Stay Warm And Cozy This Winter, Part II

It’s January. Cold. Gloomy. Typically, it’s a quiet month without much to look forward to; the complete opposite of December. Spring seems a long way away. Did I mention the cold? Short days with – here in the Midwest – just 10 hours of daylight.  I don’t know about you, but my activity level is driven by sunshine. So, when my first winter living solo was particularly cold and dark (or maybe that was just my soul), I spent evenings living like a slug. Binge watching TV, eating popcorn for dinner, and drinking too much wine. In our “Stay Warm This Winter” blog post, we provided tips to help keep your apartment warm and cozy. Today we’ll chat about keeping yourself (your soul) warm and cozy during the dark days of winter.

Is there anything more warming than relaxing in a hot bath? As a matter of fact, there is. Adding Epsom salt to the bath. What is Epsom salt? It’s an ingredient used in a soak to treat minor aches and pains. It’s thought to soothe tired muscles and reduce swelling.

As a medication administered intravenously, it can stave off premature birth and alleviate seizures caused by several conditions, including magnesium deficiency, preeclampsia, and eclampsia. The most popular use for Epsom salt is in baths. While there isn’t strong scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness, many people say they feel relief for multiple symptoms by soaking in an Epsom salt bath.

Let’s look at how you can use it.

BATH SOAK

Epsom salts dissolve in water. Enthusiasts believe this allows magnesium and sulfates to be readily absorbed into skin. Whether this is sufficient for various treatments or not, Epsom salt is considered safe. It’s also easy to use, easy to find, and inexpensive.

There really is no downside to taking a warm bath, although it’s important to check with your doctor first if you have low blood pressure. This is because hot water can temporarily lower blood pressure.

The Mayo Clinic recommends adults use 2 cups of Epsom salt per gallon of warm water. More than that can make the water feel slippery. It may also be drying to your skin.

Lower concentrations you can try are:

• 300 grams (1.5 cups) of Epsom salt to 1 gallon of water
• 1 cup of Epsom salt to 1 gallon of water
• 2 cups of Epsom salt added to your bathtub of water

Soak for at least 15 minutes. If you’re soaking in an Epsom salt bath for aches and pains, make sure not to use water that’s too hot. This might worsen instead of reducing swelling.

Other ways to use Epsom salt in a soak:

• Create a detox bath.
• Create a detox footbath.
• Mix a foot soak for general use.
• Use Epsom salt water in a compress for direct application to sore muscles.
• Shop for Epsom salts for your bath.

Many Epsom salt advocates believe the amount of magnesium able to enter the body through the skin is sufficient for reducing swelling and relieving aches. It’s also thought that Epsom salts are effective for soothing skin and reducing irritation and itching.

Epsom salt bath side effects

When used as a soak, Epsom salt is generally considered safe. If you’ve never had an Epsom salt bath, consider testing a patch of skin with magnesium sulfate and water first. Avoid submerging broken skin in an Epsom salt bath. Stop use if you experience:

• itchy skin
• allergic reactions, like hives or rash
• skin infection

FOOT SOAK

Ultimate relaxation may be one of the most obvious health benefits of foot soaks, but research shows that soaking your feet in hot water for 15 to 20 minutes per day can do wonders for your mood, your energy level, your sleeping habits and any aches and pains that affect you — both in your feet and beyond.

To make use of the foot soak ideas below, be sure to have these basics:

• Tub. For each soak, you’ll want a bathtub, a large, shallow washbasin, or foot tub.
• Towel. Have a towel, bathmat, or drying cloth nearby, too.
• Time. Soak for 15 to 60 minutes.
• Warm water. Have some additional hot water available to freshen up the water if you’re not using a bathtub.
• Cool water. Finish each foot soak with a cool water rinse.

For relaxation and aromatherapy

When your ultimate goal is to relax and unwind, this recipe is just the ticket. According to a 2018 study, adding essential oils to your soak may help to relieve stress and anxiety, and put you in a more positive state of mind.

Aromatherapy ingredients

• 2 tbsp. carrier oil
• 5–20 drops of essential oils of choice
• 2 cups of Epsom salt
• 1/4 cup dried flowers, such as rose, chamomile, and lavender

Steps for foot soak

• Mix the carrier and essential oils in a large bowl.
• Add in the other ingredients to create a mixture.
• Slowly dissolve the mixture into the tub of hot water.
• If you have any leftover, store it in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Consider a nice soak the next time the cold and gloom of winter threaten to dampen your spirits. Here’s to a warm, cozy, and relaxing season!

RESOURCES: Healthline, Mayo Clinic

The post Stay Warm And Cozy This Winter, Part II appeared first on Fath Properties Blog.

Baby, it’s cold outside. But that doesn’t mean you should be cold inside! After once residing in a drafty 1890’s apartment, I had to learn fast how to keep warm. Hope my lessons learned keep you cozy this winter.

Light

How we dream of a bright, warm sun all cold, dark winter long. Although daylight hours are short, and the winter sun is not strong, it can help to warm your home. Keep your blinds open on sunny days. Sun streaming in your windows will help to warm your place and the sunlight will make the season seem less dreary. Once the sun sets, close your blinds to add a layer of insulation against the cold.

Layer

When I was a kid, my dad would turn the thermostat down to 60 degrees every night. When my brother, sister, and I complained that we were cold, he’d say, “Go put on a sweater.” So layering on a sweater or sweatshirt, snuggling up with a cozy throw, and wearing warm slippers or thick socks has been a life-long tradition. Thanks, Dad!

Drafts

Take a moment to see if there is any cold air coming in around doors and windows. Draft stoppers at your door or window can really cut down on the drafts. Even a rolled up towel can help! If you have curtains on your windows, you can add a plastic shower curtain liner on hooks. You can also try wide painter’s tape to cut drafts around doors and windows without worrying about damaging the walls or trim. You can also buy foam liners for your outlets and switch plates to block cold air drafts – especially helpful on outside walls.

Bedtime

Bring on the flannel sheets and flannel jammies! Flannel is just so cozy – and inexpensive! You can also layer up your bed with extra blankets and/or a throw. Years ago, I visited some friends in Denver. I cannot even describe how cold it was in their home at night. I put newspapers under my fitted sheet and wore my coat to be the first night. The next day I discovered that they kept a basement window open all winter. Whaaat?? But guess what? After a few nights, I realized I was getting great night’s sleep and no longer needed newspapers or coat. To this day, I like to sleep in a cool room – but with layers of flannel, blankets, and covers.

Use Your Oven and Stove

Leave your oven door open after each use. Whether backing, roasting, or broiling, this will allow the hot air to escape and add heat to the room. However, be cautious about doing this if you have children or pets; make sure they can't reach the hot oven door or inside the oven. And never use the oven as a primary source of heat, especially if your appliance uses natural gas. Burning natural gas for long periods can increase carbon monoxide levels in your home. Think about baking something long and slow, like a delicious, easy, loaf of bread. Make a sheet pan supper! One pan, easy clean up, warms up the kitchen.

Warm drinks

Besides warming up your space, you also can warm yourself from the inside. Opt for hot meals, such as a cup of soup, on cold days. And consider making your own soup from scratch, like chicken soup or chili. Soup generally takes a while to cook, and the simmering pot on the stove will generate heat in the kitchen.

Use a Humidifier

Humid air generally feels quite a bit warmer than dry air. And running the heat in the colder months can strip your indoor air of its humidity. To balance this, consider using a humidifier. Look for the models that allow you to choose between warm and cold air; they typically cost more but are well worth it for the heating ability.

Reverse the Ceiling Fan

It might seem counterintuitive to use a ceiling fan when you're feeling cold, but it actually can help to warm you up. Let your ceiling fan turn at a low speed in a clockwise direction during the colder months. This will help to push the warm air that rises toward the ceiling back down toward floor level.

Use Microwaveable Heating Pads

A microwavable heating pad fairly inexpensive, and  can make a huge difference when you're cold. As an added plus, you don’t need to be near an outlet to use it. Use a heating pad on your hands and feet when you're sitting or lying down to feel considerably warmer overall. You can even make a basic heating pad yourself by sewing dried beans inside a piece of 100 percent cotton fabric, which you then can microwave in 30-second increments until it's at your desired temperature.

Cuddle

Snuggles really can keep you warm. We all produce heat through our metabolic processes and lose our heat to the environment as we maintain body temperature. Increasing skin contact decreases opportunities for the heat to be lost to the environment around us. If two people are under a blanket both of their heat losses combined can increase the temperature under the blanket more quickly than either could do independently. Plus, it’s fun.

Clear Heat Vents, Registers, and Radiators

Pull furniture, curtains, and other items away from heat vents, registers, and radiators. If they're blocked, the heat won't be able to circulate.

Do Something Active

Movement generates body heat. And there are many ways to get your body temperature up by being active. For instance, you could clean the house, exercise, dance, or play a game. Consider setting a timer as a reminder to get up and move every so often, so your body doesn't become so cold and stiff that you don't feel like being active.

While I like to dream of being someplace warm and sunny on a cold winter’s day, the idea of cozying up in a comfy sweatshirt and fluffy slippers while sipping hot chocolate under a fuzzy throw and binge-watching Netflix doesn’t sound too bad. Although I am counting the days until the pool opens. Just sayin’.

The post Stay Warm and Cozy in Your Apartment This Winter appeared first on Fath Properties Blog.

Winter Energy Savings Tips

Old Man Winter has come knocking on our doors a bit early this year with a cold reminder to keep ourselves warm and cozy without breaking the bank and paying for utilities. It’s especially important now, as inflation has driven up the cost of just about everything.

Start by taking a walk around your apartment. I know, I know, you know your apartment like the back of your hand, but this time look closely at things that can affect your ability to keep your place comfortable even on the coldest days.

Furniture

Look at the placement of your furniture. Make sure all furnishings at least eight inches from heat registers and vents to allow for proper circulation. Check the areas behind your sofa, bed, dresser, and other large pieces to be sure they are not blocking precious warm airflow. A rule of thumb is to allow at least eight inches of space around your registers to ensure good air circulation.

Windows

Double-check to make sure all windows are shut tightly. Locking your windows can provide an extra bit of snug fit. Even double-paned windows can feel cold when it’s frigid outside. It is normal for windows and the surrounding area to feel cold to the touch, since glass is not a good insulator.

A rolled towel on the windowsill can help the window feel less chilly, especially if the window frame is metal.  Keep your blinds open on sunny days to let as much warmth in as possible, but do close them tightly once the sun goes down. Adding an extra layer such as a plastic barrier or a draft-blocking curtain can really help. Insulated drapes and curtains are the best way to minimize the effect of this cold air on the apartment's temperature.

If there are still heavy drafts around windows, please call your leasing office to have the maintenance crew check them.

Doors

Check for drafts around any exit doors. If you feel a draft, you may need new weather stripping or a new door sweep. Your maintenance team can help you with that. Even with a good door sweep, you may still feel a chill coming in.  A door snake can really make a difference.

Outlets

Cold air can also find its way into your home through the outlets and switch plates on exterior walls. Really! Fortunately, there’s a product for that (of course). You can also check with your utility company as some of them will provide these at no charge.

Wall Air Conditioner Unit

If you have a wall AC unit, make sure the vent(s) are in the ‘closed’ position and that there is no air sweeping in around the units.

Baseboard Registers

If you have baseboard registers, make sure the metal flap inside is lifted all the way up and that you can see inside the register. This flap acts as a vent; if it is resting down on the front panel, the heat cannot escape.

Thermostat

If you have a forced air system, make sure your thermostat is set on ‘Heat’ and ‘Auto’. You can be like my Dad and turn the heat down to 60 degrees at night. Sounds awful at first, but sleeping in a cool room in flannel jammies and under a warm comforter or cozy blanket can provide you with a surprisingly great night’s sleep!

Attire

You’ve heard the saying Dress For Success. In the winter, it becomes Dress For Warmth. Get cozy at home by wearing seasonal attire like wool sweaters, heavy shirts (flannel!), sweatshirts, warm pants, wooly socks and/or fluffy slippers. Maybe a Snuggie?? Top this with a furry throw and you’ll be all set. Make my Dad proud.

.

The post Winter Energy Saving Tips appeared first on Fath Properties Blog.

Is it beginning to look a lot like Christmas at your place, or do you think you just don’t have the room to decorate? No matter the size of your home, there are always ways to bring the festive look and feel of the season to your place without breaking the bank or requiring a plethora of pre-holiday storage space. In fact, we have 12 ideas for ways you can turn your apartment into a Christmas wonderland!

1. Size Doesn’t Matter

Finding room for a tree in a small space or a room that doesn’t have a big empty corner can be tough. Rather than skip the tree altogether, how about a small tree that can fit nicely in a corner or a narrow tree that can squeeze in between furnishings? Small trees can make big statements with the right ornaments and plenty of lights. Even a tabletop tree can add a holiday flair to your home. If you’re worried about not having enough storage for an artificial tree and ornaments, you can always get a real tree and decorate it with layers of fake snow and pine cones which can be tossed after the holidays. This kind of tree embraces a natural woodland look and can be quite pretty.

2. Be Surfa-ficial

In other [real] words, take advantage of all the flat surfaces throughout your home. Your coffee table is the center of your living room space and can become the centerpiece for your holiday decor. Add a themed garland, large Christmas ornaments, or even a basket full of greens and pine cones to the table to create a cozy central arrangement. Add a few flameless candles to set the mood. Carry the décor to your kitchen and bathroom counters, dresser or nightstand surfaces, your TV stand – the possibilities are almost endless.

3. Be Subtle

Subtle touches of holiday cheer throughout your home can tie in a holiday theme that makes your dwelling feel comfy and cozy. A small winter scape on a window ledge, holiday-themed kitchen accessories, or a seasonal garland or wreath over your bathroom mirror can invigorate the holiday spirit in your place.

4. Be A Wallflower

Hanging displays or floating shelves are a great way to optimize vertical space. Your wall space can become a replacement for a mantel, a place to hang stockings or provide a fun way to display Christmas cards. For parents, floating shelves make a great elf-on-the-shelf display. Make use of wall space by spreading out the shelves and laying garland or twinkle lights to create a winter atmosphere. Use holiday-themed tape and free paint swatches from the hardware store along with squares of wrapping paper to create a flat yet colorful Christmas tree on the wall.

5. Window Dressing

Your windows are the eyes of your home. Make use of the windows by constructing winterscapes on the windowsills, or hanging a wreath in the window. Hang large snowflakes in the window for a Christmas look that will last through the winter. Wrap lights around your curtain rods or drape them over your blinds to create a bright and airy vibe.

6. Shelves For Elves

Utilize the top of bookshelves or cabinets to lay out decor like ornaments and even tinsel. If you do not have a fireplace, you can use a bookshelf in its place to hang stockings or display Christmas cards.

7. Swap It

Swap out kitchen towels, sheets, throw blankets, and bathroom towels with holiday-themed ones to add a maximized look to your small space. Festive linens are a cute touch for any guest entering your home. The same applies to dishes and tableware!

8. Burn Baby Burn

Festive decor is not only about what you can see but also about the smell. Lean into the scents of the holidays by burning candles that smell like some of your favorite Christmas memories. Candles can also generate a relaxing ambiance, which is a great way to take a break from all the hustle and bustle of the season. Just be sure to protect your surfaces from dripping wax, and never leave lit candles unattended.

9. Door Dressing

A perfect way to welcome your guests into your holiday home is with a seasonal wreath or doormat right at the entrance, even if it’s just to your apartment. Your guests will know they’ve stepped into Santa’s workshop with cute festive pieces. Select a wreath that welcomes the spirit of the season and a doormat that displays welcoming cheer.

10. Terrific Tablescapes

The holidays are a great time for get-togethers and parties, greet your guests with a bar or kitchen table that screams Christmas. Select a table runner that showcases snowy scenes, grab a candle or two that smell like pine trees, and don’t forget to add some snacks!

11. Cozy Cocoa

Revamp your bar cart by creating a hot chocolate or cider station. Swap out shakers for marshmallows and chocolate spoons. Grab holiday mugs that tout the Christmas spirit. You can still keep traditional items in your bar cart to create a hot toddy station for those wishing to indulge.

12. Greens Galore

Add fresh greens in swags, garlands, or containers to bring the outdoors in, bringing lovely scents – especially if you can find cedar branches – into your home. Sprigs of greens are an easy and expensive way to create special scenes throughout your apartment. Kick them up a notch by adding pinecones, frosted fruits and berries, an ornament or two, and finish it off with a bit of pretty ribbon or a bow.

Bonus: Party Pets

Get your furry friends in on the action with some cute holiday gear. Whether it’s a festive collar, hat, and/or sweater, decking your dog or kitty will surely bring a smile to your face.
 

So there you have it. We hope you’re inspired to make the most of your home this holiday season with a little (or a lot!) of festive decor. Turning your apartment into a Christmas wonderland can be anything from quick, easy, and inexpensive to time-consuming and elaborate. It’s all up to you! No matter how you celebrate, we wish you the happiest and most joyful holiday season. And tell your dog we said hi.

The post 12 WAYS TO TURN YOUR APARTMENT INTO A CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND appeared first on Fath Properties Blog.