DEAR HELOISE: Here is an easy last-minute gift: All you need is a roll of pretty packing tape and lots of loose change. Unroll the tape little by little. Stick the coins on the tape at intervals, then roll the tape up in different directions so it looks like a rock. My grandchildren love taking it apart to see how much money they will get.
-- Daphne White, Jacksonville
DEAR HELOISE: Here is an inexpensive way to deal with snowfall when you don't have a garage. I went to the camping department of a store and purchased a blue tarp large enough to cover my vehicle. I also purchased several heavy-duty bungee cords.
When snow is predicted, I place the tarp over my car or van and secure the tarp by hooking the bungees to the tarp's grommets. The bungees should fit snugly, not allowing wind to get under them.
When it's time to remove the snow, simply detach the bungees and peel the tarp in whatever direction you want the snow to go.
-- Louise G.,
Neptune, N.J.
DEAR HELOISE: Each year, I buy huge gift bags for my grandchildren from the dollar store. I put one name on each. As I shop, I put the gifts in the bag of the correct child. On Christmas Day, I set them under the tree, either wrapped or just with tissue paper. They take the bag with their name on it to unwrap. It's great. They have a handy way to keep their gifts separate when they leave.
-- Kay Hall, via email
DEAR HELOISE: A few years ago, my husband and I learned a valuable lesson. We were driving/rock climbing in the desert with our SUV. Later in the day, in a very deserted area, we discovered that we had two flat tires. The spare tire was attached under the SUV, and we could not physically remove it.
My hint: Before you go on a trip, make sure you can detach the spare tire if it's underneath the vehicle. We were stranded overnight and had to walk five miles to the nearest point where someone might drive by. I'm glad my husband had the "Boy Scout" instinct to be prepared with food and water.
-- Darlene Walker,
Henderson, Nev.
DEAR HELOISE: After years of trying to find a way to carry small jewelry, such as earrings and rings, I came up with the idea of using a one-week daily pillbox. It works perfectly and can be put in a purse or carry-on for security at the airport.
-- Judy M., via email
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
Heloise@Heloise.com
Style on 12/16/2014