WINTER WOES

■ UNFREEZE LOCKS WITH LIGHTERS
Hold the flame to your key for a few seconds. The key’s warm metal will help melt ice crystals that have formed inside the lock.

■ SHOVEL WITH COOKING SPRAY 
Spray your shovel with nonstick cooking spray before getting started; snow will slide right off.

■ MAKE YOUR OWN DE-ICER
Mix 1 teaspoon Dawn dishwashing liquid, 1 tablespoon rubbing alcohol, and ½ gallon warm water; pour the mixture over walkways to keep them from freezing again right away.

■ USE YOUR PORCH TO REFRIGERATE
If your fridge is full during the holidays and the temperature is 40°F or below, place hardy perish-ables (like fruits and vegetables) in a cooler outside near the back door. Doing so will free up a lot of extra shelf space while still keeping food cold.

■ GET UNSTUCK WITH KITTY LITTER
If your tires are spinning in a pile of snow, sprinkle a healthy handful of kitty litter or birdseed under them to gain traction.