The holidays are upon us. Animal shelters and rescue groups always need DONATIONS, and now is a great time to organize a drive!
It takes just a little work and time, and people will be happy to donate this time of year. Of course, a monetary donation is wonderful, but here are some other ideas for organizations that care for the animals:
* Baby wipes
* Sandwich bags
* Bleach
* Cat litter
* Food bowls
* Crates
* Brushes
* Plastic bags
* Blankets
* Towels
* Vinegar
* Baking soda.
Yes, our old standbys — vinegar and baking soda — can even help clean and freshen shelters! I’ve recommended these workhorse cleaning items for years — you should always have them on hand.
Would you like more ideas for using vinegar around the house? I’ve compiled a collection of my favorite vinegar hints in a handy pamphlet. To order one, visit my website, www.Heloise. com, or send $5, along with a long, stamped (68 cents), self-addressed envelope, to: Heloise’s Fantabulous Vinegar Hints and More, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the laundry rinse water every now and then to remove detergent buildup from fabrics. — Heloise
PET PAL
Dear Readers: Bill G., via email, sent a picture of his gorgeous green-eyed, orange-and-white long-haired tabby, Chester, very much at home on a chair in the sitting room. Maybe he’s sitting up waiting for Santa?
He has the cutest white markings on his feet — it looks like he’s wearing gym socks! To see Chester and our other Pet Pals, visit www.Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.” — Heloise
EARRING ORGANIZER
Dear Heloise: I have many sets of small earrings, and I had trouble finding the two that went together because I kept all of them in a jewelry box.
I took several of those individual pillboxes that are separated for days of the week and put each pair in a separate day. Works great for me! — Carol in Valley Mills, Texas
GETTING LAUNDRY OUT
Dear Heloise: My husband and I needed a new top-loading washer. I picked out just the one I wanted. It did everything and more! When it arrived, I was so happy — that is, until I did the first load.
You see, I am 5 feet 4 inches tall. I went to get the load out and found that I could not reach the bottom of the tub. I have to use salad tongs to get the laundry from the bottom of the tub!
Make sure when you buy a washer that you can reach into the machine comfortably. Some of the washers nowadays are so big, you can’t reach the bottom! — Carolyn K., via email
COMFORTS FOR CHRISTMAS COMPANY
Dear Heloise: Before family comes to visit over the holiday break, I make baskets of items to tuck under the sink in the guest bathrooms.
The baskets contain things they might have forgotten when packing: lotion, soap, razor, cotton swabs, etc.
Everybody is grateful for these items. — Shelley R., Columbus, Ohio