Heloise

Dear Heloise: To get more use out of discarded Christmas lights, I place a strand in a decorative container and leave them on at night as a night light. This is helpful when walking into a dark living room or kitchen during the night. — Edna G., in Houston

GREASE STRAINER

Dear Heloise: Having a grease can in the freezer is a great idea for containing grease; however, my method is quicker (and I have no room to spare in the freezer).

I bought a grease strainer. It consists of a strainer basket with a handle, a grease catcher, and a lid. But I never use the lid. I can just dump all the hamburger into the strainer at once, which is quick. I let it drain and dump the hamburger back in my pan, then I’m back to cooking in a flash.

I let the grease solidify in the catcher and clean it out with a paper towel. The strainer and container can be put on the top rack of the dishwasher. I loved it so much that everyone got one for Christmas that year. — Liz Nass, via email

MISSING SOCKS

Dear Heloise: I put my socks, my husband’s socks, and my support hose in a mesh laundry bag and zip it closed. When the wash is done, I throw the whole bag in the dryer for a few minutes, then take them out and hang them up on a drying rack by pairs. No more lost socks! — Terry, in Winchester, Virginia

READER COMMENTS

Dear Heloise: So many of your columns have hints that apply to me. I particularly liked a recent letter about “manners.” Our son, whom we lost seven years ago due to an inoperable brain tumor, used to help people reach things on the top shelves of grocery stores. At 6 feet, 4 inches tall, he would walk through stores, and people would ask him if he played basketball. He’d say, “No, do you play miniature golf?”

Again, thank you for a great column. By the way, it wasn’t Steve Jobs, it wasn’t Bill Gates, and it wasn’t Al Gore — it was Moses who was the first person to download a message from the cloud to a tablet! — Paul, via email

FRUIT CUP FRUSTRATION ANSWERED

Dear Heloise: I love little fruit cups and discovered that if you poke a tiny pin hole in the lid before opening it, you can squeeze out some of the nectar before pulling off the lid completely. Problem solved! I usually hold a towel or napkin on the hole while fully pulling off the lid. Love your column! — Michelle, via email

EASY TRICK FOR SHEETS

Dear Heloise: Here is an easy way to keep track of sheets and pillowcases: I fold the bottom sheet, fold the top sheet and one pillowcase, then slide all three pieces into the second pillowcase. This makes it easy to store and keep everything together. — Brianna Y., in North Augusta, South Carolina

PET PAL

Dear Heloise: This is Ginger the dachshund, who was my loyal companion and best friend. After 18 years, I lost her early last year. She was a sweet, devoted little comedian, and I miss her terribly. — Abby Stevens, via email

Readers, to see Ginger and our other Pet Pals, go to Heloise.com and click on “Pet of the Week.”

Do you have a furry friend to share with our readers? Send a photo and a brief description to Heloise@Heloise.com. — Heloise

Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com. I can’t answer your letter personally but will use the best hints received in my column.