Heloise

Dear Heloise: I kept an African violet on my desk at work that never bloomed, no matter how much I cared for it. An older gentleman at the company who grew African violets at home under grow lights offered to take mine home. He nurtured it carefully and, once buds appeared, returned it to me in full bloom. For several years, whenever the blossoms faded, I gave the violet back to him, and he coaxed it to bloom again.

Eventually, he retired. After his retirement, the violet — sitting quietly on my desk — began to bud and bloom on its own for the very first time. After this final display, it never bloomed again. I like to think that the last flowering was its tribute to the kind man who cared for it so lovingly. — Debbie, via email

SPIN AND STORE

Dear Heloise: Here’s a clever recycling idea. A friend of mine repurposes the glass plate and rotating base from old microwaves as a lazy Susan for her refrigerator. The rotating tray organizes condiments, sauces and jars. Instead of shuffling bottles, my friend spins the plate to bring everything into view. This clever reuse keeps materials out of landfills and makes fridge organization easy. — Jerry S., via email

KITTY-FOOD DUST

Dear Heloise: I read your column in the Vindicator in Youngstown, Ohio, and appreciate all the great tips and ideas. I have discovered a way to get rid of all the “dust” that comes in my cat’s dry food. I measure out the proper amount, put it into a small sieve, and shake it over the sink. The “dust” is removed, and the food bowl is no longer messy. — Janice F., in Youngstown, Ohio

USE YOUR SMARTPHONE’S BUILT-IN PROTECTION

Dear Heloise: Many smartphones already have a tool to block unwanted calls. To minimize unwanted calls, open your phone’s settings, tap on the phone settings, scroll to “Silence Unknown Callers,” and toggle it on.

When this setting is enabled, calls from numbers that are not in your contacts, recent calls or suggestions will be sent directly to voicemail. You can ask unknown callers to leave a message if their call is important, since most spam callers typically hang up without leaving one.

Activating this simple setting can greatly minimize interruptions, allowing you to enjoy a more peaceful, productive day. — Kasey, in Prescott, Arizona

GETTING RID OF PET HAIR

Dear Heloise: I am a longtime reader writing in with a tip! If you live with furry family members, you know that pet hair clings to upholstery and carpets no matter how often you vacuum. Before you plug in the vacuum, try this: Run a small shower squeegee over sofas, chairs and carpeted stairs. The rubber edge pulls up embedded pet hair and gathers it into easy-to-remove piles — even the hair that your vacuum misses.

For carpeted areas, here’s a “twofer.” Wear rubber garden clogs, and gently drag your feet back and forth across the carpet. The rubber soles create friction that loosens and clumps hair together. You’ll pick up more before vacuuming and give your inner thighs a little workout at the same time.

Fewer hairs in your vacuum result in fewer trips to empty the canister. A win all around! — Barbara Coker, A San Antonio Reader for Years

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.