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Dear Heloise: I'd like to respond to Patty W. She wanted to lose weight for her son's wedding. I also wanted to lose weight for my son's wedding a few years ago. The best diet advice I received was free and easy; it was simply "more exercise, less eating" -- or MELE for short. It was easy for me to remember.
I started walking more often and further distances. I swam as best I could and ensured that I was doing some sort of movement daily. I ate smaller portions and saved my "bad foods" for the weekends only instead of cutting them out altogether. It took a while, but I made it and kept it off! I call it my "MELE lifestyle." Thanks for all your hints over the years! -- Barbara, in San Juan Capistrano, California
Barbara, great job keeping the weight off! Readers, before starting any diet, you should always make sure to get a clean bill of health from your doctor. -- Heloise
LOOKING FOR NEW FRIENDS
Dear Heloise: Recently, I participated in a practice trial at a law firm for which I was paid, but my other goal was to meet people. It was a diverse group age-wise and occupation-wise. However, at each break, the other 20 participants immediately got on their cellphones. I was never able to exchange more than "good morning" or "good afternoon."
This scenario has been a trend at a number of events I've attended. I'm not shy, having worked in the hospitality industry for decades, and I truly enjoy people. -- P.M., in St. Louis
P.M., don't give up! Many people have met friends at church, at a political function, or with a group that gathers for a worthy cause, such as the preservation of historic buildings. You could also volunteer in a hospital or with an animal rescue group.
If there are evening classes near you, find something interesting that you’d like to learn (or teach) and check it out. You might enjoy pottery or learning how to speak French. I learned American Sign Language in night school and loved it. You're on the right path; just try other sources. -- Heloise
DUSTY ARTIFICIAL PLANTS
Dear Heloise: Thank you for my daily dose of helpful hints! I love your column. Do you have a home remedy for cleaning artificial plants? My plants get so dusty, and the store products are very expensive. Any help you can give me will be so appreciated (probably by others as well). -- Deb E., in The Villages, Florida
Deb, for leafy plants, a slightly damp cloth to wipe down the leaves should do the trick. Afterward, wipe the leaves dry with a clean, soft cloth. If you have artificial flowers that have become dusty over time, pour about 1 1/2 cups of table salt into a plastic bag. Stick the head of the flower into the bag of salt and hold the bag closed with a firm grip. Shake it vigorously. The salt will cause the flowers to shake off dirt. -- Heloise
SERRATED FRUIT SPOON
Dear Heloise: Our grandchildren were visiting recently, and the ice cream was too hard to scoop. We all know about warming the scoop up with hot tap water, but another idea is to use a serrated fruit spoon. Wow! Who knew? -- Bren M., in Virginia
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.