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Small compact purse much easier to deal with

By HELOISE Syndicated columnist Dear Heloise: Every summer, bags seem to get bigger with more pockets and space, making it harder to find small things like keys. This year, I tried something different, and it worked great. My current bag is a compact, 7-by-10-inch, envelope-style purse that was made from repurposed sailcloth and was sewn in Nantucket, Massachusetts. It has a top zipper and a rope loop, so I can wear it on my wrist or use it as a clutch. It fits my keys, slim card case, sunglasses, and hand sanitizer — everything I really use. The sailcloth is easy to clean, ...

Dear Annie: Lost in mixed signals and broken expectations

Dear Annie: About six months ago, I grew close to a woman I had known casually for some time. She had recently come out of a painful breakup, and what began as friendship quickly turned into something much more emotionally intimate. We talked every day, shared deeply personal things and became ...

To Your Good Health: What is the correct amount of water humans should drink?

DEAR DR. ROACH: Please write about the correct amount of water that people should drink. There's so much misinformation! -- E.N., MD ANSWER: There is so much misinformation since a simple answer, like "more is always better," is easier than a nuanced answer. It depends on your age, activity ...

Hints from Heloise: Change out water pans frequently

Dear Heloise: I just read a hint in the Ventura County Star about avoiding ants in a cat's food bowl by setting the bowl on a pan of water. It reminded me of our cruise through the Panama Canal years ago. We learned that during the construction of the canal, the local hospitals placed the bed ...

Dear Annie: Private matters, public knowledge

Dear Annie: I love your advice and the fact you're able to cut to the chase. I find myself in need of your level head, too! I've been (mostly) happily married for 26 years. My husband is very gregarious and never met a stranger. In fact, he happily opens up his life to anyone and everyone. I ...

Car Talk: Don’t get bent out of shape from your crooked steering wheel

Dear Car Talk: When going straight, the steering wheel of my 2014 Acura RDX is turned about 15 degrees to the right. Is this within tolerance, or is there something that needs fixing, like an alignment? -- Dave Yeah, it's within tolerance if you're driving a demolition derby car, Dave. Or ...