Try small bowls for your pets' water
HINTS FROM HELOISE
HELOISE
Dear Heloise: I keep my dog's water in a smaller bowl. This way, the water stays cleaner and fresher. Some think that a big bowl is best, but food particles, dust, hair, etc., can fall into the water. Plus, one may be tempted to change it less often. Of course, I'd check the water every day anyway, but a small bowl keeps things cleaner. — Hannah, in California
Pass kindness on
Dear Heloise: I thought I'd pass this on, as I think it's a wonderful idea. One of my neighbors had a "kindness sale." It's the same as a garage sale but without money. You can take what you want, but in return (instead of cash), you have to pass kindness on. — Barb, in Colorado
Barb, what a lovely gesture! Readers, pass the kindness on! — Heloise
Tea time
Dear Heloise: I have a lot of different types of tea, some in bags and some loose. Most of it has been stored in a glass container or in the box in which it came. But how long does tea last? — Millie, in Arizona
Millie, tea, if stored correctly, can last for a long time. Teas need to be kept in a cool, dark place. It's best to store it in a tin or another dark container. Enjoy your cups of tea! — Heloise
Youth mentoring
Dear Heloise: Many cities have youth mentoring programs that help young people develop self-esteem and learn more about future careers. They also encourage school attendance, help young people resist bullying and assist them in maintaining positive relationships with adults and people of other cultures. As you've correctly said in your column, teachers shouldn't be the only source of education for kids.
In addition, these programs need responsible adults from all types of careers and backgrounds to help the youth of their community build their confidence, further their education and steer them in a positive direction. For those who volunteer, it's a learning experience for them as well and offers a feeling of having done something important and worthwhile. — Helena, in Texas
Blanket storage
Dear Heloise: I like to have my blankets within reach at this time of year when temperatures can vary. But when the weather warms up, storing all these blankets takes up a lot of space. So, I fold them flat and tuck them between my mattress and box spring. — Mandy, in Atlanta
Peanut butter pancakes
Dear Heloise: I usually take the tiny amount of peanut butter that's leftover in the jar and microwave it until it's soft and runny. (Keep an eye on it, though.) Then, I add it to my pancake batter. The peanut butter isn't wasted, and my peanut-butter pancakes are a big hit with my family. — Mia, in South Carolina
Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com.
