Heloise

Dear Heloise: Some readers prefer fiber pills, but I like to take a different route. I am 75 and have been taking psyllium-husk fiber for about 15 years to start my day. Each morning, I put 2 scoops of psyllium into a blender with 2 cups of low-sugar diet fruit juice, plus fresh fruit like berries or a banana. Sometimes I even add a little tofu for protein.

I blend everything well and drink it right away. Psyllium thickens quickly, so don’t let it sit in the glass. Also, take care when swallowing because thick fiber can stick in your throat if you sip it too slowly. This smoothie works well for me. By morning, everything is back to normal, and my system runs smoothly. I wish your readers good health! — Alfred Beck, in Redondo Beach, California

AIR-DRYING SPONGES

Dear Heloise: Kitchen sponges often stay damp, which can cause unpleasant odors. I found a simple solution by using something most of us already recycle — the plastic container that strawberries or other berries come in. Cut off the lid and trim the sides of the bottom piece until the edges measure to be about an inch high. Then flip the container upside down on your counter or near the sink. The small holes allow air to circulate, while the raised surface keeps the sponge off the counter.

Set your sponge on top and let it dry between uses. This little platform helps the sponge to dry faster and keeps water from pooling underneath it. Best of all, it gives new life to packaging that could otherwise go straight into the trash. Hope this helps others keep their kitchens fresh! — Stephanie Campbell, in Pomona, California

ONLINE WISH LISTS

Dear Heloise: Many readers want to support their local animal shelters but don’t know which items the shelters need most. One easy way to help is to check whether your shelter maintains an online wish list.

I saw suggestions for donations to animal shelters in your column in the Baton Rouge Advocate. Our shelter in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, maintains an Amazon wish list that includes food, cleaning supplies, toys, blankets, and other items we use every day. Supporters simply purchase an item, and it ships directly to the shelter.

This makes donating quick and ensures that the shelter receives exactly what it needs. Some shelters also list urgent needs on their websites or social media pages. While older programs such as AmazonSmile no longer operate, many retailers and organizations still offer similar charity partnerships or donation options. A quick search online can reveal several easy ways to help homeless animals in your community. Thank you for supporting local shelters! — Linda Lynch, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana

LAWN HEIGHT

Dear Heloise: Lawn care advice often suggests keeping the grass tall for a healthier lawn, but this rule doesn’t apply to every type of grass. Different grass varieties grow best at different heights. Setting your mower too high or too low for the specific grass can weaken the lawn and lead to poor growth.

Homeowners should learn which type of grass grows in their yard before adjusting the mower blade. A great source of reliable information is your local cooperative extension office. These offices operate in every state and offer free publications and advice that is customized to local soil, climate and grass varieties. Their guidance may help you maintain a greener, healthier lawn. — Ann Hinds, via email

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.