HELOISE: Sticky photos require care

Dear Heloise: I was hoping you can help me. One of my daughter’s wedding pictures is stuck on the glass. There are a few tear marks. Is there a way to get it loose? Thank you very much.

Jonnie in Pennsylvania

First, do NO harm! If the picture is stuck, don’t pull it; it might get ruined. Put the picture in the freezer in an open zip bag overnight. The photo may peel off. If not, put it back in for several days to further dry it out, but still don’t pull it. Option No. 2, and always a safe bet: A professional photo store where experts can help you. If professionally taken, the original photographer may still have the negatives and can do a reprint for you.

The cause of sticky photos? Moisture can be the culprit. Never spray a framed photograph directly with glass cleaner. Spray a cloth, then wipe, or use a microfiber cloth to catch up on dusting around your home.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: When I travel to new places on vacation, I treat myself to a souvenir to remind me of the place I enjoyed. These souvenirs often are made by local artisans, such as wall art, vases and decorative bowls. My hint is to attach the receipt and business card to the bottom or back of the art piece so it is easy to recall where I purchased it. I have used this information to visit the artisan websites and to answer the questions my guests have had about my souvenirs. I also use this hint for items purchased from local craft shows.

Lorraine in Basking Ridge, N.J.

Dear Heloise: When traveling, don’t put your suitcase on the bed to unpack. It has been in contact with all sorts of germs on the plane, sidewalk, lobby, train, elevator, etc. I’d hate to sleep in or sit on the bed with all those germs from the suitcase. Put it on the floor to unpack and repack.

P.C. Wilson, Punta Gorda, Fla.

A good reminder for when you get home from a trip. When traveling, most hotels have a suitcase rack just for this purpose. Please note, too: A hotel bedspread itself is probably not germ-free. Bedspreads are not washed after each stay.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: When my children were young, I mostly used time-outs as a punishment. One day when both were misbehaving, I decided to put them in each other’s rooms. At first things got really quiet, and then finally I could hear “Don’t touch my dolls” or “If you touch my toy cars, I’ll read your diary.” At that point, I knew I’d found the most effective punishment I was ever going to discover!

Marlice A. Bryant, via e-mail

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

King Features Syndicate