Helpful Hints

DEAR HELOISE: When I travel, bringing along my night light is a must. Mine comes on when the lights go off or it gets dark in the room. It's a lifesaver, since it is difficult to get a good night's rest in a hotel.

When getting up at night, having that light in the bathroom is far better than leaving a light on.

-- Rhonda B.,

Bar Harbor, Maine

DEAR READER: A terrific travel hint indeed. My travel kit includes a night light too, as well as two small travel flashlights that sit upright and shine light on the ceiling. I've bumped into too many doors.

DEAR HELOISE: On our last cruise, my husband had the idea to pack our shoes in a separate, washable tote bag (Heloise here: used as a carry-on) to allow more room for clothing in our suitcases.

When we packed to leave, we put our dirty clothes into the tote bag and had room in the suitcases for the shoes. I brought that tote bag right into my laundry room when we got home.

-- Rose W.R.,

Jupiter, Fla.

DEAR HELOISE: I am a college student and experimenting with creating flavored coffee beans to save a little money. My friend suggested sprinkling a spice over regular beans prior to grinding them. I tried cinnamon, and it was delicious. It's a good way to get gourmet coffee on a cafeteria-coffee budget.

-- Cal T. in San Antonio

DEAR READER: Yep, great flavor for a fraction of a penny. You just might become a coffee entrepreneur and connoisseur of flavored coffee. I'd love to hear from readers (and will print your hints): What do you do to have "special" coffee without spending big bucks? Try a pinch of chili powder for a real kick.

DEAR HELOISE: I visit resale shops and garage sales looking for unique and pretty coffee and even beer mugs. I check them for chips or other blemishes, then buy them if they are in almost-new shape. I stuff them with small items like tea bags, candies, gift cards, etc., and give as gifts.

When I have flowers from my garden, I snip them to fit, add some greenery and have a pretty little "vase" for my kitchen table.

The fun part is hunting down these unique ceramic pieces of pottery. You never know what you will find at these places.

-- Virginia H. in Las Vegas

DEAR READERS: You can make a temporary funnel using the corner of an envelope by snipping it with scissors. This funnel can be used to fill spice jars or create designs with colored sugar on cakes or cupcakes.

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

[email protected]

MovieStyle on 04/29/2016

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