Baby, it's cold inside

The holidays are over, and I am sad for at least one reason - my house will be markedly colder. Heating a home is expensive - especially with people who refuse to keep doors closed and like to run in and out of the house constantly. Now, I am someone who is naturally very cold most of the year. Even when I was pregnant (in the winter months), I could not get enough clothing on me to get warm. However, just dropping the thermastat a few degrees can mean big cost savings.

When we are present in the house and awake, I set the heat to 61. (and if guests are present - they get about 68 :) At night I turn it to 59. And when we are gone during the day, it's down to 57 or 56. I do open the blinds for sun to warm up the house during the day. And - if people actually keep doors closed, the house does stay warmer. How does a cold natured person handle this? I wear a turtleneck and sweater in the house, as well as warm socks. I drink lots of hot tea. I keep throws on the couch so we can cover up. And if I am reading or watching tv, I make sure I get up every 15 minutes and move around - couple laps around the inside of the house, quick dusting, laundry, etc. Being still too long makes one even colder. Of course, one of my favorite ways to get warm - I cook. Hot water, gas flames - warms up the place. After the oven is turned off, I then leave the door open so the kitchen can get the heat and it doesn't go to waste.

Oh - and if the doors inside the house are closed (family - are you reading this?) then the small bathroom stays toasty and you can take a break in there for a couple minutes to warm up.

It's still a lot warmer than outside, and warmer than where many people live. And it really does add up!