HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR HELOISE: I’ve tended bar for over 12 years, and I’ve seen a number of things that just surprise or annoy me. It’s not uncommon for couples to meet at a bar on a first date. Some have a drink before dinner to calm their nerves, but I’ve also seen some sleazy activity. So, these are the things young men or women should watch out for:

■ A person who is constantly checking their phone usually tends to be too self-absorbed with their imaginary self-importance to be much fun.

■ If you’re meeting for the first time, try to look your best. This usually means clean and neat. Men should wear a suit or sports coat, not workout sweats or a sweatshirt and jeans. Ladies should have makeup on, comb their hair and wear something feminine but not suggestive. (You know what I mean.)

■ Do not let anyone pressure you into having “one more drink for the road.” If one drink is your limit, that’s fine. If you would rather have a diet drink or coffee, that’s OK, too. Don’t let anyone make fun of you for what you drink or if you don’t drink. Never let anyone pressure you into having more alcohol than your limit allows.

■ If the person you’re with keeps looking around the bar in an effort to check out other people, dump them. If you are their date for the evening, they should be focused on you. This also goes for someone who keeps making nasty remarks about other people around them. Before you know it, they’ll be making ugly remarks about you, too.

— Terry M., Dallas

DEAR HELOISE: I usually pack a hoodie in a carry-on piece of luggage. I can unzip it and use it to stay warm by draping it over the front of myself or putting it on with the hood over my head. This helps reduce noise if I want to sleep and protects my hair and scalp. After all, I don’t know who was sitting in that seat there before me.

— Matthew V., Brookfield, Wis.

DEAR HELOISE: I usually use boxed cake mixes, and the majority of the boxed mixes call for 2 eggs. However, I use 3 eggs and add an additional teaspoon of vanilla. The extra egg makes the cake fluffier, and the added vanilla gives the cake a richer taste.

Sometimes when I’m making a yellow cake mix, I’ll add some almond extract to slightly enrich the flavor. After I apply the icing, I also cover the top of the cake with sliced almonds for decoration, and to give some additional flavor to the cake. My family loves it!

— E.G., in Delaware

Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com