Eight Tips for Staying Warm

As I woke up to the arctic chill that is my bedroom, I debated exposing my weary limbs to the frosty air.  My nose, the only thing not covered by two blankets and a down comforter, was already frozen.  The rest of me was satisfactorily toasty--and I really wanted to remain that way!

Unfortunately, duty called and I gingerly extracted myself from the warmth of my bed.  As winter edges ever closer, staying warm becomes a top priority.  And while "chestnuts roasting on an open fire" sounds like an ideal way to remove winter's chill, we all know that most of the heat generated by fire ends up going up the chimney--and costing more in the long run.

So here some cheap and easy tips to staying warm from head to toe this winter:

1. Hats - You lose 30% or more heat through your head, so wearing a wool hat when outdoors--or even a baseball cap indoors--can help ward off the cold.
2. Scarf - A jauntily draped scarf can give you a European panache, but keeping your neck from being exposed to cold air goes a long way towards keeping your entire body warm.
3. Layers - While a big puffy coat might seem like just the ticket to keep warm, layering several thinner garments traps air to retain heat better.  Try a long-sleeved t-shirt underneath a sweater and see how much warmer you are than with just the sweater alone. 
4. Hot Liquids - Tea, hot chocolate, soup, etc. help warm you up from the inside out. 
5. Spices - Cayenne, chili powder, pepper and ginger are just a few spices that raise your internal temperatures and give a nice warm flush.  Try a bowl of chili to heat things up!
6. Movement - Stay still and shiver.  Keeping active keeps you warm.  Also, activity and exercise done on a consistent basis help increase your basal metabolism.  And a quicker metabolism equals a warmer body...
7. Pantyhose - When I was a hardcore runner, I used to drag myself out of bed at 5:15 am and run five miles even in a blizzard.  My method for protecting against frostbite:  pantyhose underneath my running tights.  Even if you invest in high tech, windproof, thermal workout gear, pantyhose is a low tech way to insulate against the cold.  And if you're a guy, just take a page out of Joe Namath's playbook and slip on a pair underneath your jeans.  I promise not to tell...
8. Socks - Of course you have your warm, fuzzy socks on as you slip your feet into your boots--but if you want to prevent Jack Frost from nipping at your toes overnight, slip on a pair along with your flannel PJs at night.  It will not only keep your toes nice and warm overnight, but will make venturing out of bed a wee bit easier in the morning.

Do you have any cheap and easy tips for staying warm and cozy this winter?  Share them with us in the comments!