Dear Readers: Have you seen ALMOND MILK in the refrigerated case? Here’s the scoop: Cholesterol-, gluten- and lactose-free, almond milk is a sweet and nut-flavored alternative to dairy milk.

Original almond milk has about 60 calories per cup, and it’s pasteurized just like regular milk, which means it’s heat-treated to kill bacteria.

Almond milk is LOW in protein (1.5 grams per cup, compared with almost 8 grams per cup for cow’s milk). This makes almond milk not appropriate for infant formula.

Almond milk is plant-based, just like soy milk. Suitable over cereal, in smoothies and as a base for dressings, these drinks are becoming more popular today. Next time you’re at the dairy case, check out almond milk! — Heloise

SHE MADE IT!

Dear Heloise: I have read your and your mom’s columns in my hometown newspaper, The (Youngstown, Ohio) Vindicator, all of my life! I would love to be in your column — it’s on my bucket list! Here are my hints:

1) I put the amount of onions I’ll use the next day in plastic bags in the refrigerator, and no tears when I chop them! Also, I never start cutting at the root end.

2) To avoid spills, I keep various-shaped reusable plastic lids in the refrigerator to cover containers holding small amounts of food or drink. No need to hunt for a top!

— Margaret F., Youngstown, Ohio

GREAT GRIP

Dear Heloise: The plastic-covered items such as cottage cheese are hard to open; therefore, I keep a pair of pliers within easy reach. — Shirley H., via email

EASY RELEASE

Dear Heloise: When I’m done using rubber gloves for washing dishes or cleaning, before I take them off, I run my hands under cold water. It cools my hands down, and the gloves come off easily. — Debbie A., via email

PASSWORD PROBLEMS

Dear Heloise: My mother and her friends like to keep in touch via their computers with a video chat or email. The problem is, they are getting to where they can’t remember their passwords; so many things on the computer require a password.

Why can’t computer software have a mode for those who don’t want to use passwords? It’s frustrating! — Linda C., via email

HINT FROM HIM

Dear Heloise: I’ve discovered a new use for the compressed-gas dusters intended for keeping the computer keyboard dust-free: They work great on vinyl records, getting the finest of dust particles out of the smallest of grooves! There’s no residue, and it’s quick and easy. — George W., Colorado Springs, Colo.

Vinyl records are making a comeback — wonderful! — Heloise

POPPING OFF

Dear Heloise: To help open my husband’s medication bottles, I asked the pharmacy to provide “non-childproof” tops on the bottles. They pop off. No unscrewing necessary.

We keep them high on a shelf, out of reach of visiting grandchildren. I read your column every day in the Orange County (Calif.) Register. — Grace in Anaheim, Calif.

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Hints from Heloise run occasionally in Lifestyles. Readers may send a hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE, or email: Heloise@Heloise.com. Letters won’t be answered personally.