My usual heating pad had quit, so I turned to a homemade solution: a rice bag heating pad. Surprisingly easy to make, it was also comforting and effective, providing just the relief I needed.

You can even make a bunch of rice bowl recipes with boil in bag rice. In a 2-quart microwave-safe bowl, submerge one unopened bag of rice in 3 cups of boiling water. Cover tightly with a microwave ...