Dear Heloise: A hint I use to organize myself while shopping for Christmas presents is to use a red or green envelope to hold my shopping list and all my gift receipts in my purse.-Dawn W., via email
GRAY WATER
Dear Heloise: Recently, I had a problem with gray water in my washing machine. I used a generous amount of soap for my laundry and found out I was using too much soap! The result was a buildup of dingy residue on my clothes and towels. I'm very careful now to make certain this doesn't happen again, but do you have any suggestions on how to get the residue out of my towels without bleach?-Jeannette B., McKinney, Texas
Jeannette, yes! I use an old standby, vinegar! Just 1 cup of white vinegar added to the rinse water not only makes laundry soft and odor-free, it also helps to eliminate soapy buildup. It might take a couple of washings with white vinegar, but it's worth the time and effort.-Heloise
PICTURE PERFECT
Dear Heloise: Do you have a problem with the roof of your house and have to rely on a contractor? Have the contractor take pictures using a cellphone and show them to you. A contractor should have a smartphone and the ability to do that. The photo can even be emailed to you so you can enlarge it.-Marcie M., via email
A CHRISTMAS GIFT?
Dear Heloise: Several years ago, my cousins and I came up with the idea to send each other pictures of Christmas gifts, rather than actual gifts. It's fun! We don't need more stuff, and shopping has become more difficult as we have gotten older.
We don't have to worry about the right size or color, we don't have to be practical, and we don't have to stand in line. No one feels bad if the gift is not quite right, and money is no object!-Barbara D., via email
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