I’m trying to limit my use of the heater this winter. In fact, I’m determined not to turn it on until the end of November, if at all possible. At least I won’t turn it on if I’m the only one in the house.
The other night, the temperature dropped outdoors and when I went to look at the thermostat, it was only 48 degrees inside the house and the heater was off. So I lowered the thermostat to 54 and turned it on for about a half hour then turned it off again. It worked. I didn’t freeze. I put on sock then my warm slippers and an extra layer of clothing and moved around. I got some housework done and kept warm. However, it became clear to me that I am not going to make it if I don’t do something about keeping warm in the evenings. My blankets, warm pjs, and coats are still in storage in California and I don’t think I’ll be making another trip down there for a few months. I decided to make a trip to Ikea for one of their warm quilts and quilt covers then on the way back I stopped at Target for some flannel sheets. Today I’m hitting the stores for themal underwear and warm socks and hopefully some flannel pjs. I think I’ll start with thrift shops because the stores don’t seem to have them in stock yet. I suppose I should keep an eye out for a warm coat. I have been wearing only my sweat shirts but it’s pretty clear that they won’t keep me warm or dry for long.
What a difference the flannel sheets made and the small quilt I got did the trick for me. It doesn’t have to cover the entire bed, just me! So if all else fails, I can stay in bed to keep warm! Good excuse, huh?!
In any case, I think I will survive my first winter up here after all!
Oh you reminded me that I need to pick up some flannel sheets. I have already turned on the heat a couple of times just to take the chill out of the air. During the winter my thermostat is set at 60 and that can be somewhat chilly and for the past two years I’ve been intending to pick up some flannel sheets. I wonder if I can find some that I can afford.
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You can get decent ones at Target for $21.99 in the store or $19.99 online…any size (Twin, Full, Queen, King and they come in solid colors or cute prints). I only got one set but I think I’m going to try to get at least one more. Then I have do get at least one set for the guest bed because I know the kids are coming for Christmas and they’ll be used.
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Flannel sheets … great idea. I’m trying not to turn my heat on, too, but I’m finding I’m too cold to sleep, even with socks and several layers of clothing and cats. I’ll give the sheets a try.
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I can’t believe what a difference heavy window drapes make.
And you’ve reminded me that the weatherstripping needs to come out of the package and get on the bottom of my door…
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Wool or wool blend socks and underwear do wonders.
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I found men’s thermal boot socks at the Goodwill this evening. They are brand new and in the package and were only $1.79!!! What a deal!
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We’re still running our air during the day, but at night I can open a window and run the fan.
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Flannel is great! Sheets, nighty. Underwear. It’s all great!
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i so love flannel sheets and have a ton of them in reserve,, but with two dogs they get so cakes with hair the first night,, you have to really turn all the lights off and then crawk in to be able to sleep on them…..
i have no idea how cold it gets there,, but i am sooo hoping you are not setting yourself up to be miserable all winter…. i know my first winter here i was totally unprepared and i was miserable…
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Right now, the weather is really nice in Houston. I mean CRAZY nice. This only lasts for about a month so I am taking advantage of not having to turn anything on. There have been years where we’ve had the A/C on during Halloween. It sucks. But I find that when it’s cold, those big white blankets from Ikea do wonders for keeping one warm! I learned from my mom in that sense: if you’re cold, put on more clothes. If you’re hot, take ’em off! 😀
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Vroni, I know what you mean. In California, we were often well into the 80’s all the way through mid November! It takes some getting used to when you move north to colder weather. But I’ll make it. I am keeping an eye on the local freecycle list and on thrift shops for stuff I can use. And I did get one of the Ikea quilts.
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