HELPFUL HINTS

DEAR READERS: This week’s sound off is about mail-order companies:

“DEAR HELOISE: My complaint is with mail-order companies that have a free-shipping-and-handling promotion and then have the nerve to charge a processing fee (usually $2.95) in case the order gets lost in transit. This fee supposedly will expedite the search. Chances are it won’t get lost, so they make $2.95 per order for nothing! What a rip-off!”

— Gloria R., Indiana Gloria, the handling fee isn’t “in case it gets lost.” Companies need to pay someone to package the product and get it sent out. There’s paperwork, such as invoices that need to be filed for tracking purposes. It seems to me that $2.95 is a reasonable amount to request for all of that.

DEAR READERS: Here are some warm-weather hints:

Put deodorant on a mosquito bite to stop the itching.

Press your tongue against the roof of your mouth to stop “brain freeze.”

Put your nail polish in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before applying. It goes on smoother.

Flattened pillow? Place the pillow in the sun for 40 minutes. The sun will absorb moisture and plump up your pillow.

DEAR HELOISE: I think I found a storage solution that your readers might enjoy: I buy fruit cups for my kids, and I found that stacking them top to top saves a little more space in my refrigerator.

— Liz D. in Philadelphia

DEAR HELOISE: When my husband and I travel, we try to pack so that we can save space in our luggage using the following ideas:

Place shoes inside of a shower cap.

Put shampoo, toothpaste and deodorant in a plastic bag, and then put that plastic bag in the pocket of a garment. Be sure to seal the bag shut.

— Gina R., Tampa, Fla. DEAR READER: Here are a few more sewing ideas:

Binder clips can be extra hands. They’re perfect for holding your binding in place, or a stack of quilting squares.

Before working with lace fabric, wash it in mild, soapy water, rinse and let it air-dry. If it loses its stiffness, use spray starch and iron on low to medium heat.

If you are trying to sew a straight line, don’t watch the needle. Train yourself to watch the guide instead to achieve that straight line.

Send a money- or time-saving hint to Heloise, P.O. Box 795000, San Antonio, Texas 78279-5000; fax to (210) 435-6473; or email