While I shared these ideas back in 2012, I think they ought to mentioned again. Since my friend, Nola, sent them to me, I’ve used these tips over and over and they’ve made my life so much easier. So for those of you that didn’t read that article way back when, here you go. And for those of you that already know this stuff, maybe pass it on? (And BTW: I’ve created a chapter in my Cook’n called “Brilliant Ideas.” Just sayin’.)

One more thing, at the time Nola didn’t mention where she got this information. And now the memory is so bad there’s no way of nailing down where she found it. I just mention this because I’d really like to give a shout-out to whomever originated these ideas, but I’m at a loss. So all I can say is, whoever you are, you are brilliant!

As I read through these I kept saying to myself, “Why didn’t I think of that?!” and I guarantee you’ll be uttering those words more than once at these ingenious little tips, tricks and ideas that solve everyday problems:

HULLING STRAWBERRIES: Use a straw to quickly and easily get the job done

REPAIR FURNITURE SCUFFS AND NICKS: Rub a walnut over scratches in your furniture to disguise dings and scrapes.

HALT THE BROWNING: Secure sliced apples with a rubber band to stop them from browning in your child’s lunch box (or anywhere else!).

EFFICIENT AND HANDY PLASTIC BAG STORAGE: Re-use a wet-wipes container to store plastic bags.

BAKERY GOODS TRANSPORTER: Make an instant cupcake carrier by cutting crosses into a box lid.

ORGANIZE YOUR JUNGLE OF CORDS: Bread tags make the perfect cord labels. (I’ve passed this idea on to dozens of co-workers and neighbors. They’re in awe of this simple brilliance.)

MINIMIZE CUPCAKE MESS: Bake cupcakes directly in ice-cream cones, so much more fun and easier for kids to eat.

POPCORN POPPING: Microwave your own popcorn in a plain brown paper bag. Much healthier and less expensive than the packet stuff.

EXPAND YOUR SPACE: Make better use of that under-sink storage space. Install a tension rod to hang your spray bottles, etc.

MAKE COOKIE BOWLS: Turn your muffin pan upside down, bake cookie-dough over the top and voila, you have cookie bowls for fruit, puddings, or ice-cream.

HANDY AND AFFORADABLE FIRST AID: Freeze Aloe Vera in ice-cube trays for soothing sunburn relief.

GARDEN ANYWHERE: No space to garden? Use gutters for those shallow root crops (lettuces, radishes, green onions, some fresh herbs, etc.).

SAFE STORAGE: Lastly, another use for egg cartons: separate and store your Christmas decorations!