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, making it great for everyday use. Smaller bags remind me to carry only what I need, which isn’t much. — Kay W., via email

EASY COOKING CLEANUP

Dear Heloise: I’m not sure if you’ve had this hint submitted to your column previously, but I have found that slow-cooker bags tear and still create a mess to clean up. Instead, I spray the cooker with nonstick cooking spray and gently spread it around the bottom and sides of the crock with a napkin or paper towel. I then put the ingredients in normally. Washing the crock afterward is a breeze! — Michelle, in Omaha, Nebraska

WINDOW CLEANER QUESTION

Dear Heloise: We have a double-pane window in the kitchen door with spots that won’t come off. I guess that in the past, it was cleaned while the sun was shining on it. I’ve tried vinegar, other cleaners, and wiping it with newspaper, but the spots remain. How do I get them off? I would appreciate your help. Thanks! — Jacqueline P., via email

Jacqueline, have you tried using a plastic scrubber? Spray full-strength white vinegar onto the glass as usual and let it sit for a bit. Then use the scrubber to remove the dirt and grime.

Do any of my readers have any other recommendations for stubborn spots on windows? Let us know at Heloise@Heloise.com. — Heloise

CLEANING A FOGGY VASE

Dear Heloise: As always, I love your column and learn a lot! In a recent column, Bruce Denhard had a suggestion for cleaning foggy flower vases. I just use warm water with baking soda and a little sugar; I scrub the vase with a sponge or bottle brush, and it comes out clean! And I don’t even have to let it sit and soak. Thanks for a fun column. — Michele C., in Cypress, California

LETTERS FROM OLD FRIENDS

Dear Heloise: Gloria, from Oklahoma, wrote to complain about annual letters that she receives, which annoy her. But I look forward to reading these letters every year. I’m happy to hear that good things are happening to my old friends. I know bad things happen, too, but if the writer wants to concentrate on what they are grateful for, I’m fine with this. If they are too braggy, I skim the info, and I don’t take it personal.

I’m old now, and when I don’t get a Christmas letter, it probably doesn’t mean something good. Thank you (and your mom) for all the years full of columns. — Mimi, in Laguna Beach, California

GARDENING REMINDER

Dear Readers: If you enjoy being out in your yard, be sure to spread mulch around your plants, especially around new plantings. This helps keep the soil moist and encourages the roots to grow. It also protects the earth from the heat on hot afternoons. — Heloise

Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.