HELOISE: Binders keep info organized

Dear Heloise: I’ve become involved in numerous boards and committees around town. In order to keep minutes and other information readily accessible and coordinated, I purchased a number of inexpensive three-ring binders, with clear-plastic covers on the exterior. Now I type the name of the committee on the computer, print it out and insert it in the outside spine of the binder. I simply pull the appropriate binder off the shelf and take it with me to a meeting.

Chuck in Kentucky

Dear Heloise: You shared some great uses for the bladder from a box wine. While rinsing it out, I figured out that it could be used to put water in and freeze, and then put in an ice chest.

Margaret, via e-mail

Here are some other uses to try:

Fill with water and poke holes in it. Put in the garden to slowly water plants.

Fill with air and use on your office chair to support your back.

Inflate and use as a bath pillow so you can relax in the tub.

Put inside suitcase (deflated) to use as a travel pillow.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: Thanks for the timely hint about using cat litter to absorb moisture and odor in running shoes. Here’s my “no sew” solution: Fill tube socks with cat litter, tie the tops in a knot and place in the offending sneakers. When the cat litter quits working, you can then untie the knot, dump it out, wash the socks and reload with fresh cat litter.

Gina Halle, Houston

Dear Heloise: I read your column regarding sending a thank-you to companies that provide excellent customer service or are meeting the needs of consumers.

I would like to send a big thank-you to the companies that circle and/or highlight the expiration date on their coupons. I can’t tell you how many coupons I have thrown out because they had expired or the expiration date was difficult to read or find.

L.D., via e-mail

Dear Heloise: I’m retired and on a fixed income, and I live alone. Local restaurants frequently run coupons for “buy one dinner, get the second at half off.”

My daughter came up with a good suggestion for those of us who dine alone to take advantage of the special: Order one dinner to eat in and the second one to go.

Judy, via e-mail

You should call the restaurant first to be sure it will honor the coupon in this way.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: Today I bought another product encased in the hard plastic favored by many manufacturers. It is super dangerous trying to cut through the plastic. Maybe you can use your influence with these companies to find an alternate and less-dangerous way of packaging.

A.M.L., via e-mail

King Features Syndicate