Bond with in-laws in the kitchen

Dear Heloise: I suggest that Cindy, in Bloomfield, Michigan, asks her future mother-in-law for help in learning how to cook. She will get valuable time in the kitchen, and even more importantly, she will bond with her future mom-in-law. — Steve H., in Banning, California

TABLETS TO THE RESCUE

Dear Heloise: Several people have written to you to say that they have enjoyed printed newspapers for many years but complained about the cost these days. They don’t like reading the newspaper on their phone or desktop/laptop computer.

I, too, enjoyed a printed newspaper and was tired of the escalating cost. The newspaper print on my phone was too small, and sitting at my desk to read the paper on my computer just wasn’t comfortable enough. But I finally found the perfect solution: I purchased an inexpensive, older-generation 10-inch tablet to read the newspaper on. This allowed me to sit curled up on my sofa with a handheld tablet that wasn’t too big or too small and comfortably read the newspaper.

Tablets can be expensive, but an older-generation one kept the cost down. It also paid for itself in no time with the savings from the printed newspaper subscription versus a digital-only subscription. Hope this works for some others! — Roma, in New York

CLEANING WOOD CABINETS

Dear Heloise: What is the best cleaner for wooden cabinets (that are not painted) to make them look like new? Also, I believe Cindy, in Bloomfield, Michigan, is going too fast for a beginner cook. Thanks. I read your column in the Bristol Herald Courier. — Barbara in Rural Retreat, Virginia

Barbara, it all depends on what you’ve been cooking and what you’ve been cleaning the cabinets with in the past. If your cabinets are fairly clean but need to be spruced up, try a mild dish soap with 2 teaspoons of white vinegar in a gallon of water. Use a sponge that is wet but not totally soaked with water. If there is smoke residue or food stains, you may have to use a commercially produced cleaner that is usually found in a hardware store. — Heloise

A DOT WILL DO IT

Dear Heloise: Instead of fumbling with the plug to determine which side you need to plug in for frequently used electronics, paint a dab of bright nail polish on the top side of the plug! No more fumbling! — Susu, in Houston

USING AN

OUTSIDE GRILL

Dear Heloise: I just read the letter in your column about the woman who was trying to cook multiple dishes at different temps and different times. I suggest using an outside grill; it can be used as an oven and keep things warm! — Michele, in Pennsylvania

A WELCOMING WARM BED

Dear Heloise: You asked for hints about using common items in alternative ways. I use my microwavable heating pads to preheat my bed before I sleep. One gets placed in the area by my feet and another beneath the area of my torso. You cannot sleep on top of the pads for risk of skin burns. But if you remove the pads before you go to sleep, you can enjoy a welcoming warm bed.

I read you in the Dayton Daily News in Ohio. Trying to stay warm this winter has been a challenge. — Patricia S., via email

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.