#Cold Weather Tips

[xiaq]

Hi! I saw your snow photos and thought of how soon I'll probably move from tx to somewhere cold and snowy. I was hoping you had some advice.

Hmm. Well, lets see.

Make sure you have an "emergency" kit in your car––water, first aid, some protein bars, a blanket. I've heard scary stories about folks getting stranded/stuck/sliding into a ditch on mountain roads due to ice or snow and then having a long wait for emergency services. Also, always bring a jacket/hat/gloves with you when you're driving somewhere and it's cold, even if it's just to run straight into a store. Many unplanned events could occur that require you to be out and about in the elements.

Get an ice-scraper/snow brush if you have a car and a snow shovel for your house/walk/driveway.

Get a snow suit. They are so dang convenient. I don't ski or snowboard but if it's below freezing (even if it's not snowing!) I'm pulling that thing on over my PJs every morning to take the dog for a walk. Do I look silly? Yes. Am I toasty and saved like 5 minutes putting on a dozen layers. Also yes.

Get a space heater. We keep the heat in our house at 60 and just run a space heater occasionally in our offices during the day/bedroom at night and it saves us a ton of money on heating bills. Also, blinds/curtains up during the sunniest parts of the day and down as soon as the sun starts to set. Makes a big difference in ambient temperature with no costs associated.

WOOL SOCKS. If I wasn't lazy I'd move this to the top of the list. Wool socks will keep your feet warm even if they get wet. Wool socks are magical. As are wool base layers in general.

Also get a solid pair of snow/waterproof hiking boots. And depending on conditions and if you do much walking outside, you'll probably want to get a pair of spikes as well (they stretch on over the bottoms of your normal boots and will save you from busting your ass on icy roads/trails).

If you're in a cold place with higher altitude, I highly recommend a humidifier. We have one in the bedroom that runs all day/night and one in my office because I'm a delicate flower. It makes it easier for me to breathe and my skin is noticeably less dry.

Oh, this may be silly but I didn't even know to get a balaclava for the first several months I lived in a cold place and my face was just freezing all the time when I'd go for walks. Also, even if you're not skiiing, get some snow goggles if you're planning to hike in snowstorms. Being able to see is nice.

If it's sub-0 temps, be careful with your eyelashes/brows. Your eyelashes especially with freeze, and if you rub your eyes you'll break them. I learned this the hard way. Get inside and let them thaw out before touching them.

Ok, I'm sure there are more. Anyone want to add things I've missed?

[tatersgonnatate]

[acrepairdallas2]

Outdoor AC units play a crucial role in maintaining indoor comfort, but as winter approaches, the question arises: should these units be covered? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of covering outdoor AC units, best practices, regional variations, and user-friendly solutions to protect your investment.

[phantoms-boyfriend]

Wisconsin friend here- I had to use some of these this year due to the snow and my power. But also cause I was in a car that died in the snow for like 3 hours. They work!

COLD WEATHER TIPS FROM SOMEONE WHO LIVES WHERE IT’S COLD:

I always see posts about layering clothing, but there are so many more creative ways to help keep you warm if you don’t have a lot of warm clothes. But first, a note on layering clothing:

-Your underlayer is your WICKING layer. That means it is a layer specifically to absorb the moisture your body produces. DO NOT USE COTTON AS A BOTTOM LAYER. Use merino wool if possible, but other good substitutions are nylon, polyester and rayon. 

-Your middle layer is for insulation. You want AIR POCKETS in there, NOT tight fitting clothes. This is where you want to put your fluffy sweaters, your fleece, down, fur, flannel, or vests. If you do not have these, you can substitute with multiple layers of long sleeve shirts.

-Your outer layer is for keeping the cold away from your body. If you do not have a jacket, you can put on your thickest piece of clothing and then a raincoat over it. Windbreaker if you have one. 

ALSO

-Jeans are the absolute worst at holding heat. Use only as a last resort. 

-You can’t really ever have too many layers on your feet. Alternate tucking your layers of pants into your layers of socks to keep your ankles warm!

-Wear a hat OVER a hood if it will fit! This will keep your ears warmest.

TAKE OFF/OUT ANY AND ALL JEWELERY/PIERCINGS

-If you have a medical bracelet, DO NOT REMOVE IT. If you can, tuck a layer of clothes between it and your skin.

NON-CLOTHING TIPS:

-Raid your recycling. Gather all cardboard boxes and break them down so that they are flat. Put them on the floor to add more layers between you and the cooling house. Newspaper will also serve the same purpose.

-In an emergency, you can also layer newspaper between clothing layers. Don’t worry about looking stupid if you’re staying warm.

-If you have a tent, set that sucker up in whatever room you have decided to stay in. Stay in it and keep it zipped shut as much as you can, but do NOT cover the vent at the top. You can put the rain fly up, but make sure there is circulating air for you to breathe.

-You are probably not going to feel very hungry at times. DO NOT STOP EATING OR DRINKING. Digestion produces a lot of body heat and the food will give your body energy to keep itself going.

-The best foods are heavy and full of carbs and proteins. Eat nuts, eggs, pasta, meats, and beans. If you are on a diet, now you’re not. If you’re vegetarian… bulk up on those pastas and nuts.

-Try not to sweat. If you are finding yourself getting damp, take off the outer layer just until you start to cool slightly. Then redress! Your bottom layer should dry quickly, and being wet is dangerous.

-On that note, STAY ACTIVE. You are probably going to want to hunker down and snuggle up, but that will make your muscles cramp. Every 15-20 minutes do something that gets you up and about. Walk circles in the room, do a couple jumping jacks, stretch, whatever. Just enough to move some blood around your body. Don’t get sweaty or out of breath, it’s just a little movement.

-CHAPSTICK. ON YOUR LIPS. ON YOUR NOSE. ON YOUR EARS. ON YOUR KNUCKLES. Don’t let your extremities get dry or cracked.

SIGNS OF HYPOTHERMIA:

-Uncontrollable shivering -Slurred speech -Confusion or memory loss -Dizziness or lack of coordination -Inability to be woken from sleep

CHILDREN AND INFANTS!!!! I CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH.

-Children WILL get colder before you. Make sure they are properly bundled up.

-If you need to breastfeed, put a blanket over the both of you and wait a few minutes for the air to warm before removing or shifting your clothing.

-DO NOT COVER AN INFANTS FACE. ESPECIALLY WHEN SLEEPING. Keep them tucked inside your own clothes when possible. As close to your heart and stomach as possible. 

-Put chapstick on children’s cheeks and clean their face often if they are crying or wiping at their nose. This will prevent cracked skin and irritation.

-Make sure your children are staying as hydrated as you! They are going to fuss and not want to drink cold things, but they NEED liquids.

SIGNS OF HYPOTHERMIA IN INFANTS AND TODDLERS ARE DIFFERENT:

-Shortness of breath  -Cold, red skin -Lethargy or listlessness

Finally:

CHECK ON YOUR NEIGHBORS. CHECK ON CHILDREN. CHECK ON THE ELDERLY. STAY SNUGGLED. STAY SAFE.

[ev-battery-central]

Maximize Your EV Battery Life in Cold Weather

Cold weather can be tough on EV batteries, but with the right strategies, you can minimize the impact and keep your vehicle running efficiently all winter long. ❄️🔋 Learn more about how cold weather affects EV battery performance and get practical tips to extend your battery life during the winter months.

[ramservices1]

Prepare for the cold season with expert geyser maintenance for winter. Ensure optimal performance and a warm, hassle-free experience this winter!

Do Visit: https://ramservicesandsales.com/2024/11/15/geyser-maintenance-for-winter/

[christinaroseandrews]

Michigander/Native Coloradoan who lived in Florida for years here. FFR is right, your houses are not built to keep heat in. Especially your windows/doors. Additionally your furnaces/radiators aren't used to having to work as hard.

Here's a few tips from and some easy ways to keep heat from escaping because like OP says a burst water main is no one's friend.

First, if you haven't already and can access it... Turn off your water spouts that lead to the outside. Even in the north if they are left on they can freeze and burst. Ask me how I know... You need to turn them off and also open the nozzle outside to let the water out so that the residual water doesn't freeze.

Next, do what op suggested open your cabinet doors and run a tiny trickle of water. In particular for the pipes that run along exterior walls. If by some chance you are like me and have all of your water pipes more than 18 inches away from exterior walls... you still need to run water, but in this case pick the faucet the HIGHEST and FURTHEST from where the water enters the house (typically where the water meter is located). Also if you were like me and have your laundry in a shed outside of the home (This was when I lived in Florida) do one of the following -- invest in a space heater for the space, if you have a laundry sink run it, or resign yourself to having to do empty/small loads at regular intervals to keep the water flowing. When I lived in Florida and we dropped into the upper 20s for a few days that meant I was doing a load of laundry literally every few hours to make sure that the pipes didn't freeze.

Make sure all of your windows are covered. Ideally by some kind of fabric. Blinds are great, but nothing beats heavy canvas. Sheets and blankets can work in a pinch. As can large towels. If it's still available there are plastic sealing kits that you can put up that create an extra layer and seal out drafts... which are no one's friend.

Roll up towels and put them at the bottom of your exterior door frames. It prevents some cold air from coming in. At my house currently, I have essentially "snakes" that I put between the exterior door and the interior door as well as a second snake for the interior door. It stops a lot of cold air from coming in.

Pick a room that has as few windows/exterior doors and make that your main living space. It's a lot easier to heat one space than to heat a whole house. Close off the other rooms and in houses with forced air heating/central air close the register in the closed off rooms to direct the heat into your main space. It should go without saying but DO NOT DO THIS IN ROOMS WITH PLUMBING IN THEM! Those rooms need to stay warm. *Points to burst pipes*

Clothing wise. Layers are your friend and it is better to be a little chilly than to be sweating. For the under layers you want something that can handle being potentially damp without cooling you. Stay away from cotton. No really. Cotton can kill. This includes jeans. You're better off in polyester yoga pants than blue jeans.

Because losing power due to ice/overloaded systems/vehicles knocking over power lines is very possible, you'll want to keep your freezer and fridge as full as possible. It that means putting random containers of water in them, then do it. Your power grids aren't meant to handle this kind of load. And full fridges/freezers are more efficient. Even here I keep 2--liter bottles filled with tap water in my fridge & freezer to keep them more efficient and as a security against power outages.

Cook/Bake. Cooking food both adds moisture into the air as well as heat. It's also something that you can fill your working fridge with.

Hot water bottles are your friend. You don't have to buy anything fancy. Just fill to the brim a 2-liter with water and then squeeze it a little so that the water overflows and seal it. Stick it in the microwave for a few minutes (no more than 3)... and congrats you have a hot water bottle that if insulated in a towel will give off a lot of heat. I use these at home on my back all the time. And when the weather is really cold, I even take one to bed with me and it's still warm the next morning.

There's more, but those are the ones I can think of off the top of my head.

HEY PEOPLE IN THE SOUTH DEALING WITH ACTUAL COLD FOR THE FIRST TIME.

Open your sink cabinets and turn your faucets to drip cold water at night! The small but steady stream of water can help keep your pipes from freezing, something that not only cuts off your water supply but can also cause cracks and leaks in your pipes and even burst pipes leading to severe flooding and water damage.

[glowettee]

hiiiii, first of all I LOVE your blog and it has been helping me back into my sudy process, thank you for all your work darling!! second, I would like to know if you have seasonal study tips for winter because I'm on the southern hemisphere (if not thank you anyways, keep doing your wonderful blog the way you are right now because it's amazing!!).

✧・゜: winter focus study guide :・゜✧

hey lovely! ✧

omg your message just made me smile so big! knowing that something i've shared has actually helped you get back into your study flow is literally the best feeling ever. (sometimes i wonder if anyone's really reading these late night rambles of mine so this means the world!)

winter studying in the southern hemisphere sounds so dreamy to me right now while i'm melting in this summer heat! (besides these horrible floods and rainy days) it's so magical studying during the colder months, that perfect excuse to stay cozy inside with books and hot drinks while the world gets all moody and atmospheric outside.

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ embrace the cozy season ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

winter studying has this special energy that summer just doesn't. lean all the way into creating the most ridiculously cozy study nest possible:

invest in the softest throw blanket you can find (i have this chunky knit one that's basically my study partner at this point)

fingerless gloves changed my life for cold morning study sessions when my hands get too stiff to type properly

warming up your favorite mug before pouring your tea/coffee keeps it hot so much longer (i literally microwave the empty mug for 30 seconds first)

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ light as self-care ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

winter's shorter days can seriously mess with your focus and motivation (i literally turn into a sad little potato when it gets dark too early). some things that actually help:

study near natural light whenever possible, move your desk by the window if you can

fairy lights aren't just for aesthetics! the warm glow genuinely improves my mood when i'm struggling through difficult material

consider a happy lamp if winter seriously affects your energy (i resisted buying one forever thinking it was overpriced nonsense but it's been life-changing for my 6am study sessions)

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ winter-proof your routine ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

cold weather requires different routines than summer studying:

the 45-10 method works better for me in winter than the traditional 25-5 pomodoro. longer focus sessions mean less getting up and getting cold!

morning studying becomes more challenging when your bed is warm and the room is not, so prepare everything the night before (i set up my desk completely, even putting my slippers right where my feet will land when i get up)

batch-prepare warm drinks in a thermos so you don't break focus running to the kitchen

winter afternoons get dark early, so front-load your hardest work earlier in the day when possible

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ seasonal motivation hacks ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

winter studying requires different motivation strategies:

create a "sunshine study fund". put aside a tiny amount of money each time you complete a study session, then use it for something bright and cheerful mid-winter

use scent anchors for focus. i have a specific winter study perfume (warm vanilla) that i only wear when studying, and it immediately puts my brain in work mode

winter playlists hit different. i have one called "study like you're in a cabin in the woods" that makes even statistics feel magical

reward yourself with warm treats instead of cold ones. hot chocolate as a study reward just hits different than summer's iced coffee

⋆.ೃ࿔*:･ movement matters more ･:࿔ೃ.⋆

winter studying makes me want to become one with my chair and never move again, but that's actually the worst for productivity:

do 2-minute stretch breaks between subjects (i set specific stretch alarms)

keep a small space heater near your study area so moving doesn't mean getting cold

try "chapter walks", bundle up and take a quick 5-minute walk after completing each chapter or major section

winter studying has its own special magic that summer doesn't, lean into that cozy, contemplative energy and it might become your favorite study season!

sending you the warmest wishes for a productive winter study season! i'd love to hear which tips end up working best for you!

xoxo, mindy 🤍

p.s. don't forget to moisturize your hands during winter study sessions! dry skin from heaters and cold air makes page-turning and typing so uncomfortable (speaking from painful experience here).

[dazd-dreamr]

sims 4 cas weekend lets go

[ittybittykittyfingers]

Winter Clothing Tips

I wanted to make a friendly and detailed list of stuff I've learned from living in a cold climate.

(Note that I do not have vegan-friendly options- suggestions with links to a vegan product's efficacy are welcome)

This stuff is common knowledge where I live but it occurred to me that it might be useful to someone if I laid it all out. I'll be updating this list if I think of more.

I absolutely adore winter and want to help you love it too! Cheers! List below.

• “Cotton kills!" You see, when cotton gets wet, it will suck warmth from your body and freeze on your skin surprisingly easily. Use wool in place of cotton because when wool gets wet, it will still insulate you.

• Know how to layer! Counterintuitively, having layers of thinner, high-quality materials is less bulky than having a single jacket or pair of gloves/socks. Plus, it has the added bonus of being able to be taken off and switched around according to your needs.

1. Base layer - this is the layer that touches your skin. You want this layer to be light, flexible, and moderately form-fitting. This layer's job is to be moisture-wicking. Sweat evaporates, even under layers, so you want something that will move it away so you don't feel the cooling effect. You also just don't want moisture on your skin. Real silk is recommended.

2. Mid layer - this layer can actually be as many layers as you want. I rarely need anything more than a knit merino wool sweater, but accommodate yourself. This layer does the brunt of the work of keeping you warm. Real, non-blended wool is recommended, but really any wool will be miles better than most anything else.

• make it a priority to keep your center warm. Many people choose a vest as a mid-layer as it keeps bulk off of your arms and keeps your middle toasty.

3. Shell - this layer keeps the warmth in and the elements out. Many people go for waterproof shells so they can be worn all year (i.e. rain jacket). Shells have little to no insulation and usually have a hood. You want the shell big enough to always cover your underlayers, but not so big that it bunches up. I don't have a material to recommend here since anything truly waterproof and tough enough to resist puncture will do. It can actually get hot under there so consider whether you might want a ventilation hole for your arm pits. There are plenty of options. Know that any shell which says it's both breathable and waterproof is lying (unless it's a super fancy item, like $300 fancy). Sometimes, a water resistant material will be better for you than a waterproof one. It depends.

• socks, socks, socks! A pair of silk foot liners paired with a good pair of wool socks will keep you comfy all day. Make sure your winter shoes/boots are a bit too big to accommodate the extra space that multiple socks take up. Make sure your socks are taller than the top of your boots. You want the socks sticking out from the top. I like to layer my foot liners the highest, then the wool socks a bit lower, than the top of my boot lower than that. You can always fold the top of socks to make them a comfortable height. (Pro-tip: do not use ankle socks! They will bunch up)

• The above logic should be used for gloves too. You'll want to make sure your shell gloves are waterproof but thin enough that you are able to use your hands. Again, the name of the game is staying dry.

• Waterproof, non-slip boots are a must. You don't need to get fluffy or insulated boots if you use my sock tips. This saves money too because now you have boots to wear all year instead of just winter boots. I'm a fan of Gore-Tex with Vibram soles.

• If you do a lot of walking on pavement and such, get a pair of crampons! There are tons to choose from. They're awesome. They'll have you confidently walking around a frozen driveway with ease. Crampons are these rubber and metal things you strap to the bottom of your boot. They often use either spikes (only recommended for seriously rough terrain) or coils that lay horizontally under your foot to increase traction.

• Speaking of footwear accessories, consider getting waterproof gators. Common wisdom is to tuck pants into your waterproof boots to keep them dry. Sometimes, especially if the snow is deep enough, snow will get trapped at the top of your boots where your pants are tucked in anyway and it'll start dripping into your boots. Gators fix this issue. They're these... they're like shin guards that go all the way around your ankle and up to your knee. They cover the area where your pants meet the boots and will completely prevent snow from getting in. (Pro-tip: if you get ones that are also puncture resistant, they can be used in nice weather too to prevent ticks and protect against snake bites. They're perfect for tall grass. I use mine all year.)

• Scarves are often overlooked but they can make a huge difference. You'll want to find a way to tie them that is comfortable for you. There are plenty of guides on the internet for that. I've found that extra long scarves tend to be the most useful. I like to stuff the ends of them into my layers for extra coverage wherever I need it. Plus, it's easier to tie long scarves.

• Get a good hat that also has ear flaps. I like ones that have space above my head so that a warm air pocket forms, keeping my head comfy. Or you could get a pair of earmuffs that go around the back of your head to pair with your hat. You can use the hood of your shell to protect your hat if you need to, so focus on comfort and warmth for the hat rather than it being waterproof or especially durable. I tend to like alpaca wool for hats.

• Sunglasses can make a difference since blinding light glares off of the snow.

• Before you go out in the snow, put one of those foldable clothes drying racks in your bathtub. Leave a watertight bin by the door you'll be coming in from. Lay a towel at the door if you don't have a good/big enough doormat. You'll be dripping water and littering the floor with snow and ice when you come back inside. Wipe off/ shake off as much snow from your person and knock your boots on the lip of the doorframe before coming inside (this logic works for cars too). Put your wet clothes in the bin. Change into whatever you need to. Bring the bin with you to the bathroom and hang up your articles on the clothes rack to dry. You can keep your boots in there too, just make sure the clothes aren't going to drip into the boots. If you want to get fancy, you can buy a cheap boot dryer to keep in the bathroom.

• Once you get inside after being out in the cold, remove your jacket immediately. It'll take you longer to warm up inside if you keep wearing your outdoor clothes.

• Quick buying tip- if you end up visiting somewhere that's cold a lot, be sure to check out a wealthy location's Goodwill and thrift stores. I've found amazing brands like Patagonia, Kool, and Spider there for cheap!

• TL;DR If there's any one thing I would want to impress upon you, it's that materials matter. You could be wearing 4 cotton sweatshirts and still be cold or you could wear one marino wool sweater with a rain coat and be toasty and comfy.

[grandmawitch]

[nourishcolourwellness]

IG: @NourishColourBites

[agentfascinateur]

Tips for the Arctic blast uninitiated

Stock up on fondue sets and gas for cooking in the event of a power failure.

Prepare some meals ahead of the storm.

Load up any power banks to help keep your phones charged.

Shut windows, heat at 21°C to not overload the power grid.

Leave a trickle of water running in your taps so your pipes don't freeze.

Don't drive. Drive only if you have all season tires. Pack cat litter in the car to help you with tire traction if you slide off the road. Don't try going up a hill.

Cities should lay down sand or fine gravel on roads for better traction.

If you lose power, store your food outside in the cold so it doesn't spoil. Wear layers. Huddle together. Temps will not be life threatening if you keep your heat inside.

Do not go outside unnecessarily. Do not get intoxicated and go outside - people will freeze to death in that case.

Don't start fires in the fireplaces with dirty chimneys.

Do not shower unnecessarily. Stay dry.

[lonelytamagotchi]

Feeling 😷 and dying as well as feeling down

Hearing your voice just might revive me

Let me hear you 🥺

[ramservices1]

Winter is Coming: Ensure Your Geyser is Ready for the Cold Season

As winter approaches, it’s essential to ensure your water heater is ready to handle the increased demand for hot water. Proper geyser maintenance for winter is vital to keep your water heater running efficiently and safely throughout the cold months. At Ram Services and Sales, we specialize in preparing your geyser for winter, ensuring it operates smoothly and reliably when you need it the most.

Why Geyser Maintenance for Winter is Important

Performing regular geyser maintenance for winter can help prevent breakdowns, improve efficiency, and extend the lifespan of your water heater. Cold weather puts additional strain on your geyser, making it work harder to heat water. Without proper care, your water heater may consume more energy, resulting in higher utility bills and potential malfunctions. This guide will walk you through the steps to prepare your geyser for winter and help maintain its performance during the cold season.

How to Prepare Your Geyser for Winter

To avoid issues with your water heater during the cold months, it’s essential to prepare your geyser for winter properly. Below are some of the most effective winter geyser maintenance tips that will ensure optimal performance and safety.

1. Inspect the Geyser for Leaks or Damage

The first step in geyser maintenance for winter is to inspect your unit for any leaks or visible damage. Check the pipes, valves, and tank for signs of rust, corrosion, or leakage. Even a small leak can reduce the efficiency of your geyser, and over time, it could lead to more significant problems. Ram Services and Sales recommend scheduling regular inspections to prevent minor issues from becoming costly repairs.

2. Flush the Water Heater

Sediment buildup in your geyser can cause it to work harder, leading to inefficiency and increased energy costs. Flushing your geyser is a critical part of cold season water heater care. Over time, minerals and debris accumulate at the bottom of the tank, reducing heating efficiency. Flushing the tank removes these deposits, ensuring your geyser heats water more efficiently, which is particularly important during the cold season.

3. Check the Thermostat Settings

Proper thermostat settings are essential to maximize geyser efficiency in winter. The ideal temperature setting for your water heater is between 120-140°F (49-60°C). Setting it too high can lead to excessive energy consumption, while setting it too low may not provide sufficient hot water. By maintaining the correct temperature, you’ll improve your water heater’s efficiency during winter and avoid unnecessary energy expenses.

4. Insulate the Geyser and Pipes

Insulating your geyser is one of the most effective ways to prepare it for the cold season. Insulate your geyser for winter by wrapping it with a water heater insulation blanket. This prevents heat loss and helps the geyser maintain its temperature without constantly reheating the water. Additionally, insulating the pipes connected to your geyser can prevent them from freezing and bursting, especially during extreme cold. This simple task significantly improves geyser performance during cold weather.

Continue Reading: https://ramservicesandsales.com/2024/11/15/geyser-maintenance-for-winter/

[the---hermit]

You know that medieval illustration of a knight fighting a huge snail with his sword?

Well i now understand the monk who drew that on a spiritual level, i too would very much like to have a garden knight ready to fight off the fucking snails