Vegetable grater

If you need a grater for vegetables or spices like nutmeg, it's a cinch to make your own. A metal jar lid is best, but any piece of thin but sturdy metal that you can hold on to works.

Put the lid on a piece of wood and punch holes in it with a nail. It's that simple. The side where the nail comes out will be filled with metal "spikes" where the nail forced it out. Fill the area with these holes and you're done.

Use this to grate anything. Use smaller nails for nutmeg, larger ones for carrots, etc.

Saving Cookie Crumbs

There are always a few crumbs in the bottom of the cookie jar (or package when you buy them). Don't just toss them. Save them in the freezer until you have enough to use for ice cream topping or add the crumbs to your home made granola.

Emergency Starch

Most people don't use starch any more, but there may come a time when you need it. You won't need to take a mad dash and some cold cash to a store if you have a few grains of rice on hand. White rice works best.

Boil about a tablespoon of rice in a couple of cups of water until the water becomes cloudy, then strain the rice and add the water to a gallon or two of clear water. Dip your clothes or linens in it and dry part way before ironing.