HELPFUL HINTS
DEAR HELOISE: You know those perfume samples that come in magazines, the ones where you peel back a fold and you can sniff the fragrance? I take those and toss them inside my luggage to keep the inside smelling nice.
— Lacy N., Michigan
DEAR HELOISE: I save worn- out clothing, socks, leggings and underwear, and pack those as part of my clothing. As these garments become dirty and worn, I simply throw them away. It frees up room in my suitcase for souvenirs, and I’m not hauling around dirty, stinky clothes. And, the amount of laundry to be washed is less.
— Cynthia S., Colome, S. D.
DEAR HELOISE: The cost of heating and cooling a home is expensive. To save energy and money I highly recommend the following:
Clean or replace the filters on air conditioners once a month, or as recommended by the manufacturer.
During the summer, keep curtains and window coverings closed during the warmest part of the day to keep the heat at bay.
Ceiling fans are less expensive to run than an air conditioner, and they keep air moving in the room.
Floor fans also are a cost- efficient way to keep the house cooler by forcing air through the house.
— Jean D., Lowell, Mass.
DEAR HELOISE: It’s important to count the rows of seats on a plane from your row to the nearest exit. In case of an emergency, this would prevent a jam at the front of the plane in which only a small number of people could get out. In a smokefilled cabin you could feel your way out of the plane.
— Linda F., Austin, Texas
DEAR HELOISE: Got an old checkbook cover? You can use it as a coupon organizer and a place to store receipts or business cards. — Wendy K., Carson City, Nev.
DEAR READERS: Some tidbits of information:
Education is an important part of a Japanese person’s life, which is why the literacy rate in Japan is almost 100 percent.
In case you are short on time in Paris, a good way to see the attractions is to take a boat ride along the Seine River, because almost all the main sights are on the banks of the river. Send a money- or time- saving hint to Heloise, P. O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279- 5000; fax to ( 210) 435- 6473; or email Heloise@ Heloise. com