Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early #spring, and it looks like his prophecy will be accurate this year. Temperatures are breaking records across the Midwest and Northeast, and crocuses and daffodils popping up in gardens weeks ahead of schedule. With an early spring, why not get the jump on spring #cleaning? Good tasks to tackle early in the year include cleaning windows and entryways, washing and storing winter outerwear, and pressure-washing the patio and outdoor furniture, Premeditated Leftovers says. Start now, and you’ll be ready to enjoy the warm weather when it it’s here to stay. #SpringCleaning
Tag: cold weather
Bringing Warmth to the Winter Home
Once all of the #holiday celebrations are complete and the temperatures drop to single digits, you may struggle to create #warmth — real or perceived — in the home. The cold weather and empty social schedules of January may prompt you to enter a protective hibernation.
The cold-weather cultures of Scandinavia tell you to lean into that feeling through #hygge, the concept of warmth, comfort and quiet conviviality practiced when the weather outside is cold, blustery and otherwise inhospitable.
Hygge demands quiet comforts such as cozy sweaters and throws, casual get-togethers with friends and family, and plenty of hot meals and beverages such as coffee, tea and hot chocolate. Candles and a fire in the hearth only add to hygge’s #warm, golden glow.
Creating real warmth in winter may require a few #household fixes, however. The first thing to check is your furnace filter — if it hasn’t been changed recently, dust and dirt may be blocking heated air. Change it so that the heat travels to the vents efficiently and with fewer allergens.
Half the battle of staying warm in #winter is to keep the heat inside and the cold outside. Adding insulation, area rugs and a chimney flue blocker are simple ways to keep the warmth from escaping and save money on heating costs.
Other simple fixes include 10 home heating “hacks” from Better Homes & Gardens. They include insulating drafty windows with bubble wrap and sealing window frames with fresh caulk. To quickly warm the kitchen and create a homey atmosphere, fire up the oven and bake some cookies or braise a roast.
We at The Organizing Blog like to save energy and set our thermostats to 68°F throughout the winter. But we also have plenty of blankets and throws we can use to stay warm, some of which were #thrifted from stores supplied by generous #donations to ClothingDonations.org.
You can also generate #heat by staying active — getting on the treadmill, painting a room or thoroughly #decluttering and #organizing a space. After you #schedule a #donation #pickup for all of that extra #stuff, reward yourself by bundling up, pouring a hot beverage and relaxing.
There’s nothing like the warmth of a #clean, cozy and #uncluttered home. Follow a few of these tips to stay warm, whatever winter brings!
Stay Active With a Winter DIY Project
Spending more of your time at home likely means more wear and tear. Now that it’s winter, one good way to stay #active is by doing a few #DIY projects to make your space more livable. Start with a good #decluttering (as always, ClothingDonations.org will be happy to pick up your extra stuff) and #deep-cleaning, then sand the floors or try out a new coat of paint. Not only will such projects keep you moving instead of languishing on the couch, they will make it your home that much more inviting when you do decide it is the time to binge-watch your favorite shows. #StayActive
Take Your Winter Workouts Outside
Going to a health club or gym may not be your first choice to stay active as the #omicron variant is pushed #COVID-19 infections to record levels. Walking, running and cycling can be good, socially distanced wintertime alternatives, the Cleveland Clinic says, as long as you dress for the #weather. Invest in a good pair of shoes — waterproof, if necessary — and remember to incorporate stretching exercises into your workout since muscles constrict in the cold. Traditional cold-weather activities such as ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country and downhill skiing, are great options, too; vary your routine and you won’t get bored. #StayActive
Trick Yourself Into Getting Active
It’s difficult to start an outdoor exercise plan in the new year, exercise psychologist Jack Raglin told Today; the weather and lack of daylight often provide good excuses to stay sedentary. “People have been overindulging, they feel guilty, they feel like they have to do it, and they’re starting at a time when the environment is kind of conspiring against them,” he says. Luckily, there are ways to trick yourself into getting active: Get an exercise partner, even if you exercise on Zoom sessions; make your first goal just to get to the gym; or put your exercise clothes on before bed for the early-morning workout. #StayActive