DEAR HELOISE: Given the cost for checked bags and problems with carry-ons, when my wife flew, we boxed up everything she'd need, from clothes to toothbrush, and mailed it about two weeks before she would get there.
She took a handbag that had her driver's license, a credit card, cellphone and some cash. Going through security was easy, and not checking a suitcase made things easier. When she arrived, she did not have to wait for her luggage, or worry that it missed the plane.
When it was time to come home, she simply mailed everything back.
-- Timothy R., Oklahoma
DEAR READER: Traveling light is a good idea. Who doesn't want to lighten the load?
DEAR HELOISE: I'm amazed at cashiers and checkers sneezing and coughing into their hands while I'm in the checkout line. Twice in two weeks, I have backed out and moved to another register.
This is something that should be addressed in a store meeting. I see others raising their arms and covering their mouths with their forearms.
-- Michael V., California
DEAR HELOISE: I keep alcohol prep pads on hand for cleaning eyeglasses, phone and computer screens, and remote controls. A box of 100 is only a few dollars.
After buying screen- and lens-cleaner wipes, I found that rubbing alcohol was the main ingredient. I clean my laptop screen and keyboard, phone and remote with one square. I keep a few in my bag.
-- Allyse T., via email
DEAR READERS: Check with the manufacturers to be sure this is OK for your items.
DEAR HELOISE: I freeze filtered water in plastic cola bottles. When frozen, I put them in the refrigerator. We drink much more water now, and when I go out for the day, I take a frozen bottle and drink it as it thaws.
For trips, we place some in a cooler. And I take them in an insulated bag to place cold groceries in until I can get home.
-- T.B.D., Tupelo, Miss.
DEAR HELOISE: We save our crumbs from pretzel and potato chip bags, crackers, nonsweet cereal, etc., and mix them in a container.
These make fabulous, tasty coatings for fish and chicken. We never get the same mix twice!
-- Nancy in Florida
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
Style on 12/11/2018