HELOISE Don't use cord or twine when mailing packages

Dear Readers: We recently received a letter from a reader who suggested the following hint: "If you wet the cord thoroughly before tying up packages for mailing, it will tighten as it dries, thus holding your package more securely."
This got us to thinking and, as we often do at Heloise Central, we checked the hint with the appropriate source or expert. For this we went to the U.S. Postal Service for input. Postal officials said you should not use cord, string or twine because it can get caught in the mail-processing equipment. It is recommended that you use plain boxes -- don't wrap them with any type of paper. Use packing tape to close the opening of your box, and reinforce all seams with the 2-inch-wide tape. Masking or transparent tape is not a good choice, since it might come off in extreme heat or cold.
If you have other questions about mailing items, simply call your post office -- someone there will be happy to help you. Heloise
P.S. A Heloise Hug to all the postal workers who get the mail through and work behind the scenes, too!
Dear Heloise: I have used many of your ideas for clothespins and always keep a bunch in my suitcase for hanging skirts on hotel hangers and keeping curtains closed. Here are other ideas:
UI keep a few in my purse, and they come in handy for many purposes.
UWhen shopping, I clip my grocery list to the cart so that it's easy to read and it stays put.
UI use one to keep coupons ready or letters together when going to the post office.
UI use them at home to clip pairs of gloves together in a box in the closet.
UI use clothespins to keep folded boxes from department stores with their lids.
UWhen I need a box for a gift, it's easy to pull out the right size, and the matching lid is with it. Sally Barbetta, Penfield, N.Y.
Dear Heloise: In a pinch, hair conditioner makes a great shaving medium for your legs, underarms and bikini area. It softens and protects the skin, preventing nicks and razor burn. B. Hickman from Texas
Don't you love it? I've done this for a long time, and this is a good way to use a conditioner you don't particularly care for. Heloise
Dear Heloise: This is my beef: I find it revolting when a little child is placed to stand or sit upon a table or countertop. I know you might have your hands full and it is convenient, but I don't want to think about what's on that little bottom or on the soles of those shoes. It isn't cute, and it isn't sanitary -- stop doing it. Lisa in Tyler, Texas
XSend a great hint to: Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000, Fax: (210) HELOISE or E-mail: Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate