Heloise

Dear Heloise: My 4-year-old grandson and I enjoy playing scavenger hunts together, but sometimes we can’t remember exactly what he has hidden outside. To make things easier, we now line up seven or eight items that we’ve chosen to hide — usually his toys — and I take a quick photo of them on my phone before we start.

As one of us finds an item, we line them up again and compare them to the photo to see which ones we’ve found and which are still missing. It keeps the game fun, avoids frustration, and helps ensure that nothing is left behind. Having a photo helps every time! — Barb White, in Clark, New Jersey

VOICE-ACTIVATED HELP

Dear Heloise: When I can’t find my iPhone or iPad, I simply say, “Hey, Siri, where are you?” If the device can hear me, Siri responds, which makes it much easier to locate — especially in a dark car or room. This feature has been surprisingly helpful.

After surgery, when I was often home alone, I also discovered how useful voice activation can be in an emergency. If I needed urgent help, I could say aloud, “Hey, Siri, call 911,” without having to reach for my phone.

Now that I am sometimes homebound, I’ve found even more comfort in using voice-activated AI. I can ask questions, have a simple conversation, be read to, or listen to interesting articles. It has become a helpful companion and a practical tool. Warm regards! — Janet, via email

ITCHY TAGS

Dear Heloise: Do you hate the attached tags on the necks or sides of shirts, blouses and other clothing? If they irritate your skin and drive you crazy, you’re not alone. Many of my garments have been damaged from my trying to cut the tags out completely.

A simpler and usually very successful solution is to carefully snip off the tag’s four corners using sharp scissors. This softens the edges without harming the garment and often eliminates the irritation. Best of all, the size, fabric information and washing instructions remain intact for future reference. — Therese, in Indiana

BROWN SUGAR STORAGE

Dear Heloise: I’ve tried just about everything to keep brown sugar from drying out and turning rock-hard, but nothing seems to work for very long. Then, one day, I decided to store it inside freezer bags and put it in the freezer. It turned out to be the perfect solution.

When I need it, the brown sugar defrosts quickly and is soft and moist every time. I no longer worry about wasted sugar or struggle to break it apart. I read your column in the Arizona Daily Star. — Mrs. Sonja Hobbs, via email

PET PAL CELEBRATION

Dear Heloise: We’re celebrating the life of our 13-year-old Boston terrier named Kona. A few years ago, I found him waiting to be rescued on top of our table. We think he chased our other small dog, Ollie, up onto the table, but Kona couldn’t get down because the chair fell over. Sweet dreams, dear Kona! We miss you. Rest in peace. — Lisa Mirisola, in Ventura, California

Readers, to see Kona 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.