Preparing for winter II

zarazara

I live in a 2 up 2 down. no hallway. the stairs are in the sitting room. I intend investing in a couple of curtains to block off the stairs and so conserve heat,as it is I have to heat the sitting room,stairs and landing all the time.

mommygoose

They have nice hot water bottles with the covers in B&M for £1.99 each....I soon snatched 3 up

NualaBuala

I'm jealous! Wish we had B&M over here, that's the kind of price I'd like to be paying!

Charis

NualaBuala wrote: »

. Maybe I will have a go at making a rice bag - I am just a bit nervous after reading that they can combust! :eek: Has anyone got a homemade one they have used successfully?

Mine's not homemade but it's very basic, a long thin pillow shape, about as long as the distance from my elbow to the tip of my longest finger, made from unbleached calico and has a corduroy 'pillow case' that you put on after it's been warmed. The pillow's filled with wheat grains. You're supposed to sprinkle essential oils on it and use it as a neck warmer if you have a headache, I think it holds about 500g of wheat, maybe a bit more. I read about the fires from wheat bags and it was recommended that you put half a cup of water in the microwave when you heat it. I heat mine for 30 seconds or less at a time then shake it around to mix the contents and spread the heat so none of the wheat scorches. It usually takes two or two and a bit goes till it's warm enough to be useful. I used to have really bad headaches and found it very comforting.

NualaBuala

Charis wrote: »

Mine's not homemade but it's very basic, a long thin pillow shape, about as long as the distance from my elbow to the tip of my longest finger, made from unbleached calico and has a corduroy 'pillow case' that you put on after it's been warmed. The pillow's filled with wheat grains. You're supposed to sprinkle essential oils on it and use it as a neck warmer if you have a headache, I think it holds about 500g of wheat, maybe a bit more. I read about the fires from wheat bags and it was recommended that you put half a cup of water in the microwave when you heat it. I heat mine for 30 seconds or less at a time then shake it around to mix the contents and spread the heat so none of the wheat scorches. It usually takes two or two and a bit goes till it's warm enough to be useful. I used to have really bad headaches and found it very comforting.

Thank you Charis. :A I would like one like that for my neck and perhaps a square one for my back. I think I might try making one and follow your precautions for heating.
I just thought of somewhere I can try for a cheap hot water bottle so will try that first as my sewing skills aren't up to much!

Jo4

NualaBuala wrote: »

I'm jealous! Wish we had B&M over here, that's the kind of price I'd like to be paying!

B&M is in the north although I did not see the hot water bottles in it at that price although they might come in yet. Might be useful to know if you are visiting relatives/shopping especially now the € is so strong again.

NualaBuala

Jo4 wrote: »

B&M is in the north although I did not see the hot water bottles in it at that price although they might come in yet. Might be useful to know if you are visiting relatives/shopping especially now the € is so strong again.

Thanks Jo, good idea :T I looked them up and saw there was one in Newry and it looks like a great shop. Some day I might go up and grab some bargains - of course it'll cost more than I'd save to get there but it'd be a nice day out I'm sure!:)

ixwood

Leaving the heating on all the time WILL cost more.

This myth/wishful thinking comes up frequently. Why heat space you're not using? You wouldn't leave the kettle on all the time just so it's ready when you need it.

katholicos

Just been out to drive DD to town so she can meet up with her friends for a night out and it was very wintery type cold weather outside and there was condensation on the inside car windows. Had to put on the heating in the car and am still shivering now i'm back indoors. Going to settle down for the evening and try to get warm by making myself an enormous mug of tea (think Supersize mug) and a slice of the pizza i made earlier today.

jackieglasgow

NualaBuala wrote: »

I'm jealous! Wish we had B&M over here, that's the kind of price I'd like to be paying!

Maybe the meet fairy can bring you one