HELPFUL HINTS

— DEAR HELOISE: I wish that people would take in a grocery cart from the parking lot when they go into the grocery store. It never fails to amaze me how many baskets are left all over the lot while customers walk right past them.

We all realize the damage that these wayward carts can do to vehicles parked in the lot. Also, they frequently block parking spaces, which can create aproblem. Another consideration is the cost of purchasing more grocery carts.

This concern really extends to any store with carts, including home-improvement stores, etc. Thanks for your column, which I read faithfully.

  • A Reader, California

DEAR READER: It can be a small gesture that adds up. However, the truth is that the majority of people do try to put the carts in the “corral.”

DEAR HELOISE: When I go out to eat with my family and friends, sometimes I’m not super hungry, but I want just a little something. I love mid-priced restaurants that allow me, as an adult, to order from the kids menu. The kid portions of food are smaller, typically the same or related fare as the adult menu, and usually less expensive.

The kids menu may be a separate document; ask your server for it.

  • Sharon, via e-mail

DEAR READER: Great hint! And guess what? Most restaurants will allow adults to order from the kids menu. Some have special requirements, however, such as you must pay for a drink or a salad. But restaurants do understand that some folks want a smaller portion of their delicious food!

DEAR HELOISE: We all get rewards cards, and they come with a small version for a key ring. My key ring got so full, I couldn’t get to my keys. I have a spare ring that holds only my rewards cards. It shifts to the bottom of my purse, making it easy to find.

  • Linda K., Iowa

DEAR HELOISE: I bring home used hotel shampoos, conditioners, body lotions and gels to put in my gym bag. Since I don’t take my reading glasses to the gym, I can’t read which is which, so I use a black marker to mark “S” (shampoo), “C” (conditioner), “G” (body gel), etc. It is a big help for me.

  • Suzanne, via e-mail Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or e-mail HELOISE@CompuServe.com

Style, Pages 32 on 03/06/2012

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