HELOISE: Sending candy, goodies to troops

Dear Heloise: When my granddaughter was stationed in Iraq, she asked us for candy the troops could give out to kids. This is what I did. I got a box that was specifically for sending things to the troops. Then I bought an aluminum pan with a lid that would fit snugly in the box. I used a regular cookie recipe and poured the dough in the pan, like brownies. After it was baked, I cut the cookies into bars, put the pan in the box and filled the rest of the space with sacks of hard candies. According to my granddaughter, everything came through just fine. I thought this would be a good suggestion for others. I enjoy all of the different articles that you write.

Ellen in Florida

Ellen, bravo! Candy always is a welcome surprise. The post office offers special boxes for free to ship to APO/FPO addresses with a flat rate. It even will pick up the box from your home or office to make shipping really convenient for you.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: When carrying a full bowl, cup or glass of water, soup, coffee or whatever, don’t look at it. Keep your eyes on where you’re going, and walk normally; you have a greater chance of not spilling the contents this way.

Marlene, via e-mail

Dear Readers: A fax came into the office by mistake. It was a business proposal that did not get to the right place. Sometimes I write “Sorry, wrong number” and fax it back, or sometimes I call and let the person know. Remember to use caution, particularly when faxing financial information. Always ask for confirmation of receipt.

Heloise

Dear Heloise: The hint about taking a picture of your license plate with a camera phone is a good one. I can’t remember mine, either. I take a picture of business signs with hours of operation if they have varied openings and closings, as our library does. I also take pictures of parking-garage spaces and parking-lot row signs. I have taken picture of hairstyles to show my stylist.

Melba in Texas

Dear Readers: Is it time to spruce up your wardrobe, but you’re on a limited budget or just don’t want to spend a lot of money right now? Get together with your girlfriends and swap out clothes, handbags, scarves and shoes.

Make sure each item is in good condition, and free of stains, worn areas and holes. Who knows? You may come away with a whole new look!

Heloise

Dear Heloise: A wireless doorbell is a wonderful way to ease a caregiver’s burden. The bed-bound can push the button to ring a chime in another area of the home, thereby freeing up the caregiver to complete other tasks, such as preparing meals or washing clothes.

Betty Vollers, Pender, Neb.

Send a money-saving or timesaving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, TX 78279-5000, fax it to 210-HELOISE or e-mail it to Heloise@Heloise.com.

King Features Syndicate