Helpful Hints

DEAR HELOISE: I am retired and a senior citizen. To keep my mind active, I created a blog featuring my family. It was so much fun getting together all of the funny stories, etc. Then I created a second one, and now I am on my third. It's a great hobby and a wonderful way to keep the family connected.

-- JoAnn W., via email

DEAR READER: If you are interested in creating a blog, just go to your search engine and type in "How to start a blog." There you'll find free step-by-step instructions as well as information on reasons for creating blogs and how to use them.

DEAR HELOISE: A while back, a reader suggested leaving the airplane lights on for extra warmth on a long night flight. Just know that this can be distracting for those in the seats in front or in the back, as well as those in the same row who may be trying to sleep.

When they cut the lights for that long night flight, it signals quiet, rest and sleep. These lights are so bright that they can keep other people awake. I have asked attendants to turn off the light of someone behind me who fell asleep with the light on.

If you're not warm enough, why not ask for a second blanket?

-- A Faithful Reader,

Jean H., via email

DEAR HELOISE: As the Christmas holiday approaches, our family has what we think is a creative way of "gifting" family members.

Besides giving gifts, we write out a "coupon" of something we're willing to do within the next year. We include activities like going to the movies, a dinner or two at their favorite restaurants, visiting a local winery or brewery, etc.

The coupons are placed in a basket, and randomly drawn. Whoever offers the activity on the coupon sets up dates and times with the person who drew it.

It has been a joy, and far more memorable and easy to do than buying specific gifts for specific people.

-- Tracy M., via email

DEAR HELOISE: I read your column from people using parchment paper, and here's my hint: Using my buttery pastry brush, I dab, with butter, the four corners and two spots in the center of the baking sheet. Then I put the parchment paper on the sheet, and it does not shift.

-- N.P., Brookfield, Ohio

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

MovieStyle on 12/09/2016

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