Hot tips of the week

•If you’re heading out to a holiday gathering and want to curb that appetite, snack on something with lots of protein. It’s longer lasting than quickie carbs. Try a handful of heart-healthy almonds or other nuts.

•”I start early with Christmas cards, since I have a lot to send. I take a basket, fill it with my address book, a few pens, stamps and cards, and whenever I am sitting around, I do a few. They get done with ease within a few weeks, and are always ready for mailing in early December.” — P.C. in Georgia

•It’s never too early to reserve your babysitter for the holidays. Here’s your reminder: Figure out when you’ll need help, and arrange it now, before the crush.

•”When planning shopping days for the holidays, don’t forget to schedule some time for Mom and Dad to take the kids separately.” — V.S. in Colorado

•Wrap the lint from your dryer in 6-inch strips of wax paper. Roll it up, twist both ends, and you have a perfect fire starter. — M.K. in Michigan

•Outdoor umbrellas (patio umbrellas) can be easily stored in a leg of panty hose. Make sure it’s clean and totally dry, and slide it into a leg from the bottom, then use the other leg over the top. Use tape to seal, and it even keeps bugs from nesting in the folds. — F.W. in Iowa