Homemade hangers preserve the shape of tall boots and maximize space. They're created by replacing the knobs on cedar boot trees with large cup hooks, which are screwed into the tops. The trees and boots then hang from a cafe-curtain rod.

Soothe an insect bite or numb a mild burn without freezing your fingertips by using ice frozen in a film canister. Wash canister with soap and water beforehand, fill with water (allowing room for its expansion), cover, and freeze. To use, run cool water over the canister, then uncap, and gently squeeze to loosen the ice.

To create a belt rack that matches your other hangers (and doesn't require making holds in the wall), try this:

Whether they're from the North or South, birds love Alabama's state fruit, blackberries. If they're enjoying yours before you get the chance, set up this low-tech line of defense: Drive bamboo stakes into the ground around the perimeter of the berry patch. Perch flowerpots on top, and cover with bird netting, which you can find at garden centers.

How High?
Use bamboo stakes that are taller than the berry bushes and you, so you can move around underneath the netting. Make sure the netting drapes all the way to the ground.

Storing baking sheets, cutting boards, and sturdy platters upright on kitchen shelves frees space and keeps you from having to lift a heavy stack when you need only one item. Create dividers for them using tension curtain rods. Buy rods to fit the space, and position pairs of them at intervals. Twist to tighten.