HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: I’m a coupon clipper and use them frequently — when I remember to pick them up before leaving to get groceries. I’d either stick them in a pocket and forget to give them to the checker or would lose them.

Then I had an idea: Tape the coupon to the item before putting it in the basket.

Several checkers have commented on how this helps them.

And, when I remember the tape and the coupons (ha!), I save a bit on groceries.

— Doris R., Kerrville, Texas

DEAR READER: How very organized you are! This is a really good hint, especially for those of us who are full of well intentions and a tiny bit forgetful.

DEAR HELOISE: Yes, I’m a busy mom, but I always take time to organize the day for my kids. We have rules over the summer.

Each kid has a few chores to do before they head outside: making the bed, cleaning the bathroom, picking up the living room, checking the trash.

They make their own lists of activities they’d like to do afterward: riding bikes, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, running through the sprinklers.

We also have educational things to do: museum runs, library story time, checking out the petting zoo.

— Debra in Oregon

DEAR READER: Teaching your children to be organized and responsible then rewarding them with their favorite activities is a great life lesson. Thanks for sharing.

DEAR HELOISE: Waxing beats shaving for hair removal for me because the entire hair is removed from the root, which means smoother skin for a longer period of time than if the hair is cut bluntly at the skin’s surface.

Before I go in for my treatment, my waxer suggests that I exfoliate the skin two days prior to waxing.

Also, no tanning or sunbathing beforehand.

And I’m supposed to not wear deodorant when my underarms are waxed. Afterward, I try to avoid touching the waxed areas.

Waxers are professionals. Find one who makes you feel comfortable, and it might be a good idea to take an aspirin or two before your treatment. — Melissa in Illinois

Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email