We have had some unseasonable cold weather this winter and it requires some unusual tricks and tips to survive the cold in good condition.  I wanted to share my cold weather rituals that make winter more bearable.

Pre-heat Coffee Mug with Hot Water

via ClipArts

The first thing I do every morning is to make coffee.  I can’t start my day without it!

Whether I am taking my coffee mugs out of the dishwasher or my cabinet, they are always ice cold in the winter.  My cabinet is on an outside wall as is the dishwasher.  Although my house is well insulated, when you have subzero temps, it doesn’t matter.  The mugs are cold.

Cold mugs won’t keep coffee hot so while the coffee is brewing, I fill our coffee cups with very hot water!  We have an instant hot water device on our sink which I love.  You can also just use hot tap water or put the mug in the microwave with water and pre-heat the mug.

Hot Water with Lemon and Honey

I recently heard a model interviewed on the Today Show and one of her secrets was to drink hot water first thing in the morning with some lemon.  I have tried that but I also add a little honey to soothe my dry throat.  I prefer my coffee first thing but I do enjoy this honey lemon water during the day to warm me up.

Cold Weather Dry Skin Cure

Baby oil has been a favorite of mine for decades.  After showering, I wet a wash cloth and lightly wring it dry.  I then squirt a decent dose of baby oil on it and use the wet cloth to dry myself off in the shower.  The wet skin absorbs the oil and it makes your skin feel so good during the winter months.  Try it!

I especially like the Johnson’s baby oil with aloe vera and vitamin E.  It doesn’t have the “baby” smell and the aloe vera and vitamin E are extra perks.

Cold Weather Lipstick Alternative

My lips get so chapped during the winter months.  Sometimes lipsticks are just too drying.  I have discovered Burt’s Bee’s Lip Shimmer which comes in a variety of colors.  I line my lips with a lip pencil and then apply the lip shimmer.  It protects my lips and keeps them moist.

Vaporizer Humidifier

A vaporizer humidifier such as this Sunbeam one is a godsend for dry sinuses and skin.  I have been using one at night to add moisture into our dry air as I am recovering from a sinus infection.  My friend Monica uses one all winter long.    We do have a humidifier on our furnace but it’s not enough.  By supplementing it with a vaporizer/humidifier, it helps with sinus issues and winter allergies.

Playtex Gloves

I hardly ever do the dishes without wearing Playtex gloves.  The gloves protect my manicure but even more importantly, it helps prevent dry chapped hands.

The trick to avoid water dripping down your arms is to cuff them by folding over the bottom few inches as shown in the photo above.

Ultra Thin Thermal Top

It used to be that long underwear was thick and bulky.  Well, those days are gone.  There are so many great brands and they come in a variety of colors.  I have a black scoop neck long sleeve thermal top by Heat 32 Degrees that I wear under my sweaters.  It really helps keep me warm.

Fleece Vests

 

I don’t like a lot of bulky layers and especially don’t like a lot of layers on my arms.  I don’t know why but I am forever pushing up my sleeves.  That’s where these Columbia fleece vests come in.  They add another layer of warmth without the bulk on my arms.  They are great to wear around the house.

Protect Store Bought Flowers With a Paper Bag

via Spring Hill Interiors

Treat yourself to some spring flowers but make sure you protect them while transporting them home.  On Valentine’s Day, I saw so many men leaving the grocery store with fresh flower bouquets walking out to their cars in windy sub-zero temperatures.  The blooms need protection if you want them to last.   Place them in a paper bag to protect them from the cold and wind as you take them from the store to your car.

Place your floral arrangement where you spend the most time!  Sure, they look nice on the kitchen table but how much time do you really spend there?  I either place them on my desk in my home office or next to my kitchen sink if I am doing a lot of cooking.

Ventless Fireplace

I know this tip isn’t for everybody but if you do have a fireplace, read on!

Last year I wrote about remodeling our fireplace into a ventless fireplace.  It was one of the best projects we ever did in our home.  The fireplace operates with a remote control and it actually puts heat into the room instead of sucking it out like most fireplaces.  You can read more about it here.

I have spent many hours this winter in my chair in front of the fire.  Fireplaces are one of the highlights of winter for me.

I hope that you have picked up a tip or two.  If you have any great tips to share, please do so below in the comments.  You can also sign up for new blog posts below.

Stay warm and safe.