Snowed In: Tips to Survive Blizzard 2010

Looks like 2010 is going out like a lion what with the huge snow storm that hit the Northeast.  Here in Southern California we're enjoying sporadic respites from heavy rains--the next round begins again tonight according to forecasters.

But whether you're trapped inside due to bad weather of the frozen or liquid variety--or just huddling indoors because "Baby, it's cold outside," here are a few ideas to make good use of your time until you can venture out into the world again...

1. Use your gift cards:  Like most people this holiday season, you probably got one or more gift cards as a present this year.  Cash them in before you lose or forget them by shopping online.  Whether you're poking around iTunes for some news songs for your iPod or cruising the weather clearance at the Gap, now is a great time to turn those pieces of plastic into tangible items.  Did you get a gift card for Sears when you were hoping for one from Williams Sonoma?  No worries--check out Woody's recent post for ways to exchange an unwanted gift card for cash or another gift card.


2. Max out your FSA:  You've only got a few more days to spend or lose money in your flexible spending account.  Check out the FSA section of Drugstore.com and load up on reimbursable essentials.


3. Clear out your DVR:  You've got an entire season of Dexter, House and Modern Family filling up your DVR.  Pop up some microwave popcorn, curl up in front of the TV and free up your DVR hard disk space while you catch up on some television favorites.  While you're at it, you can pop those Netflix movies gathering dust on the coffee table in your DVD player and finally get them out of your queue.


4. Take down the tree:  I know--it's the saddest thing ever to take down all the holiday decorations and most of us put off doing it for as long as possible.  Heck, if we put it off long enough, there's no reason to do it at all because it's already November again!  But as long as you're stuck inside and have nothing better to do, might as well take Katie's holiday decoration storage advice and pack away the tinsel and garland and lights for next year.


5. Clean out your closet:  Just like maxing out your FSA, you only have a few days left to get your charitable donations in for 2010--if you want to take the tax deduction.  Pull out some Hefty bags and go through your closets and finally donate those two sizes too small cowboy boots and two sizes too big fuzzy sweaters to Goodwill or the Salvation Army.  Not only are you doing a good deed, but downsizing on "stuff" is cathartic.

What are you doing to survive the bad weather where you are?  Tell us your tips for avoiding stir craziness in the comments!