DEAR HELOISE: When I paid for my massage, the masseur seemed offended that I omitted a gratuity. He is the proprietor of the establishment, and it has been my understanding that it is not necessary to tip the owner for services. Right or wrong?
- John D. in Virginia
DEAR READER: It used to be the case that you did not tip the business owner, but according to my good friend Peggy Post (etiquette expert), times have changed, and most business owners are tipped today - and most will accept. What should you do?Tip 15 percent to 20 percent for services, regardless of who provides them (employee or business owner). Always tip at your own discretion and based on how pleased you are with the services you were provided during that visit.
DEAR HELOISE: The last time my grandson’s toy box needed cleaning, I thought about asking him to pick out toys to donate. I dumped all of his toys on the floor. At first, he was keeping everything. I reminded him that some kids don’t have any toys. He picked a toy, and this time, after giving it much thought, he said, “Donate,” and put it in the box. Soon he was really evaluating the toys, and in no time our box was full. At the end, I sat him down and asked if he would give away just one toy that he wanted to keep. He said “OK” (after thinking really hard). I was so proud of him! What a wonderful way to teach him about charity.
- K.W., via email
DEAR HELOISE: I am getting ready to move, and in removing pictures from the walls, I noticed that there are holes from nails and mirror brackets. Take a 2-inch piece of painter’s tape, punch a hole in the tape and place the hole/ tape over the hole in the wall. Take spackling (or whatever you are patching with) on your finger or putty knife and spread it over the hole, then wipe off the excess. Let sit for a few minutes, then remove the tape. You may have to repeat for larger holes.
- T.P., via email
DEAR HELOISE: Just read that question a reader had about “preserving” an autograph on a shirt when the shirt was washed. The first thing that came to my mind is to embroider the signature. You can do a simple “running” stitch in your choice of embroidery thread, and you’d have it for the life of the shirt. - C.A. Lussen, 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
HomeStyle, Pages 38 on 03/08/2014