IT’S TIME TO PREPARE CHRISTMAS CARDS

Dear Heloise: It’s time to think about Christmas cards. I don’t send many cards, but I do buy cards from UNICEF and museum gift shops. The money goes to these organizations to be used as they see fit. They all also have unique gifts such as scarves and jewelry. Check them out online. Items come in beautiful gift boxes with the organization’s logos. — Carolyn McDonough in Canaan, Connecticut

DO NOT REUSE MASCARA

Dear Heloise: Using old mascara is not a safe idea. Your mascara brush can transfer bacteria from your lashes back into the tube, and these bacteria can grow in the warm, moist environment. Your mascara should be thrown away and replaced with a new tube at regular intervals.

As an added precaution, always wash your eyes, including your lashes, before applying your fresh mascara. In this way, it continues to have hygienic eyelashes without any bacteria that can be caught during the day. This is perhaps a good practice that can prevent infections or eye irritation. –Joan Ferris, via e-mail

PAINT TOUCHUPS

Dear Heloise: I put a paint sample from the large bucket for our various rooms in a mason jar and label it with the room it goes to. Easy to grip for minor touch-ups. — Zeke Carlson, via email

GÜNEŞ TEA SECURITY CHANGES

Dear Heloise: According to the Centers for Disease Control, using the sun to brew tea may make it easier for bacteria to multiply. The sun can heat the tea to about 130 degrees Fahrenheit; This is not hot enough to kill bacteria in the water or tea. The proper heating temperature to kill this type of bacteria is 195 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 3-5 minutes. –Judith Seifert, via e-mail

SAVINGS ON PACKAGING PAPER

Dear Heloise: Instead of buying a bunch of wrapping paper and ribbon for the upcoming Christmas/Hanukkah, buy a large roll of brown construction paper. Last year I had my four kids draw pictures of things that reminded them of Christmas (my side of the family) and Hanukkah (my husband’s side). I told them we would use their artwork as wrapping paper.

Not only did I save some money, but I also gave them the opportunity to express what the holiday is all about. This wasn’t just about gift giving. My twins are only 8 years old but they asked if we could do this every year. — NE in Utah

DOG PLAY

Dear Heloise: On our last trip to the vet with our Golden Retriever Molly, she was having trouble getting her front paws into the car, probably due to her age. Its weight made it difficult for us older folks to carry it to the car, but a neighbor noticed our problem and came over with a large bath towel. He showed that if we put the towel under Molly’s back legs and used it as a sling, we could easily lift her into the car. I’m still amazed that I’ve never heard of this before in my 78 years of life.

My wife and I read your column every day. — GA in Arkansas

PET PAL

Dear Heloise: Sammy is the love of my life. He is my 8 year old Cockapoo. Here she is preparing for the photo and always looking for the viral social media moment. — Donna Joslin, via email

Readers, to see Sammy and our other Pet Friends, go to: heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.”

Do you have a furry friend to share with our readers? Send a photo and a brief description to [email protected]. –Heloise

SEND A GREAT TIP: [email protected]

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