Old, outdated garage-sale signs annoy bargain-seeker

Dear Heloise: The garage-sale season is almost in full swing now. I get very excited to see a garage-sale sign on the side of the road. Of course, I have to turn the car around just to take a peek and see if I can find that one great deal of the day.

What I don’t like is turning my car around to find the house and realizing that the sign is an old one from days, weeks or months prior.

I see this all the time during the summer — old garage-sale signs left lying on the side of the road. This is considered littering, and it is harmful to the environment. It also is a waste of my time and gas.

Please remind your readers if they have a garage sale to please dispose of their sign when their sale is over. This would save the environment, time and gas. Garage Saler, Casnovia, Mich.

This is a common complaint from my readers.

In many areas, it’s also a violation to not remove the signs after the event is over. Hopefully, people will take heed and take down the signs! Heloise

Dear Heloise: An easy way to close any bag is to use a good, old clothespin. G.D.J., via e-mail

You are right! The clothespin is one of the handiest tools around. Here are other uses:

•Hold a match when lighting a candle.

•In the car to clip receipts together.

•Attach to the grocery cart to hold a shopping list.

•Clip to the side of a flowerpot to identify plant and care instructions.

•Clip paper tea tags together before adding boiling water.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: I bought a box of chocolates from a “closeout” store. However, the chocolate looks gray, and I don’t know if it is still good to eat. Susan, via e-mail

Enjoy that chocolate without worry! The grayish color is called “bloom” and happens when the cocoa butter in the chocolate rises to the top. This usually happens when the candy is stored in a warm or humid area. It doesn’t affect the candy in any way except for the change in appearance. Heloise

Dear Heloise: I recycle mint containers and store matches in them. The container is small enough to store in a pocket or cooler. It is great for picnics, and handy when you need to start a campfire. J. Hubiak, Erie, Pa.

Sound Off

Dear Heloise: When food shopping, pay close attention to weight! Things are shrinking fast and sneakily. Some mayonnaise jars that were 32 ounces are now 30 ounces. It looks like the same jar, but the bottom is raised upward. I could cite many examples of this, but just be aware that we are paying the same or maybe more for less! Audrey Vianney, Southbury, Conn.

SBlt Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

King Features Syndicate