The Shadow
Dear Readers: DISHWASHERS are a great investment for any home. A dishwasher is practically a must for a large family, making dishwashing less of a chore and a time-consumer.
Here are some hints to keep in mind when using your dishwasher:
* An efficient dishwasher, properly used, consumes less hot water and less energy than hand-washing.
* Never use dishwashing liquid.
* If replacing your dishwasher, save the silverware basket, because it might come in handy for holding silverware for a picnic or a party.
* Choose the “air dry” setting to save money and energy.
* If buying a new dishwasher, look for one that has a heat booster so that the water is very hot and gets dishes clean in no time.
* Look for one that disposes of food so that dishes don’t have to be “washed” before stacking. (It’s always best to quickly scrape away the large “chunks” so that the dishes get clean.)
— Heloise
PET PAL
Dear Readers: Jonie in Sandy, Utah, sent in a picture of her cute black cat, Cranfield, playing peekaboo. He was lying on the bed, pulling the sheet over his head! Jonie says he’s the sweetest kitty in the whole world. To see Cranfield and our other Pet Pals, visit www.Heloise.com and click on “Pets.” — Heloise
HELPFUL FILTER
Dear Heloise: While browning meat, I ran out of paper towels used for fat draining.
In a pinch, I used a couple of coffee filters to do the job. Turns out, they worked better than the paper towels! They left no lint, and since they are designed to hold up to brewing, they didn’t shred.
The extra bonus? They are much cheaper than paper towels! Love your column! — Melissa in Omaha, Neb.
Melissa, paper coffee filters can be cheap at dollar stores and can be useful for many things around the house!
Thanks for writing. — Heloise
EASY THANK-YOU
Dear Heloise: Please tell readers that when they bring a hostess gift to someone’s home, they should include their name on the gift.
I had an open house for 30 people and received some very nice gifts. By just slipping a little note or card on the gift, it would allow me to say thanks to my friends for their thoughtfulness. — Linda in Flemington, N.J.
CUT IT OUT
Dear Heloise: Quite often, I want to cut out your hints or recipes, but find that newspaper information is on the back side that I haven’t yet read. By the time I finish reading the comics, the TV schedule, etc., I forget to go back and cut out your column. After the paper is gone, I remember and am highly annoyed with myself.
I cut alongside the column in the center of the paper. It does not prevent me from reading the comics, but it does remind me to cut out the column when I finish. It works! It also helps to have a file for “Heloise Hints”! — Audrey in Houston
(c)2012 by King Features Syndicate Inc.
Photo caption: Jonie in Sandy, Utah, sent in this picture of her cute black cat, Cranfield, playing peekaboo. He was lying on the bed, pulling the sheet over his head! Jonie says he’s the sweetest kitty in the whole world.
