The days are getting shorter and the nights are getting colder. It’s important to keep yourself warm during these unbearably chilly months. While central heating is a fantastic way to heat up the home, there are other more old-fashioned ways of staying warm, that will not only save money, but energy too. Here are six vintage ways to keep yourself warm inside and outside the home this winter.
1. Draught excluder cushion
These long cushions are perfect for stopping pesky, chilly winds from seeping through door cracks. Draught excluders are inexpensive, often come in very cute designs and are good way to keep the home insulated. According to the Energy Saving Trust, they can save you between £25 to £50 a year! And what’s more, draught excluders also help stop spiders and other creepy crawlies from getting into the home.
2. Hot water bottle
Hot water bottles are one of life’s greatest inventions. A hot water bottle, also known as a “hottie”, is a rubber container filled with boiling water that you place on your bed to warm up, or a part of your body that is extra cold. Most people use a fluffy or knitted cover on their bottle to keep it soft, there are hundreds of designs to choose from.
Heating the bed has been a practice since the 16th century, back then coal embers were used. Not long after that, hot water bottles made of materials such as copper and zinc came into existence. It was in 1903 that the first “hottie” made from rubber or PVC was introduced to the world.
3. Drink something hot
A soothing hot drink will warm you up from within. It takes just minutes to boil the kettle, or heat up some water in a saucepan. There are also a host of health benefits that come with drinking hot beverages. It helps to improve blood circulation, slow down ageing and detoxify your body. Hot drinks are best consumed in the morning, as they give your digestive system a good kick into gear.
4. Layer up
The best way to stop yourself from catching a chill is to layer your clothes. Delve into your wardrobe and find your cosiest jumpers and thickest socks. If you’re wearing trousers but your legs still feel cold, simply wear a pair of tights or tracksuits underneath, no one will see the difference, but you will certainly feel a difference in temperature. Vintage shops and flea markets have an abundance of sweatshirts, jumpers, scarves and faux fur coats available at incredible prices. Look stylish whilst staying warm.
5. Insulate your home
It’s the small things you do that have the biggest impact. Make sure you close your curtains early in the evening to keep the heat in. Also, close all doors around the home, this way the warmth will stay in each room and be more condensed. If you have wooden floorboards, be sure to fill any gaps, laying down a rug would be a good idea too. Also, try wrapping your hot water tank in an 80 mm jacket. These steps are incredibly easy to do and will have an invaluable effect on the temperature of your home.
6. Get baking
Believe it or not, your oven is one of the biggest sources of heat in your home. If you’re feeling the chill, turn on the oven and do some baking. This will also raise your overall body temperature because you will be moving around the kitchen, whisking, stirring and hunting through all your cupboards for those elusive ingredients like salt and baking powder.
And why not kill two birds with one stone, and prepare one of these 5 retro Christmas food and drinks, all guaranteed to go down as a treat with your guests, and offer them a memorable journey in time?
Featured photo credit: spectator.co.uk via blogs.spectator.co.uk
