Dear Heloise: I’m also writing in regards to the letter from Mary, in Texas, about ladies leaving their purses in cars.

I agree that women should carry only small amounts of cash and credit cards when shopping. It’s harder for a potential thief to get into your pockets than it is to grab a purse.

When locking your purse, laptop or other valuables in the car, put them in the trunk. — Tom Boardman, in Ohio

BOOKMARK SOUND OFF

Dear Heloise: Greetings! I enjoy reading your column in the Journal Gazette in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

As a school librarian, I have to disagree with some of your suggestions for bookmarks. The rubber band suggestion could damage the cover and rip the pages! A paper clip would crease the pages. A toothpick is too sharp to use and would slip out. All three items are thick enough to affect the bindings, which aren’t made to be as strong as they used to be.

I would not appreciate having to take any of those items out of a book. A piece of paper is the best choice — not a Post-it note, either. I’ve seen pages ripped and ink taken off by off-brand Post-it notes. Thank you! — Maureen Rehmer, via email

DON’T LET GRAPES GO BAD

Dear Readers: Do not allow them to rot or toss out. Instead, put the extra grapes into a zip-close bag and freeze. It will make a fun and healthy after-school snack for your children. — Heloise

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com.

Letters won’t be answered personally.