8 Winter Warmers For 2018-19

833

Brrrr Winter Is Here!

As the colder months are about to have us in their clutches, it’s time to think about getting snuggly and staying warm. Of course, those in Australia won’t have this problem as you’ll just be heading into summer (I’m not jealous, honestly…)  My body doesn’t regulate temperature well at all – It’s only the start of winter here in the UK and already I can’t to fit more layers, so I’m rocking the Michelin Man look but I’m still freezing cold. Here are a few ideas to help you stay warm and cosy.

8 Winter Warmers To Snuggle Up

There are lots of great choices when it comes to thermal clothing, blankies, electric blankets and so on. Let’s take a look at a few of the options.

1. Warm Clothing

Thermals are on great option. My favourite are Heat Holders thermal gloves. I couldn’t be without them. There are also thermal socks to keep tootsies warm. Protecting the extremities is important for anyone, especially those with issues with circulation or Raynaud’s.

Thermal tops and leggings can also be good for retaining heat. Try to build up more tight-fitting layers to trap air against your body before adding looser jumpers.

A hat will help prevent some of the warmth from escaping (not to mention the cold freezing your ears and forehead as though you’ve had botox). Don’t forget a scarf to stop drafts from getting in.

You can check out my full review of Heat Holders here.

Whether at home or out and about, arm warmers are a fab idea for fitting snuggly against your skin and retaining warm, without adding too much bulk. The lovely guys over at United Oddsocks generously sent me a pair to try out and I’m in love with them because my arms feel the cold more than anywhere else a lot of the time, constant goosebumps telling my body it’s cold even when it could be overheating and I wouldn’t know it. I’ve been wearing mine at home underneath other layers and the difference is incredible. I went for the funky black with stripes & polka dots armwarmers but they have lots of other awesome designs, and they do socks too!

My Recommendations :

Heat Holders men’s & women’s thermal gloves – Amazon UK  /  Amazon US

Oddsocks Arm Warmers – Amazon UK  /  Amazon US

2. Hot Water Bottle & Heat Pads

Versatile for those with chronic pain, these are classic comforts when it’s cold. Hot water bottles can be bought in various stores, and heat pads are easily found online on the likes of Amazon UK  &  Amazon US.

You can also get little hand warmers cheaply. These are disposable and stay warm for a few hours, so they’re great for when you need warmth quickly or when you’re out and about. I’ve recently tried these myself and love them! 🙂

3. Warm Duvet

I tend to use a 13.5 tog duvet all year around (I’m an odd chilly duck) and these are perfect for colder weather. If you need a little more oomph, go for a 15 tog, or supplement your duvet with a blanket or two on top.

I recently bought a Slumberdown Big Hugs 13.5 tog duvet to replace mine which had totally lost its lust for life, and it’s lovely.

4. Electric Blanket

Duvet not enough? Consider a heated blanket to warm up your bed before you get in for ultra comfort so you can quickly nod off in warmth.

Suggested :

Electric Blankets on Amazon UK  such as the SilentNight Comfort Control blanket. You can also check out the electric blanket Amazon US range.

5. Snuggly Blankets

My personal favourite. I would recommend ones in Wilko, Dunelm and also Primark for being budget-friendly and super soft. The last one I bought was an extra large one in Primark and before that a throw from Wilko, both around the £10 mark and snug, huggable and warm. Such a good investment! 

6. Warm Drinks

Hot chocolate, coffees, teas, it’s the season to indulge in a warm mug of your favourite brew. If you want to shake things up, try green tea, flavoured teas, or a toffee/vanilla/caramel syrup in your coffee. Maybe before you put the kettle on consider a little exercise and some stretches to give your circulation a boost too! 

7. Hearty, Homely Foods

Roasts, soups, bakes. Colder weather makes home-made comfort food ideal. The internet is a great resource for healthy, easy to cook meals, and I’ve shared a post previously on foods like turmeric & ginger that can help keep you warm. A slow cooker is a good way of preparing a meal with less stress and you can always try batch-preparing a few meals for when you don’t feel like cooking.

Suggested :

Morphy Richards 3.5L  Black (UK)

Morphy Richards 6.5L  Red (UK, as pictured below)

Amazon Hamilton Beach 7 quart slow cooker (US)

8. Winter-proof Your Home

Try to keep drafts out (draft excluders under doors are one option) and consider thermal curtains (also very good for headaches & migraines if you go for thermal blackout ones in your bedroom).

Check whether you’re eligible for help towards home insulation, get your boiler checked, and shop around to get a better deal from your energy supplier.

Try being reflective with tin foil style sheets behind radiators; this can help reflect the heat back into the room rather than it getting reduced by heating the wall behind it!

What are you doing to keep warm in the colder months? Do you struggle with being a constant icicle?

Caz   ♥