DEAR READERS: Here is this week's Sound Off, about nutritional information on packaging:
"My Sound Off is about recipes. It seems when I find one I really like, it will list the nutritional information per serving but not tell you how many servings it makes or the size of a serving. It makes it very difficult to count calories this way."
-- Donna F.,
Elkhorn, Neb.
Usually this happens with older recipes, just like many I have from my mother and grandmothers. In cases like these, you just have to guess.
DEAR READERS: Hints for decluttering your home:
• Clean out the bottom of a closet.
• Go through and toss outdated makeup.
• Clean out kitchen drawers. Just one at a time.
• Donate books.
• Clear the "junk" from a side/coffee table.
DEAR HELOISE: Your mom had a great idea to use two hand towels, sewn together and kept on the kitchen floor, to remove spills immediately. I cannot find her instructions anywhere and would be most grateful for your help.
-- Doris R., via email
DEAR READER: You are talking about the famous Heloise Kitchen Mat. They are easy to make and just perfect for a small spill on the floor.
You can use hand towels or two bath towels (you can use old ones, or buy some cheap ones that match your kitchen or bath) and put them back to back. Cut an oval, circle or square 12 to 14 inches in size (you can trace a plate to make it easier) from the towel. Then sew around the edges. You can coordinate trim. Then drop it on the kitchen floor. When a spill happens, use your foot to swipe the Heloise Mat over it. Throw it into the wash when it's dirty. Make several while you're sewing so you always have one handy.
DEAR HELOISE: There are several free publications in my city that are available at grocery stores, convenience stores, etc. I pick them up to see what is going on. They often have monthly calendars showing great events. I especially like the free events. Sometimes they even have coupons.
-- Hailey in Tennessee
DEAR HELOISE: Thanks for the item about leaving pets outside. I would add another suggestion: If you see animals being mistreated, report it to the proper authorities. I also live in an area with high summer temperatures, but there are extremes in weather everywhere. Maybe if this happens enough, abusive pet owners will get the message.
-- Doug J.,
Denham Springs, La.
DEAR HELOISE: I use the domed plastic lids that come on frozen cream pies to put under my flowerpots to catch the extra water. I like them better than the ones you can buy because they are deeper.
-- Millie F., Elida, Ohio
Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email
Heloise@Heloise.com
ActiveStyle on 09/22/2014