HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR READER: Here is this week’s Sound Off:

“My Sound Off is about manufacturers that do not put enough description in their ingredient list. Many people, due to religious, moral or health reasons, do not or cannot eat pork products.However, many ingredients just list ‘enzymes’ or ‘gelatin,’ without stating what their source is - beef, pork or otherwise. I have had to call many companies to find out, or have had to get rid of products due to this labeling.” - A Reader, via email

DEAR READER: Very good point, and one I hope manufactures will listen to.

DEAR READERS: Here are some places to put reflector tape to make things easier to find:

Above a doorbell.

On each side of a driveway.

Above light switches or doorways, in case of emergency.

In a garage so you know how far to pull in your car.

On children’s clothing when walking at night.

DEAR HELOISE: My stove vent is covered in grease and grime. Do you have a hint on how to clean it? - Jane in Alabama

DEAR READER: Try making one of my all-purpose, ammonia-based cleaners. You will need a half cup ammonia, a half cup rubbing alcohol and a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid. Mix these with enough water to make 1 gallon of cleaner, and put in a clearly labeled container. It might take a little elbow grease, but it should get your vent clean. You also can put the mesh screen (if there is one) in the dishwasher to clean it every so often.

DEAR HELOISE: I use two to four bobby pins in my hair each day. You would think I could reuse those same ones, but I go through a package of 100 in no time because I lose the pins all over the place. After my husband retired from work, he brought all of his office supplies home. Tired of my pins lying everywhere in creation, he gave me his paper-clip holder with a magnetic ring in the opening. It’s been perfect!

  • Holly in Florida

DEAR HELOISE: When I pack my lunch and need a sharp knife, I put the knife in a travel toothbrush holder for safekeeping.

  • Patty in New Jersey 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 [email protected]

ActiveStyle, Pages 28 on 04/28/2014

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