So this might not be a totally serious post, but I need to write something other than giveaways all the time, right? Since it’s coming up to Winter and it’s getting much, much colder much, much quicker than I thought it would here are a few tips to keep yourself warm this winter. They should mostly be efficient, good for you and if they’re not, just give them a go anyway, right?
Extra Layers
Jamie will tell you just how much I love my dressing gown. I would literally live and die in it if I could and if he could un-buy it for me he would. It’s just so comfy, it’s an extra layer and it is so unbelievably warm and, in my honest opinion, if you’re not planning on leaving the house why get dressed? Pyjamas are so much more comfortable, relaxed and warm! The only thing I’m failing to tell you at the moment is that I tend to wear my dressing gown over my every day clothes too. That’s the bit he doesn’t like. Haha, oh well. I’m toasty and you will be too! If you don’t have a dressing gown, then get your onesie on (I’ve finally got myself one of these!) or pop a hoody over the top!
Curtain Call
I love closing the curtains in my house. It’s like you’re telling the world ‘goodnight’ and you get to cosy up in your own little bubble for the rest of the evening. If they’re nice thick curtains they’ll keep the heat in and the cold out. I love thick, floor length curtains that really bring a room together. Swap the thin ones out and get some big curtains.
I’d also suggest closing your blinds. While they tend to be thinner than curtains they will definitely retain your heat better than a big open window space.
Hot Chocolate
Or a cup of tea, or a cup of coffee. Just make sure it’s absolutely steaming hot and fresh from the kettle. I love sitting down with a hot drink, curled up in the corner of my sofa with my hands wrapped around a warm mug. Sometimes I rest it on my cheek when it’s not too hot or kind of rest my chin on the lip of the cup. Perfect little warm up – unless the kids are around then you’ve got no chance of drinking anything hot unless it’s microwaved 50 times.
Draught Excluders
You might feel a breeze around your feet this time of year so it’s really important to get a draught excluder if you know where it needs to go. We have one at the door of our garage which goes into the hallway and that really does keep our heat in and the garage cold out! Front doors, back doors, even bedrooms that have radiators off will all be cold spots!
Duvet Days
If you don’t have kids, or if you do and you don’t have them for the day, then seriously get wrapped up in your duvet. Either just get into bed and watch telly or, even better, drag your duvet downstairs and watch the ‘big’ tv. Hey, you can even make yourself that hot drink and be doubly warm, and if you have your dressing gown on as well you’re on to a winner. I haven’t done this in about 4 years now but would kill for a day like this! Oh and it can save you a few quid on the heating. Speaking of which..
Efficient Heating
Not everyone has the luxury of seriously good and efficient heating in their house. Or, there might be a room you need it in – maybe you’ve converted part of the garage or you’d just like something in your garage. You’ve all seen those freestanding radiators that you plug in and they get ridiculously hot and send your electricity bill through the roof? How about an alternative?
Electric Radiators Direct offer an alternative to storage heaters and they look good too! Not only that, they’re pretty efficient given what they are. Electric heating has evolved incredibly in recent years and these guys offer an easy-install option that is maintenance free and that has running costs to rival gas central heating. So, if you want something that “fits the bill”, is affordable and looks really stylish, you need to try these first!
Get Your Blood Pumping
There are a few ways you can do this but in short – exercise! Whether you do a 20 minute HIIT session with Joe Wicks on YouTube or whether you do your own workout and jog round the living room, get your blood going. You’ll soon work up a sweat and you’ll be burning calories too. Wow, I really should take my own advice!
Have A Bath Or Shower
And since you’ve just been sweating away and you’ve now cooled down a bit, you’ll need a hot shower or bath. I prefer showers personally and I rarely turn the cold tap on more than a smidge. I love my showers super hot so that I come out looking as hot as I feel – red! Anyone else? Plus, there’s just something about standing under that running water with your eyes closed for a few minutes while forgetting what’s going on the other side of the shower curtain. Bliss!
Go Round Someone Else’s
And if all else fails, go use someone else’s heating. Whether it’s the in laws or your Nan, just pop in. They might even offer you a cuppa as well! Don’t forget to stick the heating on full whack in the car when you’re driving over either!
What are your top tips for staying warm this Winter?
*This is a collaborative post.