DEAR READERS: Here is this week's Sound Off, about baby food jars:
"Who on earth invented the shape of baby-food jars? Obviously it was not a mother! Recently, my partner and I began feeding one of our elderly dogs baby food, as she would not eat her regular food. It's almost impossible, even with the smallest spoon, to get all of the food out of the jar!"
-- Marilyn M.,
Colonial Beach, Va.
DEAR READER: You aren't the only one who thinks this way. Part of the problem is that manufacturers aren't (though they should be) thinking about the consumer using the product. They are concerned with the baby food and not really with the container. It all comes down to money!
DEAR READERS: Here are other uses for a changing table:
• Use outside for plants and a garden workstation.
• In a craft room for supply storage.
• In an entryway to store keys, umbrellas, gloves, etc.
• In a laundry room as a folding station.
• As a buffet or sideboard in the dining room.
P.S.: Readers, do you have any other smart ways to repurpose a changing table?
DEAR HELOISE: I once read in one of your columns how to remove label glue on cloth. I bought a pair of denim jeans, and when I pulled off the long strip with the size printed on it, there was glue residue left. What should I do?
-- Mona, via email
DEAR READER: This is one of those "What the heck were they thinking?" situations. Here is the easy fix: Apply some petroleum-based prewash spray, cleaning fluid or liquid laundry detergent to the backside of the material. Turning the garment inside out makes it easier to work on. Rub in the cleaning agent and let it sit for 10 minutes or so to give it time to work. Launder as you usually do, but don't put the jeans in the dryer until you check to make sure all residue is gone. Repeat the process if needed -- it may take a second or third attempt.
DEAR HELOISE: I live on a dark country road. We don't have streetlights, and it is hard to find our driveway at night. We tried reflectors, but they did not help because so many people use reflectors. To make our driveway stand out, we lined it with garden solar lights. They charge during the day and light up at night. Now it is easier to find our driveway.
-- M.A. in Texas
DEAR READER: Very good hint. I, too, live in an area where it's very dark and there are only a few streetlamps. This also will help guests if they come to visit after dark.
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
ActiveStyle on 05/25/2015