The temperature has certainly lowered this September and I’ve quickly swapped my sandals for autumn boots. One of the things that I do love about this time of year is keeping cosy. After a day out in the cool fresh air I love returning to the house to all get warm and comfy again. Here are some ideas to keep you warm and cosy this autumn and winter:
Heating
While we’re not turning our central heating on just yet (“Stick a jumper on!”) now is the time to think about having central heating installation if you haven’t already. It’s the first thing we did before moving into our home. If you already have central heating, it’s important to make sure it’s well maintained before you need to use it. We always hear of people’s boilers packing in just as the freezing cold weather kicks in and plumbers are too busy to get around to all their customers in time. Think ahead and get your central heating boiler serviced or replaced if needed so you can ensure your central heating system is all ready to keep your home warm in winter.
Light a Fire
Central heating is great for heating the whole house up but I still find a fire as a focal point in a living room the cosiest thing. Put on a movie, grab a book or maybe some craft work- light a fire and all relax into the heat and cosiness together.
Candles
I confess that I use candles all year around but I do love them especially so during autumn and winter. Rebecca reminded me that I haven’t made my own candles recently so we’re going to spend a spare weekend making candles together and drinking hot chocolate. The house will smell beautiful!
Blankets
In our house we all love to cosy up under a blanket. Put a basket of rolled up blankets in a corner of the room ready for all the family to grab and snuggle under.
A Hot Water Bottle
A hot water bottle is always a comfort. I love to hug one close to me to keep warm. Also sneak one under the quilts before bedtime so beds are toasty warm to get into! Use warmers instead if you’re worried about the hot water and always use with care.
Hot Drinks
I especially look forward to hot drinks at this time of year. I love them all- pouring endless cups of black tea from a tea pot, warming herbal teas, hot fresh coffee, decadent hot chocolate and those flavoursome seasonal drinks such as our Apple and Cinnamon Syrup Soy Latte (pictured above).
Get Crafty
Keep busy during the long, dark evenings with craft. I’m sure that keeping your hands moving helps to keep your whole body warm too! You could cross stitch or hand sew some Christmas gifts but the cosiest winter craft has to be yarn based. Knit or crochet hats, socks or even a huge blanket which you can keep warm under as you knit.
Bake
We didn’t bake at all during summer- it was too hot to “hang out” around the oven but that will change as Autumn begins. Mixing the ingredients warms your body up, the oven heats the kitchen and cake is always cosy and tasty!
Have you turned your central heating on yet or do you wait for winter to set in? How do you keep cosy at this time of year?
