Dear Heloise: Forgot a belt while traveling? Fold over the waistband of your pants to keep them up. Traveling with your favorite bed pillow? Put a colorful pillowcase on it to make sure that you don't leave it behind when departing from your destination.
Also, to keep your pillow clean while traveling, double up on pillowcases. When arriving, remove the outer pillowcase and use it to store your dirty clothes. Fold items to maximize space. -- R.P., in Michigan
Pet hair
Dear Readers: To get rid of dog or cat hair from upholstery, swipe a rubber glove over the upholstery. The hair will roll into a neat pile with each glove stroke.
To minimize the amount of shedding, simply brush your pets on a regular basis. I know that some dogs and cats like to be vacuumed, but you must get your pet used it first. So, start small and be gentle. -- Heloise
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A cheap Wite-Out fix
Dear Heloise: If you primarily have white walls in your residence and happen to get some of the paint knocked off, particularly on the corners, a quick and inexpensive way to take care of it is to use Wite-Out.
It's about $1.29 in most stores, comes in a very small container and really does an excellent job of hiding blemishes. Plus it dries quickly! -- B.H., in San Antonio
Three bathroom rules
Dear Readers: Our small bathrooms get so much use on a daily basis that they often get quite messy. Here are several useful rules for your family to help keep order in this room:
"■ Make sure that nothing is left on the floor. Everyone must hang up their towels and clothes.
■ If you use it, you have to help clean it. "
■ Keep everything in its rightful place. Also, keep several plastic bags in the bottom of the wastebasket as well as a roll of paper towels, sponges, a spray bottle filled with vinegar, and water in a plastic bucket under the sink. -- Heloise
Back to college at 23
Dear Heloise: I married right out of high school and got divorced last year. I am now 23 and would like to go to college, get a degree and make something of my life. Will a college accept me, and are there scholarships available for someone my age? -- R.F., in Texas
R.F., you can go to college at any age! First, determine where your interests are centered: Teaching? Criminology? Social work or some other area of endeavor?
Then consider your class schedule. Are you planning to go to school full or part time, and is someone providing you with room and board?
Next, research colleges to decide where you want to go and who offers the best educational and financial support. Talk to the people in admissions to see what the requirements are for a degree.
If needed, start the financial-aid process. Decide if you want to start with two years at a community college and then switch to a larger, accredited college -- or if you qualify for a student loan.
Finally, submit an application. Best wishes from all of us at Heloise Central as you embark on this new chapter of your life! -- Heloise
Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to [email protected].
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