Heloise

Dear Heloise: Saved greeting cards are cluttering up my closets — Christmas cards, birthday cards, and Mother’s Day cards! I have shoeboxes full of them, but some of them I can part with. So, I cut out the images on Christmas cards and write “to” and “from” on the backs to make gift tags. This saves me from buying more gift tags and keeps some paper out of the recycle bin.

I use birthday and other greeting cards the same way, and it is fun when the tag that gets cut from a card ends up on a gift to the person who sent me the card!

I also tape the top edge of the gift tag onto the package or gift bag so that it can be lifted up to show who gets the gift. You can also use a paper punch to make a hole for a ribbon to slip through. — Charlotte Kelly, in Christiansburg, Virginia

Dear Heloise: I read the letters in a recent column regarding bitter coffee. Many years ago, I was told by an Italian gentleman to use about a 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to counteract the bitter taste. This small amount does not affect the taste of the coffee. Just sprinkle it over the ground coffee before brewing!

Cinnamon provides several health benefits. If you are a cinnamon lover, you can add more to flavor your coffee this way. I have been doing this for over 40 years and rarely have bitter coffee. — Lynda D., via email

Dear Heloise: I received a book reading light that clips onto books. I love it. I recently found myself stuck in a wheelchair for seven weeks. I used this book light to help me navigate around my house at night.

I clipped it to the dresser drawer and to the wheelchair itself to find my way to the bathroom. Even my physical therapist thought it was a clever idea. — Pat B., via email

Dear Heloise: Just for your giggles, when I read the request for housewarming gift ideas, a scene from the movie “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” came to mind. It was when Clark got a year’s subscription to the jelly-of-the-month club. Smiles! — Tim Davis, in Kettering, Ohio

Dear Heloise: Your reader asked for suggestions for a housewarming present if someone does not drink. How about a fire extinguisher? Every household should have at least one. — Saunda Getraer, via email

Dear Heloise: I went to a restaurant with friends and parked my vehicle on the street. I had a large soft-sided tote with me that I didn’t want to carry inside, but my bag was too large to hide under the front seats of my SUV. So, I pulled up the floor of the cargo area in the trunk, which exposed the spare tire.

I then placed my bag on top of the tire and replaced the floor panel. While the fit was not perfect, it was impossible to tell this from outside the car. I had complete peace of mind! You can also put a thin towel over the tire for cleanliness.

I love your hints. I read them in the Houston Chronicle. — D.J.F., in Houston

Dear Heloise: For years, I’ve had a bright yellow washcloth that I douse with fabric softener and air-dry about every three months. I throw it in the dryer with clothes that need it. Clothes come out soft, and it is very economical. — Jan Sears, via email

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Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.