Humidifier helps with dry skin and hair

Dear Heloise: Regarding Courtney W.’s question about alleviating dry winter skin, I would like to recommend using a humidifier. I’ve used one for years due to dry skin, and it helps not only my skin, but also my dry hair and sinuses. They’re readily available, as is the distilled water used in them. I even have a small portable one for travel! — Cindy C., Redlands, California

GIFT FOR SENIORS

Dear Heloise: I read the article from Betty R. about family not listening when she tells them, “No gifts, please, I am downsizing.” The solution for my senior husband and I are receiving gift cards to restaurants or generic cards to be used anywhere. We thoroughly enjoy the gift cards; we use them whenever we want or need them, and they do not take up space! — Violet P., Houston

HARD-BOILING EGGS

Dear Heloise: I have a method that never fails. I put two or three eggs in a small saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and let boil for a couple of seconds. Cover and let cool. When the water is cold, I check to see if any shells have cracked. Those eggs then get used in something else.

I write the date on the ones that are perfect, and I use the water the eggs boiled in for my plants. I read your column in the Republican-american published in Waterbury, Connecticut. — Sincerely, Carolyn Mcdonough, Canaan, Connecticut

HEATING MOISTURIZER

Dear Heloise: I have a small tabletop heater in my bathroom. I always turn it on before my shower to keep my bathroom warm. Then, when I use my moisturizer, I put it on my hands and hold my hands in front of the heater for two seconds so that my moisturizer is warm and goes on easily. — Joy, The Villages, Florida

BAGS INSTEAD OF BASKETS

Dear Heloise: Just want to suggest that if your laundry room is downstairs, do not use a plastic laundry basket.

Carrying it downstairs increases the chance of a fall. Instead, use a mesh laundry bag, make sure the top is securely closed, and just toss it down the stairs. This keeps both hands free and adds a greater measure of safety for you as you go downstairs. Keep safe. — Grace Hill, via email

TRAVEL HINT

Dear Heloise: When flying, tie a bright piece of cloth to the handle of your suitcase. This way, it is so easy to pick yours out on the carousel. I saw this done on another suitcase years ago, and it has served me well. I’m just sorry if my hint came too late for those thousands of stressedout travelers this past Christmas. — Cheri Lehew, Punta Gorda, Florida

SAVING RECIPES

Dear Heloise: I just took a photo of your Italian Chicken recipe. It is a quick way to save a recipe or hint nowadays, rather than cutting it out of the paper. I’ve been reading Heloise since I don’t remember! — Patricia Joan Ellis Smith, via email

PET PAL

Dear Heloise: Winnie, my Dachshund, likes to burrow under the covers. This time, she overdid it! I had to get her out of it. — Anon.

Readers, to see Winnie and our other Pet Pals, go to Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.”

Do you have a furry friend to share with our readers? Send a photo and a brief description to Heloise@heloise.com. — Heloise

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 782795001, or you can fax it to 1-210-HELOISE or email it to Heloiseheloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.