This post is sponsored by Origin energy.
This winter has absolutely slammed me which is really unusual because I’m a total snow baby. I was raised in Canberra and I actually legitimately hate the beach and summer (you should totally click on that post if only to see the random dude called Tomas who commented ‘Worst blog ever!’ That Tomas. Such a kidder.) Winter is usually my favourite season but I’ve really struggled this year which is twice as weird because I live in a modern, insulated apartment, which is a major improvement on my old giant warehouse conversion where I used to live that was comparable to taking up residence on a polar ice cap. I used to wear gloves to bed when I lived in that place. This winter hasn’t been QUITE as bad as that but I’m still a bit sooky about it. For those of you that have been struggling this winter I’ve teamed up with Origin Energy to bring you a few tips on how to keep warm during a brutal winter.
[divider type=”standard” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”]
[divider type=”standard” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”]
Don’t start winter cold
I have a theory that if you get caught on an 8 degree day outside without a coat, you’ve totally ruined winter and you won’t get fully warm again till the following summer. The key is to over dress and be prepared. Don’t let winter seep into your bones or you’ll be properly screwed. I know this sounds insane but trust me. I’ve started winter cold a few times and it’s not been pretty. Start carrying a coat around with you in about March and you should be fine.
[divider type=”standard” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”]
Layer up like a wee little onion
I live in Fitzroy in Melbourne which is total hipsterville. You need several tattoos, a blunt haircut, pants that are too short and a permanent scowl to fit in here. Sheer stockings with holes also seem to be a rather popular new addition to the list. Not the most appropriate winter attire, as it leaves the wearer shivering and jiggling like a plate of pudding on a wobbly stool. Wear winter clothes. Thermals. Wool. Jackets. Gloves. I bought a down coat this year and I hate myself for not having done it earlier, it’s SO TOASTY and warm. I get that we’re supposed to be the sunburnt country and all but it actually snows in some parts of Australia and it’s high time we started dressing accordingly.
[divider type=”standard” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”]
Drink lots of warm beverages and eat hearty meals
I’m a glutton for punishment so I’ll often be seen chowing down on an ice cream or slurpee in the middle of July but it’s really not the smartest thing to do. Drink yummy teas, have lots of soup and eat warming foods. Salads, juices and smoothies will wait until summer. You want to have nice warming foods to raise your core body temperature and warm those chilly little paws of yours.
[divider type=”standard” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”]
Don’t underestimate the power of a blanket
Grab the doona off your bed and snuggle on the couch or better yet, have a dedicated pure wool throw rug that lives on your couch purely for snuggling purposes. Most people underestimate blankets in winter but I’m telling you they’re a life saver. If you’re feeling particularly indulgent, get TWO blankets. Ultra. Supreme. Snuggling.
[divider type=”standard” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”]
Outsource your warmth
Grab a hot water bottle or heat pack and cuddle it until you feel toasty again. I know it sounds ridiculous but I always forget about the existance of heat packs and hot water bottles until I accidently discover mine in the laundry cupboard every year. They’re awesome. Get on it. You can even make your own heat packs which is a perfect winter craft activity.
[divider type=”standard” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”]
[divider type=”standard” width=”1/1″ el_position=”first last”]
Above all though, the obvious thing that most people do is use a heater. The less-than-awesome bit about that though is your energy bill. I’m certainly not the type of person to sit around shivering my butt off because I refuse to turn on the heater – I will pay for the privilege of heat BUT I obviously want to keep my energy bill as low as possible (click here for some extra energy saving tips) so I can buy better stuff with my money and maybe help the planet a bit. It’s kind of a hard thing to do though because energy companies don’t really WANT you to keep your energy bills down. Obviously.
I’ve always found dealing with energy companies incredibly painful, simply because they have all the power. Literally. I’ve teamed up with Origin energy this month because they’ve made some rad changes to their customer service (ie. actually providing customer service). So now you can contact them anyway you like – snail mail, email, Facebook, twitter – whatever takes your fancy. They’ve extended their call centre hours because they’re freaking geniuses and realise that their customers work 9 to 5 and can’t call during those hours AND they’ve ditched their residential door knocking campaigns. Thank god. Nothing scares me more than a man standing at my door with a clipboard. Unless it’s a little girl ghost. Little girls ghosts are terrifying. They’ve also changed the design of their bills so you don’t need a Bachelor’s degree in Bill Interpretation to figure out what you owe them and why. It’s all neatly laid out for you. Bonza.
What’s your relationship like with your energy provider? What was your heating bill like this year? Reasonable? Or totally horrendous?
PS – For the Canberrans out there – did your parents enforce that strange rule that you’re only allowed to turn the heater on after Anzac Day? No matter how cold it got? My dad is a gasfitter and the bastard wouldn’t even go into the roof to light the pilot before Anzac day so we couldn’t even cheat. Does anyone know where this rule came from?