Winter Tips

Though some of you out there are enjoying mild weather and sunshine (and yes, I am jealous!), the majority of us are still digging out of the snow and ice that recently blanketed most of the country. And while I personally can’t wait until spring arrives, it looks like we have a few weeks left of scraping windshields, shoveling driveways, and bundling up like the kid in A Christmas Story. Ah, winter … such a wonderful time of year.

This week, our focus is helpful tips to take the sting out of the cold-weather season. Take, for example, snow shoveling; did you know that spraying your shovel with WD-40 or cooking spray before you start is a great way to keep snow from sticking to the blade? Try it out -- I find it makes things a heck of a lot easier.

Then of course there’s everyone’s cold-weather favorite: icy windshields. One thing you can do to combat the ice is to fill a spray bottle with rubbing alcohol and apply it to your frozen windshield. Give it a few scrapes and voila -- no more ice! I’ve also heard of people rubbing salt on their windshields to prevent ice from forming. Just a few ideas to help you enjoy that cup of morning coffee a few minutes longer…

Years ago, I would dread (and I mean dread) looking at our heating bill. But it wasn’t long before I wised-up and took a few steps that ended up saving us a lot of money. It’s amazing how a few trips to the hardware store can really cut down on your energy costs.

Tune in next week for a second installment of helpful winter ideas. In the meantime, feel free to share your thoughts, suggestions, and ideas in the comments section below.

MySurvey.com & Lightspeed Join Forces

In a June 8, 2009 blog, we let you know that the parent company of MySurvey.com became part of WPP's information, insight and consultancy division, The Kantar Group. Another very similar online panel, Lightspeed Consumer Panel, is also a part of The Kantar Group. Because MySurvey.com and LightspeedPanel.com are owned by the same company, we are able to join forces to make your membership a more rewarding experience. Watch for exciting changes over the next few months, including more ways to share your opinions through surveys from both MySurvey.com and Lightspeedpanel.com.