Dear Heloise:I lost your recipe for a homemade cold pack where the ingredients are put in a zipper bag and kept in the freezer. I know it was water and possibly rubbing alcohol, but I don't even remember the amounts. Can you please reprint it?
- A reader, via e-mail
For quick, cheap cold packs, you can use a bag of frozen veggies or little takeout condiment packets of mustard, ketchup, etc., that have been kept in the freezer just for this purpose.
You can make your own money-saving cold pack using 3 parts water to 1 part alcohol (example, 3/4 cup water and 1/4 cup alcohol). Put it in a sturdy, labeled, plastic zipper-top freezer bag, and bag again to prevent leaks. There are different strengths of isopropyl alcohol, from 70 percent to 90 percent. The higher the alcohol content, the stronger the solution and the lower the freezing point. The pack won't freeze solid and will mold to your body, so it is important to place a cloth between your skin and the cold pack. Be sure to label with the ingredients and proportions, and add a few drops of food coloring so it won't be mistaken for food. Once the pack thaws, it can be refrozen over and over.
Dear Readers:Do you have an overstock of photo frames? Here are some suggestions for using them:
- Put a favorite recipe in one while preparing it.
- Place a small calendar in one to have handy.
- Use to keep important appointment slips in.
Dear Heloise:I am reminded of my Sound Off every morning when I drive to work. When they have road work and a sign saying that a specific lane is closed, cars race up to the closure and then try to force themselves over. Can't they get over like everyone else?
- Diana P. from Colorado
Contact the writer: Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000; fax 210-HELOISE; e-mail Heloise@Heloise.com