DEAR READERS: Here is this week's Sound Off, about magazines in waiting rooms:
"One of my greatest aggravations is, while browsing through a magazine in a waiting room, turning to a recipe or article, only to find it missing. I have never had a staff member refuse to make a copy of the desired information for me. Everyone wins when taking home info by this method."
-- R.W., Center Point, Texas
It would be nice if others were courteous about not tearing out pages from magazines like that. Your hint of asking the staff to make a copy probably is not a problem. Depending on how busy they are and the office policy, most will help. Or, note the magazine and recipe name, then when you get to a computer, look it up on the magazine's website. Most are posted.
DEAR READERS: Other uses for paper coffee filters:
• Absorb grease when cooking bacon.
• Hold a crispy taco to prevent a mess
• Strain liquid out of a bottle with a broken cork.
• Place over food when heating in a microwave.
• Catch ice-pop drips with one.
DEAR HELOISE: My boys and I go camping a lot during the summer. Problem is, the ice cooler really smells musty when we get it out for the next trip. I hose it out every time, but still it's pretty bad.
-- Bruce E., via email
DEAR READER: Your first step is good, but it needs to be cleaned with soap and water, too. Fill it with water, add a squirt of dish soap and scrub with a scrub brush, or even a plastic broom. Rinse well, then turn upside down to dry. Before storing, sprinkle half a box or so of baking soda inside. This should help absorb any odors that seem to linger. Dump out the baking soda, and you are ready to go.
Don't you just love baking soda? It has so many safe and green uses around the house and garage. Going on a long hike? Sprinkle some baking soda on your feet before you put on your socks and shoes. This will keep your feet fresh and dry all day.
DEAR HELOISE: I try on clothes a lot before buying them. When trying on tops, it can be tricky to get the garment on without getting any makeup on the shirt. When I go shopping, I stuff a scarf in my purse. I slip it over my head and face before putting on a garment. No makeup gets on the garment, which I am sure the salespeople and customer buying it appreciate.
-- M.N., via email
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 07/20/2015