Holiday Blues and Winter Warmers - Tips and Tricks

The Winters are getting colder and colder. The secrets to happiness in winter is staying warm and brightening up these grey days.

Keeping Warm  
Stock up on soups and teas

Soups - If you are lazy, there's the cuppa soup varieties or in a can. They are also easy to make, and with the choice of vegetables in the supermarkets, we are spoilt for choice. Garlic, tomatoes and chili are great flavours to increase the depth of your soup.


Teas - Twinings have expanded their range. I love the herbal ones in health food shops - there's over a hundred online at Holland and Barrett - Herbal Infusions


Clothing
Accessorise - Coats, hats, scarves and gloves make winter fun. Brighten up your wardrobe with something that makes you smile. I'm always toasty so long as I'm wrapped up head to toe.

Socks and stockings - a must have. I throw a pair of thick stockings on top of my thermals. It keeps the heat in even better. Wear some zany ones underneath your trousers, jeans or long skirts. It's your silly small secrets that liven things up.

Good thermals, woolens and coats are absolutely essential. This season, fake fur is in and these coats do a wonderful job and are much warmer than a lot of ordinary coats. If you are desperate to find mega warm gear, head to a ski or outdoor wear shop. The fabrics, weaves and technologies these days are incredible. Sometimes it's about having really good wind breakers.  I've seen a coat made from shark skin, it looks very cool. 


Spice it up
Add chili to your cooking. It keeps your body warm. It goes with pasta, oriental food and salads.

Food
Other traditional fares such as stews, pasta and beans are also great. My first winter in Europe, I was addicted to goulash soup. This can also be a hearty meal, it's a paprika and beef dish and it's very yummy. Also, if you live in a small apartment, baking and cooking with your oven increases the temperature in the room.


Christmas
For some people, the holiday season can be lonely. Throw a party or have people over for lunch / afternoon tea / dinner / drinks. Join a club or take a class to make new friends. Decorate - cheap tinsel and lights can make a difference. Book a holiday or go away for Christmas. A bit of sun and Vitamin D fix does wonders. If you are unhappy, take the time to think about why and what you can do to change things. 


Just because it's miserable out, doesn't have to mean that you are miserable too. Take control. Winter must be cold for those with no warm memories - An Affair to Remember.