Saving those ones for when you can travel internationally

Dear Heloise: My husband and I do a lot of international traveling. To be prepared for tips for our baggage handlers, bellhops, etc., we save our one-dollar bills at least one month in advance. The majority of countries accept the American dollar. This way we are prepared for tips.

— Maria M., Hamburg, Pennsylvania Fresh ice cream Dear Heloise: I am a recent widower. I am used to buying larger sizes of products for economic reasons. I like ice cream and usually buy the half-gallon size. The trouble is that I don’t seem to eat it fast enough, and it may sit in the freezer for an extended period of time. Sometimes ice cream develops a funny flavor or taste over time.

My solution is to place a clear plastic film over the container after opening and then replace the lid. This seems to keep the flavor fresh for long periods. I also keep an open box of baking soda in the freezer to keep the inside fresh as well.

— Michael F., Long Beach Multiple hints Dear Heloise: I almost fell on the ice one night as I was leaving work. I took an empty grated cheese container and put table salt in it. Then I put it in my car in the cup holder, so I can spread it outside my car before I go into work or go shopping. I use table salt rather than sidewalk salt.

When I go out to eat, I take a plastic container to bring home the food I don’t eat. No more recycling containers from diners.

I add 1/4 to 1/2 cup baking soda to my dishwashing water when I have greasy dishes, as it cuts the grease.

When I put leftovers in my refrigerator, I put the date I cooked them on the container, so I will use it before it goes bad.

— Louise C., Troy, Ohio

Lost earring

Dear Heloise: Occasionally, I lose an earring if the back part that holds in the earring comes off. I started poking them into the bulletin board

above my desk. Finally, I started to use them to hold notes on the bulletin board. I found two of the missing earrings, and thankfully I had their match on my bulletin board.

— Casey P., Pierre, South Dakota

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.