Heloise

Dear Heloise: I read your column every day in the Houston Chronicle. I love it. I have a cutting board hint. I use the juice groove around the edges to hold roundish vegetables or fruit and cut them. They don’t slip or move around because the groove anchors them. I use this hack for cutting olives, carrots, radishes and even potatoes.

My second hint is that I save all the packaging that bed linens (sheets, duvets, blankets, etc.) come in. I wash my linens, then put them back in the zippered packages and store them under the bed for the next time I need to change the bedding. I have everything from double to king-sized beds in my home, and the sheets don’t get mixed up. — Carol Pritchett, in Friendswood, Texas

CHANGE YOUR ATTITUDE

Dear Heloise: I had to laugh when I read about the husbands who won’t eat leftovers. My retired husband and my semiretired self take our leftovers and combine them into new dishes all the time by adding new vegetables or spices. I never eat out; leftovers become my lunch.

Also, sometimes because we are each so busy, we each make up our own meal out of whatever we can find in the fridge and just call it “snacking for dinner.” In fact, in our house we have a catchphrase: “Leftovers are our friends.” And by the way, my husband cooks about 50% of our meals! It is all in one’s attitude. — Hedy Williamson, in Laguna Woods, California

SHELF LINER

Dear Heloise: I discovered an inexpensive and effective way to line shelves. Purchase a rubber carpet pad (they come in many sizes) and cut it to fit your shelves. It is very similar to rubber shelf lining and works well. — Alison Spencer, via email

KEEP YOUR GI TRACT HAPPY

Dear Heloise: There are any number of things that upset the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, but among the worst are some chemical food additives. They affect the bacteria in our system, which leads to irritable bowel syndrome. Whenever possible, eat fresh and unprocessed foods. — Sandra L., im Hartford, Massachusetts

SNACK ATTACK

Dear Heloise: My grandkids are spending some time with us, and I need ideas for healthy snacks. Care to chime in on this one? — Robert P., Elgin, Illinois

Robert, kudos for keeping the grandkids healthy! Here are some ideas:

For sweet snacks, you can give them yogurt with honey or fresh fruit, chocolate-covered nuts or seeds, and unsweetened applesauce. Other snacks might be celery with peanut butter, carrots and hummus, or dried kale chips and string cheese. Think low sugar and low fat.

If any of my readers have more ideas, please send your hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. — Heloise

PET PAL

Dear Heloise: This is Emma, my 12-year-old “kitty” who is still full of energy. She’s my little girl and makes me laugh all the time. — Rick Leclerc, via email

Readers, to see Emma and our other Pet Pals, go to Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.”

Do you have a furry friend to share with our readers? Send a photo and a brief description to Heloise@Heloise.com. — 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.