Here’s a few tidbits to make your life easier in the kitchen:

• Don’t waste your money on expensive gadgets and/or appliances.  You can do a lot with simple tools.  Instead take that money and use it toward buying better quality ingredients.
• Grow your herbs and as many fruits and vegetables as you can.  It’s easy for me to say this because I live in a place where you can grow food virtually year round.  If you’re able to plant a garden then do it.  There is no substitute for freshly picked.  If you don’t have access to outdoor garden space, you can always grow herbs indoors in a sunny window sill.
• Keep a good supply of staple ingredients on hand
  • vegetable oil
  • extra virgin olive oil
  • kosher salt
  • black pepper (in a pepper mill)
  • a variety of your favorite spices
  • variety of flours and instant yeast for the bakers (these keep well in the freezer)
• Always keep your knives sharp.  A sharper knife requires less force to cut, which means more control over the blade and you will be less likely to injure yourself.