Beating the Cold in My Home

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

15 Jan 2009 12:20 PM

This winter, the country has been seeing temperatures that are colder than normal. Even the sunny state of California has had a few days where temperatures have reached below freezing. Right now, much of the east cost is chilled with almost arctic temperatures. Although we got a little dusting of snow today that is pretty and picturesque, the low, low temperatures take away any of the quaintness of the scene and leave me wanting spring to arrive.

Of course, there is still some more weeks of winter.

I know that the temperatures have hit some lows when I go out to the driveway all bundled up as we wait for the school bus and I am actually cold. I usually have several layers on plus a good L.L. Bean winter coat. So when the cold seeps through that, I know we hit a thresh hold without even looking at the actual temperature. Frost is covering everything, from the leaves on the ground, to the cracks in the bark of the trees.

On days such as these, I turn the temperature up a degree or two in the afternoon, (it is better to keep the furnace on for longer stretches, then to have it constantly turn on and off to maintain temperature) and try to hang out in the sunniest parts of the house.

Getting moving usually helps, as does venting the dryer into the basement, so doing laundry has an incentive. And, I may just figure out something to bake to warm up the kitchen.

The cold will be here to stay for a little while. The high temperature in my area will reach only 18 degrees. This may be a good excuse for a blazing fire in the fireplace and cuddling with the family on the couch while watching a movie or my eldest son beat a family-friendly video game we checked out from the library.

How do you beat the cold in your home?

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.

Related Articles:

Shop in Season to Save on Produce: Winter

Frugal Winter Wonderland: Ice Candles

This Winter Will Be a Cold One!

Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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jonesx6 (1606) 15 Jan 2009 04:02 PM

Long Johns, many layers and hanging out by the fire!! Brrr!!! Stay warm. Laura

Mary Ann Romans (26876) 16 Jan 2009 12:29 PM

When I wait for the school bus, I go up and down my driveway and hike the backyard a bit!

Memartha (306) 16 Jan 2009 05:32 PM

We are such wusses (not!). Here in Pittsburgh the wind chill was -15. Even my dog couldn't stand it. We usually let her out for her morning romp and pee (in our fenced yard), but she was scratching at the back door within three minutes! So we snuggled all day, snoozed, played tug-o-war, made fiery chili, lazed on the internet (including families.com, of course!). Here's hoping this arctic freeze passes before the Inauguration!

Mary Ann Romans (26876) 18 Jan 2009 05:38 PM

Oh that sounds nice Memartha (your day, that is). It got up to the 20s today, and we noticed a big difference--hmm, almost balmy!