Winter weather also means it's important to take a few simple steps to protect your family pet. One basic rule of thumb is this: If it's way too cold for you to be outside, it's too cold for your pet. When you do take walks, make them short and brisk; if there's any moment your dog is shivering, it's time to bring them home. And always wipe their paws down after a walk to remove any road salt, chemicals and grit off of them. Failure to do so can lead to red, sore and cracked paws.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

What could be the harm from picking wildflowers and making an arrangement from them? Turns out, you could be giving yourself third-degree burns. Many wildflowers are toxic if ingested, but they can also be harmful just by touching them. The giant hogweed flower, for example, looks like Queen Anne's lace, but has a sap that can cause burns and even blindness if it gets into your eyes. And there are many more wildflowers that can cause serious damage. Stick to flowers you know when making an arrangement at home.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION

Ever wonder what you could do to keep a bar of soap from dissolving so quickly in the shower? Turns out, you need to let a fresh bar of soap "cure" for a few weeks before using it. Many bars of soap are made from a liquid mixture that needs to dry out, or cure, in order for it to be denser, harder and longer-lasting. All you have to do is unwrap the soap you have and let it sit somewhere for six to eight weeks. When you buy multiple bars of soap, unwrap them right away so you'll have harder soap when you need it.

ANDREWS MCMEEL SYNDICATION