‘Road warrior’ system saves time and money

Dear Heloise: Maybe some of your readers on the road would like this hint. I often travel to destinations where a trip to the store would be inconvenient.

A day or two before a trip, I’ll often pack my cosmetics case and toiletries. Then I use only the things I’ve packed when I shower and dress, even though I’m still at home. The trick is to remember to put things back in the bag instead of in the medicine cabinet. That way, if I’ve forgotten something, it’s easy to grab it off the shelf. Or if I’m running low, I can pick it up at the store in plenty of time.

This can save spending travel time shopping for simple things or paying inflated prices for them in airports. I’ve also put a note on my packing list reminding me to put my bag of lotions and potions into the checked baggage instead of my carry-on. Susan, via e-mail

Every “road warrior” has a system, and yours will certainly help others. My hint? A master checklist on the computer saves time and stress! Heloise

Dear Heloise: If you write on a plastic item (noncloth) with a permanent marker and make a mistake, you can write over it using a dry-erase marker and wipe off/rub with a cloth. It might not be perfect, but hey, it works! You may have to do it letter by letter and rub the dry-erase marker off frequently. Lori, Gaithersburg, Md.

Dear Heloise: Did the dryer monster claim yet another sock? Take the remaining sock, turn it inside out and eureka — you have a great dust mitt, and you have saved a little cash! This works best with athletic socks, as they have a fuzzier inside. Happy dusting! Heidi, Hobe Sound, Fla.

Dear Heloise: Love your column and all the help you’ve given us! I agree that the toilet-paper cardboard center is a good thing to store extension and electrical-appliance cords in, but I think I have a better idea.

PVC pipe is very inexpensive, you can cut it to fit, it lasts longer, and it certainly looks better. I store all of my cords this way, and I find it very convenient. Dimple, Anaheim, Calif.

Dear Heloise: I wanted to add a couple more safety hints on preparing for electricity outages. We keep a large, camping-style lantern in the coat closet on the main floor and one in the hall closet upstairs. We also attached stick-on lights right under the light switch at the top of the basement stairs. When you reach for the light switch, you can press for instant lighting for the stairs. We also have flashlights in the bedside tables. Martha, Wyomissing, Pa.

Dear Heloise: Always unplug the electric mixer before ejecting the beaters. A friend learned the hard way, nearly losing two fingers. Ruth from Vancouver, Wash.

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