Heloise

Dear Heloise: Reusing K-Cups can help save money, but there’s a better way that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Reusable or refillable K-Cups are widely available and designed specifically for single-serve machines. They have a small pop-top lid and can be filled with your favorite ground coffee.

Buying coffee in bulk is far less expensive than purchasing prefilled disposable pods, even if you try to reuse them. Plus, you can control the strength of your brew while reducing waste. It’s a win for your wallet and a win for the environment. Make the switch to refillable K-Cups and start seeing the benefits for yourself! We love your hints; keep them coming! — Todd Phillips, in San Antonio

WIRE COAT HANGER HACK

Dear Heloise: When keys, jewelry or gadgets get stuck in tight spots, I grab a wire coat hanger to use as a quick retrieval tool. I start by completely straightening the hanger. Then I bend one end into a small circle and twist it so that the circle is perpendicular to the long wire. This forms a tiny scoop.

With this slim tool, I can slide into tight spots behind appliances, inside drains (before the trap), or between car seats. It’s simple and inexpensive, and it has saved me more than once! — Patricia Hart McMillan, in San Antonio

CLOUDY VASE FIX

Dear Heloise: I wanted to share a cleaning tip that worked surprisingly well for me on an old cut-glass vase that had become cloudy and milky inside after years of holding flowers. I filled the vase as full as possible with warm water, then added a small amount of powdered meat tenderizer and let it soak for several hours. (Though overnight also works.)

Many meat tenderizers contain enzymes that break down proteins, and over time, vases can develop a film from plant residue, bacteria, and other organic buildup. After soaking the vase, I rinsed it thoroughly and gently washed it, and the cloudiness was noticeably reduced.

While this may not work for mineral deposits that are caused by hard water, it can help remove organic film that regular washing doesn’t remove. As with any cleaning method, results may vary, but it’s worth trying on sentimental glassware. — Bruce Denhard, via email

GREEN GUACAMOLE

Dear Heloise: For years, I followed my husband’s grandfather’s guacamole recipe, which called for fresh lemon juice. It tasted wonderful, but the leftovers always developed an unappetizing brown layer on top once it got exposed to air.

One day, I ran out of lemons and substituted it with fresh lime juice instead. Not only did the flavor taste bright and delicious, the leftover guacamole stayed beautifully green for much longer. I’ve since learned that the higher acidity in limes can help slow oxidation — the process that causes browning.

Interestingly, I’ve also found that lemons that are picked fresh off a tree seem to work better than store-bought ones, likely because they’re fresher and more acidic. Now I always reach for limes when making guacamole. A small change in citrus makes a big difference in keeping this dip looking as good as it tastes! — M.A., in Utopia, Texas

PET PAL

Dear Heloise: This is my best friend, 3-year-old Forrest. — Steve Saunders, via email

Readers, to see Forrest 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