LITTLE ROCK — DEAR HELOISE: Years ago, I had a sticky mess on my pantry floor and discovered that a soda can had burst. After cleaning it up, I placed the 12-pack boxes in a plastic container to contain the liquid if they exploded again.
A few of the sodas don’t have an expiration date, only a code. I have searched online, but can find no information on storage times for these. Any ideas?
- Cindi in Texas
DEAR READER: Sodas have different storage times, depending on content. Most cans and bottles have a “best by” date located somewhere on them, usually the bottom. Others probably have a production code. In those cases, you can call the manufacturer to find out the information.
The soda doesn’t expire or spoil. The “best by” date just means that the flavor is at its best by that date. Soda can lose carbonation. Diet drinks have a shorter storage life because the artificial sweeteners in them break down quicker. Do a taste test - you’ll know if the soda is flat!
DEAR HELOISE: I am often on the road for business and stay at hotels with complimentary breakfasts. Sometimes, they have peeled, hard-boiled eggs. I take two or three, chop them up and microwave for 30 seconds or so. Be sure to cover the plate.
- L.E., New Hampshire
DEAR HELOISE: I send in donations by mail. As a result, I get even more requests for donations, so many that I couldn’t possibly respond to all. I have learned, however, not to just toss the requests without opening them, because some charities are now putting stamps on their return envelopes. I cover their addresses and the bar codes on the envelopes with labels and use them for other mailings.
- Linda H., Omaha, Neb.
DEAR READERS: Did you buy makeup foundation, then when you got it home realized it was too light? Instead of throwing it out, try using it as an under-eye concealer.
DEAR HELOISE: I don’t mind waiting my turn in a checkout lane at the grocery store, but I hate it when a checker opens a new lane and, instead of going to the next person in line and saying “Next,” just flips on the lane light. There is a mad dash of people rushing to make it to that lane first.
- A Shopper in Colorado
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or e-mail
ActiveStyle, Pages 26 on 02/13/2012