How to stay warm at home without resorting to blasting the heat? Here are some thoughts…
- Fool the eye: Sometimes warmth is a matter of perception. Warm colors and textures make you feel warmer so change out your decor. Try a throw so you can snuggle under it.
- Cut a rug: Cover up your bare floors with a rug.
- Bake something: Stews, roasts, casseroles and soups are made for the cold weather because they cook at low temperatures for a long period of time and, of course, they warm you up going down.
- Drink something: Wrap your hands around a warm mug of tea, cocoa or coffee.
- Let the sun in: Open curtains and blinds during the day.
- Change your bedding: Switch to flannel sheets, a down comforter, use extra blankets.
- Clean the house: Not only will your house be cleaner but activity will get your blood pumping.
- Cover your head: It sounds silly but wearing a hat (and socks) to bed at night, even if the rest of you is clad in skimpy clothing, will keep you warm.
- It’s muggy in here: Use a humidifier. Humid air feels warmer. No humidifier? Open the bathroom door while you’re showering.
- Reverse the fan: We’ve heard that, since heat rises, running your ceiling fan in reverse will push the warm air back down to the ground.
- Do your laundry: Nothing warms you up like clothing straight from the dryer.
- It’s drafty in here: Block drafts with weather stripping, a rolled up towel or a draft stopper.
- It takes two: Snuggle up with your friends, or your significant other.
- Something old fashioned: Try a hot water bottle or, before you get into bed, running a hot pan over your sheets. Bags of rice or dried beans, warmed in the microwave, are another option.
Source: Apartment Therapy
Vaneese is a Tom Joyner Morning show producer and on air personality on Magic 106.3 in Columbus, Oh and Majic 102.3 in Washington DC.
Like Vaneese on Facebook, follow on Twitter and read her blog “When You Know Better You Do Better”
