Package wrap serves two purposes

Dear Heloise: This is the first year that my son is in college. He is clear across the country, and I send him care packages in the hopes that he won't feel homesick. To make them seem ultra-homey, I wrap the items I'm sending in our local newspaper. He says he really likes that, as it helps him stay in touch with things going on at home. Roberta from Nevada
We all love news from home. Almost all newspapers have Web sites, so it's easy to check what's going on. However, all of the paper might not be posted or stay up long. As far as I'm concerned, nothing beats turning the pages of a newspaper, waiting to discover that gem of a news story or delightful photo. So keep sending that newspaper! Heloise
Fast facts
After eating all the mints in one of those cute metal tins, reuse it to hold:
Sewing kit.
Beads.
Hair accessories.
Jewelry.
Cotton swabs.
Coins.
Dear Heloise: I was in San Antonio this past week, and we bought a men's Western suit for the rodeo. When I hemmed the men's pants, I had about 4 inches of fabric left from both legs. So, I sewed them together and made a Western tie! It matched the suit perfectly! Just thought other Texans could benefit from this hint. Corrinne Berkland, Universal City, Texas
Yee-ha! Our rodeo in San Antonio is in February each year and is one of the top five PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) rodeos in the nation. Folks, mark your calendars for Feb. 1-17, 2007, and come visit for a rootin', tootin' time. Heloise
Dear Heloise: Today I read a hint about using lights on stairways for elderly people whose eyesight is dimming. I have a better idea. An elderly neighbor of mine did the following: She simply painted every other step on the basement stairway a bright color. It did the trick for her husband, whose eyesight was failing. Helen McFarland, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho
Sound off
Dear Heloise: My pet peeve is TV commercials and newspaper items suggesting you "log on or e-mail" for extra information. However, many people of my generation do not have or want a computer, so we are left out in the cold. Stella T. of Maine
Stella, your Sound Off is the reason why we always try to include a postal address or toll-free telephone number as well as an e-mail or Web address. Hopefully, retailers and such will read this and include a mailing address or phone number for those who don't have computers. I agree with you 1,000 percent. Heloise
Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, or you can fax it to (210) HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.
King Features Syndicate