“What is it? How to use it?” These are the questions that Internet users tend to ask when they dig up something interesting in their grandma’s cupboard. And by looking at these objects, you can’t help but wonder: what are they actually for?
“From my grandparents. Does anyone have ideas?”
Ice bucket
- It’s a sugar scuttle.
- My mom always used this for mixed nuts, then people’s hands don’t touch the nuts, just the little scoop.
“This chain inside my door? It connects the door to the frame and can easily just be pulled out of the door.”
It’s a concealed door closer (and it’s broken).
“Promo item I received for free at a Christmas Fair. It is the size of my hand, the white top screws on and off and the red bag part expands and is pretty thick.”
It’s a HANGOVER EMERGENCY KIT, JUST ADD ICE🤯
- You fill it with ice and use it for bruises / knee pain like you would a bag of frozen peas.
“My friend found this on her coffee table. It’s made of metal and bracelet sized. But no closure to put on.”
You put your tie through it and hook the button underneath the tie to keep your tie in place
- It’s a tie chain. Little loop hangs in a button of the dress shirt and the tie goes thought the chain. It prevents the tie from moving around too much.
“I bought this from my local antique shop. I was thinking of using it to store thread when I’m traveling. What did you historical store in this?”
The camera carrying case
- It’s a camera case.
“I got this from my grandmother and have no idea what it is. It’s pretty darn heavy and has what looks to be a little stone in the middle. Also, there are Chinese characters on the bottom.”
These are called chops — it’s a way of signing your name, still used for legal documents in some places. There is a street in Hong Kong where you can have them made while you wait. Cool piece.
“Small plastic spoons with brown substance, individually packaged and found in a public park. What is it?”
Tamarind spoon. You have Hispanics in the neighborhood would be my guess.
“What is the small tub for next to the big jetted tub? It has no drain and no faucet.”
It could be used for wet towels.. I’m guessing.
- I’m thinking it is/was a spot for an artificial plant. The rest of the aesthetic seems just right for the time when designers thought that was a good idea.
“Scissors with weird angle. What is the use of this?”
Wick trimmer
- To cut candle wicks.
“Found this on the ground years ago and felt compelled to take it. Can’t figure out how to put it on any body part.”
Harness for a dog?
- This is decoration for boots. The single strap goes under the arch of the boot, in front of the heel, the double straps go around the ankle.
“A silver spoon with ‘top’ part?”
Looks like you could use it as an egg separater.
- Seems to be a medicine spoon.
“What could it be?”
Pretty sure that’s a baby rattle, but the bells were removed.
“What is this thing received by a family member as a Christmas gift? Top half silver, bottom half wood.”
Victorian nail buffer.
“It has apparently been in the family for 80 years. Any help identifying this would be great!”
Part of a Prussian soldier’s kit to hold a small amount of ground coffee.
“A transparent plastic thing with a hinged lid that opens up and a ridged cylinder that spins inside. Found in an old office space.”
It is a paperclip dispenser. You will find the 2 dark objects in the drum are magnets. Lift the lid and spin the drum towards you, it picks up clips.
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- A paper clip dispenser! That’s incredibly boring, but also I am so glad to have the answer.
“Small black ceramic dish with 3 holes in center”
It’s a soap dish. It’s sitting on our downstairs bathroom sink right now.
“What is this phone charm thing? Comes apart and looks like a macaroon when together.”
It is the screen cleaner.
And here is another group of people who really needed some help identifying their unknown objects.
Doctors reveal that eating cucumber in salads causes
Cucumbers bring refreshing crunch and hydration to salads—but like any whole food, understanding how to enjoy them thoughtfully can enhance both flavor and nutrition. While cucumbers are overwhelmingly beneficial for most people, a few evidence-based considerations can help you get the most from this garden staple—without unnecessary concern.
Fruits & Vegetables
1. Pair with Healthy Fats for Optimal Nutrient Absorption
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Vinaigrette
Cucumbers contain modest amounts of fat-soluble vitamins like A and K—but at 96% water content, they provide virtually no fat to help your body absorb these nutrients.
→ The insight: A fat-free cucumber salad may deliver vitamins that pass through your system unabsorbed.
→ The simple fix: Drizzle with olive oil, add avocado slices, or sprinkle with seeds or cheese. Even a light vinaigrette unlocks nutritional value while enhancing flavor.
This isn’t a flaw in cucumbers—it’s how human digestion works. Nearly all vegetables benefit from a touch of healthy fat.
2. Bitterness and Digestive Sensitivity
Some cucumbers contain cucurbitacin—a naturally occurring compound concentrated in the skin that can cause mild bloating or gas in sensitive individuals. Modern varieties have been bred to minimize this, but occasional bitter specimens still appear.
→ If you notice discomfort: Peel the cucumber and lightly salt the slices; let sit 10 minutes, then rinse. This draws out compounds that may cause sensitivity.
→ Note: For most people, cucumbers are exceptionally gentle on digestion and valued for their soothing, hydrating properties.
3. Pesticide Awareness—Not Alarm
Cucumbers occasionally appear on the Environmental Working Group’s “Dirty Dozen” list due to pesticide residues on conventionally grown produce.
→ Practical approach:
• Choose organic when possible
• Wash thoroughly under running water with a vegetable brush (the waxy skin can trap residues)
• Peeling reduces exposure but also removes fiber and nutrients concentrated in the skin
Salads
Context matters: The health benefits of eating vegetables—conventional or organic—far outweigh pesticide risks for most people.
4. Consistency Matters for Those on Blood Thinners
Cucumbers contain vitamin K, which supports healthy blood clotting. For individuals taking warfarin (Coumadin) or similar anticoagulants, sudden changes in vitamin K intake—not cucumbers themselves—can affect medication stability.
Fruits & Vegetables
→ Key guidance: Maintain consistent intake of vitamin K-rich foods (cucumbers, leafy greens) rather than avoiding them. Discuss dietary patterns with your healthcare provider—don’t eliminate nutrient-dense foods without medical advice.
5. Cucumbers Are Not Nightshades
A common misconception groups cucumbers with nightshade vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, eggplants), which some with autoimmune conditions limit.
→ The fact: Cucumbers belong to the Cucurbitaceae family (along with squash and melons)—not nightshades. There’s no scientific basis for restricting cucumbers due to nightshade sensitivity.
The Balanced Perspective
Cucumbers remain one of nature’s most hydrating, low-calorie, antioxidant-rich vegetables. They support skin health, aid hydration, and add satisfying crunch to meals. The considerations above aren’t warnings—they’re gentle nudges toward smarter enjoyment:
✓ Add a drizzle of olive oil to unlock nutrients
✓ Peel if you experience rare digestive sensitivity
✓ Wash well or choose organic when concerned about residues
✓ Maintain dietary consistency if on blood thinners
✓ Enjoy freely—without nightshade worries
Rather than fearing cucumbers, embrace them with awareness. That simple shift transforms “caution” into culinary wisdom—allowing you to savor every crisp, cool slice with confidence.
Note: This guidance reflects general nutrition science. Individuals with specific health conditions should consult their healthcare provider for personalized advice.