Answer Angel: Too good to be true?

Ellen Warren, Tribune News Service on Sep 1, 2026

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Dear Answer Angel Ellen: The internet is bombarding me with ads of beautiful women in beautiful clothes that genuinely appeal to me and at prices I can afford.

The shops are on sites that I’ve never heard of, but the names sound legit. I keep wondering if these offers are too good to be true: Poor merchandise that looks nothing like the photos? Fake companies that will take my money but the clothing never arrives?

--Simone S.

Dear Simone: All of the above.

Not every uninvited ad for every garment you’re seeing is bogus. But many of them are.

Before you send anyone money, do your homework. If a company’s merchandise is shoddy, flimsy, never arrives, impossible to return, etc., an internet search of the company name will promptly alert you to all of that and more from angry, cheated customers. These sites are notorious for beautiful photos of garments that in reality look nothing like the ads.

Protect yourself. If it looks too good to be true … don’t go there.

Dear Answer Angel: I used plastic hair rollers a few years ago but no one seems to sell them now. They make it easier for me to just set my hair. All I can find are sponge rollers or Velcro curlers. The plastic ones come with a white plastic pick or a large bobby pin. My eyesight is failing and using the internet doesn’t work for me.

--Kay H.

Dear Kay: I too can’t locate these classic hair rollers in stores. And I get it: There are plenty of oldies of all sorts that you cannot find on store shelves any more. Online is sometimes the only way to find what you want. I’m frequently disappointed that vendors frequently put their less asked-for products online only. That’s true for the rollers you want. They are available online only and not in stores (sallybeauty.com, walmart.com).

A kind neighbor or friend can help you search online and order what you want to be delivered to your front door by searching for “old fashioned hair curlers” on amazon.com. Ebay.com also has them at mostly higher prices. Vermont Country Store carries many oldie products but not in this case. That store does offer what my mom called “Spoolies.” Similar deices are now sold there as “Vibrant Tresses Heatless Hair Curlers" ( vermontcountrystore.com, 24 for $14.95). I was stunned to discover that the original, genuine Spoolies are still available at spoolies.com (15 for $34.99).

Angelic Readers

I certainly dropped the ball on the question of what to give to people who specify “no gifts” on the invitation. Thanks to all….

Joanne H. writes: “I think you forgot to mention the most obvious and appreciated gift that could be given. No gifts, REALLY means none. However, a donation to whatever organization this birthday celebrant has devoted years and energy to is the nicest compliment the recipient can receive. I know this, because people have honored my special day in such a lovely way.” From Audrey O.: “I was surprised that you didn't mention a donation to a charity as a gift. This way, the birthday recipient is remembered and thought of in lieu of a gift they don’t want. It's also a way to help out those in need at the same time.” Alice S. agrees: “ When I get that kind of invitation I make a charitable contribution to a charity that will send out a congratulatory card to the person saying that I have made a contribution in their name. It can be any amount, as they don't print the amount on the card. To me that's a win-win: You've acknowledged the person's celebration without loading them down with an unwanted item and a charity will benefit.” Others who had the same suggestion: Joann H., Terry M., Nancy-Jo F., Harriette E. and many others who are wiser than me.

For your readers who are frustrated by product packaging designed so they can’t get the last bit of creams and lotions out of the bottle, Joan P. suggests a small device that looks like a tiny scooper on a stick: L’ocean paddle ($10, shoresoapco.com). Less expensive versions of these tiny spatulas: michaels.com, $4.49; walmart.com, $2.68; ultabeauty.com, $4.20.