Dear Readers: Before going into an interview, experts say to practice in front of a mirror so that you know what your face looks like. You have to have a positive facial expression. Look to see what frowning does to your face since it’s not a positive thing. An interviewer will interpret your facial expressions as responses to their questions. — Heloise

PICTURE ALBUM HOLDS RECIPES

Dear Heloise: A number of years ago, I purchased a couple of mini picture albums at the dollar store. I use them as themed holders for my recipes.

One holds all the ones I use for Christmas; another holds all my favorite sweet recipes; and another holds my favorite non-sweet recipes and hints on making things. All of the covers are different. It sure saves time when I just grab one and all my favorites are right there. — G., via email

HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE

Dear Readers: Are you purchasing your first homeowners insurance? You can talk with your family for advice initially, but get a good, qualified agent to work with you on determining what you need to protect your home. — Heloise

SHOE STICKS

Dear Heloise: So many new shoes come with a support stick in the box. A good way to reuse these sticks is to use it as a stake for small flowers in your garden, using either string or ribbon to tie them together. — S., in South Carolina

HELP YOUR LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTER

Dear Readers: There are many ways to provide help at your local animal shelters. You can donate old towels, comforters and sheets. You can also volunteer your time to help out with the dogs and cats. When in doubt, just contact the shelter to see what other skills you can offer that the shelter might need. — Heloise

WORK COMPUTERS

Dear Readers: This is a reminder that when you are using your computer at your job, be careful about what you say and do on it. Do not pass around jokes or forward comments about other employees. These will get to your boss because most companies monitor the computers they give to employees. — Heloise

WHEN YOU’VE LOST A JOB

Dear Readers: If you’ve ever lost a job, experts say to be ready to discuss it in an interview. Explain the circumstances in a direct way. Almost everyone has lost a job before. Do not be angry or negative about it. Move on to why you would be the perfect candidate for a new job. — Heloise

PET PAL

Dear Heloise: Walter is an 18-month-old pug who is, at first glance, a big goofball. He sleeps all day, plays ball, and fetches all evening until he collapses in his kennel for a late-night frozen blueberry snack. He loves to go fishing and watch over the minnow bucket. He is dressed in his Harry Potter costume in honor of a grand day spent at Hogwarts with some of our grandchildren.– Barbara Rainey, Park Rapids, Minnesota

Readers, to see Walter and our other Pet Pals, go to Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.”

Do you have a furry friend to share with our readers? Send a photo and a brief description to Heloise@Heloise.com. — Heloise

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.