Hints from heloise

Dear Heloise: I pack my lunch for work every day, and since we have no fridge in the office, I have to use those refreezable ice packs. I bought two alike that are flexible when thawed. I took a large, empty soft-drink bottle, filled it with water and froze it. Once it was full, I laid it on its side in the freezer, and when I come home in the evening, I put the thawed ice pack on top, molding it slightly to the shape of the bottle.

The next morning, I have an ice pack that conforms to either a regular soft-drink can or a large bottle for my lunch bag the next day. I keep one frozen and one in my bag, so I’ll always have one ready. — Erin Keniston, Huntsville, Ala.