Preparing for Winter

beingfrugal

My children are sitting under a blanket drinking their morning milk... I have condensation on my bedroom window. Feels like Autumn in this house today! Beginning of the summer holidays too, never mind. Going to bake some bread and a birthday cake later so should warm up.

Just updating my list of things I need to do before 'it' hits us hard.

*curtains for bay windows living room
*curtains for bay windows bedroom
[STRIKE]*front door curtain[/STRIKE] although needs an extra layer, still very draughty
*rugs for living room and all three bedrooms
*candles and holders, matches and batteries
*store cupboard ingredients
[STRIKE]*wellies for both my girls[/STRIKE] One pair bought, need second
*thick coat and waterproof coat for youngest
*fleece hat, gloves and scarves for all
*[STRIKE]thermal vests for all[/STRIKE] 1 pack each bought, need more
*slipper socks for all
*hi-vis jacket for youngest
*thick pyjamas for all
*dressing gown for me
*foil panels behind radiators
*flannellette sheets
*flask for tea and hot choc through day in house (one boil of kettle and keeps me and girls warm)
*fleece blankets
*raw rice bags for girls infront of TV
*resock cold and flu preparations
*[STRIKE]3 hotwater bottles[/STRIKE]

Kitchenbunny

Beingfrugal - it sounds like you're well-prepared! I've got to find some hot water bottles (at least two - one for home for emergencies and one for work), as well as some fingerless gloves so I can still type at work. I love that last line in your sig - "preparing to ride out this storm 'Old Style'" Yeah! Motivated now!

KB xx

beingfrugal

Kitchenbunny wrote: »

Beingfrugal - it sounds like you're well-prepared! I've got to find some hot water bottles (at least two - one for home for emergencies and one for work), as well as some fingerless gloves so I can still type at work. I love that last line in your sig - "preparing to ride out this storm 'Old Style'" Yeah! Motivated now!

KB xx

I got my HW bottle from one of the 'cheap shops' either home bargains, B&M or Wilko's, can't remember as frequent all regulalry! :rotfl: (1.99 but extra for cover) HTH x

NualaBuala

BeingFrugal, I feel all cosy just reading your list!

I haven't had a hot water bottle in years but I think I'm going to make a rice bag which will help my aches and can double up as a hot water bottle if I need it in bed.

Is rice the best filling for these bags? I've heard of wheat being used too but not so easily available I guess. I was going to use a cotton pillowcase and perhaps make a cuddly cover using an old fleece throw.

Am purging my sock drawer - anything with a hole in it is going into a bag to be used as filling for a draught excluder, also being made out of old pillowcases, or perhaps the legs of PJ bottoms that no longer fit.

It's a lot easier to think of preparing for winter on grey chilly days like today - I just couldn't do it when the sun is shining.

beingfrugal

NualaBuala wrote: »

It's a lot easier to think of preparing for winter on grey chilly days like today - I just couldn't do it when the sun is shining.

I've already moved my furniture into the middle of the room ala Autumn style so the rads can boost out the most heat when they're turned on. It's been miserable for 8 days here now. Instead of getting my knickers in a twist about no summer i'm just thinking about the cosiness of the Autumn.

ginnyknit

NualaBuala wrote: »

BeingFrugal, I feel all cosy just reading your list!

I haven't had a hot water bottle in years but I think I'm going to make a rice bag which will help my aches and can double up as a hot water bottle if I need it in bed.

Is rice the best filling for these bags? I've heard of wheat being used too but not so easily available I guess. I was going to use a cotton pillowcase and perhaps make a cuddly cover using an old fleece throw.

I don't think you can use rice as a filler but you can buy the wheat or cherry pits on e bay. Also you see a lot of wheat bags in charity shops, my mum bought me a teddy bear one last year. You can always cut one open and make a better version yourself.

muffin_man_7

It miserable here today I agree its easier to think of getting ready for winter on damp cold or rainy days. Beingfrugal i like your idea of moving furniture to maximise heat from radiators when they go back on not before november then we should be ok if very very cold do have to be careful though youngest(13) has asthma and her health more important can always juggle for bills if it comes to it. Beingfrugal have you thought of wind up torches NO BATTERIES NEEDED they've got them in £land also bnm i gave each of my kids 1 for xmas they loved them also in mrA in camping section they've got wind up lanterns 4 led's smallish £3.75 was £5 or bigger one 16 leds very bright £9 was £12 75 ive got 2 small ones 1 big one and still got small one from last year and i try to only use rechargale batteries if i have to use them a*ld* are cheapest for them h&b have some too i got thermals for £2 from mrA a couple of weeks ago they do different levels 1,2,3 i got level one before i knew or i'd of gone for level 3 but i still think mens thermal long sleeved tops are warmer and softer too

parsonswife8

Nothing as good as a hot water bottle in the bottom of the bed and a pair of soft, fluffy bedsocks.:D

NualaBuala

beingfrugal wrote: »

I've already moved my furniture into the middle of the room ala Autumn style so the rads can boost out the most heat when they're turned on. It's been miserable for 8 days here now. Instead of getting my knickers in a twist about no summer i'm just thinking about the cosiness of the Autumn.

Great idea about pulling the furniture out. Mine won't go on till much later *crosses fingers* but I will do that.

ginnyknit wrote: »

I don't think you can use rice as a filler but you can buy the wheat or cherry pits on e bay. Also you see a lot of wheat bags in charity shops, my mum bought me a teddy bear one last year. You can always cut one open and make a better version yourself.

I must keep my eyes peeled. They seem to be quite cheap to buy ready-made on ebay but I like the idea of doing my own (must have been brainwashed by Old Style ) and thought at least rice would be cheap and easy to get my hands on. I'll check the poundshop (or €2 shop as they call it now).

muffin_man_7 wrote: »

It miserable here today I agree its easier to think of getting ready for winter on damp cold or rainy days. Beingfrugal i like your idea of moving furniture to maximise heat from radiators when they go back on not before november then we should be ok if very very cold do have to be careful though youngest(13) has asthma and her health more important can always juggle for bills if it comes to it. Beingfrugal have you thought of wind up torches NO BATTERIES NEEDED they've got them in £land also bnm i gave each of my kids 1 for xmas they loved them also in mrA in camping section they've got wind up lanterns 4 led's smallish £3.75 was £5 or bigger one 16 leds very bright £9 was £12 75 ive got 2 small ones 1 big one and still got small one from last year and i try to only use rechargale batteries if i have to use them a*ld* are cheapest for them h&b have some too i got thermals for £2 from mrA a couple of weeks ago they do different levels 1,2,3 i got level one before i knew or i'd of gone for level 3 but i still think mens thermal long sleeved tops are warmer and softer too

I must get a few thermal vests this winter, wish we had Mr A in Ireland. And I plan to get a wind up torch too, one with the attachments so you can recharge your mobile phone.

Parsonswife, am with you on the fluffy socks - I love how cosy they feel.

zarazara

I'm bottling some blackcurrants later for winter use,and DH is chopping sticks for kindling.