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Dear Heloise: Today I opened a can of paint that I use infrequently and sparsely. Consequently, it’s been opened and resealed many times. Today, when I went to reseal it, it didn’t feel like the lid was properly seating itself in the can. I pulled off the lid and looked at the pattern of the paint to match it with that on the rim of the can. I found the pattern and matched it up, and the lid seated itself in the can easily.
I had a much newer can of paint that had only been opened and resealed once, and I needed to access it. Before I opened it, I took a marker and drew a line from the lid over the rim of the lid and can, as well as a little bit down the side of the can. Now, every time I open the can, I can close it in the exact same position as it was when it was opened. It’s guaranteed to be sealed well, maximizing the life of the paint (and possibly averting inadvertent spills through mismatched spots on the rim and lid).
I hope others might find this useful. I read you in the online version of the Plain Dealer in Cleveland. — Dan S., in Allentown, Pennsylvania
TAKE IT OR LEAVE IT?
Dear Heloise: I’m in a new job where I take clients out to meals regularly, whether it’s a casual lunch or dinner or an upscale event. Lately, the subject of dining etiquette has come up. At one of these said meals, multiple colleagues have told me that it’s frowned upon to ask for a box to take your leftovers.
I understand that this may have been a rule at one point, but I feel like it’s better to take your food to go instead of wasting it. What are your thoughts on this? — Ben R., via email
Ben, as a person who hates to see waste, I see nothing wrong with it, but your company may not agree. Perhaps the best person to ask is your boss.
Some people feel awkward asking for a to-go container, but others feel that too much food in America is tossed into landfills, where it benefits no one. From my point of view, there’s really nothing wrong with it, but as I said, get a second opinion from your boss. — Heloise
REALTOR REFERRALS
Dear Heloise: In response to Hazel F., in Jackson, Mississippi, find a reputable realtor in your community for contractor referrals. As a licensed realtor for over 17 years, I kept a list of contractors whom I called “Carol’s Crew,” and I shared this list with anyone who was interested. All my contractor referrals were vetted and personally used by me before I referred them to anyone else.
And I always told my clients to hire licensed professionals in the areas of electricity, plumbing and HVAC. Having this list has made my life so much easier, and it did the same for my clients. Thanks for the years of advice! — Carol D., in New Braunfels, Texas
Carol, this hint is so helpful for people who want to purchase a home, whether it’s a new home or preowned. You’re going above and beyond to make your clients happy in their new homes, which makes me believe that you must also get many referrals from former buyers. Great job, Carol! — 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.