Dear Heloise: An article about purse safety just appeared in this week’s St. Louis Post-Dispatch. A woman came out of the grocery store, placed her grocery bags in her car, put her purse in the front seat, and walked only a few steps to the rack to return the cart. As she was doing so, a very polite man stopped her to ask if she knew the name of a vet nearby as he had a sick dog.

After a very brief conversation, she returned to her car and drove home only to discover her purse was missing. Obviously the man had an accomplice who removed her purse from the unlocked car in seconds. Be warned! Do not leave your car unlocked even if it’s just to return your cart. — Francesca R., via email

UNIQUE GIFT

WRAPPING

Dear Heloise: Old or outdated maps are great for wrapping paper! Thrift stores often have them for a quarter or less. It is especially fun if you can wrap a gift with a map from an area that is special to recipient! — Judi B., in Green Valley, Arizona

Judi, this was an old Heloise hint and one my mother and I loved! It’s especially fun to use a map when wrapping a wedding gift if you can find one of where the couple plans to honeymoon. — Heloise

BY HOOK OR BY CROOK

Dear Heloise: I carry a large plastic hook with me in my purse. It comes in handy in a public restroom to hang my bag on. Many stalls don’t provide hooks. And when I’m finished, I pull the paper down off the roll for the next patron. This is a big courtesy. — Ellen M., in New Jersey

RING ON A COLLAR

Dear Heloise: My husband had a problem with a ring around his shirt collar. I took plain white chalk and rubbed it into the collar. Then I laundered the shirt as usual and asked my husband to wash his neck better! We love your column. — J.M.R., in Florida