A kitchen counter is more than just a surface for cooking and meal preparation. In many homes, the kitchen counter serves as the primary workhorse. It’s where we place the day’s mail and where kids do their homework. It’s also where I fold clothes, daydream, and make big plans. On cooking days, my counters endure…

Sometimes, I wonder how “Everyday Cheapskate” readers discover their handy ideas. I mean, who would have thought something that cleans brake parts would also remove stains from clothes? Cleans More Than Brakes I have found that using my husband’s brake parts spray cleaner, Brakleen, works really well for getting out grease stains. It doesn’t affect…

Dear Cheapskate: Do you know of any place where I can donate empty plastic prescription bottles? It seems such a waste to throw them away.— Susan H., Tennessee Dear Susan: Call your local veterinarian. Most vets are more than happy to receive cleaned prescription bottles with labels removed for dispensing medicines for animals. Humane societies…

Over the years, I’ve noticed something. People who live comfortably do not do so because they are particularly wealthy. It’s because they are disciplined. They possess financial maturity. They live according to principles and rules they impose upon themselves. I have a feeling that Jane, today’s first tipster, is one of those people—quietly disciplined and…

For some of us, there are few spring joys that are as soul-satisfying as a healthy, lush green lawn. Or a pristine patio with clean furniture and accessories. You may have noticed in the past that a beautifully maintained healthy lawn does not come without considerable cost, effort and care. And outdoor living areas don’t…

By Hunter Boyce From The Atlanta Journal-Constitution There are few things quite as frustrating about household chores as opening a dishwasher to discover still-dirty dishes. Trying to ascertain what went wrong with the wash can be perplexing, but it doesn’t have to be. Here is how to load a dishwasher the right way to ensure…

I am embarrassed to admit how many personal items I’ve left behind in hotel rooms over the years. I’m talking about phone chargers, flash drives, hair products, power toothbrushes — and even clothes left hanging in the closet. What’s wrong with me? I left my must-have travel pillow — not once, but twice. My recovery…

Coinciding with the rise in consumption of the fruit, doctors are seeing more cases of the “avocado hand”—a condition that occurs when a person tries to remove the seed in a dangerous manner and ends up cutting their hand. According to Hass Avocado Board, avocado consumption has tripled since 2000, with Mexico and the U.S….

Coinciding with the rise in consumption of the fruit, doctors are seeing more cases of the “avocado hand”—a condition that occurs when a person tries to remove the seed in a dangerous manner and ends up cutting their hand. According to Hass Avocado Board, avocado consumption has tripled since 2000, with Mexico and the U.S….

Dear Mary: My husband says that it costs more to make ice in the freezer than to buy it in bags. I find that hard to believe. Do you know the answer? — J.M. Dear J.M.: Let’s say a 10-pound bag of ice at the store costs $2. Two dollars’ worth of water from your…