Dear Heloise: As a follow-up to the hint about using newspaper bags for doggie cleanup bags, I, too, use them for this purpose. However, I also donate all of my used newspapers and the majority of the bags to my local animal shelter. But do call the shelter first and ask if they take them. — ...

Dear Annie: My neighbor "Rod" installed a motion-activated floodlight that shines directly into our bedroom window every time our dog (or another animal) moves in the yard -- which is often. It goes off all night long. I mentioned it once, and he said, "It's for security," and suggested we ...

Dear Heloise: Portion sizes used to get out of hand in my kitchen until I put a muffin tin to use in a new way. Instead of guessing or overfilling bowls, I now divide snacks into each cup, which creates instant portion control without any measuring tools. Nuts, cut fruit, crackers and ...

Dear Annie: Hopefully you can help me. I've read your column for years. My two kids are adults and have kids of their own, and they have always gotten along. However, last Thanksgiving, my son and his family decided not to stay when they found out my granddaughter was there. My granddaughter ...

Dear Annie: I have a neighbor whom I used to enjoy very much. We would chat at the mailbox, exchange holiday cookies and occasionally sit on each other's porch for a friendly visit. She was the kind of neighbor everyone hopes to have close by. Lately, though, things have changed. She now drops ...

Dear Heloise: I wanted to drop you a line to let you know that I received a copy of your book “In The Kitchen with Heloise” at my bridal shower, and I’ve tried some of your ideas for cooking. You mentioned using beer as a substitute for wine in stews to get a delicious, rich sauce. I ...