HACKS: On the internet, people call them “life hacks.” They are tips for using things in a way you may not have realized you could. Some folks who “grew up country” probably know quite a few of them already.

From the website BoredPanda.com spider webs have coagulant properties. If you’re outdoors and get cut, and there’s no First Aid kit around, you may be able to find a spider web to put on it to stop the bleeding. The spider might be a bit annoyed, but as nature’s web designer, they’re sure to replace it.

Are you familiar with pincushions for sewing? How about the little strawberry-looking thing that usually hangs from a string attached to it? It’s not just an extra cushion. It’s filled with emery powder to help clean and sharpen pins and needles.

This is helpful for those with little ones around. Expo Marker ink will remove Sharpie ink. Completely cover it and simply wipe it away.

Staple removers can be used to open up key rings. We always used a dime.

When we were children, bread bags were used for any number of “hacks,” like keeping feet dry inside boots in the winter time and bagging up homemade treats.

Speaking of winter time, it’s always a good reminder to coat one’s shovel with car wax to prevent snow and ice from freezing on it. It works best with metal shovels, of course.

There are lots of hints about using old kitchen gadgets like cheese graters hung upside down as planters, or to paint them and use them inside to hold earrings. Old teacups, even those with chips, look lovely in a garden.