Heloise, syndicated columnist

Dear Heloise: I read with interest a letter in the San Antonio Express-News about cashboxes at weddings and possible problems with theft. Italian weddings on the east coast solved the problem over 100 years ago.

I’m first-generation Italian. When my wife and I got married in 1964 in New Jersey (my wife was not Italian), we had the traditional “busta” line, where wedding guests line up after dinner to give us an envelope with cash. The bride then puts the envelope in a large satin bag.

After we returned from our honeymoon, we opened all the envelopes and recorded the names of the guests as well as the amount of money given in a book. The satin busta bag stays at the head table with the bride, groom and wedding party until we leave.

We had about 200 guests at the reception. This book (we had four in total) must be saved; when our family is invited to future weddings of the families that gave us money, we must give more than what we received. No one would dare to steal the busta bag.

By the way, we received almost $4,000. This was a lot of money in 1964. However, we spent over $3,000 on our three-week honeymoon to Jamaica. I still have one of the four books we had with the info. — Vinnie F., Former Vice President of Distribution of the San Antonio Express-News for 23 Years

GOING BANANAS

Dear Heloise: To always have an available supply of bananas to put on my cereal, I freeze them. I peel several bananas, then cut them into slices that are about a 3/8-inch thick. I store them in a zip-close freezer bag and put the bag inside the freezer.

To use them, I just remove as many slices as I need, place them on a plate, and thaw them by microwaving them at 50% power for about 15-30 seconds. — Chip S., via email

RUBBER SNAKE TRICK

Dear Heloise: My neighbor taught me this: When you put a wreath on your front door, thread a rubber snake through the top of the wreath. Birds looking for a nesting spot will avoid the wreath. I have also placed them around outdoor light fixtures that are also a favorite nesting spot for the birds. We no longer have birds flying into our house when we surprise them by opening the door! — Judene T., Centerville, Ohio

TIME-SAVING HINT

Dear Heloise: When mowing or working in the garden, I wear shoes that have to be removed before I enter my home. Recently I needed to make a quick trip inside, but rather than remove my shoes, I grabbed two plastic grocery bags from the garage and covered my shoes with the bags. This allowed me to keep the floors clean and avoid my having to remove them and get into them again. It really saves time with boots. — Sharon, Franklin Township, Ohio

Sharon, I know what a hassle it can be to have to change shoes when you have to dash into the house. For this reason, I use slip-on shoes. They are so much easier to get off and on when I’m in a hurry. — Heloise

FIXING STALE BREAD

Dear Heloise: Everybody loves a crusty baguette with a nice slice of Brie or Camembert, but the next day, the bread is often stale. Most people dump it or maybe turn it into breadcrumbs. Next time, try this: With your hand, rub some tap water on the baguette, then put it in an oven that is set to 350 F for about 5 minutes. It will come out like one that you just bought in a boulangerie in Paris. — Jan M., Vancouver, Canada

EDITOR’S NOTE: SEND A GREAT HINT TO: Heloise@Heloise.com