Animal shelters may be able to use shredded paper

Dear Heloise: I have a suggestion for M.K. and Judy A., who each commented recently on what to do with shredded paper. They mentioned putting it out on recycling day (which is not always accepted), using it in gardens mixed with soil or compost, using it to pack fragile items, or putting it in the trash.My wife and I found that we can take it to our local animal shelter. They appreciate it and use it in the bottom of the cages that they house their animals in. I'm sure that any other animal shelter would welcome it, too. Jim D.,in Tiffin, Ohio Dear Heloise: Like Carolyn, in Dayton, Ohio, I also like to reuse items. I use the back of greeting cards for lists and notes. They are pretty and easy to find in your purse. (I know, I know, this is what phones are for, but are they ever handy? Mine are always in another room.) Bonnie Waterhouse,in Burbank, California Dear Heloise: I've set up my smartphone so that if I get a phone call that isn't in my contacts, I get a silent notification of the call, but it doesn't ring. If it is someone important, they can leave message. Bob,via email Dear Heloise: I love using fresh lemon and lime slices, juice, and zest in recipes and beverages. I buy them by the bagful when they are on sale. The problem is using the product in a timely way.My solution is this: When I buy a full bag of lemons or limes, I slice several and freeze them on a tray, then bag them for future use. I zest the rest and spread the zest on parchment paper to dry before bottling.After zesting, I slice and juice those fruits, divide the juice in an ice cube tray, freeze, then bag the cubes for use in recipes. A quick 10 seconds in the microwave will thaw slices or juice for immediate use. Presto! Fresh lemon or lime slices, juice, or zest whenever I want it! Mary Z.,via email Mary, before juicing, roll the fruit on the counter to "loosen up" or "activate" the juices inside. Heloise Dear Heloise: Here's how I make a travel eye/sleep mask: I fold a facial tissue in quarters lengthwise and crease. Then I daub a fingerprint-sized pat of hand lotion on my temples. Next, I "glue" the tissue across the bridge of my nose and over my eyes, then secure it to my head.My friends may laugh at me, but this keeps the light out. Plus, it's soft and comfortable! Helen M.,in Illinois Dear Heloise: My wife complained when I trimmed my beard because I left a mess in the sink. Now I use newspaper and spread it over the sink and counter. (One wide two-page sheet will do.) After I finish trimming, I just fold up the newspaper and toss it away. M.J.,in Warren, Vermont Dear Heloise: I keep a pair of scissors next to my chair where I read the paper every day. I cut out articles of interest, ads, etc., when I read them. This saves me from going back through the paper later on to find them. Just be sure that everyone has read the paper before you start cutting! Sharon,in Florida Send a money-saving or time-saving hint to Heloise@Heloise.com