Clear headlights of ice, snow and mud

If you drive in nasty weather, you may have trouble with headlights that get muddy or icy so they don't shine well. Use car wax to coat and polish them. It repels water and keeps them much cleaner for about six weeks.

Free ice melter

If you have a wood stove or fireplace or ashes left in an outdoor burner, save some of them to sprinkle on icy sidewalks. Ashes melt ice almost as quickly as salt - and they're free. AND they're better for the ground.

Water from your freezer

If you have a freezer that isn't frost free, now is a good time to defrost it. Save the water as the ice melts and put it in a bucket. It's clean and it's free. Water the garden, mop the floor, wash the car.

Ice cubes

Most refrigerators have ice makers any more, but if you use ice cube trays and need an extra one or two for summertime or company, use a foam egg carton, or watch for those plastic coated trays that some candy and cookies come in.