Jan 21, 2013 3 min read

Dear Readers: Here is this week’s SOUND OFF, about party hosts offering only alcoholic beverages:

“I would like to sound off about party hosts who do not provide nonalcoholic beverage options for their guests. There are many reasons why a person may not want to drink (e.g., choice, medication, pregnancy, driving). It would be wonderful to not be greeted with a “deer in the headlights” look when you ask if there’s anything besides beer or wine and then being handed a cup and shown to the tap-water faucet. — Thirsty in Omaha, Neb.”

Your point is well-taken. A host also should have, at a minimum, some soft drinks (regular and diet), tea, etc., to offer. — Heloise

SEND A GREAT HINT TO:

Heloise

P.O. Box 795000

San Antonio, TX 78279-5000

Fax: 1-210-HELOISE

Email: Heloise@Heloise.com

FAST FACTS

Dear Readers: Other uses for chip clips:

n Hold napkins at a picnic.

n Hook together drapes.

n Hold sheet music to a music stand.

n Secure an ironing-board cover.

n Use as a bookmark.

— Heloise

INJURED-HUSBAND HELP

Dear Readers: A reader recently wrote about her husband, who had suffered a brain injury. She was having trouble keeping important papers and cleaning products someplace safe. Several of you shared your suggestions:

n Kathy in Southern California said: “She should install a lock on one of her cupboard doors and keep the key to herself. It’s inexpensive and easy to do.”

n A reader in Nebraska said, “She could find a cheap, lockable dresser, desk or any piece of furniture large enough to store her items at a thrift store.”

n Sherry from Alabama said: “Lots of people work out of their car. Get an inexpensive cooler and put it in the trunk of your car, and keep personal papers in that. For cleaning products, clean out containers, put them back in the cabinet and put the actual products out of sight. Tell him, ‘We’re out,’ and you’re going to get more the next time you go to the store.”

Hope all this advice helps. Keep the hints coming! I’d love to print more. — Heloise

GRANNY BAG

Dear Heloise: I made up a great bag that rescued me and my two grandchildren many times. I took a big cloth bag and put these in it: a roll of toilet paper, tissues, hand cleaner and a cloth towel, toilet-seat covers, small snacks, activity toys, extra underwear, swimsuits in summer, disposable cameras and sweaters in cool weather. I carried this bag, and no one was able to see what I had, but we were always glad I had it! — Jenny in Huntsville, Texas