LITTLE ROCK — DEAR HELOISE: I’m responding to a previous column about mailing hints and wanted to add a comment. Please have your readers be careful when using cereal or cracker boxes for mailing or shipping. I have owned a private mail and shipping center for more than 23 years, and there are some things your readers should be aware of.
First, do not ship anything that could possibly break in such containers. Any item that is breakable needs a corrugated box - preferably new, if the item needs insuring. Some companies won’t insure items shipped in either bubble envelopes or thin cardboard.
Also, if you have any delicate items that need insurance, use air-filled packing material and foam peanuts.
- Ed in Texas
DEAR READER: Thanks for the input. Another hint from Ed: Make sure the address is legible. My hint: Print, if possible, and be sure the ZIP code is readable.
DEAR READERS: Alternative uses for stale bread:
Make French toast.
Cube and season for croutons/bread crumbs.
Use to thicken meatloaf.
Make into bread pudding.
As a treat for wild birds.
DEAR HELOISE: I have a lot of gold chains of various lengths and styles, and I had trouble keeping them organized and untangled, and finding the length I needed. I was in the crafts store one day and had a flash of brilliance!
I purchased several of the clear plastic boxes that crafters use to store their beads and other small items. Each chain coiled nicely into its own compartment. I labeled each compartment with the length of the chain. Now I can find the correct one at a glance.
- T.D. in California Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or e-mail
ActiveStyle, Pages 26 on 02/28/2011