Preparing for winter II

Flibsey

I've not tried approved food yet, it looks like an online version of the shop which saved our bacon and fed us when I was a kid hahahaha.

Fruball

Well it has thrashed down with rain here along with thunder and lightening... Its damp, chilly and awful.

I am really disappointed that the estimate I got for doing the fireplace doubled when he got back to me with the quote... I was surprised that the estimate was in budget initially, anyway, I cannot afford to get it done afterall

On the upside, I have regained my appetite (and someone elses I reckon ) and am making lots of scrummy casseroles and roasts - all comfort food which is not great for the diet but hey ho, am just glad to be able to eat again!

Been looking around for thermals and although I have found some cheap ones, they seem to be only suitable for shorter ladies up to about 5'3.... so I thought I would post the link so you ladies could use it £4.99 for thermal leggings and £9.99 for vest and leggings set

I shall be ordering THESE set in a size larger than I am, having read the reviews - then they should be a perfect fit

Lots more winter prepping to do here but I spend so darned long reading the thread that I don't get a thing done

Fruball

Somebody earlier mentioned she couldn't go out with her baby in a buggy for several weeks because of the snow/ice... And someone else posted this link re bicycles (think it might have been Kittie?) HERE and I thought the same principle could be applied for buggies/prams

Hope that helps someone

jamanda

By heck ladies - aren't we going to look stunning?

In answer to when we start using stuff:

I wait until DH whimpers at bed time for a few days and then I bring out the winter quilt.
I then wait until he whimpers more and stick the quilt under the bottom sheet.
When he stands scared and shivering at the bottom of the stairs, I bring out a huge fluffy blanket and put it on the bed.

I'm a real temptress this year because I've bought the flannelette (can't spell that ever) quilt cover and stuff and told him it is mine - all mine. He's got to be nice to me because he really feels the cold.

Seriously, it is about being comfortable. If it ain't broke - don't fix it. If you are uncomfortable and feeling chilly, break out the preparations and snuggle down.

Rummer

Thunder and lightening storm here today and the temperature has plummeted. We had to put the fire on for a while to lift the chill off the air last night and tonight the big dressing gown has been broken out and the Ugg slippers (a lovely gift) are on.

I am really worried about the bills that are going to come over the winter. Just found out that we owe money for the gas and elec instead of building up a wee summer buffer even though we have hardly used any of either in the summer months. Going to have to increase the DD and do what we can to keep the bills down.

This month I am going to sort out the medical supplies in the house and make sure the car and the house have a first aid kit and basic meds in. We are also going to double check the cupboard stock and make sure that things are in date and that we have a good supply of the basics on the run up to the winter, which given the weather may not be that far away :eek:

lizzyb1812

Wow! This thread moves fast! Thought I was reasonably well prepared for winter (after the terrible time I had last year with failing heating and massive heating bills) but even though I've only read a dozen or so pages I've picked up loads of tips.

My tip is not as cute as flannelette PJs but it definitely works - bedsocks. I don't have particularly cold feet but in winter these definitely improve the quality of my sleep. My mum does have very cold feet and since I gave her a couple of pairs of bedsocks last winter she has noticed an improvement. Any loose, brushed, fluffy socks will do. Plus they help with that shock "feet meet the floor in the morning" moment as well

Rummer

Oh just had another thought which I am sure will have been covered but I will be getting dishwasher tablets, washing powder and toilet rolls in as I would hate to go without those!

rising_from_the_ashes

oldtractor wrote: »

thermal vests arrived. all set for winter now!

I was given a couple of "proper" vests last Christmas (not the think strapped ones that I've had before) and I kind of though "ohhhhh" but, oh boy, they are fantastic! Just having that little bit extra around your upper back & shoulders makes such a huge difference! :DI've been and bought some more......

Carolyntia wrote: »

Woohoo.....my craghoppers have arrived....and they are great. Perfect fit! :beer:

Phew! I was getting a bit worried there:)

fayhare wrote: »

I have some fairly low priced Karrimor boots (I got mine second hand but you can often pick them up in Sports Direct or camping places) and I have found 'branded' walking boots so much better than off brand ones. I find the cheapo ones rub like mad and have poor padding.

Agree with this - I bought a pair of Karrimor walking boots in the spring - they've been worn I'd say 5 days out of 7 since then (waiting for op on foot so can't wear proper shoes - these are black so can get away with them at work) and they've been fantastic.

I paid under £20 for them so they've done brilliantly.

The other couple of days (weekends), I wear my "proper" hiking boots - again bought for around £20 in a sale in a local sports shop. I've had them ages too so well worth the money.

rising_from_the_ashes

Frugal wrote: »

Well it has thrashed down with rain here along with thunder and lightening... Its damp, chilly and awful.

Not been too bad here or town where I work but a couple of nearby towns had hail/thunder & lightning storms and torrential rain. Loads of roads flooded and I think some properties may have been too :eek: It amazes me how the weather can be one thing and literally a couple of miles up the road, it's totally different.

Frugal wrote: »

I am really disappointed that the estimate I got for doing the fireplace doubled when he got back to me with the quote... I was surprised that the estimate was in budget initially, anyway, I cannot afford to get it done afterall

Ohhhh noooo, he must've really underestimated it when he was there (not a good sign that he knows what he's doing IMHO).

lizzyb1812 wrote: »

Wow! This thread moves fast!

Yup, I couldn't believe it when I saw there were 5 pages to catch up on since last night! Great tho':D

lizzyb1812 wrote: »

My tip is not as cute as flannelette PJs but it definitely works - bedsocks. I don't have particularly cold feet but in winter these definitely improve the quality of my sleep. My mum does have very cold feet and since I gave her a couple of pairs of bedsocks last winter she has noticed an improvement. Any loose, brushed, fluffy socks will do. Plus they help with that shock "feet meet the floor in the morning" moment as well

Totally second this!:) I wear bedsocks every night as my feet are always like ice (now up to 3 pairs during the day already:o). I usually kick them off at some point when my feet warm up - this morning was the 1st morning I've woken up with them still on ......


A couple of bits crossed off today:

Finally found some long dated flour (Apr) so now have a bag of SR & P in the store.
Pack of 4 boxes of matches (have used all mine up on the cooker in the past week as the lighter's run out)
Gutters finally cleaned out :j (downside is I've got the bill too:()

I must admit I was a bit disheartened tonight when I went into my "normal" cupboards and saw how empty they are .... very low on tea, coffee, sauces etc so will have to have a trip to Mr A tomorrow.

SIRENS

Well I ordered my Yaktrax, thank-you for the advice! Have nearly finished dd's scarf and my fingerless gloves. I have been looking at flannel sheets (my mum still has the candy stripe ones but they are too small for our bed), I was wondering if they do flannel duvet covers and whether they are worth it?
Thanks x