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Winter. My least favourite season (apart from Christmas) because of the cold weather. Over the years I have discovered lots of easy ways to stay warm in the cold weather. My sister, Debbie, and I are some of those people who are always bundled up in multiple layers, when more ‘normal’ people are content with long-sleeved t-shirt. We feel the cold. There’s a name for us: friolero.
Winter. My least favourite season (apart from Christmas) because of the cold weather. Over the years I have discovered lots of easy ways to stay warm in the cold weather. My sister, Debbie, and I are some of those people who are always bundled up in multiple layers, when more ‘normal’ people are content with long-sleeved t-shirt. We feel the cold. There’s a name for us: friolero.
Friolero (Spanish): having a special sensitivity to cold. Being friolero doesnโt imply criticism. Itโs like being left-handed or lactose intolerant: just a fact about you. The word is affectionate, some of oneโs favourite people might be especially friolero โ and therefore in special need of blankets and hugs.
From The Book of Life
So here are nine easy ways to stay warm when it’s cold out if you are friolero like us.
I realise that the UK isnโt anywhere near the coldest country on this planet. In some places I hear your tears can freeze on your face. But nevertheless, when October comes around, my thoughts turn to thermals. This isnโt a post about Hygge, which is lovely by the way, itโs about keeping warm when you donโt have great circulation.
Over the last few years I have learned that spending a bit more money on things like keeping warm is well worth it. I am miserable when Iโm cold and as a friend said recently, โI hate misery.โ And generally, things you spend money on last longer and work better – buy once, buy well is my motto, and it’s much better for the environment too. So read on for nine easy ways to keep warm when it gets cold outside.
Sheepskin Slippers Keep Your Feet Warm All Winter
I have had many pairs of slippers over the years and these are the only ones that have actually kept my feet warm. If you have got properly cold by sitting in a freezing church or getting wet on a walk, warm your feet by the fire or on a hottie beforehand, otherwise the slippers will just keep the cold in.
Keep Your Whole Body Warm by Warming Your Waist!
These waist warmers are excellent, I’ve got two. A Genki haramaki is a kind-of boob-tube with magical powers. It covers your abdomen and keeps you toasty warm – filling any possible gaps between your top and your bottoms. I also wear mine for Pilates – itโs long enough to cover your tummy and your bum. Lots more comfy than a thermal vest. It comes in lots of colours too, and supports your lower back. Win/win!
Go Old Skool By Cuddling A Hot Water Bottle
I work from home and my hottie is my go-to accessory for feet or tummy! I made this cover for a competition (I didnโt win). Itโs a bit big for the bottle, but that means I can fit my feet inside it.
Buy your warming hot water bottle here.
Wearing Cosy Thermal Leggings or Tights Helps You Stay Warm
Thermal or fleece-lined leggings or tights are a simple way to keep warm when temperatures drop. They are soft on the inside and look like normal black leggings on the outside. You can also wear these under your jeans when it gets very cold. Layering is a great way to keep warm as it traps little pockets of warm air between each layer.
Mittens and a Hat Or Headband Keep You Cosy
My scientist friend tells me that mittens keep your hands warmer than gloves with fingers. He explained why, but I forget the details. In any case – it is true – even if it means you have to take them off to do most things. I knitted these, as you can probably tell. Knitting isnโt my strong point, but I got a massive ball of wool in a charity shop last year and it was perfect for a matching set.
I found thisย patternsย on Pinterest and found that after some trial and a lot of error, I could just about manage this headband. Last winter I made the mittens with a pattern from Martha Stewart, and even though they were the warmest gloves Iโve ever had, they were a bit too small and I had to bend my fingers over a bit when I wore them – ha! So I have just pulled them apart and re-knitted them with a couple of more stitches in the length and now they fit. So I am planning to have warm ears and fingers again this winter.
Fingerless gloves are also good if you have to type when you’re working from home.
Sitting Under a Blanket Helps You Stay Warm
I was given one of the pretty recycled wool blankets from the National Trust as a present, but Iโve also got one I bought at a market in Hackney, one I knitted myself (not very well) and another that my grandma crocheted for my mum. I sit with one on my lap, and one around my shoulders, on my bed, and have been known to take one in the car when Iโm a passenger on a winter road trip.
Heated Electric Throw Blankets take it to the next level and are the perfect way to keep warm without turning on the central heating.
Keep Your Hands Warm By Holding a Thermal Bamboo Reusable Mug
These reusable bamboo cups are amazing and eco-friendly – they keep your drink hot and will not spill. They also keep drinks cold on a hot day!
I take mine out to the park, on the school run, and for longer trips in the car. Be careful, though, boiling water will stay boiling hot in the mug. If Iโm making tea I leave the lid off for a bit before I go, because I donโt like burned lips.
They are also great for taking to work, or having at your desk if you work from home.
Your Toes Will Stay Warm With Fluffy Insoles
I swear by fluffy sheepskin insoles in my winter boots – not only are they nice and comfy, they also keep feet warm. I have a pair in my wellies too.
Keep Warm in Bed with an Electric Heated Blanket
Last year, my friend suggested I get an electric blanket. Genius. But just a single one for my side of the bed. I hadn’t considered one before because my husband gets really hot.
I have this single one with extra heat at the feet from Dreamland. It’s life-changing. Seriously.
I hope these easy ways to stay warm help you have a great, cosy winter.
I’m just like you! I hate being cold, winter is my least favourite season. I have a few of these things & definitely agree. I’ve never heard of genki haramaki thing.
It can be miserable can’t it! I have a genki hamamaki wrap too and it’s brilliant, funny such a simple thing can make so much difference xx
These are great ideas. My sister is always so cold and I’m the opposite. When we were younger she would jump in my bed to keep warm….. when I do feel cold, I let our bichons snuggle next to me and it keeps me warm.
Ah I feel for your sister! Ryan is always boiling too and telling me off for turning on the heating! I’m glad Ava and Thea seem to have inherited his temperature control! xx
I have never ever heard of a genki haramaki but I do love an electric blanket ๐
They are the best aren’t they! I have one of the genki haramaki things too and it is great, especially for when you’re working from home and staying still all day! xx
Another way of keeping warm at night is to put a proper mattress topper under your bottom sheet. It’s really luxurious – or you could repurpose a spare duvet which has the same result.
That’s a great idea, Julie. Definitely one to try, I don’t fancy an electric blanket! Debbie x