Gift receipts can cut down on re-gifting
Dear Readers: Now is the time to decide what to do with a gift you received but are not that crazy about. You can regift the gift. There’s nothing wrong with this, and you may know someone who would appreciate it more than you.
There is always the return! You may receive store credit or an exchange. If a gift receipt was included, you are in luck. The store will be happy to help you.
Many retailers have extended return policies this time of year. The average time during the holiday season is around 30 days, or the end of January. When in doubt, call the store rather than waiting to find out if it’s past time. — Heloise
P.S.: If you received gift cards, like millions of folks, be sure to keep track. Millions of dollars in unused gift cards are sitting in drawers! Pet pal
Dear Readers: Jane in Springfield, Ill., sent a picture of her cute dog, Redd. Redd is a rescued stray, a possible mix of Pomeranian, dachshund and long-haired Chihuahua, as near as anyone can tell. Redd is hanging out on the beach, with one ear up and one ear down.
To see Redd and other Pet Pals, visit www.Heloise.com and click on “Pet of theWeek.” — Heloise
Shelter me
Dear Heloise: I had a beautiful golden retriever who loved to be outside in her bed in the winter. I live in Texas, so it doesn’t get too cold.
I made a shelter for her in the winter by covering my patio table like a tent. I used an old bed comforter. Her bed fit under the table. As you suggested, it sat on several layers (I used cardboard and an old rug) to keep the bed warmer. — Sylvia in San Angelo, Texas
How smart. I used a pup tent for our dogs J.D. and Black Jack, who are now in doggie heaven. —
Heloise Dog bed
Dear Heloise: I have several dog beds. They go flat over time. I buy the cover for a do-it-yourself beanbag chair. I roll the dog beds into a “log” and push them into the zippered opening of the cover. Voila — instant new dog bed. I can fit several old dog beds into one beanbag cover. And the
dogs love the coziness. —
C.R.B., via email Test your tires
Dear Heloise: The next time you take your car to have the tires rotated, here is a surefire way to tell whether they were actually done. Spray the front or back tires with any sort of spray-on tire cleaner that cleans and makes them shiny. If the shiny ones are still in the same place, then you’ll know that they weren’t rotated. — Mike, via
This is a good reminder to establish a relationship with your car-care professionals. Ask questions and educate yourself. Most car pros do a thorough and complete job. — Heloise