Reach For The Blankie First

Regardless of what the thermostat might indicate I think that this time of year is the coldest, or at least feels the coldest. After months of summer heat, the chill of fall and approach of winter takes some getting used to. Ironically, temperatures today that send us shivering will feel like a welcome taste of spring in March.

While the reflex reaction to the first sight of frost might be to crank up the furnace, I would encourage you to crank up the blanket and sweater supply instead. While this approach might not score high fashion points, it does score points in the pocket book.

Other tips to help you keep warm in the 'bitter days of fall' include:

- Keep your feet warm. The warmer your feet are, the more comfortable you feel. To this end, consider investing in a warm pair of slippers and giving your feet extra blanket.

- Eat warm foods. Obvious I know, but sometimes we forget that the easiest way to warm up is with a bowl of soup or a hot drink.

- Exercise. Beat the chills by going for a walk, raking the leaves or doing housework - nothing really works up a sweat like battling dust bunnies!

Gradually, as happens each year, we will become used to the cooler temperatures. Getting into the habit now of finding ways to keep warm other than cranking up the furnace will make handling the upcoming winter months even easier.