Vintage enamelware serving pieces and cookware are common items you'll find at flea markets, antique stores and thrift shops. They were common in the late 19th and the early part of the 20th century, and they're very pretty, too. But are they safe to use now for serving food and cooking? Most likely not. Back in the day, there was little regulation on what manufacturers could use to make enamelware, so vintage pieces often have additives like lead and cadmium. If you do find and purchase old enamelware, use it for display or decoration only.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Not only is pre-shredded cheese from the supermarket expensive, but it also comes in hard-to-recycle plastic packaging. One way to go green and save money is to buy blocks of cheese from the cheese counter and shred them yourself. To save time, shred the entire block of cheese at once and store the shredded cheese in a large reusable freezer bag. To prevent the shredded cheese from sticking together, add a tablespoon of cornstarch to the freezer bag and shake to lightly coat the cheese; the cornstarch will also help keep the shredded cheese fresh longer.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

It's a popular belief that if you've accidentally shrunken a wool sweater in the washing machine, your only option is to toss it. But you can un-shrink the sweater in just a few easy steps. Start by soaking it for 10 minutes in lukewarm water with 1/3 cup of hair conditioner. Drain the sink and gently squeeze -- don't wring -- the sweater to remove excess water. Place the damp sweater on a clean towel and work the sweater back into shape. Roll it up in the towel to absorb more water and let it air-dry.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION