By Ask Heloise
Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Dear Heloise:

With the increase in airline screening for overweight bags at check-in, here are two simple hints that can save you time and embarrassment:

First, have the clerk weigh your heaviest bag. Then if it is overweight, you can take out some items and put them in your other bags that might be lighter. Too often I have seen people weigh their biggest bag last and then wish that they could retrieve their lighter bags that already went down the conveyor belt into the depths of the airport.

Second, carry an empty fold-up bag in your luggage. Not only is it helpful at the end of your trip if you have bought more souvenirs than your initial luggage can hold, but at the departure counter you can take items from your heavy bag and check them in a lighter-weight second bag and avoid hefty extra-weight fees.

Dr. Mark, via e-mail

How right you are! Many airlines limit the weight per bag -- some 50 pounds per checked and 40 or so per carry-on. So, don't try to carry on those dumbbells! Check the airline Web site or call to see what the guidelines are.

Dear Heloise:

When I clean our drip coffee maker, I use vinegar. The vinegar is hot, and then I dump it down the drains after I pour in some baking soda. Then when you rinse out the vinegar in the pot, use fresh hot water and put that down the drain. I also do that procedure for the shower drains and cellar-floor drains. Keeps them all fresh!

Mrs. Lee, via e-mail

Vinegar has so many helpful uses around the home, inside and out! When using it to clean the coffee maker, let it run through one cycle and then pour the hot vinegar back into the reservoir. Turn the coffee maker off and let sit for 30 minutes or so. This allows the vinegar to really break up the lime deposits. Then turn on the coffee maker and let it run through. Follow with several carafes of fresh water.

Dear Heloise:

This is a way to add festive decor to any party, shower or other event. Instead of using helium-filled balloons, use regular ones and curling ribbon to tie to the stem. Then use double-sided tape, or loop a piece of tape over itself so that it is sticky on both sides, and attach to the top of the balloon and stick it to the ceiling. It gives the look of helium balloons without the expense.

Judy Bolton, San Antonio

Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Tex. 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE or e-mail it toHeloise@Heloise.com. Please include your city and state when faxing or using e-mail. I can't answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.

2007King Features Syndicate