Dear Heloise: Because charities (and political campaigns) “farm” out their mailing activity, it is difficult to know whom to write to complain. I seem to be on all the sucker lists; once I donate to one, I start getting requests for money from everybody. Save the whales, polar bears, parks, trees, bees and the Earth. Help the poor, the hungry, the ill, the homeless, and the farm workers. The list goes on!
Once I’m on the mailing list, I get requests every month from some of them, but I would need to be a bazillionaire to save and help all of them. And I don’t need an 8-1/2-by-10-inch certificate of appreciation for my donation. Am I expected to frame it and display it on a wall?
I figure if the “sender” can afford to send me so many requests and waste their money on paper and postage, then “they” probably don’t need my money.
— Julie G., Tucson, Arizona
Julie, when you get requests for donations, there is usually something on the outside of the envelope indicating that it’s from a charity. Don’t open it. On the outside of the envelope, run a line through your name and simply write: “Not at this address.” They’ll think you’ve moved and, most times, remove you from the list of donors.
Many charities sell their list of donors to other charities in an effort to get more donations.
— Heloise
PETROLEUM JELLY
Dear Heloise: I know a lot of people who claim that petroleum jelly causes blackheads and clogged pores and that it isn’t good for our skin. While I never use it in hot weather, I do use it around my eyes when I go skiing in the winter.I first use a rich moisturizer, then make a large circle around the eye area with a thin layer of petroleum jelly. This protects the delicate eye area where there are no oil glands. Sometimes I also wear a ski mask.
I’m 47 years old and have been skiing all my life. People tell me I look like I’m in my early- to mid-30s, because I have taken care of my skin for most of my life. Believe me when I say that no one thanks you for not taking care of yourself.
— Inga M., Steamboat Springs, Colorado
PLUS-SIZE
Dear Heloise: I design and make clothing, and so many of my customers who are plus-size keep asking me how to look slimmer. Here are some suggestions:
Do not wear oversized clothing. Instead, show off your curves by wearing garments that skim the body, not tight clothing that will make you look uncomfortable and large.
Always wear proper-fitting underwear. The wrong bra will do you no favors!
Show off your arms, legs or shoulders — whatever you like. You don’t need to be a prisoner of large or dark clothing. Try some color!
Use heels instead of flats. Try to wear the same color from head to toe.
Matching hose and shoes looks good together and can give the illusion of more height.
Never wear too much jewelry. Keep it simple.
— Sonja W., Hollywood
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