When the polar vortex starts to whistle in your neck of the woods, here are some great tips to ensure you stay warm in the freezing cold.
1. DRINK HOT DRINKS. Hot drinks warm you up. Sip mulled cider, herbal teas, and hot toddies. I like to make a homemade caffeine- and alcohol-free spicy cider to keep arctic monkeys at bay. It’s very easy to make and costs pennies per cup. In a crock pot of water, chop up some apples or carrots and add whatever berries you have on hand. I like to use frozen cranberries and cranberries. Then grate some fresh ginger and sprinkle liberally with cinnamon. Put the slow cooker on low heat, cover, and you always have a relaxing drink on hand.
2. WEAR A HAT. Yes, it might crush your perfect hairstyle, but wearing a hat keeps 20% of your body heat in, so make the hat part of your winter style. Hats can enhance or soften an outfit and make it stand out from the crowd. And they’re not just for the outdoors: indoor hats can keep you toasty even in the driest of offices. Look for unusual and trendy hats that position you as a trendsetter. Wear them at a jaunty angle and with a twist to your step, and you’ll soon be starting a new ‘hat’ trend among your friends.
3. WATCH TROPICAL TV PROGRAMS. When it’s cold outside, sitting through an episode of SURVIVOR, BUYING HAWAII, or HAWAII 5-0 makes you feel calm, happy, with thoughts of tropical paradise. Soak your feet in a hot, vibrant foot soak and you can almost imagine the warm ocean flowing through your toes.
4. STEAM IN THE SHOWER. If you feel like you’ve caught a cold, one of the best things you can do is take a SUPER HOT shower. Turn on the oven to heat the house and turn on the VERY HOT shower to heat the shower stall. When the bath is nice and steamy, go in and thaw under the SPRAY until it feels completely warm and melted. Dry off with large fluffy towels and wrap yourself in a spa robe until you are completely dry and comfortable.
5. GET TO COOKING! Winter is a great time to indulge in all your favorite comfort foods or to try some bold new recipes you’ve always craved. And spending time ‘slaving over a hot stove’ lol is a great way to warm up! Why not try making something spicy and decadent like THAI COCONUT CURRY SOUP? Combine the luscious creaminess of coconut milk with lemongrass, lime leaves, spicy curry, ginger, and tender slices of chicken for a heavenly soup that will warm your soul. Drink this while you ponder these other tips, and soon you’ll be radiantly warm, both inside and out.