Winter Warmers

[sheddie]

I am always cold and really feel the cold all over. Even indoors my feet feel frozen. Have you got any tips for keeping warm this winter, especialy when out walking the dog.

[sunflower]

I know the feeling Sheddie, as I am subject to the cold, even as a child my feet would be icy.
No special ideas except nice pure wool woolies in bright not dull colours. Plenty of hot drinks and exercise and when taking the dog for a walk, a windproof coat.

[sunflower]

ooh, I forgot to mention, for indoors where bedsocks over usual socks. Now, I know that sounds silly, but I really like the bedsocks that are made by old ladies. I think they are pretty and could be a fashion statement if in the right colour and design. In Canada, everyone wears knitted slippers......really cosy.!

[eleanor2]

a friend of mine bought me some genuine suede indian moccasins made in canada. they are supposed to last forever.they are lined and keep your feet hot. i also sleep in thermal socks in winter as i can't stand the heating on.

[Oola]

sheddie apparently 'Ugg' boots are great for keeping your feet warm in the winter and cool in the summer. I think the official Ugg boots are pretty pricey though, but there are others around that are similar... http://www.uggaustralia.com/gb/ProductDetails.aspx?gID=w&categoryID=283&productID=5825&model=Classic+Short

Like sunflower, in winter I wear ski socks over the top of my normal socks. You can also get thicker bed socks called Toasties or something that have a grip on the bottom so you don't end up skidding down the stairs!

You can also buy welly-warmers - my mum is going to do run me up a pair or two out of some old fleece on the sewing machine for when I've got to go and brave the cold in the garden. Nothing worse than cold feet in stiff cold wellies.

[sheddie]

I shall take all your tips on board, love the sound of the knitted socks and the boots Oola,just love the hand knitted stuff! My your mum is handy making you welly-warmers.

[eleanor2]

oola its those toasties i wear in bed.they are long and thermal.they make good welly liners to. you dont get me out in the garden much in winter.i do love my winter walks.i wear thick socks and hiking boots.hey sheddy do you wear thermals.i remember once i had a craze on thermal vests.hubby wasn't very impressed.

[jazzactivist]

Strangely, I don't seem to suffer too much frm the cold, even though I was raised in a hot country. My nan always swore by putting plastic bags over her socks inside her boots for walks. She said that if you wear socks from natural wool then sweating isn't a problem. And also, always wear a hat on your head at night. She used to wear a clean pair of pants on hers, but I think that if you have a partner this could be a step too far. A nice soft woollen hat or cotton turban would probably be just the job and look quite nice too.

[eleanor2]

the thing is in the olden days most people only had heating downstairs.if you were lucky in more than one room. you know as kids we never had any heating in the bathroom.yet you just were used to it. wern't we hardy in those days.

[sheddie]

You're quite right Eleanor, we used to be a lot colder in our homes than we are now. Perhaps it's cos I'm getting older. But I will be wearing thermal vests and I've got some thermal long johns for under my jeans too.

[Ivy]

How about linden flower tea? For winter walks I allways wear wellies a size bigger than I usually need with a felt sole and homemade knee-lenght socks. I found out if the neck and the anckles are kept warm the rest will stay warm too.(might not work for everyone).

[Pippa]

Oh yes, UGG boots are bliss. I bought a pair for indoors only, so warm, never want to take them off. I did buy them in Oz. so a bit cheaper over there.

[sheddie]

I think pure lambswool is the warmest and I have been sorting out my jumpers. winter draws on I think!

[eleanor2]

i bought mum in law some of them last year sheddy.i didn't like to suggest it to you in case you thought i was being cheeky.but hubby and dad in law wouldn't be without them in winter. i bought hubby some as he works outside all winter.he says they are a life saver.

[sheddie]

But you have to tuck your long vest in your thermal pants Eleanor2, then your pants in your thermal socks, but what about the cold bits where the thermal ends, I need a thermal hat and scarf too. But it's a nightmare if you get asked into someones house with central heating - talk about a hot flush then!!

[Redstart]

I have hot feet so don't suffer in that area. As I get older I need to keep my muscles warm though so I've recently ordered two more lambswool sweaters for the cold weather - long baggy ones that keep my hips warm as well. And a couple of v-neck sleeveless pullovers for extra warmth.

I also have long sleeved cotton vests to go under sweters and if it really gets cold a blouse goes between vest and sweater and a sleevless pullover over the top (I believe in layers to keep me warm)- I might look rather round in mid-winter but at least I'm warm.

[sheddie]

Those long baggy sweaters sound nice mandy and the pullovers too - might one ask where you will be ordering them from?

[SummerSkye]

Hi Sheddie, I took to thermal vests once we moved to Tasmania, they make some pretty ones now and they do make a big difference. My O.H bought a bright purple pair of LongJohns which never fail to give me the giggles but keep him warm. My Mum always used to tell us to keep our feet warm and everything else would be fine so pure wool socks and yes Ugg boots are great.

[Redstart]

sheddie: I order them by post from www.woolovers.co.uk. I find this an excellent site, the sweaters are cheaper than I can buy here, even with Swiss VAT, import duty and postage costs added on. They are also friendly and efficient and the site is easy to use.And their knitwear is wool or cotton.

I buy the unisex ones to get them nice and baggy and long - I don't see the point of short women's sweaters that don't keep your hips warm.

[sheddie]

Thanks so much mandy, I think you have introduced me to a site that will be a favourite of mine, I have requested a catalogue.

[franbee]

Before the menopause started to kick in, and I spent more time at home with the heating down to save money, I lived in Damart underwear with a fleece tracksuit. I tried different styles and eventually settled on a camibrief with little straps, keeping my trunk warm with no gaps. Don't need thermals now:) Fran.

[Athene]

I may sound strange but since I started wearing Birkenstock sandals or Scholl sandals as slippers I have never suffered from cold feet or those dreaded chilblains. Also keeps varicose veins at bay. I think it must be the constant exercising of the legs that helps circulation. Has anyone else noticed this?

[Oola]

I've always always had iceblocks for feet and hands, but then I have rubbish circulation in my hands at least. But Rich is pretty much always warm like a radiator all the time (it's good for me though, so no complaints here!).

I should think the exercising on the flats has quite a lot to do with it Athene, as you say.

[mrsj]

She used to wear a clean pair of pants on hers, but I think that if you have a partner this could be a step too far. A nice soft woollen hat or cotton turban would probably be just the job and look quite nice too.

:D


I too have poor circulation, I bought a lot of wellie warmers on ebay, they look like teabags and you activate them and stick them in your shoes, they are lovely! They do some for hands too, I used to find them a lifesaver when I had my pony and we went for rides in the winter!