Staying Warm (and Why It’s Important!)

Winter “officially” starts on December 21st for the Northern Hemisphere… but it’s cold right now here in the Pacific Northwest. With the economy the way it is at the moment, it might be tempting to try to keep energy bills lower by keeping the house cooler than you might normally like it. Here are some tips to help you keep warm if you’ve got the thermostat set low. Number one: Check doors for drafts. If you can see daylight around your door, then the cold air can get in. Think about weather stripping or a draft stopper to help keep … Continue reading

A Guide to Winter Bedding

I rank warm winter bedding up there as one of the top essentials to have in a home. Forget the HDTV, the new kitchen, the coffee maker. If you have warm bedding you’ll be okay. Having warm bedding can not only keep you comfortable at night, but it can also greatly reduce your heating bills. With a thick down comforter, for example, we are able to turn our heat way down at night, lower than recommended by the department of energy for energy savings. With spring approaching, it is a great time to find some end of season deals on … Continue reading

Beating the Cold in My Home

This winter, the country has been seeing temperatures that are colder than normal. Even the sunny state of California has had a few days where temperatures have reached below freezing. Right now, much of the east cost is chilled with almost arctic temperatures. Although we got a little dusting of snow today that is pretty and picturesque, the low, low temperatures take away any of the quaintness of the scene and leave me wanting spring to arrive. Of course, there is still some more weeks of winter. I know that the temperatures have hit some lows when I go out … Continue reading

Cold Weather Fitness Tips

When the weather is bad, it’s hard to stay motivated. On a really cold, wet day, it’s hard to even want to leave the house to head for the gym or go for a walk. Don’t give up on your health during the colder months! These tips can help you stay warm when the weather turns brisk. Dress in layers for your workout. When you start your exercise, you’ll still be cold and will need the extra warmth. As you heat up, you can take off as many layers as you need to — and put them back on if … Continue reading

Cold Snap Tips

The northeastern United States woke up to some true wintery weather today. Earlier this morning here at the Jersey shore, the temperature was less than 20 degrees Fahrenheit with windchills below zero. After a reasonably mild winter (so far), the change feels pretty dramatic to me. As I write this, I’m bundled up in layers — a tank top, tee shirt, and long sleeved shirt on top; long underwear beneath loose pants on the bottom. Okay, I could just crank up the heat. But with the right layers, I don’t need to! Whether you’re inside or out, keep these tips … Continue reading