Dear Heloise: When we would take famiy trips, I would be so concerned that everyone else had what he or she needed that I would always leave something out of my bag that I desperately needed.
I learned to keep a bag mostly ready to go. I would have my overnight bag that I always used with a small container of everything I needed (deodorant, lotion, facial soap, makeup remover, etc.). I would also have an extra pair of undies, nightgown, swimsuit, flip-flops, socks and little things that could easily be forgotten. I keep a list attached to the bag of the things that I can't keep packed, like my makeup, phone and charger, and contact-lens solution.
Recently, I was very ill. When I went to the doctor, he sent me immediately to the hospital — no trip home to pack a bag. It made it easy for my sweet husband to go home and get the things I needed, with a bag that was mostly packed.
—J. Herring, Vidor, Texas
Many business travelers keep their suitcases/travel bag stocked and ready to go. Your hint is a good one for people who might have to make an emergency trip.
—Heloise
Dear Heloise: After I have finished with a product, I keep a few of the round plastic covers that cover such things as small canisters of tea, vegetable shortening, etc. I place them upside down under my various oil bottles, such as olive, almond, etc., to catch drips and keep shelves and countertops clean.
—Linda Calderon, Oxnard, Calif.
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