Do Just One Thing

Here's a great tip from the Cookware Manufacturers Association to get marred or dirty cookware sparkling-clean again. Create a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water, and simmer your badly stained cookware over low heat for a few minutes. For very tough stains, soak in the solution for a few hours and then rinse with warm soapy water before using the cookware. This should make old cookware almost as good as new!

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

If you want to donate your old laptop securely and safely, the best charity is likely your local Goodwill. Most Goodwill stores will take old laptops in any condition and wipe the hard drive clean. It goes into a machine that wipes it clean, so no person actually ever sees what's on it; they never even turn your laptop on. In fact, the standards are so high, they're the same the U.S. Department of Defense uses. If the laptop is in good working condition, it will be resold; if not, it'll be recycled for parts.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Among the prized items your local food bank loves to get during the holiday season: spices! Essential spices like salt, pepper, chili powder and cinnamon are critical, since they can go a long way to make unseasoned food like rice, beans and oatmeal taste a whole lot better. And while canned fruit is something you can also give, avoid pineapple. It's the most common donated fruit, so try to give berries, apples and pumpkin instead.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION