Heloise

Dear Heloise: If you’re like me and are often out and about but wonder if you left a pot boiling, take a picture of the stove in its off position. Granted, if you go to this much trouble, you should remember. But you can also do this with parking spots at a mall or other places. — Bonnie Waterhouse, in Burbank, California

Dear Heloise: In this past month, I have come across four establishments (two restaurants, a travel agency, and a car mechanic) that put a surcharge of about 3% on my bills when I used my credit card. Cash, check, EFT or debit card use could save you money. — P.T., in The Villages, Florida

Dear Heloise: The ice maker bin in my new refrigerator was way too large; it was taking up too much room and holding more ice than needed. Therefore, I purchased a clear plastic container that was about the size of a shoebox and replaced it.

Also, when I have sufficient ice made for a while, I just turn it off until it’s needed again. — Jean Milici, in Torrington, Connecticut

Dear Heloise: I break three or four eggs into my personal blender and add a decent-size spoonful of cottage cheese (in place of cream or milk) and a dash of salt and pepper. I blend the ingredients and pour the mixture into my pan to scramble. They come out nice and fluffy, and they have the added protein from the cottage cheese. — Cheryl, in South Dakota

Dear Heloise: My No. 1 use for my cellphone is in grocery stores. I take a photo of a sale item with the price showing, so when I get to the checkout, there’s no questioning the price. This has happened in past months, and the picture’s settled it.

I read your wonderful column in the Journal-News in Hamilton, Ohio. — Betsy, via email

Dear Readers: When you’re moving objects, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA.gov) recommends pushing the object whenever possible instead of pulling it. When you push objects, OSHA says that you use more muscles over a greater area of your body. But when you’re pulling the same object, you can risk muscle strain, which can cause a painful injury. — Heloise

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Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.