Mar 16, 2012 3 min read

Dear Heloise: Traveling today with so many rechargeable things — phones, cameras, e-book readers, computers, etc. — I always bring a POWER STRIP along. We were in Israel, and one evening my roommate and I had two phones, a camera, an e-book reader and my computer plugged into one power strip. Also, take it in your carry-on.

Our phones needed to be charged, and there were only two plugs in the area of the airport we were in. We asked permission to let us plug in the power strip, and then several people could charge their phones, etc., at one time. — Judy F., Baton Rouge, La.

SEND A GREAT HINT TO:

Heloise

P.O. Box 795000

San Antonio, TX 78279-5000

Fax: 1-210-HELOISE

Email: Heloise@Heloise.com

SOAP-BAR STORAGE

Dear Heloise: I like to buy my and my husband’s favorite brand of bath soap when it’s on sale. I then put a still-wrapped bar in each appropriate dresser drawer so our clothes keep that shower-fresh scent. — Madge in Florida

SAFETY HINT

Dear Heloise: Here is a safety hint: When backing out of a parking spot, turn on your four-way flashers. (It’s usually a button on the dash with a red triangle.) That way, others will know that you intend to back out. This has saved me several times from parking-lot mishaps. — Michael B., Prescott Lakes, Ariz.

LIPSTICK

Dear Heloise: My favorite lipstick has been discontinued, and I have seven used tubes. Is there any way that the lipstick left at the bottom of the used tubes can be consolidated into usable lipsticks? Please advise. Your column provides many useful ideas to me. — Joyce in Houston

Joyce, yes, I can help you to be able to use that favorite shade. With a lip brush, you can get out many more applications.

Or, a small spatula and a plastic pillbox to the rescue! Carefully scoop the lipstick out of the bottom of the tube with a small, plastic spatula. Scrape the product into a plastic pillbox or contact-lens holder, then use a lip brush to apply. — Heloise

REUSING

PAPER TOWELS

Dear Heloise: I save damp but clean paper towels to use again. They are advertised as being reusable, so I really do reuse them. I let the towels dry and use for dirty jobs like wiping off the stove or blotting up yucky spills. Saves money in a green way. — Jo, via email

PET FEEDING

Dear Heloise: I want to tell you how we broke our dog Maggie from eating table scraps. We put a smear of canned dog food on our plate after we finish eating. We put the plate down in her eating area, and she thinks that is what WE had for dinner. When she saw that was ALL she was going to get, she started eating her dry kibble. Worked for us! — Arda in Oklahoma

This is one way to train the dog not to beg. — Heloise