ARIES (March 21-April 19) Reach out for a dear friend or someone who often puts a smile on your face. Sometimes you find this person's perspective worthwhile; other times it is amusing. Tonight: Express your playfulness.

Dear Heloise: Please warn your readers about romance scams, which are growing rapidly, especially among people over 40 years of age. The scammers often use dating websites but will also use email or social media sites. They post fake profiles, use fictional names and declare their feelings f…

ARIES (March 21-April 19) Emotional currents revolving around a domestic matter could impact other facets of your life. You also might be involved with a specific cause and want to evaluate the costs and ramifications of your involvement. Tonight: Squeeze in some extra ZZZ's.

Dear Heloise: In a response to a reader in a recent column, while it is wise to cover and refrigerate, it is not wise for all foods. Homemade refried beans do not refrigerate well while covered. I kept covering my refried beans and they kept growing mold. As a Hispanic man, beans are a stapl…

ARIES (March 21-April 19) You might not be prepared for rapid change. Give thought to a financial matter, whether it is lending a child money or holding off on a major purchase. You will have plenty of time to consider your options. Tonight: Gossip and dinner with a pal.

Dear Heloise: I have a fingernail problem. All my nails peel, and two are cracked.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) A more possessive streak emerges and makes you wonder what is going on. Work-related interactions carry a secretive tone. Refuse to honor a request that could be costly or difficult in some manner. Tonight: Indulge a little.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) You might be quite assertive, but your mind keeps taking you to distant lands and topics not in sync with the events around you. You might need to address an issue in order to clear your mind. Tonight: As you wish.

Dear Readers: Did you know that Brussels sprouts are closely related to kale, and are nutrient-dense with high doses of vitamins C and K as well as folate, manganese and potassium? They also contain antioxidants that fight cell damage and certain types of cancer, and are high in fiber. So th…

ARIES (March 21-April 19): You suddenly reverse gears and feel as if you need to relax and take a step back. Honor your needs. You have had so much activity around you that slowing down will be a pleasure for you. Tonight: Vanish while you can.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): A new beginning becomes more and more of a possibility. This desire is the result of being so direct and caring with others. Meanwhile, do not lose sight of your daily routine and matters that need care. Tonight: Starting the weekend well.

Dear Readers: If the winter blahs are getting you down, here are a few hints to lift your spirits.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): You tend to approach situations in a traditional manner. You could decide to be more avant-garde in your ideas, and that too will work. You seem destined for success if you do not deceive yourself about certain facts. Tonight: Where your friends are.

Dear Heloise: When preparing tacos, if you do not have lettuce on hand, do not fret.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) Feelings might be more intense than you realize. You think in terms of change or creating more stability than you've had in the recent past. You have ideas, but events in the next few weeks could define areas that need attention. Tonight: Say little and observe a lot.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Intensity marks your interactions, especially those between lovers and the opposite sex. Your image could be changed as a result. Be clear about what you want. Let others know your expectations. Tonight: Events appear to tumble in your favor.

Dear Heloise: Tell the lady whose husband doesn't like using coupons (he feels it makes them look poor or cheap) to use self-checkout. No one will know they use coupons. However, I agree that using coupons is nothing but smart. Some manufacturers may put out coupons instead of lowering price…

Dear Heloise: Could you explain how pie plates are measured? I have some 9-inch pie plates, but they are definitely different sizes. Some have deeply angled sides, and some are not so steep. There's a difference in depth, too. -- Mary Ann A., Omaha, Neb.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Defer to others even though you feel as if you have matters under control. You will learn what motivates others, especially in reference to you. As a result, you can clear away some superstitions or false beliefs. Tonight: Decide who and where.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Without intending to, you could create an explosive situation. Be ready to smile instead of growling even if you hit a roadblock. It is nearly impossible to take back nasty words. The less said, the better. Tonight: Get a head start on tomorrow. This Week: Others w…

Dear Readers: Have you received a "one-ring" call? Whatever you do, do not try to redial that telephone number. Why? According to the Federal Communications Commission, you could find yourself with a huge telephone bill amounting to hundreds of dollars.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Attention to work seems to slide away as you focus on individuals in your life and how to spend the weekend. Make an important long-distance call in the afternoon. Tonight: Let go of the workweek.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Dynamic ideas seem to pop up out of nowhere, but they could impact your work and how you approach a boss or higher-up. You might be stunned by others' reactions. People finally seem to break out of the mold. Tonight: Count your change.

Dear Heloise: To prevent a filled pie from bubbling over onto the oven, just roll out the bottom crust a little larger than the pie plate.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Do not become distracted by a group of friends or loved ones. You might want to deal with a financial matter that keeps coming up. You might not have anticipated this issue. Pull back and do some deep thinking. Tonight: Make no decisions yet.

Dear Heloise: It's always nice to use social media to stay in touch with friends and family, but beware of shopping online at social media sites.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): You might feel as if your energy is deteriorating as the day goes on. Your concerns also seem to be minimized by others. If you need and want to discuss a key matter, a serious approach and demeanor will make a difference. Tonight: Doing your thing.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): You feel far more energized than you have in the recent past. You wonder about a hunch or a random thought that keeps occurring. Trust your intuition. You could prevent a costly error by being thorough in your investigation. Tonight: Doing your thing.

Dear Heloise: Now that the holidays are over, many of us are longing for spring and planting our gardens. No matter how small the yard, it's always fun to grow some of your own vegetables.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) Today's New Moon is provocative and allows you to head in a new direction. If you have a particular goal, deciding to work on it today will increase the possibility of making it a reality. Tonight: Catch up on news and gossip with a friend.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) Today's New Moon is provocative and allows you to head in a new direction. If you have a particular goal, deciding to work on it today will increase the possibility of making it a reality. Tonight: Catch up on news and gossip with a friend.

Dear Heloise: Nothing ruins a vacation like getting sick away from home.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) Your public commitments might be your focus at present. Most discussions and agreements made today start in a very hopeful vein but will hit a glitch. Nevertheless, you will emerge on top of your game. Tonight: You could go into the wee hours.

Dear Heloise: This is a safety tip for the kitchen. Some kitchens have a set of electric switches that are usually on the side of the sink on the wall. One switch turns on the light above the sink, and the other switch turns on the garbage disposal.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) You might be in the mood to break recent patterns that do not work for you. Invite a friend or head out by yourself for a drive so that you can focus on your thoughts and feelings. Tonight: Share how you feel with a friend.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) You could become combative with a loved one or a business associate over money. Whether you disagree about a bill or an investment makes no difference. Both of you are sure you are right. Tonight: Where there is little space for conversations.

Dear Heloise: As a flight attendant, I've learned how to "fly healthy," and here are a few hints to keep you safe while traveling:

ARIES (March 21-April 19) You become energized midday. As a result, you feel as if you can't be stopped. Others keep appearing at your door or on your cell. If you want to accomplish certain tasks, you might need to screen calls and visits. Tonight: Listen carefully to a loved one's suggestion.

Dear Heloise: I read with interest the letter from a woman who commented on a previous writer's letter about two elders reduced to looking for free meals to eat after a funeral service.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) Encourage a loved one or family member to get more into his or her feelings. Deciding on a joint venture or a family happening might be your strong suit. In this scenario, you can create a sense of well-being and happiness. Tonight: Catch up with an older friend.

Dear Heloise: Of all the places in San Antonio to get an oil change, I happened to pull into the one that had found a tiny, black newborn kitten that morning.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) The Full Moon might force you to look at your lifestyle. Some of you might look at life as presenting too many options, while others could blame their frenetic pace on simply having too much on their plate. You have free will here. Tonight: Remember, TGIF.

Dear Heloise: There are so many simple kitchen ideas that people don't know about, such as the following:

ARIES (March 21-April 19) You sense the building of a push-and-pull effect involving the home and your professional image. Some people demand certain behavior from you while others have very different expectations. Tonight: A get-together with friends.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) Curb a need to be possessive or in control. You can control only yourself and no one else. Once you recognize this truth, you will be on cruise control, tossing manipulation in the garbage. Tonight: Make it your treat.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) Your innately flamboyant style comes through once more. Many of your associates and friends smile as they see you buck conventional thinking. You have the knowledge and training to understand what you are dealing with. Tonight: To the wee hours.

Dear Heloise: On long flights, many passengers get tired, bored and very uncomfortable. Here are some suggestions on what to take with you on those long flights:

ARIES (March 21-April 19) Even if you felt out of sync yesterday, you seem to be able to pull out of the discomfort. Nevertheless, you might opt for a more private 24 hours than you initially anticipated. Make the change OK. Tonight: Surround yourself with inspiring people and music.

Dear Readers: The holidays are about over, so what's next? Here come the credit card bills.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) You might want to center yourself. You see many possibilities. No matter what you choose to do, you might be slightly disappointed. An older relative might want you to join him or her. Tonight: A must appearance.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) You might need to do some serious consideration involving your work or your commitment to the outside world. Your thoughts do not necessarily need to be acted on, but they should be considered. Tonight: A force out on the town.

Dear Readers: There is nothing worse than losing your hearing aid while traveling.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) You might try to stay grounded, but even older Rams cannot help but daydream a little about Christmas past. Little Rams are full of fantasies. A surprise could be heading your way. Tonight: Get ready!

Dear Readers: Hopefully, you'll love all the gifts you receive this time of year, but odds are that you'll get one you will need to return.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): One-on-one relating can take you down an unexpected path. Do not fight the inevitable. Instead, toss yourself into the situation -- even if it is just a snowball fight. Check in with an older relative. Tonight: Happiest with one person rather than a group. This Wee…

ARIES (March 21-April 19): You might note a change in pace, and in others' energy. You sense the upcoming Winter Solstice. You have time to appreciate the holiday and get some last-minute errands done. Tonight: Join friends for some cheer.

Dear Heloise: At this time of year, my husband and I love a good, hearty soup and rolls. Do you have a vegetable soup recipe? -- Vera in Ohio

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Apply your high energy where it counts. You finally can move a stalled project forward. Avoid a power play by not playing. Tension builds as the day ages, and you have a lot on your plate. Do not let the pressure get to you. Tonight: Pace yourself.