Dear Readers: Just a few comments about expiration dates on coupons:
Shirley G. in Alton, Ill., wrote: "Restaurant coupons: The expiration date is in such small print, it is very hard to read. I write it larger on the ad." (Heloise here: Very good hint! Saves you from squinting every time you want to check if the coupon is still valid.)
Patti in Hamilton, Ohio, wrote: "Mine is how small the expiration date is on coupons. Between the small print and the color variations, these are extremely difficult to read."
Dot, via email, said her problem is "coupons, especially restaurants, that have the expiration date in
such small print that you have to get a magnifying glass to read it, or the print is so light you can hardly
see it."
I hear you, readers; let's hope the coupon people do. However, to be fair, they have to get a lot of information (much of it legal) on that small coupon. You can save a pretty sum of money using coupons wisely. Don't use it just to use it; use it to save on something you need or want.-Heloise
FAST FACTS
Dear Readers: Fast facts to remove onion odor from hands:
n Wash with a dab of toothpaste.
n Rub hands on stainless steel while washing.
n Wash with shaving cream.
n After washing, rinse with a bit of mouthwash.
n Wash with lemon juice or lime juice.
-Heloise
TREE SAP ON CLOTHES
Dear Heloise: This time of year, with all the tree trimming/cutting, how do you get tree sap out of clothes? - Sue M., via email
Don't be a sap with tree
sap stuck on your clothing! It's very sticky and mostly sugar, so you need to
dissolve it. Soak the garment (or just the spot itself) in warm water. I tested this a few years ago for my column in Good Housekeeping magazine. It takes time, but let it soak, then rub
the spot between your
fingers, rinse and soak some more. It works!
Lots of people use rubbing alcohol, and I've had some luck with this. More helpful hints are in my pamphlet on stains. To get a copy of Heloise's Handy Stain Guide for Clothing, send $5 and a stamped (71 cents), self-addressed, business-size envelope to: Heloise/Stain Guide; P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Or order online at www.Heloise.com. When the sap is removed, rub with detergent and wash as usual.-Heloise
WEDDING AISLE RUNNERS
Dear Heloise: At many weddings, there is a white aisle runner. Most times, not all of the roll is used. Because it is a sturdy material and somewhat transparent, I have used the leftover material for making patterns or other craft copying needs.-Jackie R., Newcastle, Calif.
Or use as a runner by your door. A great hint for recycling and repurposing the unused portion. It's already been paid for, and the runner in the aisle may have usable space, so look over that as well.-Heloise