Hints From Heloise

ENJOY THE BEAUTY OF THE SEASON Today's Sound Off is about the holiday crush: Dear Heloise: I know Black Friday isn't here just yet. However, with the supply chain slowing down right now, people are eager to make their holiday purchases earlier than usual. I understand this, but last weekend while I was shopping I saw two women fighting over a toy. It was the last one left of its kind, and they both claimed they saw it first. A shouting match ensued. Is that the holiday spirit?

Christmas and Thanksgiving are about more than receiving gifts and eating a huge meal. It's not even the reason so many people celebrate the holidays. I was shocked and saddened by this display of greed. I wish everyone would just calm down and enjoy the beauty of the season and the chance to be with our loved ones. This is, after all, a very special time of year to be shared by people all over the world. -Joseph F., Buffalo, N.Y.

SEND A GREAT HINT TO:

Heloise

P.O. Box 795001

San Antonio, TX 78279-5001

Fax: 1-210-HELOISE

Email: Heloise@Heloise.com

FAST FACTS

Here are some additional uses for sand:

-- Use on walkways and stairs instead of salt. -- Clean up liquid spills with sand.

-- Put some in a paper bag and place a votive candle in it.

-- Use to help thin out clay soil when planting. ODOR IN WASHING MACHINE

Dear Heloise: My washing machine used to have a terrible odor. When a repairman was here he told me to keep the washer (front loader) door slightly ajar, and I wouldn't have an odor in my washer. Sure enough, he was right. I put an old dish towel between the door and the washer, and it allows air to circulate inside. No more odor. -- Tracy L., Shawnee, Oklahoma

KEY CONTROL

Dear Heloise: My friends and I have keys to each other's homes and condos. This is in case we need to help our friend or bring something to them. After a while it got very confusing which key belonged to which residence! We solved that problem by getting new keys made in either different colors or with a picture on it. This makes it easier, because I know that one person loves pink and her key is pink. Another loves dogs and she has a dog on her key. No more fumbling in an emergency! -- Jean W., Jackson, Mississippi

KEEPSAKE

Dear Heloise: About fur coats, maybe your mother's, find an expert in sewing and have them make a teddy bear out of it. This way you will always have a keepsake and a fond reminder of the person who owned the coat before. -- Lynn C., Fort Wayne, Indiana

Lynn, if the coat is out of style or has been heavily worn by a former owner, or the new owner does not wear animal furs, this is a nice way to still keep the memories attached to the item. -- Heloise NO MONEY, NO PROBLEM

Dear Heloise: I simply cannot afford to look good. How do I update a wardrobe? -- Sandy T., Fresno, California

Sandy, many fashion models shop vintage and secondhand stores. It's all in how you put your look together. Be original and creative. Always bargain for a lower price. -- Heloise