DEAR SUN SPOTS: What is the social etiquette for tipping after a massage or going to the hairdresser? Being a senior on a fixed income, I can just barely afford the needed massage, which is quite pricey, for a back problem.

Does it make a difference if the person providing the service owns the business or is working for someone else? This suggested 10 to 15 percent is more than one can afford. Thank you. — No Name via email

ANSWER: Most people that Sun Spots knows tips their hairdressers, as does Sun Spots. How much depends a little on how happy she is with the results, but generally she tips from 15 to 20 percent. She suspects that smaller percentages are common.

She has only had one massage, and it never occurred to her to tip. 

Sun Spots did not find any “rules” about tipping massage therapists. Some posts did note, as you queried, that the employment status of the person makes a difference.

If the message therapist works for someone else, they usually do not receive the full fee that is charged. If it is an independent contractor performing the service, they would keep the whole fee and might not need to be tipped.

The same thing may apply to a hairdresser who owns her own shop. 

Perhaps readers who serve in those professions will be kind enough to offer their thoughts and will email sunspots@sunjournal.com.

ANSWER: Does anyone know where to get Kraft cheesecake filling? I used to get it at Walmart. I have a tiramisu recipe that uses the filling. Thank you. — No Name, Lewiston

ANSWER: Sun Spots did not find it on the Shaw’s or Hannaford websites. The product is still made, though, as it is available on Amazon.com. You may also be able to order it locally. Sun Spots does not know about Walmart, but Hannaford will order a product for you if it’s available, although you may have to order a quantity. You could freeze the extras.

DEAR SUN SPOTS, Just want to thank you for your help on the WCSH Channel 6 reception issue. The problem went away two days after you posted the article! The power of the press is wonderful! Thanks again. Good job! — John Gamache, jbgam2@gmail.com

ANSWER: Sun Spots does not think she can take credit, but she’s glad it worked out.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thank you for posting my search for a fragrant balsam fir candle (Nov. 20; replies Nov. 30, Dec. 2-3). If I were wealthy, I’d purchase each of the candles from Maine retailers and do a comparison study! Meanwhile, the kindness of so many who shared their suggestions is greatly appreciated. Joyous holidays to all. We’ll think of that kindness each time we light a candle. — No Name via email

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Thank you for printing my recent letter regarding holiday Christmas fragrance candles. The item I praised was Thymes Frasier Fir collection. Of interest, watching my morning TV shows, the same item was featured on a nationally televised program, “The Steve Harvey Show,” a morning talk show: www.steveharveytv.com/thymes-frasier-fir/. That certainly got the word out to millions of people. — Evelyn Johnson, johnson.evelyn4212@yahoo.com

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I am responding to the Dec. 9 question from Ron looking for someone to repair a tear in a fur coat. I buy fur coats to re-purpose into fur boot cuffs. I use an industrial sewing machine and have repaired some of my own furs. I may be able to help Ron. — Laurie Morin, Lewiston, lmorin@roadrunner.com, 207-330-1565

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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