Shipped package could have spoiled surprise

Dear Heloise: Now that so many people do so much online and the holiday shopping season is upon us, I would like to throw out a lesson. Everyone knows the dangers of credit-card fraud and identity theft that exist when you put your personal info on the Web. A smaller problem is spoiled surprises.

I ordered a high-tech DVD player for my husband from a large, reputable store. I had it shipped to me at work for two reasons: Its expense, and my husband is usually home before me. Lucky choice!

When it arrived at my office, I found that all the big chain store had done was stick a shipping label on the manufacturer’s original packaging! Not only would the surprise have been ruined, but anyone would have seen an unattended DVD player lying on my porch — who knows what could have happened?

Unless the shipper requires proof of delivery, packages are often left on the porch. Whenever possible, have gifts shipped to work or delivered to a trusted neighbor. Mary in New Jersey

This could spoil a surprise, as you say, or turn into a tragedy if someone decided to take the package! Good advice. Heloise

Dear Heloise: My mother gave me a set of old china that she has had for years, and I noticed that there are a couple of pieces missing. Is there any way to find replacement pieces for this discontinued set? I have visited local antique stores and haven’t had any luck. Grace in Utah

Yes, you can, and it’s as easy as using an Internet search engine. Put in the china pattern and the word “replacement.” You can find a slew of companies that offer this service.

Or, you can find them in the back of women’s magazines. The ads offer replacement services for china, silverware patterns and more. There is usually a toll-free number for you to call. Heloise

Dear Readers: Lipstick and eyeliner pens often can get mixed up. Here is a hint that saves me time: I put a piece of tape (or rubber band) around the one I like the most, to help me find it easily. When getting ready or I’m in a hurry, I just look for the one with the tape around the bottom, and I don’t have to dig through all of them. Heloise

Dear Heloise: The other day, my friend and I wanted to rearrange our apartment. We weren’t sure how we were going to move the heavier stuff. So instead of trying to manually carry or drag the pieces, she just put one end on a throw rug.

Then, we only had to lift the other end and the furniture just slid right across the floor without a problem. Sure made things easier, and neither of us had a sore back or sore legs. Mindy Lou in Texas

SBlt 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