We didn’t have a white Christmas, but the snow did find us a few days ago. It left a nice little dusting that has lasted for several days. With more headed our way tomorrow and Monday, you know I’m employing all my favorite winter survival tips and techniques! lol had originally planned to head south right after New Year’s, but family suggested I stay through my birthday that’s coming up around mid-month. I didn’t need too much prodding since I’m excited to see my grandsons use the new sleds they got for Christmas. All this cold weather business reminded me that I’m way behind in sharing my “Winter Survival Favorites” this year. I hope you find this list helpful as you prepare for the cold months ahead.
I used to be a little reluctant to share this suggestion in a post, so I would always end up adding it toward the end of my winter favorites list. Well, not anymore! I’m putting this baby right at the top this year! What am I talking about? My heated toilet seat! Oh my gosh, it is the best thing ever! I can’t imagine not having a heated toilet seat, especially during the winter! I had an outlet added to the wall in my bathroom in Georgia when I first purchased a heated seat a few years back. From the moment I bought the Dollhouse and made a list of must-haves for this home, it was always at the very top of the list.
I was so disappointed when the electrician I hired to install one here in the Dollhouse said he couldn’t add an outlet. He discovered that the granite countertop in the master bath runs all the way up underneath the tall cabinet where the existing outlet he planned to connect to is located. So currently I’m using an extension cord and hoping I can eventually find an electrician who will be able to install an outlet near the toilet. Living in an atticless Cape Cod home has its challenges when adding new outlets, but the thought of a freezing-cold seat is more than I could bear. I would give up having a microwave before I would give up a heated toilet seat! lol
I love that it has a little night light built in so you don’t have to turn on a bright, glaring bathroom light if you get up during the night. I always keep my seat on the lowest temperature setting since that’s plenty warm enough. At its lowest temp, it feels just slightly warm, which is perfect. If you despise having to face a cold seat when going to the bathroom during the winter, I can’t recommend getting a heated seat enough! You will wonder how you ever survived this long without it! Don’t be surprised if you use it all year round, it feels like such a wonderful luxury, it will spoil you quickly! You’ll find the one I purchased for the Georgia house, and again for the Ohio house, here: Round Heated Toilet Seat AND Elongated Heated Toilet Seat. If you have a moment, read some of the reviews. Some are really funny!
I’ve raved about these Merino wool socks every single year, forever. Oh my gosh, I couldn’t face winter without them! They are not the least bit scratchy and are super soft and warm! I have quite a few pairs since I live in them all fall and winter and even into spring until the weather warms up. I don’t hand wash mine, just wash and dry them with my regular clothes and they have done great! I only buy them in black, that way I don’t have to waste time pairing up socks before putting them away. LOVE them! You’ll find them available here: Merino Wool Socks.
After reading how much you all like having flannel sheets on your bed all year, I’ve been tempted to keep mine on my bed all year, too. They are super cozy!
When I needed sheets for the bed I purchased for the Dollhouse, I saw these online and thought they were so pretty! They are by Laura Ashley and are super cozy! Love them! Their beautiful sheets are available in several patterns here: Laura Ashley Flannel Bedding.
As soon as the heat started running a lot here in the Dollhouse, I knew it was time to buy my favorite warm mist humidifier. I purchased two, one for my office and one for my bedroom, just as I have at home. I find I sleep so much better and have less sinus issues if I run my humidifier at night. This is the one I like, it’s super easy to fill and will last a full night. You’ll find it available here: Warm Mist Humidifier.
I have fallen hard for the Ugg Tasman slipper! I never want to take them off! After my daughter-in-law shared that she sees moms wearing them all the time when she’s walking the kids to school or out and about, I have started wearing mine to the grocery store and for other errands. They have great arch support and the bottom is designed where they can be worn outside, so why not enjoy them when out and about, too! Warning: They are addictive! I have them in the popular Chestnut Brown and in a really pretty sage green color. I just bought a pair recently in black, looking forward to those arriving soon! You’ll find them available in several colors here: Ugg Tasman Shoe.
When at home during the winter, I live in my hoodies. Ever since I discovered the joy of wearing a hoodie a few years back, I’ve add quite a few to my winter wardrobe. My favorite are by the brand, North Face. They are nice and heavy, the quality is awesome!
Since I live in them when I’m at home and often when I’m running errands, I try to add a few more each winter. I’m eyeing this one right now. You’ll find them in several designs/colors here: North Face “Never Stop Exploring” Hoodie in 8 Colors. Oh, and the big pocket on the front, I use that thing constantly! So handy when working around the house and I need to keep my phone close at hand.
Since more snow is headed our way, I spent the majority of the day yesterday making two of my favorite soups for winter. When the temps drop, both are great comfort food! You’ll find a printable recipe for this heartly vegetable beef soup here: Vegetable Beef Soup.
Another favorite for winter is Butternut Squash. We may be snowed in for a bit, but we’ll have some good soups to warm our soul! You’ll find the recipe for Butternut Squash Soup here: Butternut Squash Soup.
I love doing puzzles all year but I definitely do more during the wintertime when it’s so cold out.
If you love puzzles as much as I do, you’ll find an extensive list of puzzles I’ve enjoyed over the years here: Favorite Puzzles, Puzzle Boards, and Puzzle Trays.
I have always enjoyed feeding my backyard birds, it brings me so much joy watching them coming to the feeders! The birds appreciate it all year round, but they really appreciate it when the weather turns cold.
You’ll find my favorite feeders, birdfood, and bird baths here: Birding Favorites.
Rugs make a room feel so cozy. I love how they feel underfoot all year long, but they really warm up a room and make it feel extra cozy during the wintertime. I have been so impressed with the rug I bought for my study a few months back. I love how thick it is and the quality has been wonderful! I’ve purchased other items by Safavieh in the past, including a garden stool for my guest room, and I’ve never been disappointed. After my experience with this rug in my office, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy more of their rugs. You’ll find a great selection of Safavieh rugs (including the one I have) here: Safavieh Rugs.
I have always had trouble finding movies that I like in the usual places where movies can be streamed online or on a TV. I don’t like movies that are sad, violent, or depressing or movies where characters or pets end up passing away. When I watch a movie, I want to laugh, be entertained, and de-stress, so that usually means it’s going to be a comedy or a romantic comedy. I don’t know why it took me so long to discover Hallmark movies. I haven’t had a TV in my home in many years—gave up on TV many years ago since there was so little on that interested me. A month or two back I saw a thread somewhere (maybe it was on Reddit or Instagram) where folks were talking about Hallmark movies. They sounded like something I would enjoy, and after a bit of research I realized I could watch them on Amazon. I think they give you a two-week (or something like that) trial period to see if you like it. After that, it’s $7.99 per per month. So far, I have really enjoyed it! I just hope I don’t run across any really sad movies, so far that hasn’t happened. If/when I ever get a wide-screen TV for the Dollhouse basement, it will be fun to watch them on a bigger screen than just my computer. Anyway, just had to share this new-to-me discovery that probably everyone in the world already knows about. Ha! You can read more about the Hallark+ Chanel that I’ve subscribed to here: Hallmark+.
Since this post is getting kinda long, I’ll create a separate post with a few more of my winter favorites soon! Happy weekend!
I have been following you so long I want to wish you Happy New Year. I truly only kept up with a few sites all these years and I always enjoyed yours. What did you get your grandsons for Xmas? I always get ideas from you also your son and daughter in-law I always love your ideas and usually buy them.
Thanks so much, Tamara! I gave them set of sleds that are supposed to last a lifetime: https://amzn.to/40hM7me . Hopefully, they won’t be too heavy for them to pull back up hill.
I also gave them each this LEGO kit: https://amzn.to/4gGhLzE . I knew Santa was bringing them really big LEGO kits so I went with the smaller one. I gave them this game that has the best reviews I think I’ve ever seen for a game ever: https://amzn.to/41ZRWG2 . I also gave them the “Junior” version of that game in case they wanted to learn to play it first. I’m not sure if they have played it yet, but I think they’ll love it based on the reviews.
Oh, and I gave them each several University of Georgia hoodies/tops since they wear those a lot to school and wanted more. I think that’s everything. I love buying things for them because they appreciate them so much, even the clothes.
I tried fleece sheets years ago and never looked back, I still have a stack of old flannel sheets but in truth they will never see the bed again. I used to buy fleece at Berkshire but then found Bare at Macy’s and on Amazon. They are lofty and enveloping yet not heavy, wash and dry like a dream, no pilling. If you know you know but if not you really must try them. I live in New Hampshire and the wilds of Wales so nighttime warmth is important to me.
Oh, I will look for those, thanks for that tip! I haven’t noticed any pilling so far with the Laura Ashley ones. L.L. Bean is really great for not pilling, too. I know what you mean, flannel is just so warm and comforting! I love crawling into bed and feeling how soft they are.
I’m always afraid my butt will stick to the frozen toilet seat. Lol. Will order the seat warmer after see if an electrician can add. A new outlet. Thanks for the info
Hahaha! Oh my gosh, it is the best thing ever! I can in the basement and will go all the way upstairs to my bathroom just to enjoy that warm seat and not have to sit on the cold one in the basement. It’s def worth the expense of having an outlet installed. If I were to ever build a house, there would be an outlet near every toilet! I love the little nightlight that it has, too.
You will enjoy the Hallmark movies. If you watch enough of them (like I have), you’ll notice the same formula for every one. But they are entertaining and light-hearted — good for winter diversion.
Ha! I know what you mean…just looking through all the titles, I see a lot of common themes. I love the ones where the girl falls for the guy, having no idea he’s a Prince or a Duke from another country. Some kind of follow the “Cinderella” theme.
Susan, I’m interested in the humidifier. Do you just put water in yours, or is it made too put some form of Vick’s medication in it? I get so dried out in the winter and need some form of moisture added to the air. And both your soups are delicious! I have followed you for many years, back in the days of Max, and have tried lots of your recipes. Always great!
I do and use regular water from the tap and clean it with vinegar about once a month, or at least that’s what I’ve done in Georgia. In Georgia, we don’t have to treat out water with a water softener since the water is pretty good there, but here in this area of Ohio, everyone seems to have a water softener since we have hard water. I noticed when I opened up one of the humidfiers recently, there was white stuff on the heating element. It looked like the salt I put inside the water softener. Fortunately, it just popped right off which was easier than having to soak it in vinegar has I do in Georgia. This humidifier has a spot/opening at the top that says “Pour inhalant here” so I guess you can pour something in there, although I’ve never done that or paid much attention to that part. It may explain more about that in the description here: https://betweennapsontheporch.net/my-winter-survival-list-part-i/
Thanks, Martha! I’m so glad you here reading! ♥
Happy New Year! I couldn’t agree more about the heated toilet seat! I live in Florida and didn’t think it would be necessary but when we remodeled I got a Toto bidet toilet and it has a warmer. Game changer! I won’t even tell my husband how nice it is bc I don’t want him to use my bathroom! For Christmas next year I’ll get him a warmer for his toilet. PS. His/hers bathrooms-highly recommended!
Yes! I have a friend who has his/her bathrooms and I love that idea! Ha! Yes, don’t tell the hubby! 😉
I know what you mean, I even keep it on during the summer on the lowest setting since the seat can get quite cold if you have the A/C running. It is the best thing ever! I wish I could have one in every bathroom of the house.
Right down the list!! (Now, the hot seat…well, we have wooden toilet seats…40 years, “Renovator Supply” & no issues w/cold tush.) Ordering socks right now!! franki
Oh, I bet the wooden ones don’t get so cold like the plastic ones do…that’s awesome!
Stay warm, Franki!
XXX
My friend also watches Great American Family movies and old Perry Mason shows for the same reason you’re watching Hallmark I love your recommendations & have purchased several items from your lists.
Oh, I need to Google for Great American Family movies, that sounds right up my alley! Thanks, Diane!
I always get great ideas from your ‘favorites’! We are replacing toilets in our 17 year old house, and I plan to ask for heated seats 🙂
With regards to movies and Hallmark – I use the FrndlyTv app. It provides live and streaming content, including several of the Hallmark channels, Great American Family, UpTV, and the History channel. There are lots of other channels included with old movies, westerns, old sitcoms, etc. What I really love is that you can go back up to 72 hours if you’ve missed something and it has unlimited DVR capacity (it saves recordings for something like 9 months, so they’re not permanent). Since they’re showing live channels, there are commercials, but I easily fast forward in recordings. I use their ‘premium’ plan and it runs $10/month, but they have lower priced plans. Just throwing it out there as another option 🙂 Happy New Year!!
You will love them!
Wow, I will check that out…that sounds super reasonable!
Thanks for that tip, Patty!
Sending best wishes for a HNY25!
Curious; what do you do with your puzzles when they are finished?
I normally keep them to do again. Some are so beautiful, I love doing again a few years later. The joy is really in the doing.
Susan, happy new year and blessings to you!
We live in the Liberty, MO area and got a bit more than 12″ of snow on top of ice (just north of Kansas City, MO.
Some of our VERY favorite top Hallmark movies that are a bit different than the good normal ones (YAY!) include: Roadhouse Romance, It Was Always You, Sweet Carolina (oops-sad but good), Miracle in Bethlehem, plus others. I have watched Hallmark movies for many years. These are a few of the very top ones we enjoy year after year (sometimes more than once a year!).
Happy watching during the cold wintertime. You will enjoy and smile!
Diane
Hi! I am trying to find your rug. Have looked all thru the link u posted for saviah rugs but couldn’t find it. Do have a direct link to your rug? I love it…almost bought it few yrs ago but wasn’t sure of quality. But after your reviews, now I KNOW I want it!!! Thanks!
I just checked and they do have it in stock in a lot of colors, but the sizes are somewhat limited now. I bet they will get more of the regular sizes in soon since it seems to be a very popular design based on the reviews. You’ll find the color I have here: https://amzn.to/3W91jjf . Then click on the down arrow to sizes that are available right now.
You can see the other colors and the sizes they are currently available in at that link as well. I really do think they’ll get more in so if you don’t see the size you need now, I would keep checking back over the coming days/weeks.
I really do love it and wool rugs typically last a long, long time.
Hello
Would you tell me the name or design of the rug you featured on this post? I love it! Searched for it on the link you provided but not finding it.
Thank you so much!
It’s the blue one here: https://amzn.to/3W91jjf .
Click on the down arrow to see the sizes its available in right now. They appear to still have it in stock in several colors, but the sizes are somewhat limited right now. I bet they will get more of the regular sizes in soon since it seems to be a very popular design based on the reviews.
May I ask where you got that lovely picture hanging over your bed.I love it.
Hi Dawn,
It’s by Chuck Pinson and is called The Governor’s Party. I purchased it directly from his website after I did a puzzle of that image and a BNOTP reader told me it was available as a painting/print. You can see close ups of it and find a link to his website in this post: https://betweennapsontheporch.net/choosing-a-frame-for-the-governors-party-giclee-by-chuck-pinson/
Hi Susan.Just wondering about that beautiful picture over your bed in this post.Any information is appreciated. I enjoy all of your postings.Blessings,Dawn Brown