Cy-Fair Lifestyles and Homes magazine Feb 2010: Valentine Care Packages

When you can’t be with that special someone on Valentine’s Day, a care package is a sweet way to send your love. Baking up a batch of homemade goodies for college students, grandchildren, active duty military personnel or significant others is an easy way to show how much you care.

Equal care should be taken to ship those goodies. Knowing how to pack and ship your gifts goes a long way toward getting them to their destination intact and on time.

“We know how important a care package can be,” said Larry Adler, The UPS Store franchisee. “That’s why we’re always happy to show our customers how to pack their baked goods and gifts with a little extra TLC. ”

Adler shares these simple tips to help you create a special care package for your Valentine.

• Send items that will travel well — oatmeal, sugar or peanut

butter cookies, brownies, molasses bars, biscotti, shortbread, dried fruit or snack mixes and hard candy are all good shipping candidates.

• Use a coffee can or a potato chip canister as a cookie cutter and then use the same container to ship the cookies; they will stack perfectly and won ’t crumble.

• Avoid items that can’t withstand heat or other extreme temperatures, such as chocolate or foods that require refrigeration.

• Prepare foods immediately before packing and shipping, and allow them to cool completely before boxing them up.

• Pack soft cookies with a slice of bread to help them to retain moisture. Don’t package crisp cookies in the same container as soft ones; moisture from the soft ones will soften the crisp ones.

• Pound cakes and loaf breads can be baked and shipped in disposable foil pans after being sealed in plastic wrap.

• Seal all perishable items in an interior airtight container or

plastic bag before packing them. Consider sending your treats via UPS Next Day Air or another expedited shipping method.

• Fill air gaps with squares of bubble cushioning to soften the vibration and prevent cookies or brownies from breaking.

• Use a new box specifically designed for shipping, and wrap each item in bubble cushioning surrounded by at least two inches of packaging peanuts.

• Make sure your gift recipients will be in town to receive their tasty treats.

With thousands of service members stationed overseas, many “tastes of home” will cross international borders for Valentine’s Day. To help ensure your gift arrives, check the restrictions of the destination country.

• Don’t send items that require refrigeration, including soft cheeses or fresh fruit.

• Don’t ship food items in glass containers (the glass could break on the trip).

• Pork and pork by-products are not allowed to be sent to Middle East locations. This could include jerky-type products; be sure to read the label.

• High-moisture products, such as banana bread, moist brownies or products including cream cheese, could spoil before arriving at their destination. Check with your local The UPS Store to find out how long it will take to ship to your destination.

“Don’t forget to include a handwritten card or letter,” added Adler. “Each and every note is a valuable reminder of home for the person who receives it and a simple way to pay tribute to the efforts and sacrifices of the brave men and women who serve our country. ” For military care package ideas and tips, visit Operation Gratitude at www.OperationGratitude.com.

Love is in the Air

bling it on fashion

Let Bling It On Fashion help you find the perfect gift for your Valentine! Great gift ideas for the Love of your Life, such as Hanky Panky ’s, cute tees, tops, jewelry and jeans. Gift Certificates are also available.

They will be putting complimentary Valentine Baskets together. So make shopping easy for your valentine and complete the gift registry online at www.blingitonfashion.com or visit the store at 13243 Jones Road @ Grant next to Del Pueblo. Open Sundays; 281-807-3988.