Dear Heloise: With our busy lives, we all have a number of things to do.  After work, it seems I always have someplace I need to be or something I need to do. This often meant that occasionally, I’d forget something. I solved the problem by placing the dry cleaning in the passenger’s seat the night before so that I can drop it off at the cleaners. If I borrowed anything, I’d put it in my car so I’d remember to return it after work the next day. A list of groceries or other things I needed to pick up on the way home from work was taped to the steering wheel.

It worked so well that my husband started to do the same thing. Now he never forgets his appointment book or to bring doughnuts to a sales meeting. — Grace and Bill P., Cape Coral, Florida

Grace and Bill, this is a habit I got into many years ago. The night before I went somewhere, I put my appointment book, important paperwork, and other items in my car the night before. This way, I rarely forgot anything! — Heloise

SIMPLE CHORES

Dear Heloise: When I was growing up, my mother wouldn’t let me do any chores around the house. I’m talking about cooking a meal, doing laundry, or ironing a shirt. When I went to college, I had to learn several things that my roommate was kind enough to show me.

Please tell the parents who read your column to take the time to teach their sons how to sew, cook, and properly clean a home. My roommate was shocked when he learned that I only washed my sheets once a month.  Now I do it every week, and I love my clean sheets, towels and clothes.

My mother meant well, but she didn’t prepare me to live on my own. I guess she thought I’d always live at home or would have a wife who’d do it all for me. — Frank R., in Vermont

Frank, I agree! Men need to know how to do these simple chores, just like women need to know more about cars, home-building and finances. — Heloise

NEEDLE-NOSE PLIERS

Dear Heloise: Years ago, I bought a pair of needle-nose pliers, and it was one of the best investments I ever made. I use mine to hold a nail while I hammer away or remove a nail. I’ve also used it to hold a needle while I thread it, and once in a while, I use it to pick up something small and hard to handle. — Ruth H., Blacksburg, Virginia

CHILDREN AND ONIONS

Dear Heloise: When my children were little, I figured out a way to sneak the onion flavor in. Use a whole onion to flavor your sauces and casseroles, and pull it out before serving! Voila, flavor added!

My children are now in their 40s, and both are excellent cooks (much more creative and daring than I am). They like to use onions, garlic and flavorings generously! — Jody Distefano, via email

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.