Keep track of membership, magazine expiration dates

Dear Heloise: I’ve recently received a membership renewal notice with a “reply date” that was close to the date I received the notice in the mail. Fortunately, I keep records of when my membership was paid and when it will expire. In this case, I was paid up for another year. The request to renew did not have my expiration date.

I’ve also received notices from various magazines that I subscribe to asking for payment way in advance.

It is important to keep a record of the payments made and the expiration date. Who knows how many people pay for renewals way in advance? Diane Hodges, Colorado Springs, Colo.

How right you are! Heloise

Dear Heloise: This is what my granddaughter, Anna, does on cold winter nights to warm her bed: She spreads one of her fleece throws on top of the fitted sheet. These throws are very inexpensive, and they are softer and warmer than a towel, which another reader suggested. Sara Johnson, Little Rock, Ark.

Dear Heloise: When I make a label or instructions for something around the house, like a kitchen canister, new appliance, etc., I do it on my computer. I can use many different fonts and colors. It’s fun to do, lets me get creative, and it even has spell check! Kay, Rosebud, Texas

Dear Heloise: As one of the conservation-minded who has received another semidisposable contact-lens holder, the question of how to re-purpose the growing collection has been answered. Designed to be liquid-tight, each reservoir protects and preserves whatever is scooped or poured into it. Result: Every drop of skin-care products or cosmetics may be used. Claudia, San Marcos, Calif.

Dear Heloise: Our upholstered kitchen chairs don’t get the wear they once did, so on the first day of the month, I rotate the chairs one place clockwise around the table. This way, each chair will get some wear. Jean B., Carlsbad, Calif.

Dear Heloise: In the name of safety, today’s baby pull toys most often have a string but do not have a sort of handle attached for the baby to hold. My hint is to use a baby’s teething ring. Tie the string to the ring to give the baby a handle that can be grabbed by chubby fingers and that is safe for the baby to chew on. Katrina, San Antonio

Dear Heloise: When taking photographs of valuable items, record serial numbers so they can be put into the National Crime Information Center database. If an officer comes across your stolen item, he or she will run the number and can return the item to you. Carol, Crescent, Iowa

Dear Heloise: Since we’ve been opening our windows, just a quick reminder not to have loose papers, towels or napkins on the counter by the stove. The breeze might blow paper onto the stove — a potential fire hazard. Karen Eriksen, Bloomfield, N.J.

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