HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: I’ve discovered that if I don’t know how to do something, the Internet can help. I crochet, and while following a pattern, I discovered a stitch that I couldn’t get right.

By chance, I checked the Internet and not only found the instructions, but a “how to” video on the stitch. I was able to watch it many times until I got it right. — Still Learning

in San Diego DEAR READER: There are a variety of Internet sites with many instructional videos and how- tos, as you say. Please do be mindful that most are good, but some are not. Just because it’s on the Internet does not make it true.

DEAR HELOISE: When I travel, I never leave without a down vest. I have neck issues. Many times when I stay in hotels, they give me rockhard foam pillows.

I simply slide their pillow out of the case and replace it with my down vest, which acts as a rather flat down pillow. In addition to acting as a backup pillow, it also is a versatile piece of travel clothing.

— Lauren, via email DEAR READER: Lauren, travel and hotels, beds and pillows — they are never the same. However, you usually can call housekeeping and ask for other pillows: softer ones, harder, foam, etc. Many major hotel chains have a variety to pick from. Your hint, however, is a winner on all accounts.

DEAR HELOISE: I love to sew. Whenever I make an outfit or dress that requires buttons, I buy at least two more buttons than the amount requires.

From the local craft store, I purchase items that I will use to make a matching pair of earrings using the buttons that I have left.

When my daughter was younger, I made her barrettes with buttons that matched the buttons on her dress. It is a very inexpensive way to accessorize.

— Sammie, via email

DEAR HELOISE: When my son was in college, I often purchased “all you can eat” cards from different buffet-style restaurants in the city where he went to school.

While some of his friends teased him about these cards, I knew that if he was truly hungry, he could use one of these cards and eat to his heart’s content.

— M.E., via text