Reader gets help from relatives to identify photos

Dear Heloise: We had the same problem as a reader dealing with unmarked photos. We solved the problem by dividing them amongst my siblings and copying them with our digital cameras. We sent these to all the cousins, aunts, uncles and family friends. We asked them to help us identify the folks and to forward the photos to any relatives who weren’t shown on the “to” line.

We were surprised how many responses we received, and we were able to identify almost everyone in the photos. The bonus was obtaining a large number of e-mail addresses of relatives we didn’t have before, and they now have copies of pictures they didn’t have. C.O., via e-mail

Don’t you love the ease of sending photos by e-mail? Remember to still try to label them when you save them. Nothing’s worse when someone sends a bunch of photos labeled “1,” “2,” “3,” etc. Heloise

Fast Facts

Dear Readers: Here’s how to reuse roll-on deodorant bottles:

•Fill with water to dampen stamps.

•Put your favorite cologne in one.

•Put liquid laundry detergent in one for pretreating stains.

•Fill with craft paints for easy application. Heloise

Dear Heloise: With baking soda being one of the wonders of the world, I keep it in a shaker container in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room to use quickly for cleaning or deodorizing. With its abrasiveness (It’s a very mild abrasive when dry, but when wet. it won’t scratch. Heloise), it works great on many things. And with it being in a shaker container, it’s so convenient to use.

Also, my kids clean the shower, tub, sinks and counters without worry of harmful chemicals. Vicki in Nebraska

How right you are! Baking soda is one of my favorite cheap, environmentally safe products to use instead of expensive cleaners! For more money-saving hints that you might not know about using this fabulous product, order my six-page Heloise’s Baking Soda Hints and Recipes pamphlet by sending $5 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (61 cents) envelope to: Heloise/Baking Soda, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. Does the trunk of your car stink? Generously sprinkle baking soda over the trunk carpet. Leave on for a couple of days, if possible, and then vacuum. Persistent odors may require another sprinkle or two. Heloise

Dear Heloise: I use a plastic newspaper sleeve to slip over the dust mop before hanging it in the broom closet. The sleeve completely encloses the mop head and keeps the dust from getting on other items in the closet. Jeannie in Texas

Sound Off

Dear Heloise: This morning, I struggled to open a dual pack of a moisturizing product. It was hard plastic and required brute force and heavy-duty shears. Even using extra caution, I was fearful of cutting myself on the sharp plastic edges, or having the shears slip and cause a wound.

Could you please print a plea for manufacturers to not use this excessive packaging? Jo Ann Cermin, via fax

Yes, and yes again! Heloise

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