Staying warm is something that I have been thinking about a lot lately! Here in Florida we don't get a lot of cold weather by the rest of North America's standards but when the temperature drops to 60F, we cheerfully pull our "winter" clothes out of the closet. Of course when the sun goes down, and the temps get down into the 40's most of us start getting grumpy. Last year we heated our house to 72F and spent a lot of time opening and closing the doors to go smoke outside. After the alarming number of electricity bills costing $3oo-$400 we paid last winter and over the summer this year, my roommate (and former girlfriend) has forbidden us to use the central heat. This will be the first time our other roommate has ever spent a winter with minimal heat and it's a drastic change to her philosophy on heating and cooling. The positive side to all this is that we have been motivated to find creative ways to stay warm! I have a pretty bad time of picking favorites, so I will tell you my top choices.
4: Electric heaters are not the most personal or creative ways of getting heat, but my heating pad and oil filled radiator have served me well for a lot less money than the central heat, and they work a lot faster without drying out my skin as badly.
3: I have recently been spending a lot of time with a super respectful, open-minded and thoughtful gentleman. He is significantly taller and wider than I am, which makes him very snuggly and warm. I honestly didn't expect to enjoy the company of a lifelong gentleman as much as I do, and it is a welcome change from the discomfort, distrust and disappointment that has surrounded my interactions with such men in the past. He warms both my heart and my body at once.
2: Since it's finally been cold, I've been able to make use of some of my knitted items! I realized that in two years of knitting I have not made anything for myself except swiffer covers and dish towels. That's no fun! So this winter I resolved to make some things for myself. I've been wearing a knitted scarf, but I have plans for warm socks and for a cozy shawl.
1: Tea has been a love of mine for some time, but a couple of years ago I discovered a tea lounge in my city that serves only high quality loose leaf tea in a dazzling array of colors and flavors. Since there is no other such place within convenient driving distance, this tea lounge has become my living room, study and office. In addition to a community, I've also gained a greater knowledge of tea varieties, the benefits of tea, and best practices for steeping a flavorful, satisfying cup of tea. In the winter months I drink more of my tea hot rather than over ice. In addition to helping me keep warm, it also soothes sore throats and supports healthy immune function.
oh. and soup. I forgot soup. Soup recipe next!
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I grew up in Florida and in my thirties I began to feel the cold. Northern transplants loved to laugh at me wearing 'winter clothes' unti I would get mad asking them why they moved here from Ohio, New York etc. They would all say the cold of their home state. At which point I pointed out that My Home State was Florida and after a lifetime there I felt cold during the winter. Furthermore, I couldn't move any further south unless I left the USA.
Knit yourself some leggings ohhhh they are a true savior in a Florida winter. Good luck and stay warm.