Are you looking for ways to chase off the ice-cold chill of winter? Try these 10 expert cold weather hacks that will help you stay warm and toasty!
These are the very best tips that we use all winter long to stay warmer in bitterly cold New England Winters.
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1. Dress in layers of clothes
Layers will help insulate and keep you dry and warm. So make sure you wear a shirt, sweater or sweatshirt, and a coat. Also, be sure you have a hat, gloves, and/or mittens.
Another way to keep warm during the winter is to wear thermal underwear underneath your clothes. Flannel is another option, though thermals are the best design for cold weather.
The thing that’s great about thermals is that they are form-fitting and made of a material to wick away moisture from the skin surface which reduces the discomfort and chills associated with the cold weather.
Remember the importance of keeping your hands and feet warm.
Wool socks are a great way to keep toes warm and cozy.
2. Waterproof boots
Make sure you are wearing waterproof boots when you go outside.
A good way to add a little extra waterproofing is to put plastic bags on your feet before you put on your boots.
Yes, just like your mom made you do when you were a kid!
This definitely works to keep their feet drier.
Your feet can be easily affected by the cold. Do everything you can to keep your feet warm and dry.
Investing in a good pair of boots that keep your feet warm and dry is priceless when working around your homestead in the winter.
3. Put felt inside your indoor shoes and your outdoor boots.
This is an inexpensive hack that can easily add extra insulation and warmth to your feet this winter. You can get the felt at any craft store.
You can try Michael’s, Joann Fabric, or even Walmart. Just cut the felt to fit the sole inside the shoe.
4. Make meal plans that involve using the oven.
A great hack to add a little more warmth to your home during the winter is to cook and bake more in the afternoons.
The oven gets to do double duty by cooking and baking and heating your home (at least the kitchen area).
When you’re done baking and the oven is off, you can open the door and let the excess heat warm up the room. (Never run the oven with the door open).
11 Best Homemade Mac N Cheese Recipes
Are you looking for the best homemade mac n cheese recipes? Look no further! Mac n Cheese is one of the most popular comfort foods. It is Delicious, versatile, and filling! Homemade Macaroni and cheese can be a stand-alone meal or a side dish, either way, it is always a crowdpleaser!
5. Be sure to insulate your windows
👉It is estimated that 85% of home heat is lost through the windows. Stop heat loss by insultating your windows.
This can be decreased significantly with DIY window insulating products available at hardware stores.
Even if your windows are double panes, adding a third layer of insulation can make a difference.
This is one of the best things you can do to keep the cold out. You can cover them with an insulating film or use heavy curtains that will insulate your windows as well.
6. Place wool Blankets, throws, and scarves next to couches and chairs for easy use.
In our family room, we keep a basket of blankets and throws to help us stay warm on cold afternoons and nights.
I found this DIY no-sew fleece blanket tutorial that is a budget-friendly way to make sure you have enough warm throws for the winter months.
We enjoy writing curled up on the couch, but it can get cold as the sun goes down and temperatures drop. This is another blanket that we love:
7. Be prepared for sudden winter storms.
Winter storms can be unpredictable. Living in the Northeast, we often see rainstorms that quickly turn into 30-inch snowstorms resulting in power outages and fallen trees.
Some things you may want to have on hand:
- Cold and Flu Medication, be sure you have everything on hand in case you or your kids or your spouse get sick in the middle of a storm, that is the worst.
- Have extra food, snacks, diapers, wipes, and formula if you use it. Just in case the power goes out. It’s a good idea to keep a stash of batteries as well.
- If a winter storm is on the way, I always make sure that the kids and the adults have all taken baths and showers just in case the power goes out.
- Have sand or rock salt available to spread on icy walkways and stairs.
- Make sure your snowblower is working before the storm. If you travel, make sure you take it slow.
- Make sure your snow plow is good to go. Even if you have a 4 wheel drive truck, consider getting a good set of chains.
- Make sure you always keep a small shovel, sand, and blankets in your vehicle.
8. Keep a list of winter and snow day activities
Some options for snow day activities include:
- Select books to read to your child
- Coloring books
- Try new recipes
- Play your child’s favorite movies
A great option in the winter is the free videos that come with Amazon Prime Video. Amazon Prime Video is a free perk you get when you’re a member of Amazon Prime.
They have lots of movies and TV shows for free. It’s a great way to keep the kids entertained on a snowy cold day and keep them in the warmest room in the house.
9. Serve more hot beverages and soup
The winter cold has a tendency to go right into your bones. A good way to fight feeling cold is to drink more hot drinks and eat more soup.
I find drinking warm beverages like hot chocolate, tea, coffee, warm broth, and eating soups for dinner helps keep us warm.
Soups are easy to make in your slow cooker, dutch, oven, or instant pot.
We’ve put together our 20 favorite instant pot soup recipes that are perfect for cold winter days.
10. Fix an old fashioned bedwarmer: warm rice and bean bags
Crawling under freezing cold blankets at bedtime can make falling asleep more difficult.
One solution is to fill socks with dry rice or beans and heat them in the microwave, or on your woodstove before bed.
Slide them under the covers to pre-heat your blankets and sheets.
It is old fashioned but it works!