10 Free Ways to Stay Warm When Your Home is Cold

Hello, Dear!  

You're safely tucked into your dorm in Florida and won't need this letter immediately. But unfortunately, as fuel prices rise, the temperature at which we can maintain our home falls. So today, I'm sharing my top free (or nearly free) ways to stay toasty when the house is cool. 

One: Heat the person, not the space!

Change your mindset from heating the room to keeping you and your people warm to save a lot of money.  The rest of the ideas in this letter focus on this concept.

Two: Wear a base layer from shower to shower.

While you are still warm from a bath or shower, slip into a set of Thermaskins or just leggings and a  t-shirt if you don't have a base layer set.  This layer should be thin and breathable! Fun tip: Hardcore outdoor enthusiasts wear ladies' nylons as their base layer.  Wear this layer until your next shower or bath to keep a warm layer next to your skin between clothing changes.

Three: Wear long sweaters/sweatshirts.

Heat is generated in your hips, which creates a warm airflow up to your torso, arms, and neck. On frigid days, a hooded sweatshirt dress over your skirt or pants will keep you toasty.  A longer sweater or sweatshirt also keeps your lower back covered when you bend at the waist.  

Four: Avoid tight waistbands and pants.

Wearing tight waistbands or snug pants chokes the airflow for the heat produced in your hip area.

Five: Keep your neck warm.

The heat flowing up your back escapes out the neck opening of your shirt, creating a draft.  If the day is especially cool, wear a turtleneck, a hoodie, or a scarf to keep the warm air circulating around your body.

Six: Wear shoes.

While socks are usually recommended for cold weather, I prefer shoes to insulate my feet from cold hardwood floors.  If you typically kick off your shoes before entering the house, have a dedicated clean pair just for house use.

Seven: Use microwave rice packs.

Technically this isn't free, but most people already have a bag of rice and mismatched socks at home. Put a cup of dry rice into a small clean sock, secure with a rubber band or tie it shut with string using a secure knot.  Microwave for a minute or two, and voila, a delightfully warm pack to pop in your pocket. A hot rice pack provides both additional body heat and a way to quickly warm your hands. WARNING:  Rice will burn/catch fire if microwaved for too long.  

Eight: Eat hot meals.

A soft-boiled egg and toast fingers or a bowl of oatmeal will warm you from the inside out.  Ditto soup or a quick stir fry for lunch. Kiddos always think pancakes or mac and cheese are a treat.

Nine: Drink hot water/tea

I've mentioned before that my grandmother drank hot water almost constantly during the winter. I prefer to drink herbal tea or hot water with lemon.  Either way, wrapping your hands around a warm mug and sipping something hot is a great way to warm up and hydrate.

Ten: Use blankets and snuggle up when sitting.

Sitting drops your average body temperature a little on a good day. However, sitting to read or work on a project can be miserable if your home is already uncomfortably cool.  Keep a supply of soft blankets in a storage ottoman or basket near seating areas.  The extra layer helps retain valuable body heat. Partner with another family member to warm up even more.

Keeping a sweet, sunny spirit when you're cold can be a battle.  I hope these tips help you bless your family and keep them warm. 

 

Love, 

Momma

P.S.  If you have any ideas for staying warm you'd like to add for Lissy, drop them in the comments below!