Top 5 ways to Save this Winter

Even though we don’t get weather cold enough for us to really see snow-covered berries here, I’m still kind of dreading how cold it will be here during our first Winter in our new home.

We’ve moved from the top of a hill to down in a shallow valley, with a sort-of-creek in the reserve out back, so that will mean less sunlight to warm the place, and more fog.

Probably frost, even.
{but we still love it here}

With prices going up every-which-way, we’re trying to come up with new ideas on how to save on heating expenses this year.

Here’s my list of the top 5 ways to keep warm on a budget:

1. Wearing layers ~ We have tights, long johns & singlets for us all this year, which will last us for a number of years. Wearing a t-shirt under long-sleeve shirts will help, as will two pairs of socks on really cold days.
2. Leave the oven door open ~ After you’ve finished cooking and turned it off, that is. That way the warmth will spread through the house.
3. Heat packs in the bed ~ While they will need to be heated in the microwave, it’s a short burst of energy as opposed to an hour spent on warming up the electric blankets.
4. Get active ~ If you’re feeling the cold, get up, take off your jumper and start cleaning. Wash up, put a load of washing on, clean the bathtub.
   The activity will get your circulation going, and if you then put your jumper back on, you’ll be warm for longer.
5. Leave a couple of windows open ~ This sounds strange at first, but we catch most of our winter sicknesses as a result of spending too much time closed up inside.
   By locking your windows open when you go out for the day, you’ll freshen the air in your home, saving you money on medicines during this season.

What’s your top tip for saving money over Winter?
I’d love for you to share it in the comments below

A Bump on a Log

Time for more firewood.

Mr Bump insisted on climbing up to the top of the huge pile of firewood that we had delivered today.

I didn’t mind, but I was just worried about his little feet in those not~so~practical, but ever~so~stylish sandals.

It’s either fashion or safety, and we chose fashion today.

Usually he wears socks with them, too.

Yep, Mr Bump is a fashion icon in the making.
Georgio Armani should watch out.

The new label is Bump Designs.

Don’t worry too much about the foot safety, though.

He still has all eleven toes.

No Chestnuts, but…

This is my favourite part of Winter.

A roaring fire burning in the lounge room, the kids tucked up in bed and sound asleep and no television.

WonderHubby & are I curled up on the lounge, with a rug wrapped around us, a nice hot cup of tea and a good book each to read.

And it’s sooooo peaceful.