Tips for building a wardrobe for traveling

Dear Heloise: I have a suggestion for young travelers: Pick out one basic color when planning your travel wardrobe, such as gray, black, brown or even navy, and build around that color. I use black — black jeans with a red or white blouse, maybe a black sweater and a white one, a black pencil skirt and black low-heeled shoes. You can switch your clothing around to create new looks every day as long as you stick to one basic color.

Dear Heloise: I have a suggestion I’d like to pass on for those who travel: Let a close relative or friend know when you’re leaving and when you’ll be returning, and, if possible, leave a phone number where you can be reached.

My dad passed away when I was out of town, and no one had a way to reach me. My brother had to handle everything, and I never got to say goodbye to my Dad.

Dear Heloise: I have kittens, so I use a lint roller a lot. Each time after removing the used sheet on the lint roller, I turn up a small corner to make it easier to find the place to remove the next sheet. I enjoy your column and have found many great hints!

Dear Heloise: I have been invited to a wedding on New Year’s Eve. It sounds like fun, and I really like the couple, but the invitation was addressed only to me, not to me plus one. That means I can’t bring my date. How can I ask if my girlfriend can come with me? Or is that a no-no?

Greg, I consulted with etiquette experts, and they say you really can’t ask to bring your girlfriend. If you feel uncomfortable going without her, then decline the invitation and make other plans for New Year’s Eve.

Dear Heloise: I’ve discovered an easy way to save cash for a rainy day. I save every $5 bill I get. I put it aside and then, when I go to the bank, I put it in my savings account. I save for Christmas, property taxes, trips and more. Once the money is in the bank, I hate to take it out unless I really need it. Last year, I managed to save nearly $2,000 this way.

Dear Heloise: I need help cleaning my microwave. Suggestions?

Connie, mix ¼ cup of vinegar with 1 cup of water in a microwavable bowl and place it in the middle of the interior of the microwave oven. Heat this mixture for 3 to 5 minutes, depending on how much food is caked on the interior of the microwave. When the heating process is done, keep the door closed to give the steam time to work. Repeat, if necessary. Heloise answers letters only in her King Features Syndicate column. Write her at P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000 or send a fax to 1-210-HELOISE.