* Generally, for every degree you lower your thermostat during heating season, you reduce your energy costs by 3 percent.

* Just in time for soup season (and my new year's resolutions), here's a great fat swap: Drain and rinse 2 cups of white beans and puree with a cup of no-sodium vegetable broth. You can use this as a thickener in place of heavy cream for soups and stews. -- JoAnn

* To keep snow off your windshield, use a flannel-backed tablecloth stretched to cover both windshield and wipers. Put it flannel-side to the glass. Then you'll be able to lift it (and the snow) off your windshi...