DEAR READERS: I've been a "road warrior" for a long time, traveling to different cities and giving speeches for charity groups and civic organizations. I have learned a thing or two about packing. First off, everything in miniature, if possible. I refill small containers of liquid makeup, face moisturizer, baking soda (to brush teeth with) and lavender essential oil when I get home.
I take enough vitamins and medications for the trip, plus two to three days' worth in case the trip is unexpectedly extended.
DEAR HELOISE: I am looking for help in removing candle wax from painted walls.
-- Marlene K., via email
DEAR READER: The first thing to do is gently (very gently) scrape off the wax using a plastic knife or sturdy plastic spatula. Don't scrape too hard, or you'll remove paint, too. For wax that is left, you can place a paper towel over the wax spot, press gently with a warm iron (low to medium setting) and watch the wax transfer to the paper towel. Repeat until no more wax is absorbed into the towel. Lastly, use a microfiber cloth and a dash of mild liquid dish soap, and hold over the spot for about 30 seconds to let the soap work. Wipe away with a clean cloth (water only), and that should take care of the problem.
DEAR HELOISE: Each Christmas, I receive numerous "scented" gifts. I don't want to smell like apple pie or vanilla latte. If you don't know a person's taste or you haven't seen him or her using a product, a safer gift choice might be something nonscented.
-- Kim, via email
DEAR READER: Sometimes, the right thing to do (or scent to choose) is to not choose a scent at all. Perfume, scented dusting powder or lotion can be a very difficult choice unless you absolutely know the fragrance the person wears.
DEAR HELOISE: As a full-time caregiver for my wife, I was concerned about how to help her remain as independent as possible. I, too, used the doorbell (Heloise here: A wireless doorbell to carry or place somewhere else, so the caregiver can be alerted), along with anything to have handy in a small basket next to her in bed. Here are other hints:
• Remove door latches on interior doors. Leave the knob and attach magnetic catches to keep the door closed. Just bump or pull the door and it's opened.
• Use wireless lamp controls. Leave the remote easily accessible.
Hope this helps others.
-- Charlie S.,
Boerne, Texas
DEAR HELOISE: To help my grandchildren put their correct shoe on the correct foot, I drew a heart on the inner side of each shoe. I told them one heart was mine and one was theirs. When the two hearts were touching, their shoes were on the correct feet.
-- Debbie, via email
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
MovieStyle on 01/16/2015