Winter warmers

With a chill in the air it's time to start thinking about how to keep warm without increasing the fuel bills. As far as food intake goes, there is nothing so good as eating a bowl of porridge to keep us glowing. The fact that porridge is probably the cheapest breakfast is just a bonus.
Move on to substantial broths and casseroles and we should gain enough inner heat during the day to turn the thermostat down a degree or two when we settle down for the evening.

The Goode life is not all to do with food - so here are some tips on how to cosy up and be comfortable despite falling temperatures. Colour plays a big part, change cushion covers, throws, bed linen and towels from lighter shades to a deeper warmer tone. Follow the old-fashioned way of wearing thick socks or two pairs of tights to keep the feet warm. Turn the thermostat down a degree or two. Heat rises, so sitting with feet raised on a stool could mean more comfort. Use a cuddle blanket (make your own patchwork throw out of odds and ends of material) and use whenever the weather gets colder. An unzipped sleeping bag works even beter. Nothing wrong with shawls, bedsocks, duvets or hot water bottles if - like us - you prefer fresh air in your bedroom and keep the transom window open. They do say that it is far healthier to live in a house when the windows are frequently opened.
Tip: A good way to store single sleeping bags is to roll them up and put them into a pillowcase, these then make good emergency pillows.