Everyday Cheapskate | Mary Hunt

So you’re getting ready to sell your house. Just thinking about it can be an overwhelming experience. Where do you start, and what can you do to ensure you attract a qualified buyer as quickly as possible?

Who says you need to break the bank to maintain a spotless home? Buckle up because we’re about to visit myriad secrets of plain ol’ white vinegar—the unsung hero of budget-friendly cleaning.

Picture this: You’re checking your inbox, and among the mundane messages, one stands out—a request from a distant acquaintance planning a cross-country road trip, eyeing your doorstep as a pitstop. What ensues is a tale of unexpected chaos, hospitality stretched to its limits, and lessons learned the hard way. Join me as I share the highs, the lows, and the unwritten rules of being a house guest worthy of a repeat invitation.

TIP OF THE DAY Egg-ceptional Storage: Keep 'Em Fresh Want to extend the shelf life of your eggs? Store them with the pointed end facing downward! This simple hack helps maintain the integrity of the yolks by keeping them centered, reducing the risk of breakage. Plus, storing eggs in their original carton in the coldest part of the fridge helps regulate temperature fluctuations, ensuring freshness. Remember, eggs are best stored away from strong odors to prevent absorption.

DIY Homemade Belgian Pearl Sugar Elevate your waffle game with homemade Belgian pearl sugar. Add a delightful crunch and bursts of sweetness to your Liège waffles. Making your own batch is easier than you think: simply combine granulated sugar and water, cook over low heat, and dry without caramelizing. Break up the clumps, sift with your fingers, and voilà! You've got pearl sugar ready to take your waffles to the next level. For an authentic Liège waffle recipe, go to From Brussels with Love: How to Make Authentic Liège Waffles at Home → https://lnkd.in/ge5uy8Vf

I first heard the term ‘hypermiling’ from colleague and author Matt Bell back in 2008 when the U.S. economy fell into the Great Recession. Discovering ways to cut costs by increasing one’s gas mileage took on a life of its own. Even I, your humble blogger, enthusiastically joined the crowd. Now, 15 years later as fuel costs are higher than ever before, hypermiling is back in vogue.

From time to time, I hear from readers who have sensitivities or allergies to our beloved Blue Dawn dishwashing liquid. ‘Is there something all-natural we can use that will not trigger these reactions but still work well?’ There is, and it is castile soap … 

If you’ve ever had to deal with an invasion of ants, you may know the meaning of exasperation. While the kids think ants are so cute the way they march in formation, stop to help one another, and work hard to prepare for their own life challenges ahead, it’s better to study these amazing creatures than to wake up to find a million or so feasting on that last piece of pie someone left out on the counter last night. While commercial ant sprays work well, most brands are expensive if not toxic.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy homemade Liège waffles that are cheaper, better, and faster than any store-bought version. These decadent waffles taste like a cross between a waffle and a glazed doughnut, thanks to Belgian pearl sugar. Treat yourself to a taste of Belgium right in your own kitchen!