I travel quite a bit and I go through my fair share of airport security screenings. Here's a good tip to remember if you're traveling this summer. Put your most valuable items, like a laptop computer, on the security conveyor belt first. Always put your shoes on the conveyor belt last. It's common for people to miss the last thing they put on the belt and walk away without it. I can assure you that you won't forget your shoes!

Here's a great tip for your pet bowl. Spray it with nonstick cooking spray before you put food in it. Why? Because it keeps the leftover food from becoming permanently attached to the bowl. Scrubbing that old crusty stuff off is no fun - not to mention disgusting.

Tim Thompson lives in Gainesville. E-mail Tim your ideas for tips, tools or tricks.