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Dear Heloise: We replaced our plastic bags, plastic wrap, and plastic storage bowls, and we don’t miss any of these. Wax paper and aluminum foil cost about the same. Silicon pouches are amazing, as well as glass storage bowls for leftovers and even canning jars to freeze soup and leftovers. We’re too old to worry about microplastics, but we can be an example for those we care about. — Lorraine L., in Medford, Oregon
A STUFFED LAUNDRY BASKET
Dear Heloise: I’ve been to many housewarming parties. How many candles or coffee makers can one person get? My gift is always a new laundry basket. I line it and stuff it with colored tissue paper, and I fill it with every kind of cleaning product, clothes, sponges, and of course laundry soap. (After all, it is a laundry basket.) Later, in a thank-you note that I received, it was stated that it was the most unusual but useful gift, and it was very much appreciated. — A Reader, via email
Reader, what a great idea! Everything in the basket is useful, and you’ve saved the person the expense of having to purchase these items. Very thoughtful! — Heloise
SOFA BED HACK
Dear Heloise: My husband and I visited my aunt in a different state on numerous occasions. Our bed there was a sofa bed, and after the first night, we knew we had to do something to make it more comfortable. We went to a lumber store and bought a sheet of plywood, and we put this under the mattress. Then any number of items to cover the mattress would work to make it more comfy, such as the reader K.P. tried. — Vicky K., via email
Vicky, thank you for sharing this wonderful hint! This is a classic solution for making a sofa bed more comfortable, and I’m sure that our readers will appreciate the tip. — Heloise
TWO HINTS IN ONE
Dear Heloise: When threading a sewing machine, put a piece of white paper behind the needle. It helps bring the eye into view. Also, when taking big pills, start by taking a bite of food, chewing, then adding the pill. It all goes down together. — Ginny M., in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas
KEEP DENIM VIBRANT
Dear Heloise: I wanted to write in with an easier solution to keeping denim colors vibrant for longer, instead of dry cleaning (which we are in agreement about, since it is too costly and consists of extra trips for most folks).
Try the following: Before washing jeans, fasten all buttons and zip up the zipper, then turn them inside out. Use less detergent and cold water for wash/rinse cycles. Tumble-dry the jeans on low heat with a couple of hand towels to absorb moisture. — C.L.M., in Tucson, Arizona
C.L.M., thank you for sharing your helpful tips on keeping denim vibrant! This is a great, practical solution. — Heloise
MORE ON SOFA BEDS
Dear Heloise: For our hard-as-rock sofa bed, I first put a thick mattress pad on it, then a down mattress topper as well as nice sheets, and lastly a down comforter. It’s even more comfortable than our own bed. — Janie P., in Corvallis, Oregon
Janie, this sounds like a great answer for a good night’s rest! — 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.