DEAR READERS: Today's sound on is about pull tabs on containers: "I want to thank the manufacturers that are using a new, redesigned 'soft' pull tab to seal containers. The hard metal one is pretty easy to pop open, but pulling it back and off the container can be a chore.
"I was amazed how much easier this seal was to pull off the container.
"I also would think that these tabs are much more environmentally friendly than the harder metal ones."
-- Gerald T. in New York
I'm with you 1,000 percent! Sometimes I have moved that top back and forth, back and forth, and the darn thing still won't come off. Then I have to pour the soup or whatever out with it still attached. Yep, the tin soft cover takes up much less space in the recycle bin and landfills.
DEAR READERS: Hints for things you can use to store small items:
• pill bottles
• small breath-mint tins
• plastic film canisters (if you can still find these)
• small plastic chocolate-candy containers
• small jars like spice, mushroom or pimento.
DEAR HELOISE: Here are a few things I do while watching television when the commercials come on. I try to move around or do a few quick chores:
• Stand up and march in place or walk around.
• Complete a series of arm, body or leg exercises for each commercial.
• Dust end tables and the bookshelf.
• Sort clean laundry to fold or hang up.
• Vacuum one area of the den very thoroughly.
-- Mary L., Bastrop, Texas
DEAR READERS: Don't throw out the silica-gel packs that are in products like shoes, medicine bottles or anything else where moisture needs to be absorbed.
Use them near items that can be ruined by moisture. Place them in boxes holding photos or old letters.
If you save them, be sure to place them in a sealed container and out of reach of tiny hands or pets.
DEAR HELOISE: Freeze small portions of soup in muffin tins. Place a freezer bag in a tin, then pour a serving in each bag and freeze. Once frozen, pull the soup out and store the bags. Saves space.
-- Betty T., 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
ActiveStyle on 02/20/2017