HELOISE Idea eliminates need to carry award cards when traveling
Dear Heloise: My occupation involves traveling quite a bit. In my travels, I've amassed, of course, quite a few hotel, airline and car-rental award memberships.
I used to carry all the award cards needed in order to present my account number to the appropriate party. I realized, finally, that all I need are the appropriate account numbers. So I wrote down on a 3-by-5-inch card -- which, when folded, fits in my wallet -- all my award companies and account numbers.
Consequently, instead of toting around a half-dozen or so cards on each trip and possibly losing them, all the necessary information is on that 3-by-5 card.
Thanks for your column -- it's been an incredibly helpful resource for me, and it's fun! Jim Israel, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Jim, I'm with you on this one! It can cause a bulging wallet if you carry all those cards, but remember that many have the number on the magnetic strip so the card can just be swiped. Thanks for the kind words -- I'm glad the column helps you and is entertaining. Heloise
Fast facts
Dear Heloise: Here are my handy uses for self-adhesive address labels:
UAffix to the insides of book covers.
UPlace on the backs of photos.
UPut on the backs of greeting cards for quick identification.
UAttach to computer diskettes. D.C.A., Colorado Springs, Colo.
Dear Heloise: I am a "shoeaholic." In order to find my shoes quickly, I take pictures of them on a white background. To do this, I put the shoes on a white sheet to get a good picture.
After having the pictures developed, I cut them down to the same size as the end of the shoe box, staple them on and then store the shoes in the original boxes. I arrange the boxes according to colors and seasons, so that I can just look for my color. By storing the shoes in the original boxes, they will not discolor as they sometimes do in plastic boxes. This trick sure saves a lot of time! Having five kids, I have sometimes gone to church or to work in different-colored shoes. Donna Bivins, Conway, Ark.
Dear Heloise: When I needed a cover for my portable sewing machine, I discovered that a pillowcase, with a few adjustments, made a suitable cover. Barbara Hoffmeyer, Waterloo, Ind.
Sound off
Dear Heloise: I get really frustrated by the "easy zip" bags that many products come in now. Some open easily, but won't zip shut again.
Others have stronger zippers than the plastic surrounding them, so when you attempt to open them, the plastic bags tear. I find it easier to cut a bag open with scissors and use a clip clothespin to reseal it, or to transfer the contents into another container. D. Hinman, Brady, Texas
XSend a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate