DEAR HELOISE: Before going on road trips with my children, I give them a shoebox-size container to fill with activities, games, books or simple crafts that they want with them during the trip. Once full, nothing more can be taken, which makes them choose wisely.
Many stores stock "travel type" games. I've purchased some of their favorite ones. Travel games are designed with magnetic boards and pieces to keep them from getting lost in the car. They take up little space.
My children might not play with everything, but at least they have choices. It makes our travel experience much more enjoyable.
-- Glenda W. in Houston
DEAR HELOISE: My old butcher block is in dire need of a cleaning. My dad made it for my mom shortly after they got married, and now I have it. What do you suggest?
-- Henrietta B., California
DEAR READER: Baking soda to the rescue. This will clean and deodorize your block. Make a paste by wetting a sponge and sprinkling on some baking soda. Apply the "magic" paste to the block, and scrub. Rinse well and, if needed, lightly oil using mineral oil (not vegetable oil). Wipe with a paper towel, and your block will be good to go. Doing this whenever your butcher block needs a good cleaning is a great way to preserve that sentimental block.
DEAR HELOISE: I use reusable bags to carry my groceries home from the store. Some did not have the plastic insert for the base.
Using a plastic insert as a guide, I cut the appropriate size of heavy-duty cardboard, wrapped the cardboard in contact paper for easy cleaning and inserted these in the bags. Problem solved.
-- Patti M., Ohio
DEAR HELOISE: It seems like I need a trash container everywhere I work in my sewing/craft room. Because they don't need to be large, I grabbed some plastic gallon water bottles that were headed for the recycle bin.
I cut the tops off them and strategically placed them in different areas around my workspace. Now I don't have to constantly get up to throw away the trash.
Before I stop, I will dump each one into the main trash container so that it's ready to use again. Saves time and allows me to continually work without stopping.
-- Jeri K., 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 02/10/2017