Staying Warm
Grab that snug sweater and cozy comforter – it’s cold outside! Keep warm this winter with these toasty tips.
Space Heaters
Freezing cold - and you haven’t even stepped outside? An economical way to warm up is by using an electric space heater. According to les.com, it’s an efficient way to only warm the room you’re in, instead of heating your entire home (which is much more costly). Be sure to unplug it when not in use or when cleaning; keep it out of moist locations such as bathrooms and laundry areas; and stand it in a stable, upright position with at least 30 inches of space between the front of the unit and any other furniture.
Can’t face hopping into that cold, cold bed at night? Think ahead and warm it up with an electric blanket. But before you plug it in, Energyhawk.com says to check for any damaged wires or plugs. If it’s damaged or frayed in any way, replace immediately. Turn it off in the morning or get one with a timer control that shuts it off automatically. And, before you pile another blanket or comforter on top, check the instruction manual to make sure it’s okay to do so with the model you’ve chosen so you don’t risk ruining the blanket or starting a fire.
Toast your toes or just warm your wet socks by the flickering flames of your fireplace. According to hgtv.com, gas units have outsold wood-burning units for the past three years. Why? They’re relatively inexpensive, easy to operate and are free of smoke and ashes. If you do decide to use a wood-burning fireplace, remember to keep sparks enclosed with a screen; keep a fire extinguisher nearby; and make sure that the top of your chimney is protected with a guard to keep animals and debris out. Visit our link for more tips.
When your fingers feel like icicles, it’s time to warm them up! Besides wearing gloves, there are other ways to bring heat to your hands. Soundfeelings.com says to improve circulation by adding supplements to your diet such as Vitamin C, ginger and Vitamin B. And, breathe more deeply. This brings more oxygen into your system, which helps to transfer heat throughout the body. You can also rub your hands with an all-natural warming cream that contains L-arginine, an amino acid that helps to relax bloods vessels (thus improving circulation). Our link will get you feeling your fingers again!
Instead of slipping on the ice out there on the sidewalk, why not slip away to the tropics. Escape from the cold and spend some time enjoying a balmy Caribbean sunset; travel to a lush Jamaican hideaway and bask in the sun on a private beach; or go sailing at an eco-resort in Mexico. Our link will get you where you want to go – away from the snow!
Before you step outside, put on a hat. Over 40% of our body heat escapes out of our head, so be sure to put a lid on it! Try using one made of wool or fabric that locks in heat, such as microfleece. And, make sure that it covers your ears. If the weather outside is truly freezing, consider wearing a ski mask made of neoprene, a high-performance synthetic rubber. It’ll block out the wind and chill, and keep your face from getting chapped.
A great way to warm your entire body is by warming your belly first! Instead of drinking a caffeinated cup of cocoa or a café mocha, which dehydrates the body, brew a pot of green tea. This delicious drink is chock full of powerful antioxidants and vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin C. According to green-tea-benefits.com, it’ll help your body fight against free radicals, which can make you sick. It can boost your immune system (ideal during these cold and flu months), lower cholesterol and slow down the aging process – all while keeping you warm on the inside!
Craving some comfort food? According to naturalstrength.com, cold weather causes our body temperature to drop, which in turn causes an increased appetite. Eating high carb foods produces heat, thus warming our body. 30-60 minutes after we eat, our body generates 10% more heat than when we have an empty stomach. So, get munching! Visit our link for a list of comfort-food favorites such as Old-Fashioned Meatloaf, Tomato Soup and Macaroni and Cheese.
Ward off the chill of a cold winter’s night with cozy bedding. When shopping for comforters, hgtv.com says to keep in mind that the higher the filling weight, or loft power, the warmer the comforter. A baffle design with narrow compartments sewn into the entire piece keeps the down from shifting and also gives it the most room for trapping warm air. A comforter that is designed with a series of boxes lets the down shift around more and traps less heat, which is best suited to moderate winter climate. To get snugly, visit our selects.
The weather outside is frightful, but inside it is so delightful! As you keep warm this winter, be careful of carbon monoxide. This odorless, colorless gas is produced by household items such as furnaces, ranges and wood stoves. According to www.co.dane.wi.us, it’s the most common cause of accidental poisoning in the US. To safeguard your home, purchase a carbon monoxide detector; don’t use an oven for home heating; and check flues, chimneys and vents to make sure they are clear of snow, ice and other debris. For more safety tips, visit our link.
