Hints from Heloise: How to keep your kitchen smelling fresh and your rugs looking good

WHAT HAPPENED TO ‘THANK YOU’?
Dear Heloise: Why is it that no one sends thank-you notes or cards anymore? I taught my daughters to always write a note of appreciation to let people know you received their gift and, if possible, how you planned to use it or something nice about the gift.
Unfortunately, my daughters never taught their own children to do this simple task. Four months after I sent my granddaughter a nice gift for her birthday, she sent me a note that read, “I got your gift. Thanks. Next year, I’d rather have money.” She’s 15 years old.
Do other people have these problems, or am I expecting more from them than I should? When my daughter called me last week to chat, I asked her to pass along a message to my granddaughter: I said I’d send her money when she learns to write a decent thank-you card. — Angela K., Jacksonville, North Carolina
Angela, not at all. I think a nice thank-you note is always in order, but asking for money in place of a gift is really bad manners. — Heloise
MESH BAGS
Dear Heloise: I love those plastic mesh bags that some fruit and vegetables come in. I use them to scrub pots, pans, kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks and the bathtub. They do a great job of cleaning and never scratch the surface of things! — Russel H., Niagara Falls, New York
SWEET-SMELLING KITCHEN
Dear Heloise: Want a fresh-smelling kitchen? Grow herbs on the windowsill, or buy some attractive, small planters that can either be hung on the wall, by a cabinet, or in a hanging basket. I have a mint plant that hangs over my kitchen sink and five ceramic planters against the wall with various herbs. These come in handy all year round for cooking. — Sally L., Provo, Utah
VACUUM YOUR RUGS
Dear Heloise: I sell rugs and carpeting, and I have a few hints for your readers on how to help keep their rugs looking good for a long time:
COMBINATION LOCK FEATURE
Dear Heloise: I recently installed a combination lock that has a newer and nicer feature. It had a fingerprint sensor that allows you to bypass the buttons and open the lock with your finger- or thumbprint. It’s even faster and easier to use than my older model. Just something for your readers to consider.
I enjoy your column in the Los Angeles Daily News. — D.C., in California
SEND A GREAT HINT TO: [email protected]
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