Twin mattresses solves sleeping dilemma
DEAR HELOISE: This is a hint for those couples whose sleeping needs and styles are so incompatible that they either sleep poorly every night in the same bed or have to resort to separate beds or even separate bedrooms. I sleep like a rock and prefer the covers tightly tucked around me. My husband, due to insomnia and restless leg syndrome, tosses, turns, kicks, steals the covers in his sleep and is generally impossible to sleep in the same bed with.
We tried various solutions, none of which was really satisfactory. But our latest one works. We bought a king-size bed frame and have placed two extra-long twin mattresses inside it, each with its own set of covers. They fit neatly inside the king frame and are, of course, the same height.
This way, we can snuggle before sleep but then have our own separate sleeping spaces. Because we each have our own mattress, I never feel his tossing and turning at all, and he never steals my covers. For folks like us who are on a tight budget, try going online. We got frame, mattresses, linens and rental of a moving van for less than $300. — Catherine in Pennsylvania
Catherine: Many readers will certainly take your hint to heart and bed. — Heloise
Extension-cord storage
DEAR HELOISE: My mom kept her indoor extension cords in a toilet-paper tube. This is handy to keep all the cords from tangling, and makes it easier than messing with twist-ties and such. I took it one step further and wrapped the tubes in self-adhesive plastic — they are much more attractive this way. They are best for 7-foot or shorter cords, and you can write the length of the cord on the tube. — Jamie Johnston of Montana
Jamie: Larger tubes can be cut down to size, or you can even store them in an old sock to keep things organized. — Heloise
Pop-up hampers
DEAR HELOISE: The mesh pop-up hampers are perfect for storing rolls of wrapping paper standing up. The handles on the sides make it convenient to transfer when needed. It’s an easy, inexpensive, neat way to organize gift wrappings. — Jean Milici, Torrington, Conn.
Hints from Heloise is syndicated by King Features Syndicate. Send great hints to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000; by fax, 210-HELOISE (435-6473); or by e-mail, Heloise@Heloise.com.