How to make a yard-sale sign

Dear Heloise:

I always feel sorry for the people who put up garage- or estate-sale signs that are unreadable from passing cars. Here are some hints:

Never use a yellow marker on white poster board. It may look cheery, but it looks like a pale mist as you drive by.

Use a light-colored board and black, dark blue, red or green for the lettering.

Make the letters at least ½ inch wide and at least 2 inches high.

Keep information at a minimum. For instance, first line "GARAGE SALE," second line "(ADDRESS)," third line "(TIME)."

Draw an arrow pointing in the right direction, if space allows.

Finally, drive by your sign at 30 mph to see if you can read it.

Sandy S., via email

This is what I call a "test drive-by" so you can see what a potential customer can or cannot see! And take down the signs when the sale is over!

Heloise

Dear Heloise:

As we get into colder months or, as my family calls it, "hot-tub season," here are my hot-tub hints: First, cover the hot tub (Heloise here: If it's outside or if you do not drain it after each use) when not in use. Second, teach kids while young to flip on their back and call for help if they're ever trapped in water - this includes hot tubs!

Hope this helps people have a safer hot-tub season!

Chris G. in Texas

Thanks for the reminders. Children never should be in a hot tub/spa/pool alone or without constant adult supervision! It takes only a few seconds for a tragedy to happen.

Heloise

Dear Heloise:

I purchase economically priced larger-size bottles of shower wash and shampoo. Occasionally, they get slippery and can cause sore toes if dropped. I take three or four of the wide rubber bands and slip them horizontally around the bottle. This provides a better grip.

Carolyn S. in Pennsylvania