s anyone else totally freezing all the time this winter? I’m not just imagining it am I? It’s super, super cold. I was born in Canberra so I have a huge aversion to summer and the beach. I actually wrote a post about it where my old mate Tom told me Smaggle is the ‘worst blog ever!‘. Stop it Tom, you’re making me blush. I usually crave winter but this one is really giving me a beating. I walked to the city yesterday and it was so blustery and cold my actual bones hurt when I got inside. I felt like I’d had a really intense remedial massage. I find keeping warm in winter to be a bit of a sport so I put together a feel little tips to help you stay warm this winter.
1. Take your warmth very seriously
I have a theory that if you get caught on an 8 degree day outside without a coat, you’ll ruin winter and you won’t get fully warm again till the following summer. That sounds overly dramatic but I swear it’s true. The key is to over dress and be prepared. Don’t let winter seep into your bones or you’ll be properly screwed. I know this sounds insane but trust me. I’ve started winter cold a few times and the only cure is a 25 degree day. Something which is rather hard to find in the middle of June in Victoria. Start carrying a coat around with you in as soon as it starts getting cold and you should be fine.
2. Layer up yourself up like a hamburger
I live in Fitzroy in Melbourne which is total hipsterville. You need arty tattoos, a blunt fringe, pants that are slightly too short and a James Dean style coolness to fit in here. Loafer style shoes seem to be a new addition to the list with a freezing cold pair of winter white ankles to match. It’s bonkers. So many people just don’t dress appropriately for the seasons. Wear winter clothes. Thermals. Wool. Jackets. Gloves. I bought a down coat last year and I hate myself for not having done it earlier, it’s SO TOASTY and warm. I get that we’re supposed to be the sunburnt country and all but it actually snows in some parts of Australia and it’s high time we started dressing accordingly and wearing socks and proper boots if it’s below 10 degrees outside.
3. Have warming foods
I’m a glutton for punishment so I’ll often be seen chowing down on an ice cream or slurpee in the middle of July but it’s really not the smartest thing to do. Drink yummy teas, have lots of soup and eat warming foods. Salads, juices and smoothies will wait until summer. You want to have nice warming foods to raise your core body temperature and warm those chilly little paws of yours.
4. Don’t underestimate the power of a blanket
Grab the doona off your bed and snuggle on the couch or better yet, have a dedicated pure wool throw rug that lives on your couch purely for snuggling purposes. I can highly recommend learning to crochet your own – it’s a lovely winter activity to do. If you’re keen to learn to crochet don’t forget to sign up for my course – it’s launching in 2 weeks! So excited!
5. Outsource your warmth
Grab a hot water bottle or heat pack and cuddle it until you feel toasty again. I know it sounds ridiculous but I always forget about the existance of heat packs and hot water bottles until I accidently discover mine in the laundry cupboard every year. They’re awesome. Get on it. You can even make your own heat packs which is a perfect winter craft activity.
[divider type=”standard” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”]
What are your winter warmth tips? Anything I’ve missed? I’d love some quirky toasty tips!
[divider type=”standard” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”]
P.S Also you should totally sign up for my newsletter.
10 Comments
-
8 degrees? Thats around my ideal temperature (and definitionally not freezing :P).
I think layering is really good. Especially when shops and restaurants get overzealous with the heaters. -
Love my hot water bottles – I have several. I even have one at work. Plus, when snuggling, a fur baby on your lap is an excellent source of warmth (and unwavering adoration) xx
-
Fleece stockings AND socks with boots. Tight singlet base layer. Not a winter fan here AT ALL, but living in Europe taught me how to dress toasty!
-
Uniqlo heat tech, multiple layers of it. And I’ve recently discovered bamboo clothing. It’s temperature regulating! I wear bamboo leggings with everything now.
Down coats are the greatest thing ever. I resisted so long because I thought it’d make me look fatter and lumpier then I tried one and they really don’t and, also, who cares so long as you’re warm.
-
Totally agree. I cannot understand people who can show bare skin in winter. I’ll be heading into work in boots and leggings and singlet and sleeves and coat and scarf and gloves and hats and here comes someone in bare legs, no sleeves or peep toe shoes. Srsly WTF.
-
Hot water bottles? Really? As long as I have lived in cold climates, I’ve never heard of that. I’ll have to try it next winter. (its summer here…)
-
The only thing that warms me up in the dead of winter is a bath – with wine and a good book, of course.
-
A dog at your feet is always nice in winter & im all for crocheted blankets or doonas on the lounge. I’m so glad to see someone say leave the juices, smoothies & salads until Summer!! I always feel terribly guilty when they take a back seat during the cold weather but all I really want is warm, hearty comfort food. Like stew followed by apple crumble or spaghetti & meatballs followed by sticky date pudding. Winter is a terrible time for my pant size but goddamn it my body thanks me for it!
-
I am such a wuss. I need to have a really hot shower just to get out of my pjs in the morning in winter, and then another really hot shower to get out of my day clothes and back into pjs. This is masterfully done while I have the heater going on max in my room so that I don’t have to spend a moment in the cold air. I am not looking forward to the utilities bill! I am also all about having a doona wrapped around me on the couch – I thought about getting a pretty throw blanket but none of them were warm enough for my liking haha. Oh and wearing tights under every pair of pants/jumpsuit. So sexy. Not.
-
I used to live in a climate where it got to -40 or more (then add windchill), so I like to think I know how to stay warm. When it gets up to 0C we liked to break out the shorts and tee shirts:) The best advice I have is to layer, preferably with either natural fibers or technical fabrics, wear proper pack boots, full down parka, balaclava, and a very warm hat (like an ushanka). It’s also just as important to stay properly hydrated- it’s far easier than you might think to get dehydrated- I never feel like drinking water when it’s cold, but you need to to keep you metabolism up. Drinking it warm or as herbal tea helps, just avoid the caffeine to properly hydrate.
