Trending
Dear Heloise: I decided to put a timer on a couple of lamps to make it look like I’m home all the time. My handyman came over and placed a timer on my outdoor lights that was hidden by shrubs. When I drive up to my little home, the whole house and yard are lit up. They turn off after 15 minutes.
There’s a reason for this precaution. If anyone’s lurking in the front, I can see them and leave. Additionally, a house and yard that can be lit up is a deterrent to a thief. As a single woman, I need to use common sense. Once I’m in the house, I always lock the door behind me.
Am I overly cautious? I don’t think I am, but recently, I was told that I’m wasting energy/resources. -- Emily T., in Orange, California
Emily, no, you’re not overreacting. The key statement here was “common sense.” Usually, people set a timer to have the lights go on shortly before they get home. If it gives you peace of mind to come home to a house and yard with the lights on, then don’t let anyone discourage you from using them. -- Heloise
ORAL CANCER CONCERNS
Dear Heloise: My 22-year-old son has recently started to dip snuff. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I hate tobacco products. I warned him that he could develop cancer, and he laughed at me. He claims that it’s harmless and that smoking tobacco is what causes cancer. Is snuff harmless? -- Suzanna A., in El Paso, Texas
Suzanna, smokeless tobacco isn’t harmless, no matter if it’s chew, dip or snuff. Your son’s exposing himself to a nicotine addiction and over a dozen cancer-causing chemicals, such as arsenic and formaldehyde.
In addition to cancer, it also causes gum recession, tooth decay and tooth loss. The sooner your son stops, the better. -- Heloise
MAKEUP STAINS IN BEDDING
Dear Heloise: I had some relatives come for a weekend visit. What I didn’t know at the time was that my relative sleeps in her makeup. While I don’t like this habit, the habit itself is nothing compared to the stains on my pillowcase the morning after they left. Blush, pale lipstick, mascara, even foundation and perfume were smeared on clean, white pillowcases! How can I get this out of my bedding? -- Ada, in Virginia
Ada, first, there are commercial products that you can spray on cosmetic stains to help dislodge the stain. Then just wash the bedding as usual. However, you may want to try using liquid detergent and pouring it directly on the stains. Rub this in until you get thick suds, then rinse and repeat. You can also add about a 1/2 cup of bleach to your laundry to get the stain out. -- Heloise
TWO TIPS IN ONE LETTER
Dear Heloise: I use paper coffee filters to cover foods that need to be warmed up in the microwave. Also, I use cat litter in old trunks for musty smells. I spread out 3 cups in the trunk, then keep it closed for four to five days. -- D.H., in Minnesota
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.