Heloise

Dear Heloise: As a friendly reminder to all who believe in recycling, check with your local vendor to receive specific instructions.

Here are a few hints:

— Wash and dry everything after using and before recycling.

— Break down boxes; no food in or on them.

— Don’t stuff one into another; keep separate.

— No Styrofoam, mixed material packaging, electronics or plastic bags.

— Wash out your recycling receptacle frequently.

Please do these simple things to keep our landfills free of unnecessary waste. If you don’t have recycling in your area, be an advocate and research ways you can recycle. — Pat, Springfield, Illinois

CROCKPOT BREAKFAST COBBLER

Dear Heloise: Whenever I have overnight guests I like to start breakfast in the crockpot before I go to bed. I leave it on the kitchen counter with a stack of bowls and spoons. Then everyone can get up on their own schedule, help themselves to a warm hearty breakfast, and leave the rest for the late risers. And everyone wakes up to a wonderful aroma!

Here’s my favorite overnight guest recipe: Crockpot Breakfast Apple Cobbler

4 tart apples, peeled and chopped

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 cup granola cereal

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons butter

Dash of cinnamon

Combine all ingredients in crockpot and cook on low overnight. Serve with a little milk. — Ann S., Houston, Texas

CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS

Dear Heloise: So that I can enjoy my Christmas ornaments all year, I hang my special ones. Ornaments like national park ones and those given by special family members are hanging in the 10 windows on our first floor. Thus, my husband and I remember the national park visits and our grandchildren when looking at them. Thanks for all your helpful hints. — Cyndi C., via email

HOUSEPLANTS WATERING

Dear Heloise: I have recently purchased a few more houseplants, but with the different watering requirements, I could not remember when I watered last. My husband and I enjoy ice creams on a stick. I save the sticks, and as I water each plant, I write the date on the stick to keep me organized. Now it is so easy to see when the next watering date should happen. Some plants need every three days, others seven. This information is also written on the stick. My plants are now happy and thriving. Plus, it’s a good excuse to eat more ice cream. Love your column. Thank you for all your great tips. — Phyllis, via email

SHOPPING LIST

Dear Heloise: I always make a shopping list and invariably forget to take it to the market with me. Now I take a picture of it with my phone as I add to it, and when I shop, it’s there on my phone. — Bob D’Amato, San Bernardino, California

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.