Helpful Hints

DEAR HELOISE: Concerning the column regarding gift cards (Heloise here: The hint was to have the cashier show that the amount asked for was put on the gift card before leaving the store): I've had several unpleasant experiences with giving gift cards. Now I always purchase the gift card on its own cash-register receipt and give the receipt with the card. It has solved many problems, and everyone is happy.

-- Harriet G., via email

DEAR READER: I know many people who do this as well when giving gift cards. It shows the amount and takes away any question as to when and how much was gifted.

DEAR READERS: Here are some hints for when you visit a theme park: Stay cool and hydrated. Your body will need a lot of water for a full day in the sun.

• Wear waterproof sunscreen, and reapply throughout the day. Nothing's worse than sunburn pain.

• Wear comfortable shoes with clean, dry socks. The heat from the asphalt can cause misery to feet if you wear sandals.

• Be aware of what's around you, especially strollers, wheelchairs and walkers.

• Know what you can and can't do. Take breaks often, and find shade.

• Don't wait until noon to eat lunch -- everyone else will be doing the same, too.

DEAR HELOISE: I have a leather bag that has been in storage a number of years. When opened, it smells very musty. What can I do to get rid of this smell?

-- John in Hillsboro, Texas

DEAR READER: Let the bag air out naturally. Keep it open to let the smell dissipate. Then try any one of these odor-eliminator hints.

• Place an open container (such as a margarine or yogurt tub) of baking soda or coffee grounds in the bag. Make sure it doesn't spill out into the bag.

• Stuff crumpled-up newspaper inside the bag before closing it up.

• Charcoal is another odor eliminator. Put some charcoal briquettes (regular, not self-starting) in an open plastic bag and place that inside the leather bag.

P.S.: You can wipe the inside with a paper towel that's lightly dampened with apple-cider or white vinegar. Vinegar does a great job of eliminating odors.

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 07/22/2016

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