Hints From Heloise

Other uses for plastic pill bottles:

1. Store leftover plant seeds in them.

2. Use them to sort your button collection, snaps, hooks and sequins.

3. Wash them thoroughly and use to hold small amounts of hand lotion - be sure to label.

4. Use to sort and store hardware such as brads, washers, nuts and screws.

5. With a little time and creativity, they can be made into pencil holders and other desk accessories.

Dear Heloise: I file hand-drawn maps and directions to people’s homes in alphabetical order by family name in a zipper-type sandwich bag. I keep it in our vehicle with our maps.

I also file photo negatives in zipper-type snack bags (which are just the right size), label the year and store them in a portable fireproof vault.

This method is cheaper than paying for a safety deposit box rental each year. - Joyce Friesen, Apache Junction, Ariz.