When the Polar Vortex starts hissing down your neck of the woods, here are some good tips to make sure you stay warm in the freezing cold.
1. DRINK HOT BEVERAGES. Hot drinks make you warm. Drink hot cider, herbal teas, and hot babies. I like to make a homemade caffeine-free and alcohol-free spicy cider to keep the arctic monkeys at bay. It’s very easy to make and costs pennies a 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 blueberries and blueberries. Then grate some fresh ginger and sprinkle generously with cinnamon. Bring the crock pot to a simmer, cover, and you will always have a relaxing drink on hand.
2. WEAR A HAT. Yes, it can crush your perfect hairstyle, but wearing a hat maintains 20% of body heat, so make hats a part of your winter style. Hats can dress an outfit up or down and make you stand out from the crowd. And they’re not just for outdoors – indoor hats can keep you warm even in drafty offices. Look for unusual and original hats that position you as a fashionable blazer. Wear them in a cheery angle and with a kick to your stride, and a new ‘hatte’ trend will soon start among your friends.
3. WATCH TROPICAL TV PROGRAMS. When it’s cold outside, sitting down to an episode of SURVIVOR, BUYING HAWAII, or HAWAII 5-0, makes you feel calm, happy, and with thoughts of tropical paradise. Dip your feet into a hot, vibrant foot soak and you can almost imagine the warm ocean flowing through your toes.
4. STEAM 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 boiler to heat the house and make the shower ESCALDING HOT to heat the shower cabin. When the bath is nice and steamy, go in and defrost under the SPRAY until it feels completely hot and melted. Dry yourself off with large fluffy towels and wrap yourself in a spa bathrobe until completely dry and comfortable.
5. START COOKING! Winter is a great time to enjoy all of your favorite comfort foods or to try some new and daring recipes you’ve always wanted. And spending time ‘slaving over a hot stove’ is a great way to warm up! Why not try making something spicy and decadent like THAI COCONUT CURRY SOUP? Combine the delicious creaminess of coconut milk with lemongrass, lime leaves, spicy curry, ginger, and sliced tender chicken to make a heavenly soup that will warm your soul. Drink this while you ponder these other tips, and you’ll soon be beaming with heat, both inside and out.