To capture great photographs, let everyone in on the act

Dear Heloise: Here’s a hint for taking pictures at family gatherings, weddings, reunions, etc.: Have everyone bring his or her digital camera and the cable for downloading pictures. The guests can take random pictures of what they feel is something they want to capture and, before they leave, download them to a computer. When the event is over, the pictures can be published on a Web site or made available to guests to download and print.

This is what my son did for his wedding, and there were some great photos to share. Linda Lee, McDonald

New technology can really brighten a day and an event! Be sure to have extra supplies such as ink and paper on hand. Heloise

Dear Heloise: Don’t keep your pizza cutter in the utensil drawer waiting for a pizza. It has a multitude of other cutting uses. Here are some of my favorites:

• French toast, pancakes or waffles.

• Crispy rice treats.

• Homemade noodles or dumplings.

• Spaghetti.

• Sandwiches.

Casandra Ridge, Georgia

Dear Heloise: An even better way to avoid leaving a cell phone or charger behind at a motel is to put it in one of your shoes. You’re not likely to walk away from it! Michelle, Worthington

Good hint, and one I’m going to use from now on! Heloise

Dear Heloise: I have several navy-blue ball caps with my military unit insignia on them. On one where the bill and cap join, there was a narrow ribbon of salt from perspiration. I washed it by hand twice, but the salt didn’t come out.

I decided to give it the Heloise treatment. I put it in the bathroom sink, ran about 3 pints of warm water, put in some liquid hand soap and about 1‚Ñ2 cup of vinegar. I swished around to mix well, soaked it for 20 minutes, then gave it a gentle scrubbing with an old soft-bristle toothbrush. I rinsed it well and hung it on the clothesline. The salt stain was gone, and my cap looks as good as new and smells fresh. Carl Reicherzer, San Antonio

Dear Heloise: While the family is gathered, decide the rules for a Christmas or holiday gift exchange. Set the dollar limit, provide a list of what you would like within the limit and decide if only the children will receive gifts. Draw names or decide on a charity the family can sponsor with a donation. Be sure to exchange sizes (especially for the children). Now you have the gift list in hand and can take advantage of all the sales. M.G.M., via e-mail

Sound Off

Dear Heloise: My Sound Off gripe is filthy doors to businesses, especially around doorknobs and handles.

Even doctors’ offices have years of filth on their doors! Thank you for letting me sound off. Lydia in New Mexico

SBlt Send 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