Dear Heloise: My daughter recently announced her engagement, and we sent out invitations. On the ones that went to out-of-town guests, we included an emergency cell-phone number. You wouldn't believe how many people commented on this. Everyone thought it was a good idea, and so I thought I would share it with you to share with others. — Barbara in Ohio

Barbara, thank you for taking a few minutes out of your day to send in this helpful hint. Having an emergency number handy is especially important for people who are not familiar with the area. Nothing is worse than not being able to find the church, synagogue, hotel, etc. — Heloise

Dear Heloise: I am always rushed when I get dressed for work in the morning, and it was time-consuming to try to find the right-color pantyhose or mates to knee-highs or thigh-highs.

The first thing I did was match all of the knee-highs and thigh-highs. Then I tied each pair into a simple knot.

Next, everything was sorted into groups of color and styles. I then bought a fairly inexpensive, hanging closet shoe organizer made of cloth (to cut down on the risk of snags) and placed it at the end of the clothes rack, next to the wall.

I wrote labels on paper and stapled them to the wall next to the corresponding opening. When I am getting dressed, all I have to do is reach into the appropriate opening and pull out the right hosiery the first time.

When I take them off, I tie them into a simple knot before putting them in the clothes hamper. They go through the wash just fine (in a lingerie bag) like this. Then, when they are dry, I just sort and put them back in the appropriate slot — easy and fast, and saves so much time in your busy morning. — Kay Hale, Dalhart, Texas

Dear Heloise: I have found an excellent way to remove urine and/or perspiration odors in laundry. I use the old standbys of vinegar and baking soda. I just pour a splash of vinegar and shake a handful of baking soda in each wash load for fresh- and clean-smelling laundry. This is the best method I have ever used for urine odor in bedding. — Liz, via e-mail

Vinegar is fabulous at neutralizing many odors. I have a pamphlet on this great home helper that includes a multitude of ways to use vinegar around your home. To receive a copy, please send $4 and a long, self-addressed, stamped (60 cents) envelope to: Heloise/V&B, P.O. Box 795001, San Antonio, TX 78279-5001. — Heloise

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