During the cold winter it can be tough to stay warm, well, to stay warm without keeping the heater on 24/7 and raising your gas and electric bill, anyway. It’s something everyone does without even thinking about. You walk around your house and think, “Oh, it’s chilly today,” and then proceed to set the heater to a comfortable seventy something degrees. Unfortunately, you’ll probably keep your thermostat at that temperature and your heater will end up going off several times a day without even realizing until you get your monthly bill and are surprised by the amount you owe. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to keep you warmer without having to fork out money to keep the heater constantly running.
Dress in Layers
You wear warm clothes when you’re outside the house, so why not wear some of it inside? You don’t need to wear your thick parka indoors but simply layers will really help keep you warm. That old sweater that you never wear out because it has a stain is perfect for lounging around the house. Socks are great for keeping your toes warm, as your feet are one of the first parts of the body to feel cold. If you don’t like to feel confined by socks, try some slippers instead. There are several kinds to choose from though you’ll want some that are well insulated and comfortable; for example, you can get a great pair of suede moccasins for cheap using coupons for Eddie Bauer. You may also want to consider wearing thick pajama bottoms made from fleece or flannel and even a knit hat.
Wrap Yourself Up
Not in the mood to wear a lot of layers? Perhaps blankets are more your route then. Blankets come in all shapes, sizes and colors so you can pick which one best fits your needs. Choose a small one in your favorite color if you don’t feel like sharing or get a larger one and snuggle up close to your sweetheart. The best part about having a blanket is that you can throw it over the couch or chair as decoration when you don’t need it.
Build a Fire
If you have a fireplace you should definitely get a few logs and put it to use. Logs are pretty cheap and depending on the type, can last for several hours. Having a fire can also set a nice mood to lie on the floor and read a book or roast a couple of marshmallows with friends just for fun. If you have one of the new types of fireplaces that run on gas, it’s best not to turn it on as it can waste more energy and money than the heater!
Start from the Inside
Make something warm to eat or drink! Nothing tastes better than a hot bowl of soup on a cold, rainy day. Well, chili, baked potatoes, hot chocolate and apple cider are also close contenders but that’s beside the point. Not only will you be eating or drinking something warm to take the chills away, but using your oven to make it will actually heat up your home in the process! Sites such as Recipes.Kaboose.com actually have lists of recipes specifically for cold days, so get in the kitchen and start warming up!
Steff Scholl loves the holiday season but isn’t a fan of cold weather. She knows that with the extra expense of Christmas gifts, she can’t afford to pay a high gas bill. That’s why she uses coupons for Eddie Bauer so she could afford a great pair of slippers for her and her boyfriend.
