HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: I bought merchandise for a wedding gift. Do I leave the price tags off or keep the price tags on? The reason I want to leave the price tags on is because the bride may want to return the gift. Without the tags, she would not know where I bought the gift.

— J.S. in Ohio DEAR READER: I would leave the price tag on the item and either black out only the price, using a marker, or cover up the price using the tape version of correction fluid. If you can still read the price, take an ink pen and doodle circles until it cannot be read. This helps the store take the item back more easily because you left all the important store numbers intact, and the bride (or groom) will still know where to return the item.

DEAR HELOISE: With Thanksgiving weeks away, I’d love to serve your pico de gallo as an appetizer, but unfortunately I can’t find the recipe. Please reprint it.

— Sarah F., via email DEAR READER: I’m happy to reprint this recipe because it can be served with so many foods. The ingredients you need are: 1 cup coarsely chopped

tomato ¼ cup coarsely chopped onion 1 tablespoon finely chopped

cilantro (more, if you like) 2-3 minced, fresh serrano peppers (the more you add, the hotter the flavor) ½ teaspoon salt

Mix all the ingredients (except the salt). Once mixed, sprinkle with the salt and serve immediately. Add this pico de gallo to potatoes and eggs for a new breakfast sensation.

DEAR HELOISE: When disposing of credit cards, be sure to scratch out the three-digit card security code (CSC) or card verification code (CVC) that is located on the back. Even with shredding, it’s good practice to scratch off the number, making sure the card cannot be used.

— Mark D. in New York DEAR READER: If you are unsure, these are the numbers located on the back of the card, usually at the end of the signature box.

DEAR HELOISE: Here is a hint to keep track of those extra buttons that come with some clothes: I take the price tag, which usually has some description of the item, and fold it so it will fit into the bag with the extra buttons.

— Diane G., via email

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