Is it really cheaper to do laundry at night?
HINTS FROM HELOISE
HELOISE
Dear Heloise: One of your readers this week advised doing laundry at night because electricity was cheaper. Is this true? How does the electric company know when you're using electricity? They know how much, but do they know when? — Jean P., via email
Jean, electricity is only cheaper at night if you have a time-of-use (TOU) plan. If you are on a traditional plan or a fixed-rate plan, you pay the same rate per kilowatt-hour, no matter when you use electricity. — Heloise
Long-lasting lipstick
Dear Heloise: Many women outline their lips with a lip pencil, but they stop at this point and just apply their lipstick. If you want your lipstick to last a little longer, first, use a foundation (the same one that you use on your face) on your lips. Next, outline your lips, then take the lip pencil and color in your lips. Lastly, apply your lipstick. A makeup artist taught me this. — Zoe, in California
Substitute teaching
Dear Heloise: I'm a substitute teacher, and I absolutely love it. Here are some hints that have helped me in my career:
â– I limit myself to two campuses in the district. The kids need to see a familiar face, and the staff, administrators and other teachers get to know me.
â– The substitute coordinator (usually the principal's secretary) knows which jobs are available; all I have to do is ask.
â– Punctuality is key, and following the lesson plan to the letter is critical. (Though, with kids, things happen!) When I go into a new class, I have to be strict at first, then I soften up quickly. Wearing the school's colors shows my spirit, but I still maintain a business casual dress code.
â– I pack a "survival kit," including a water bottle, adhesive strips, facial tissues, lots of pencils and (with the school's permission) a big bag of hard candies. (One to a customer.)
Passing a background check was necessary, but now my phone rings every day for a substitute job. — Sarah, in San Antonio
Leaf decorations
Dear Heloise: I gather colorful fall leaves and place them between two sheets of waxed paper. I take a warm iron and, without steam, press them down until they're completely sealed. I leave them in the waxed paper until they're completely dry (about two weeks). Then I gently peel the waxed paper off and use the leaves for decoration. — D., in Texas
Easy nail correction
Dear Heloise: I love having a French manicure, and I like it to look good for as long as possible. But occasionally, the white edges get scratched. When this happens, I get out my correction fluid, touch up the scratch, then apply a clear coat. No one can tell the difference. — M., in Wyoming
Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com.
