Vacuum-seal your food for better, lasting storage

One way to vacuum-seal -- especially big and bulky things, such as blankets, pillows and sweaters -- is by putting them in a large plastic bag, drawing the air out with a vacuum cleaner hose, then quickly sealing the bag with a twist tie.

But what about food storage for freezing or vacuum-sealing smaller items to protect them from tarnish and rust? Here's how:

To vacuum-seal small stuff such as food (for freezing), or to prevent tarnish or rust, put the item in question in a plastic zip-top storage bag. Insert a drinking straw as far to one side as is possible, then zip the top, suck out the air and quickly zip the bag closed as you pull out the straw.

After one or two practice sessions, you'll be a regular vacuum-sealing machine.